bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can the Clinical Frailty Scale on admission predict 30-day survival, postoperative complications, and institutionalization in patients with fragility hip fracture?
Authors: Ikram Adeel , Norrish Alan R. , Marson Ben A. , Craxford Simon , Gladman John R. F. , Ollivere Ben J.
Published: July 2022

Aims

We assessed the value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in the prediction of adverse outcome after hip fracture.

Methods

Of 1,577 consecutive patients aged > 65 years with a fragility hip fracture admitted to one institution, for whom there were complete data, 1,255 (72%) were studied. Clinicians assigned CFS scores on admission. Audit personnel routinely prospectively completed the Standardised Audit of Hip Fracture in Europe form, including the following outcomes: 30-day survival; in-hospital complications; length of acute hospital stay; and new institutionalization. The relationship between the CFS scores and outcomes was examined graphically and the visual interpretations were tested statistically. The predictive values of the CFS and Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) to predict 30-day mortality were compared using receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) analysis.

Results

Significant non-linear associations between CFS and outcomes were observed. Risk of death within 30 days rose linearly for CFS 1 to 5, but plateaued for CFS > 5. The incidence of complications and length of stay rose linearly for CFS 1 to 4, but plateaued for CFS > 4. In contrast, the risk of new institutionalization rose linearly for CFS 1 to 8. The AUCs for 30-day mortality for the CFS and NHFS were very similar: CFS AUC 0.63 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.69) and NHFS AUC 0.63 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.69).

Conclusion

Use of the CFS may provide useful information on outcomes for fitter patients presenting with hip fracture, but completion of the CFS by the admitting orthopaedic team does not appear successful in distinguishing between higher CFS categories, which define patients with frailty. This makes a strong case for the role of the orthogeriatrician in the early assessment of these patients. Further work is needed to understand why patients assessed as being of mild, moderate, and severe frailty do not result in different outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):980–986.
A particularidade árabe de Jorge Amado
Authors: Gonçalves Villar Valter Luciano
Published: August 2022

O presente artigo trata do estudo das configurações árabes na obra de Jorge Amado. Para tanto, elegemos como textos privilegiados dessa pesquisa os vinte e quatro romances publicados pelo autor, onde buscamos observar as similaridades e diferenças nas representações do imigrante árabe, bem como as linhas responsáveis pela configuração da identidade árabe-brasileira do sul da Bahia, tecida pela inter-relação entre os traços culturais do sertanejo e os traços culturais dos árabes, ambos tangidos de suas terras, pela necessidade ou pelas guerras.  Como referencial teórico metodológico, nos valeremos das contribuições de Edward Said, no que diz respeito à compreensão do universo árabe no Ocidente; dos estudos de Alice Raillard acerca das escolhas estéticas do escritor baiano; e das confissões do próprio autor sobre o seu fazer literário.
Apresentação do dossiê
Authors: Pinho Adeítalo Manoel , Coutinho Eduardo , Leite Gildeci
Published: August 2022

Este dossiê foi inspirada em três “interesses de paixão”: um evento, um desafio a novas leituras e uma resposta política aos ventos conservadores e de ódio que têm nos atingido nos últimos tempos. O evento foi o Webinário Estudos Amadianos (I e II), promovido por uma série de instituições e liderado pela Universidade do Estado da Bahia – UNEB, e através do veículo de comunicação Canal Universidade da Gente do Youtube e do Prof. Dr. Gildeci Oliveira Leite. Ocorridos em 2020 e 2021, os dois webnários foram capazes de reunir uma série de pesquisadores em torno de Jorge Amado provenientes de todo o Brasil e de alguns países.
Gender Differences in Cognition and Social Cognition in Patients Affected by Psychosis in the Process of Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Authors: Crosas Josep Maria , Cobo Jesus , Ahuir Maribel , Zabala Wanda , Civil Xavier , Monreal José-Antonio , Palao Diego J.
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The objectives of our study were to explore gender differences in Cognition and Social Cognition in patients affected by Psychosis in process of psychosocial rehabilitation and to establish a model of the relationship between Psychopathology, Cognition and Social Cognition in function of the gender, and attending to relevant clinical, sociodemographics and outcome factors.Methodology: Cross-sectional observational study with 124 Non-Affective Schizophrenia Spectrum patients included consecutively in Community Rehabilitation Program at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (XXXXX, XXXXXXXXX), assessed through PANSS (using Wallwork's factors) and Matrics Cognitive Consensus Battery.Results: Participants had a mean age of 40.2 years, 57.3% men and mainly Schizophrenia (71.0%). We found gender differences favour to men in attention (p=0.045), working memory (p=0.013) and reasoning/problem solving (p=0.002) domains. No differences in Social Cognition was founded. Linear regression model shows different participations for different domains, with a predominance of the influence of the Cognitive/Disorganized Wallwork's factor and patient's age. In the subsample of men, the model were quite similar to that of total sample, but the influence of the Disorganized factor decreases and that of age remains. In women subsample, the model had even less influence of Disorganized factor or age. In general, women's models explain less variance.
Programa de educación emocional PISOTÓN para la promoción de la salud mental de niños y niñas en territorios afectados por el conflicto armado colombiano: Un estudio comparativo
Authors: López Aristizabal Lizzette Del Carmen , Russo de Sanchez Ana Rita , Reales Silvera Liceth Paola , Llinas Solano Humberto Jesus
Published: July 2022

Estudio comparativo con medición inicial y medición posterior a la implementación del Programa de Educación Emocional Pisotón. Muestra de 6.808 niños y niñas entre 3 y 7 años en 18 departamentos afectados por el conflicto armado colombiano. El instrumento fue Fábulas de Düss, analizándose las respuestas a partir de la clasificación de Bell (1992). Se realizaron pruebas de comparación de proporciones mediante Chi cuadrado y prueba Z, estudiando diferencias significativas entre grupos. En las fábulas 1 a 7 y 9 siempre se cumple que la proporción en el grupo “significativo" y “resistencia” es menor que la proporción en el grupo “normal” después de la implementación del Programa, lo cual indica un aumento estadísticamente significativo en el número de participantes ubicados en la categoría Normal.
Evidencia empírica del DISC en futuros líderes iberoamericanos: una aportación de William Moulton Marston a la función directiva
Authors: Gómez Pedro Luis , Barquero José Daniel , Pestana José Vicente
Published: July 2022

Al analizar la función directiva característica de líderes mediante el test DISC —derivado del trabajo pionero de W. M. Marston—, se describen cuatro perfiles basados en los ejes Introversión-Extroversión y Racional-Emocional: Dominante, Influyente, Estable y Cumplidor). Al ser un test tan ampliamente utilizado como escasas sus contribuciones empíricas, se llevó a cabo una investigación no experimental del tipo asociativa y transversal de la estructura predominante de los perfiles DISC (primario y de apoyo), atendiendo a las diferencias según el sexo y el país. Conformaron la muestra intencional estudiada 198 asistentes a una formación universitaria para personal directivo, ejecutivo de línea y de alta dirección (142 hombres y 56 mujeres, con edades entre 25 y 50 años —M = 36,98; DT = 7,14), quienes cumplimentaron la variante del DISC conocida como APP Thomas. Los resultados obtenidos, consistentes en su mayor parte con hallazgos precedentes en otros contextos vinculados al liderazgo, destacan el estilo Influyente como predominante, que en el 48,1% de los casos se apoya en el perfil Dominante (χ2 = 141,98; p < ,000); se observa, además, un perfil Cumplidor en las mujeres que, en el 87,5% de los casos, se apoya en el perfil Estable (χ2 = 72,42; p < ,000). Estos datos evidencian la vigencia y utilidad del DISC al analizar los estilos de liderazgo, mostrando la estructura básica de los estilos Influyente y Dominante (al considerar los factores de apoyo) en la función directiva, inherente al liderazgo organizacional.
Relación entre autóctonos y migrantes latinoamericanos en un barrio de Barcelona desde la visión de líderes comunitarios y profesionales de servicios socio comunitarios: apuntes para la aculturación psicológica
Authors: Saldivia Mansilla Claudia , Carmona Monferrer Moisés , Serrano Blasco Francisco Javier
Published: July 2022

El propósito de esta investigación fue explorar el proceso de aculturación entre autóctonos e inmigrantes latinoamericanos en un contexto comunitario, desde la perspectiva de actores relevantes de la comunidad. El barrio El Carmelo fue seleccionado entre otros barrios de Barcelona, debido a su diversidad cultural y cantidad de inmigrantes latinoamericanos. Se usó un diseño de estudio de caso, realizando entrevistas semiestructuradas a cuatro líderes comunitarios y cuatro profesionales de servicios socio-comunitarios. Se utilizó la técnica de análisis temático propuesta por Braun & Clarke (2006) para analizar las entrevistas. Los resultados destacan que la relación entre autóctonos e inmigrantes latinoamericanos se encuentra cruzada por el prejuicio étnico y el racismo; no obstante, el proceso de aculturación tiene un impacto relevante en ambos grupos, especialmente el cambio en algunas costumbres en los autóctonos, lo que es un hallazgo inesperado. También aparecen los cambios en la identidad como un aspecto importante del proceso. Finalmente, se señala la necesidad de trabajar en una identidad colectiva que conduzca a una mejor convivencia intercultural
El endorracismo como categoría de análisis para un antirracismo crítico
Authors: Izquierdo Mora Diana , Espelt Esteve , Perdomo Rubio Alejandro , Di Masso Andrés
Published: July 2022

Ante las expresiones actuales del racismo es útil considerar que el antirracismo requiere un renovado armazón teórico y conceptual que revise de manera crítica sus basamentos. Por lo anterior, se exponen los modelos implícitos explicativos del racismo. Asimismo, se evidencian nuevas coordenadas del problema, recomponiendo las premisas del viejo racismo, nuevo racismo y los estudios de raza en Latinoamérica. El fin es avanzar conceptualmente hacia el fenómeno del endorracismo, situándolo en el debate teórico actual y proponiéndolo como un concepto clave para entender la reproducción del racismo al interior de los grupos subalternos, subrayando las categorías analíticas relevantes.
Psychometric properties of the Perceived Parental Autonomy Support Scale (P-PASS) in Spanish late-adolescents
Authors: Rodríguez Menéndez Carmen
Published: July 2022

This study analyzed psychometric characteristics the Spanish version of the Perceived Parental Autonomy Scale (P-PASS), a self-report questionnaire to assess the adolescent’s perception of parental autonomy support. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated the hypothesized two-factor structure of the P-PASS, indicating the distinction between parental autonomy support and controlling parenting. Moreover, convergent validity was confirmed by theoretically consistent associations between the P-PASS and others measures of parental psychological control.  Results confirmed that parental autonomy support was a different dimension from overprotection and care. The findings from the hierarchical regression demonstrated the contributions of parental autonomy support and parental control to the development self -concept. Effect sizes findings highlight the upper weight of student’s perceived fathers’ behaviors on students’ family, social and physical self-concept.
Efectos directos e indirectos de las actitudes hacia la violencia, la desvinculación moral y las creencias normativas en la violencia escolar
Authors: Orozco Vargas Arturo Enrique , Aguilera Reyes Ulises , García López Georgina Isabel , Venebra Muñoz Arturo
Published: July 2022

El estudio de la violencia escolar se ha caracterizado por una escasez de investigaciones que analicen la influencia de los procesos cognitivos en el origen y desarrollo de la violencia que se gesta en las escuelas. Para dar respuesta a este vacío en la literatura, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue examinar el efecto mediador de las actitudes hacia la violencia en la relación entre la desvinculación moral y la violencia escolar, así como en la relación entre las creencias normativas hacia la violencia y la violencia escolar. Basado en la teoría del aprendizaje social, se construyó un modelo conceptual con la finalidad de analizar las relaciones entre las variables de estudio y los posibles efectos mediadores. Los participantes incluyeron a 220 hombres y 239 mujeres quienes eran estudiantes de tres universidades mexicanas en el centro del país. Los resultados mostraron que los datos se ajustan correctamente al modelo (X2(2) = 4.28, p > .05) (TLI = 0.97; GFI = .97; CFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.04). Se encontró que los efectos indirectos de las actitudes hacia la violencia en la relación entre la desvinculación moral y la violencia escolar fueron significativos, así como en la relación entre las creencias normativas hacia la violencia y la violencia escolar. Los análisis mostraron que los efectos mediadores de las actitudes hacia la violencia para la desvinculación moral y las creencias normativas fueron significativos. Con base en estos resultados, es posible concluir que las actitudes hacia la violencia crearon un sendero a través del cual la desvinculación moral, así como las creencias normativas impactaron significativamente la presencia de la violencia escolar.
Attitudes towards disability in Higher Education
Authors: Gràcia Marta , Leite Lucia , Cañete-Massé Cristina
Published: July 2022

In this article, we present data concerning the attitudes towards disability of students in Higher Education (HE) at a Spanish university. This research is part of a wider project designed to understand these attitudes at other Spanish universities and Brazilian and Portuguese Universities. The total sample was composed of 609 students (Mean age: 24.41; SD: 9.84), including undergraduates (85.7%) and postgraduates (14.3%) from different faculties at the University of Barcelona. Seventy-seven percent of the sample were women, and 6.1% had some disability. The first part of the instrument used collects sociodemographic information. The second part contains 43 statements grouped in three blocks: 17 relating to the biological model of disability, 15 to the social model, and 11 to the metaphysical perspective. The results showed the predominance of agreement with the social and biological conceptions of disability. Moreover, significant differences were found among the students' attitudes related to their year of study, age, faculty, and absence of disability. The results obtained represent a first step regarding the need to voice students with a disability in the processes required for their social inclusion.

Keywords: attitudes towards disability, Higher Education, educational inclusion, models of disability
Physics-based neural network for non-invasive control of coherent light in scattering media
Authors: d’Arco Alexandra , Xia Fei , Boniface Antoine , Dong Jonathan , Gigan Sylvain
Published: August 2022

Optical imaging through complex media, such as biological tissues or fog, is challenging due to light scattering. In the multiple scattering regime, wavefront shaping provides an effective method to retrieve information; it relies on measuring how the propagation of different optical wavefronts are impacted by scattering. Based on this principle, several wavefront shaping techniques were successfully developed, but most of them are highly invasive and limited to proof-of-principle experiments. Here, we propose to use a neural network approach to non-invasively characterize and control light scattering inside the medium and also to retrieve information of hidden objects buried within it. Unlike most of the recently-proposed approaches, the architecture of our neural network with its layers, connected nodes and activation functions has a true physical meaning as it mimics the propagation of light in our optical system. It is trained with an experimentally-measured input/output dataset built from a series of incident light patterns and corresponding camera snapshots. We apply our physics-based neural network to a fluorescence microscope in epi-configuration and demonstrate its performance through numerical simulations and experiments. This flexible method can include physical priors and we show that it can be applied to other systems as, for example, non-linear or coherent contrast mechanisms.
Theoretical modeling and investigations of lossy mode resonance prism sensor based on TiO2 film
Authors: Zhang Yizhuo , Zhang Pengyu , Zhao Maolin , Li Zhiqi , Xu Danping , Tong Chenghao , Shen Jian , Li Chaoyang
Published: August 2022

The optical sensor based on lossy mode resonance can overcome the limitations of traditional surface plasmon resonance sensors and work under TE and TM polarized light. In this paper, an LMR sensor theoretical model with the configuration of prism/matching layer/lossy layer/sensing layer is proposed, which is based on the principle of attenuated total reflection. By using TiO2 film as the lossy layer and LiF film as the matching layer, the resonance signal under angle interrogation is effectively improved. One of the advantages of the proposed sensor is that the detection range and detection accuracy are dynamically adjustable, which provides additional degrees of freedom in the design and use of the device. The structural parameters (film thickness, layer refractive index) affecting the resonance signal have been investigated based on the electric field distribution at resonance and the coupled mode theory. The LMR signal under TE and TM polarization can be switched by changing the thickness ratio of the matching layer and the lossy layer. All possible combinations of film thicknesses are given as a reference for the design of the LMR prism sensor based on TiO2 film. Under proper thickness combination, the proposed sensor is capable of detecting the medium with refractive index ranging from 1.32 ∼ 1.47, with a sensitivity range of 34 ∼ 148 °/RIU under angle interrogation and a maximum value of 192 RIU−1 for FOM under TM polarization. We hope these investigations can prove the advantages of LMR prism sensors and provide guidance for the experimental implementation of LMR prism sensors in the future.
ResNet-based image inpainting method for enhancing the imaging speed of single molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Zhou Zhiwei , Kuang Weibing , Wang Zhengxia , Huang Zhen-Li
Published: August 2022

Single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) is a mainstream method in the field of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy that can achieve a spatial resolution of 20∼30 nm through a simple optical system. SMLM usually requires thousands of raw images to reconstruct a super-resolution image, and thus suffers from a slow imaging speed. Recently, several methods based on image inpainting have been developed to enhance the imaging speed of SMLM. However, these image inpainting methods may also produce erroneous local features (or called image artifacts), for example, incorrectly joined or split filaments. In this study, we use the ResNet generator, a network with strong local feature extraction capability, to replace the popularly-used U-Net generator to minimize the image artifact problem in current image inpainting methods, and develop an image inpainting method called DI-STORM. We validate our method using both simulated and experimental data, and demonstrate that DI-STORM has the best acceleration capability and produces the least artifacts in the repaired images, as compared with VDSR (the simplest CNN-based image inpainting method in SMLM) and ANNA-PALM (the best GAN-based image inpainting method in SMLM). We believe that DI-STORM could facilitate the application of deep learning-based image inpainting methods for SMLM.
Angle-invariant eye-friendly color filter capitalizing on a multi-layer nano-resonator integrated with highly reflective/absorbing media
Authors: Gao Huixuan , Liang Yuzhang , Huang Yuhang , Huang Hui , Peng Wei
Published: August 2022

Color filter with a combination of excellent angle insensitivity and high near-infrared shielding absorption is essential to broaden its practical application of harsh environment. However, there are few attention on the near-infrared absorption of color filter, prominent to the protection of human eyes in some special application scenarios. Herein, we propose and develop a dual-function color filter composed of four-layer silicon/titanium planar nanostructure that integrates with both angle-invariance and near-infrared shielding. The proposed color filter enables the creation of three reflective color primaries of cyan, yellow, and magenta (CYM) employing a combination of Fabry-Perot resonance and anti-resonant effect with the tuning of silicon thickness. The created reflective colors are less sensitive over a wide angle of incidence up to 60°, where the center wavelength of optical spectra is shifted by below 1.8%. Besides the angle-invariant performance, the color filter can effectively shield near-infrared light with a 70% average absorption under normal incidence. Moreover, this filter’s thermal stability at 500°C demonstrates its feasibility for extreme environments. The demonstrated color filter is suitable for architectural decorative coatings and outdoor protective coatings in some harsh environment with strong near-infrared radiation, such as glass smelting, steel forging, and long-term sunlight exposure.
Highly reflective Ru/Sr multilayer mirrors for wavelengths 9–12 nm
Authors: Shaposhnikov R. A. , Polkovnikov V. N. , Salashchenko N. N. , Chkhalo N. I. , Zuev S. Yu.
Published: August 2022

The results of investigations of Ru/Sr multilayer coatings optimized for the spectral range of 9–12 nm are presented in this Letter. Such mirrors are promising optical elements for solar astronomy and for the development of beyond extreme ultraviolet (BEUV) lithography. A near-normal incidence reflectivity of up to 62.3% (λ = 11.4 nm) right after the synthesis is measured. The reflection coefficient decreases to 56.8% after five days of storage in air with a subsequent stabilization of its value. At a wavelength of λ = 9.34 nm, the reflection coefficient is 48.6% after two months of storage in air. To date, to the best of our knowledge, this is the highest reflectivity measured in this spectral range. The possibility of further increasing the reflectivity is discussed.
Ultrahigh extinction ratio and ultra-low insertion loss silicon TE polarizer covering 1260–1675 nm bandwidth: publisher’s note
Authors: Li Xiao , Lin Zongxing , He Sailing
Published: August 2022

This publisher’s note contains a correction to Opt. Lett. 47, 2065 (2022)10.1364/OL.458871.
Application of a wavelength-swept laser for spectrally resolved wide-field near-infrared fluorescence imaging
Authors: Nouizi Farouk , Cho Jaedu , Algarawi Maha , Kim Chang-Seok , Gulsen Gultekin
Published: August 2022

We propose the proof-of-concept of a novel method for wide-field spectrally resolved near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using a wavelength-swept laser. The performance of our method is evaluated on a biotissue-like phantom bearing two inclusions, one filled with indocyanine green (ICG) dissolved in distilled water and the second one in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). A near-infrared wavelength-swept laser covering wavelengths around the peak absorption of ICG was used. The difference in the absorption spectra of these two ICG solutions gives rise to an additional spectral contrast. The distinction between the emitted fluorescence light from the two different solutions is performed using a principal component analysis (PCA)-based method. Results show that the two different ICG solutions were successfully resolved using this approach. This technique can be a powerful method to simultaneously spatio-spectrally image multiple near-infrared fluorescence agents.
Particle manipulation behind a turbid medium based on the intensity transmission matrix
Authors: Liu Kaige , Zhang Hengkang , Du Shanshan , Liu Zeqi , Zhang Bin , Fu Xing , Liu Qiang
Published: August 2022

Although optical tweezers can manipulate tiny particles, the distortion caused by the scattering medium restricts their application. Wavefront-shaping techniques such as the transmission matrix (TM) method are powerful tools to achieve light focusing behind the scattering medium. In this paper, we propose a method to focus light through a scattering medium in a large area based on the intensity transmission matrix (ITM). Only relying on the intensity distribution, we can calculate the ITM with the number of measurements equal to that of the control segments. Free of the diffraction limit, our method guarantees high energy usage of the light field. Based on this method, we have implemented particle manipulation with a high degree of freedom on single and multiple particles. In addition, the manipulation range is enlarged more than 20 times (compared to the memory effect) to 200 μm.
The matricellular protein CCN5 induces apoptosis in myofibroblasts through SMAD7-mediated inhibition of NFκB
Authors: Nguyen Mai Tuyet , Lee Min-Ah , Kim Young-Kook , Kook Hyun , Jeong Dongtak , Jang Seung Pil , Kwak Tae Hwan , Park Woo Jin
Published: August 2022

We previously showed that the matricellular protein CCN5 reverses established cardiac fibrosis (CF) through inducing apoptosis in myofibroblasts (MyoFBs) but not in cardiomyocytes or fibroblasts (FBs). In this study, we set out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CCN5-mediated selective apoptosis of MyoFBs. We first observed that the apoptotic protein p53 and the anti-apoptotic protein NFκB are simultaneously induced in MyoFBs. When the expression level of p53 was suppressed using a siRNA, CCN5 did not induce apoptosis in MyoFBs. By contrast, when NFκB signaling was inhibited using IKK VII, an IκB inhibitor, MyoFBs underwent apoptosis even in the absence of CCN5. SMAD7 is one of the downstream targets of CCN5 and it was previously shown to potentiate apoptosis in epithelial cells through inhibition of NFκB. In accordance with these reports, when the expression of SMAD7 was suppressed using a siRNA, NFκB signaling was enhanced, and CCN5 did not induce apoptosis. Lastly, we used a luciferase reporter construct to show that CCN5 positively regulated SMAD7 expression at the transcriptional level. Collectively, our data suggest that a delicate balance between the two mutually antagonistic proteins p53 and NFκB is maintained for MyoFBs to survive, and CCN5 tips the balance in favor of the apoptotic protein p53. This study provides insight into the anti-fibrotic activity of CCN5 during the regression of CF.
Impact of economic growth target constraints on enterprise technological innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Enji , An Ziwei , Zhang Chen , Li Hua
Published: August 2022

By using the data from Chinese listed companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share market for the period 2007 to 2019 and the Report on the Work of the Government, this paper investigates the impact of the local government’s economic growth target constraints on enterprise technological innovation and its mechanism. It is found that the local government’s economic growth target constraints significantly inhibit enterprise technological innovation, which is more obvious in the samples of SOEs, regulated industries, and enterprises at low marketization levels. The change of government officials’ performance appraisal indicators from the quantity to quality of economic growth can alleviate the negative effect. The mechanism effect test indicates that the local government’s economic growth target constraints will aggravate enterprise financing constraints and decrease the contribution of R&D investment to enterprise performance, and further inhibit enterprise technological innovation.
The advantage of sex: Reinserting fluctuating selection in the pluralist approach
Authors: Pierre Jean-Sébastien , Stoeckel Solenn , Wajnberg Eric
Published: August 2022

The advantage of sex, and its fixation in some clades and species all over the eukaryote tree of life, is considered an evolutionary enigma, especially regarding its assumed two-fold cost. Several likely hypotheses have been proposed such as (1) a better response to the negative frequency-dependent selection imposed by the “Red Queen” hypothesis; (2) the competition between siblings induced by the Tangled Bank hypothesis; (3) the existence of genetic and of (4) ecological factors that can diminish the cost of sex to less than the standard assumed two-fold; and (5) a better maintenance of genetic diversity and its resulting phenotypic variation, providing a selective advantage in randomly fluctuating environments. While these hypotheses have mostly been studied separately, they can also act simultaneously. This was advocated by several studies which presented a pluralist point of view. Only three among the five causes cited above were considered yet in such a framework: the Red Queen hypothesis, the Tangled Bank and the genetic factors lowering the cost of sex. We thus simulated the evolution of a finite mutating population undergoing negative frequency-dependent selection on phenotypes and a two-fold (or less) cost of sexuality, experiencing randomly fluctuating selection along generations. The individuals inherited their reproductive modes, either clonal or sexual. We found that exclusive sexuality begins to fix in populations exposed to environmental variation that exceeds the width of one ecological niche (twice the standard deviation of a Gaussian response to environment). This threshold was lowered by increasing negative frequency-dependent selection and when reducing the two-fold cost of sex. It contributes advocating that the different processes involved in a short-term advantage of sex and recombination can act in combination to favor the fixation of sexual reproduction in populations.
Soil warming during winter period enhanced soil N and P availability and leaching in alpine grasslands: A transplant study
Authors: Kaštovská Eva , Choma Michal , Čapek Petr , Kaňa Jiří , Tahovská Karolina , Kopáček Jiří
Published: August 2022

Alpine meadows are strongly affected by climate change. Increasing air temperature prolongs the growing season and together with changing precipitation patterns alters soil temperature during winter. To estimate the effect of climate change on soil nutrient cycling, we conducted a field experiment. We transferred undisturbed plant-soil mesocosms from two wind-exposed alpine meadows at ~2100 m a.s.l. to more sheltered plots, situated ~300–400 m lower in the same valleys. The annual mean air temperature was 2°C higher at the lower plots and soils that were normally frozen at the original plots throughout winters were warmed to ~0°C due to the insulation provided by continuous snow cover. After two years of exposure, we analyzed the nutrient content in plants, and changes in soil bacterial community, decomposition, mineralization, and nutrient availability. Leaching of N and P from the soils was continuously measured using ion-exchange resin traps. Warming of soils to ~0°C during the winter allowed the microorganisms to remain active, their metabolic processes were not restricted by soil freezing. This change accelerated nutrient cycling, as evidenced by increased soil N and P availability, their higher levels in plants, and elevated leaching. In addition, root exudation and preferential enzymatic mining of P over C increased. However, any significant changes in microbial biomass, bacterial community composition, decomposition rates, and mineralization during the growing season were not observed, suggesting considerable structural and functional resilience of the microbial community. In summary, our data suggest that changes in soil temperature and snow cover duration during winter periods are critical for altering microbially-mediated processes (even at unchanged soil microbial community and biomass) and may enhance nutrient availability in alpine meadows. Consequently, ongoing climate change, which leads to soil warming and decreasing snow insulation, has a potential to significantly alter nutrient cycling in alpine and subalpine meadows compared to the current situation and increase the year-on-year variability in nutrient availability and leaching.
Nanocomposite coatings for the prevention of surface contamination by coronavirus
Authors: Toledo Esti , Dim Sharon , Edri Avishay , Greenshpan Yariv , Ottolenghi Aner , Eisner Nadav , Tzadka Sivan , Pandey Ashish , Ben Nun Haggai , Le Saux Guillaume , Porgador Angel , Schvartzman Mark
Published: August 2022

The current Covid-19 pandemic has a profound impact on all aspects of our lives. Aside from contagion by aerosols, the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 is ubiquitous on surfaces that millions of people handle daily. Therefore, controlling this pandemic involves the reduction of potential infections via contaminated surfaces. We developed antiviral surfaces by preparing suspensions of copper and cupric oxide nanoparticles in two different polymer matrices, poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyepoxide. For total copper contents as low as 5%, the composite material showed remarkable antiviral properties against the HCoV‐OC43 human coronavirus and against a model lentivirus and proved well-resistant to accelerated aging conditions. Importantly, we showed that the Cu/CuO mixture showed optimal performances. This product can be implemented to produce a simple and inexpensive coating with long-term antiviral properties and will open the way to developing surface coatings against a broad spectrum of pathogens including SARS-CoV-2.
Flowering agricultural landscapes enhance parasitoid biological control to Bemisia tabaci on tomato in south China
Authors: Yang Shaowu , Dou Wenjun , Li Mingjiang , Wang Ziliao , Chen Guohua , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

Agricultural landscape pattern may enhance biocontrol services by supporting parasitoid populations, including parasitoids of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). In this study, we selected four landscape types in Yunnan province, in south China, which were characterized by flower fields, mountain, river, and urban areas as their main elements. We then carried out systematic surveys in tomato fields found within each landscape type, to determine the diversity, occurrence, and parasitism rate of parasitoids. We found that parasitoids from the genus Encarsia and Eretmocerus were the main natural enemies present, and the most abundant species were recorded in the flower and the mountain landscapes. Also, Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) formed the highest relative abundance regardless of the landscape type. We also found that the population density of B. tabaci in flower landscapes was the lowest than that in other landscape types. During the main activity period of B. tabaci, the parasitism rate in the flower landscape was higher than that in other landscape types. Our findings showed that the occurrence of B. tabaci was relatively mild in the flower landscapes. The landscape type was also beneficial to parasitoids as it enhanced their parasitism rate. Therefore, agriculture environmental schemes should consider increasing the size of flower fields in the surrounding landscape to enhance the sustainable control of B. tabaci by the natural agricultural ecosystem.
Can we learn from errors? Retrieval facilitates the correction of false memories for pragmatic inferences
Authors: Maraver María J. , Lapa Ana , Garcia-Marques Leonel , Carneiro Paula , Raposo Ana
Published: August 2022

Errorful learning suggests that, when perfect learning has not yet been attained, errors can enhance future learning if followed by corrective feedback. Research on memory updating has shown that after retrieval, memory becomes more malleable and prone to change. Thus, retrieval of a wrong answer might provide a good context for the incorporation of feedback. Here, we tested this hypothesis using sentences including pragmatic sentence implications, commonly used for the study of false memories. Across two experiments with young adults, we hypothesized that corrective feedback would be more efficient at reducing false memories if provided immediately after retrieval, when memory is more malleable than after being exposed to the material. Participants’ memory was assessed as a function of the type of learning task (Experiment 1: retrieval vs. restudy; and Experiment 2: active vs. passive recognition); and whether participants received corrective feedback or not. In both experiments, we observed that retrieval not only improved correct recall (replicating the testing effect) but also promoted the correction of false memories. Notably, corrective feedback was more effective when given after errors that were committed during retrieval rather than after restudy (Experiment 1) or after passive recognition (Experiment 2). Our results suggest that the benefits of retrieval go beyond the testing effect since it also facilitates false memories correction. Retrieval seems to enhance memory malleability, thus improving the incorporation of feedback, compared to the mere presentation of the information. Our results support the use of learning strategies that engage in active and explicit retrieval because, even if the retrieved information is wrong—when immediate feedback is provided—memory updating is promoted and errors are more likely to be corrected.
Contemporary nutrition-based interventions to reduce risk of infection among elderly long-term care residents: A scoping review
Authors: Psihogios Athanasios , Madampage Claudia , Faught Brent E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Elderly long-term care residents (ELTCRs) face considerable burden of infection, especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nutritional status of the host can influence susceptibility to infection by altering immune system integrity, therefore, nutrition-based interventions may be a viable complement to existing infection prevention measures.

Objective

This scoping review sought to identify nutritional interventions and factors that have the strongest evidence to benefit ELTCRs, and thus best poised for rigorous clinical trial evaluation and subsequent implementation.

Methods

A database search of OVID-Medline, OVID-Embase, and Web of Science was performed from 2011 to 2021 to identify nutritional intervention studies which attribute to changes in infection in contemporary ELTCR settings. Articles were screened in duplicate and data extraction completed by a single reviewer, while a second reviewer verified the data which was fitted to identify evidence for nutritional interventions related to reducing rates of infection among ELTCRs.

Results

The search identified 1018 studies, of which 11 (nine clinical trials and two observational cohort studies) satisfied screening criteria. Interventions that significantly reduced risk of infection included whey protein (any infection), Black Chokeberry (urinary tract infection), and vitamin D (acute respiratory tract infection, skin and soft tissue infection). Both zinc and a dedicated meal-plan significantly improved lymphocyte parameters. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with the development of respiratory tract infections. Probiotic and soy-based protein interventions did not significantly affect risk of infection or lymphocyte parameters, respectively.

Conclusion

The current scoping review was effective in identifying the use of nutrition-based interventions for infection prevention among ELTCRs. In this study, some nutrition-based interventions were observed to significantly influence the risk of infection among ELTCRs. Nutritional interventions such as vitamin D (preventing deficiency/insufficiency), Black Chokeberry juice, zinc gluconate, whey protein, and varied and nutrient dense meal plans may be suitable for future rigorous clinical trial evaluation.
Shortening shift’s length—Should we ask the residents if this is what they want?
Authors: Hershkovitz Yehuda , Rasco Adi , Tal Orna
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Work overload in hospitals enforced reducing shifts length of physicians in many countries over the last decade. In Israel, the current shift standard is of 26 hours, however, there is a residents’ struggle alongside a governmental intent to short the shifts to 16 hour. We aim to evaluate residents and interns support and preferences regarding shortening shifts and their ramifications to quality of life and residency programs.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was distributed to all resident and interns in a single center. We evaluated their current quality of residency and life, their support in the shorter shifts model, offering alternative program components such as reduced pay, longer residency or replacement in order to allow rest. We compared those who support the new model to those who objected to identify common characteristics to draw a resident profile for acceptance of change.

Results

Overall, 151 physicians answer the questionnaire. 70.2% support the shorter shifts model. Residents above 35 years old and those reaching completion of residency, significantly less support the shortening shifts model. No other demographic nor professional parameters were different between the supporters and non-supporters. Option of reduced pay or longer residency dramatically reduced the support rate to less than 30% and 20%, respectively. Replacement by other physician (resident or senior physician) in order to allow rest was supported by only 40%.

Conclusion

Residents’ standpoints regarding a desirable change are crucial to plan a successful implementation. A national survey is required before a new model is introduced, to achieve an optimal transparent efficient process.
A Migrated Tracheostomy Tube
Authors: Wilson Anjali , Motghare Abhilasha
Published: August 2022

A patient with tracheal stenosis with Tracheostomy Tube insitu presents with tracheal stenosis. On examination a part of the tube is missing. A new tracheostomy tube was inserted and he was immediately taken up for retrival of the migrated endobroncheal foreign body. Here we discuss the anaesthesia management for the same.
APPLYING BIOGEOGRAPHY-BASED MULTI-LAYER PERCEPTRON NEURAL NETWORK TO PREDICT CALIFORNIA BEARING CAPACITY VALUE OF STABILIZED POND ASH WITH LIME AND LIME SLUDGE
Authors: Wu Jundong , Li Jiaman , Hu Wei
Published: August 2022

In this study, a hybrid biogeography-based multi-layer perceptron neural network (BBO-MLP) with different number of hidden layers (one up to three) was developed for predicting the California bearing capacity (CBR) value of pond ash stabilized with lime and lime sludge. To this aim, model had five variables named maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, lime percentage, lime sludge percentage and curing period as inputs, and CBR as output variable. Regarding BBO-MLP models, BBO-MLP1 has the best results, which its R2 stood at 0.9977, RMSE at 0.7397, MAE at 0.476, and PI at 0.0104. In all three developed models, the estimated CBR values specify acceptable agreement with experimental results, which represents the workability of proposed models for predicting the CBR values with high accuracy. Comparison of three developed models supply that BBO-MLP1 outperform others. Therefore, BBO-MLP1 could be recognized as proposed model.
Orientation of the ultrasound probe to identify the taller-than-wide sign of thyroid malignancy: a registry-based study with the Thyroid Imaging Network of Korea
Authors: Hong Min Ji , Lee Young Hen , Kim Ji-hoon , Na Dong Gyu , You Sung-Hye , Shin Ji Eun , Kim Seul Kee , Yang Kyung-Sook ,   Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Although the taller-than-wide (TTW) sign has been regarded as one of the most specific ultrasound (US) features of thyroid malignancy, uncertainty still exists regarding the US probe’s orientation when evaluating it. This study investigated which US plane would be optimal to identify the TTW sign based on malignancy risk stratification using a registry-based imaging dataset.Methods: A previous study by 17 academic radiologists retrospectively analyzed the US images of 5,601 thyroid nodules (≥1 cm, 1,089 malignant and 4,512 benign) collected in the webbased registry of Thyroid Imaging Network of Korea through the collaboration of 26 centers. The present study assessed the diagnostic performance of the TTW sign itself and fine needle aspiration (FNA) indications via a comparison of four international guidelines, depending on the orientation of the US probe (criterion 1, transverse plane; criterion 2, either transverse or longitudinal plane).Results: Overall, the TTW sign was more frequent in malignant than in benign thyroid nodules (25.3% vs. 4.6%). However, the statistical differences between criteria 1 and 2 were negligible for sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) based on the size effect (all P<0.05, Cohen’s d=0.19, 0.10, and 0.07, respectively). Moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the four FNA guidelines were similar between criteria 1 and 2 (all P>0.05, respectively).Conclusion: A longitudinal US probe orientation provided little additional diagnostic value over the transverse orientation in detecting the TTW sign of thyroid nodules.
Determining the optimal insemination time of bitches
Authors: Skliarov Pavlo M. , Holubiev Olexandr V. , Mylostyvyi Roman V.
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, breeding dogs requires a competent, science-based approach. In particular, the choice of the optimal insemination time (both natural and artificial) is one of the important factors of successful mating or artificial insemination of bitches and is crucial in the problem of infertility. The period of fertilization (the time when ovicells can be fertilized) is 2-5 days after ovulation. Therefore, mating should be performed immediately before or during this period. The optimal time can be determied using various methods that estimate the period of fertility (when mating/inseminación can lead to conception). However, none of the diagnostic techniques is absolutely reliable, so for the most accurate result, it is recommended to use several (two or three) studies. For example: counting days, assessment of vulvar and vaginal discharge plus smear and/or vaginoscopy. Control mating increases the probability of conception and is usually performed the day after the first mating. It should be considered that the time of ovulation in the same bitch during different heat can be different. For bitches with problems of conception use the maximum number of methods with the analysis of past successful and unsuccessful matings. Choosing a specific method also implies an economic aspect, such as when owners have to carry bitches for a long distance and they need to be sure of the exact date of ovulation.