bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Novel Clinical Criteria to Predict Candidacy for Aortic Occlusion: An Aortic Occlusion for Resuscitation in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Study
Authors: Henry Reynold , Matsushima Kazuhide , Henry Rachel N. , Magee Gregory A. , Foran Christoper P. , DuBose Joseph , Inaba Kenji , Demetriades Demetrios ,   AAST AORTA Study Group
Published: October 2020

For trauma patients with noncompressible truncal hemorrhage (NCTH), aortic occlusion (AO) is attempted with either resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) or the resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). However, it is often challenging to identify the group of patients who would benefit from AO procedures. We hypothesized that patients who met simple clinical criteria would have better outcomes following AO procedures. This is a retrospective cohort study using the Aortic Occlusion for Resuscitation in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery database (November 2013-August 2019) which included patients who arrived with signs of life and underwent AO procedures (RT or zone 1 REBOA). Outcomes were compared between patients who met the criteria (admission vital signs: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≥9 and systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) and those who did not. Subgroup analyses were then conducted on patients who had a REBOA placed and those who underwent RT. A total of 998 patients met our inclusion criteria. Of those, a REBOA was placed in 364 patients (37%), while 634 (64%) underwent RT. The overall mortality rate in the criteria (+) group was significantly lower than that in the criteria (−) group (62 vs. 79%, P < .001). In patients who survived beyond the emergency department following AO procedures, those who met the criteria underwent hemorrhage control procedures more frequently (83% vs. 57%, P < .001). Our data suggest that simple clinical criteria could guide the provider for proceeding with AO in patients with suspected NCTH.
Personality, Retirement, and Cognitive Impairment: Moderating and Mediating Associations
Authors: Strickhouser Jason E. , Sutin Angelina R.
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Five-factor model (FFM) personality traits, including higher conscientiousness and lower neuroticism, are associated with lower risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. In this research, we test whether retirement status moderates and/or mediates the relation between personality and cognitive impairment. Method: We used data from the Health and Retirement Study ( N = 9899), a longitudinal study of Americans over the age of 50 years, to examine moderating and mediating associations between personality traits and retirement status on risk of dementia and cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) over an 8–10 year follow-up. Results: Personality and retirement each had strong, independent associations with risk of dementia and CIND. There were not, however, strong or consistent, moderating or mediating associations between personality and retirement predicting impairment risk. Discussion: Overall, these results indicate that personality and retirement are independent risk factors for incident cognitive impairment. Mechanisms other than retirement are likely to explain this association.
Analytical free vibration solutions of fully free orthotropic rectangular thin plates on two-parameter elastic foundations by the symplectic superposition method
Authors: Su Xin , Bai Eburilitu
Published: October 2020

The free vibration of orthotropic rectangular thin plates with four free edges on two-parameter elastic foundations is studied by the symplectic superposition method. Firstly, by analyzing the boundary conditions, the original vibration problem is converted into two sub-vibration problems of the plates slidingly clamped at two opposite edges. Based on slidingly clamped at two opposite edges, the fundamental solutions of these two sub-vibration problems are respectively derived by the separation variable method of the corresponding Hamiltonian system, and then the symplectic superposition solution of the original vibration problem is obtained by superimposing the fundamental solutions of the two sub-problems. Finally, the symplectic superposition solution obtained in this study is verified by calculating the frequencies and mode functions of several concrete rectangular thin plates with four free edges.
Analytical and experimental studies on particle damper used for tremor suppression
Authors: Lu Zheng , Huang Zhikuang
Published: October 2020

Tremor is an involuntary movement that makes many patients suffer, and passive absorbers used in wearable robot are proved to be effective for tremor suppression. A particle damper is a kind of a passive vibration control device taking advantage of energy dissipation and momentum exchange caused by particle collisions. To apply particle damping technology in reducing tremor amplitude in the human hand, this study establishes a mechanical model of the particle damper for tremor suppression and obtains its steady-state solutions under simplified tremor excitation. The accuracy of steady-state solutions and the particle damper effectiveness in reducing tremor is validated by numerical simulations and experimental studies. To further explore its damping mechanism, some important damper parameters are then analyzed. It is shown that increasing the particle mass leads to an increase of the particle damper performance for tremor suppression, but it has an upper limit. The provided damping of the particle damper becomes approximately independent of the tremor frequency and the tremor amplitude within a certain range, which indicates that a particle damper with reasonable design is suitable for tremor suppression.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management
Authors: Addie Diane D , Tasker Séverine , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Belák Sandor , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Hartmann Katrin , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina , Marsilio Fulvio , Lloret Albert , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Hosie Margaret J , Möstl Karin
Published: October 2020

Overview:

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a common obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite of rabbits that is increasingly recognised as a pathogen of cats and other mammalian species. These guidelines aim to review the literature on feline E cuniculi infection and provide recommendations on prevention and management.

Infection in cats:

E cuniculi infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of feline uveitis and cataract formation. It is not significantly associated with either chronic kidney disease or meningoencephalitis. E cuniculi infection is more common in stray or feral cats than in pet cats.

Diagnosis and treatment:

Serological tests for antibody detection in the blood are easy to perform and can be useful for diagnosis, but their specificity is low as antibodies have been found in apparently healthy cats. PCR appears to be more sensitive than histopathology for diagnosis, and is more sensitive when performed on cataractous lenses compared with aqueous humour, although ease of sampling is an obvious limitation. Treatment is with fenbendazole for 3 weeks and phacoemulsification to remove microsporidia from cataractous lenses.

Zoonotic risk:

E cuniculi is a potential zoonotic agent, and there is a particular risk to immunocompromised humans posed by infected rabbits. Albeit infrequent, spore shedding has been identified in cats, so care should be taken around infected cats.
Feline procedural sedation and analgesia: When, why and how
Authors: Simon Bradley T , Steagall Paulo V
Published: October 2020

Practical relevance:

Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) describes the process of depressing a patient’s conscious state to perform unpleasant, minimally invasive procedures, and is part of the daily routine in feline medicine. Maintaining cardiopulmonary stability is critical while peforming PSA.

Clinical challenges:

Decision-making with respect to drug choice and dosage regimen, taking into consideration the cat’s health status, behavior, any concomitant diseases and the need for analgesia, represents an everyday challenge in feline practice. While PSA is commonly perceived to be an uneventful procedure, complications may arise, especially when cats that were meant to be sedated are actually anesthetized.

Aims:

This clinical article reviews key aspects of PSA in cats while exploring the literature and discussing complications and risk factors. Recommendations are given for patient assessment and preparation, clinical monitoring and fasting protocols, and there is discussion of how PSA protocols may change blood results and diagnostic tests. An overview of, and rationale for, building a PSA protocol, and the advantages and disadvantages of different classes of sedatives and anesthetics, is presented in a clinical context. Finally, injectable drug protocols are reported, supported by an evidence-based approach and clinical experience.
Feline comorbidities: What do we really know about feline triaditis?
Authors: Černá Petra , Kilpatrick Scott , Gunn-Moore Danielle A
Published: October 2020

Practical relevance:

Feline triaditis describes concurrent pancreatitis, cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The reported prevalence is 17–39% in ill referral patients. While the aetiology is poorly understood, it is known to include infectious, autoimmune and physical components. What is not known is whether different organs are affected by different diseases, or the same process; indeed, triaditis may be part of a multiorgan inflammatory disease. Feline gastrointestinal tract anatomy plays its role too. Specifically, the short small intestine, high bacterial load and anatomic feature whereby the pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct before entering the duodenal papilla all increase the risk of bacterial reflux and parenchymal inflammation. Inflammation may also be a sequela of bowel bacterial translocation and systemic bacteraemia.

Diagnostic challenges:

Cholangitis, pancreatitis and IBD manifest with overlapping, vague and non-specific clinical signs. Cholangitis may be accompanied by increased serum liver enzymes, total bilirubin and bile acid concentrations, and variable ultrasonographic changes. A presumptive diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on increased serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity or feline pancreas-specific lipase, and/or abnormal pancreatic changes on ultrasonography, though these tests have low sensitivity. Diagnosis of IBD is challenging without histopathology; ultrasound findings vary from normal to mucosal thickening or loss of layering. Triaditis may cause decreased serum folate or cobalamin (B12) concentrations due to intestinal disease and/or pancreatitis. Triaditis can only be confirmed with histopathology; hence, it remains a presumptive diagnosis in most cases.

Evidence base:

The literature on feline triaditis, pancreatitis, cholangitis and IBD is reviewed, focusing on histopathology, clinical significance and diagnostic challenges. Current management recommendations are provided. Further studies are needed to understand the complex pathophysiology, and in turn improve diagnosis and treatment.
Changing perceptions towards dementia: How does involvement in the arts alongside persons with dementia promote positive attitudes?
Authors: Tan Wan Jie , Yeo Donald , Koh Hwan Jing , Wong Sze Chi , Lee Theresa
Published: October 2020

The prevalence of dementia in Singapore is on the rise. Due to the negative perceptions associated with the condition, persons with dementia and their care partners face an increased risk of social isolation and loneliness. One objective of the Arts and Dementia programme offered by the Alzheimer’s Disease Association is to increase inclusivity of persons with dementia in the community. To investigate the impact of the programme on perceptions towards dementia, a mixed-method approach involving 75 artists and volunteers was conducted. Findings from the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire revealed that participants involved in the programme had significantly more positive perceptions than new volunteers. A thematic analysis was conducted on the focus group discussions and four themes were identified: (1) meaningful and rewarding interactions, (2) focus on abilities, (3) learning process and (4) more can be done. These findings suggest that meaningful experiences during the programme may be a driving force behind positive perceptions towards dementia.
GP- and practice-related variation in ambulatory sensitive hospitalisations of older primary care patients
Authors: Palapar Leah , Wilkinson-Meyers Laura , Lumley Thomas , Kerse Ngaire
Published: October 2020

Background

Reducing ambulatory sensitive hospitalisations (ASHs) is a strategy to control spending on hospital care and to improve quality of primary health care. This research investigated whether ASH rates in older people varied by GP and practice characteristics.

Methods

We identified ASHs from the national dataset of hospital events for 3755 community-dwelling participants aged 75+ enrolled in a cluster randomised controlled trial involving 60 randomly selected general practices in three regions in New Zealand. Poisson mixed models of 36-month ASH rates were fitted for the entire sample, for complex participants, and non-complex participants. We examined variation in ASH rates according to GP- and practice-level characteristics after adjusting for patient-level predictors of ASH.

Results

Lower rates of ASHs were observed in female GPs (IRR 0.83, CI 0.71 to 0.98). In non-complex participants, but not complex participants, practices in more deprived areas had lower ASH rates (4% lower per deprivation decile higher, IRR 0.96, CI 0.92 to 1.00), whereas main urban centre practices had higher rates (IRR 1.84, CI 1.15 to 2.96). Variance explained by these significant factors was small (0.4% of total variance for GP sex, 0.2% for deprivation, and 0.5% for area type). None of the modifiable practice-level characteristics such as home visiting and systematically contacting patients were significantly associated with ASH rates.

Conclusions

Only a few GP and non-modifiable practice characteristics were associated with variation in ASH rates in 60 New Zealand practices interested in a trial about care of older people. Where there were significant associations, the contribution to overall variance was minimal. It also remains unclear whether lower ASH rates in older people represents underservicing or less overuse of hospital services, particularly for the relatively well patient attending practices in less central, more disadvantaged communities. Thus, reducing ASHs through primary care redesign for older people should be approached carefully.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials RegisterACTRN12609000648224.
Job satisfaction among primary care physicians in western China
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Shi Guoshuai , Li Lingui , Bian Ying
Published: October 2020

Background

There has been great shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) in China, especially in western areas. Job satisfaction plays a great role in retaining people. The aim of this study is to investigate the job satisfaction of PCPs and associated factors in 11 provinces of western China, thus providing necessary reference values for stabilizing the primary care workforce and improving the quality of primary care services.

Method

A sample of 2103 PCPs working in western China were surveyed using a stratified, multistage and random sampling method in 2011. The characteristics of participants were recorded by a structured questionnaire. A multilevel model (MLM) and quantile regression (QR) were applied to assess the association between job satisfaction and possible risk factors.

Results

Of the 2103 doctors surveyed, the overall satisfaction score was 3.26 ± 0.68 (from 1 to 5). MLM indicated that age group, income satisfaction, unit policy approval, personal planning, career attitude, work value and patient recognition were positively correlated with job satisfaction, while turnover intention was negatively correlated with job satisfaction. QR were not completely consistent with MLM and further explored the differences in different job satisfaction score percentiles on each domains.

Conclusion

This study showed that the job satisfaction of PCPs in western China was not high. The MLM and QR discussed were not entirely consistent, the latter one provided more information and robust results. Measures should be taken in streamlining administration and institute decentralization, creating more opportunities for additional training, raising PCPs’ income, improving the social status of doctors and improving the relationship between doctors and patients.
Knockdown of long non-coding RNA SOX2OT downregulates SOX2 to improve hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function in a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy
Authors: Yin Jialin , Shen Yanan , Si Yanna , Zhang Yuan , Du Jiayue , Hu Xiajuan , Cai Mengmeng , Bao Hongguang , Xing Yan
Published: October 2020

Background

Aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis is an important pathological feature of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. In the current study, we examined the potential role of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) overlapping transcript (SOX2OT), a known regulator of adult neurogenesis in sepsis-induced deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function.

Methods

Sepsis was induced in adult C57BL/6 J male mice by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) surgery. Randomly selected CLP mice were transfected with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against SOX2OT or SOX2, or with scrambled control siRNA. Cognitive behavior was tested 8–12 days post-surgery using a Morris water maze. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to determine expression of SOX2, Ki67, doublecortin (DCX), nestin, brain lipid-binding protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hippocampus. The number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)+/DCX+ cells, BrdU+/neuronal nuclei (NeuN)+ neurons, and BrdU+/GFAP+ glial cells in the dentate gyrus were assessed by immunofluorescence.

Results

CLP mice showed progressive increases in SOX2OT and SOX2 mRNA levels on days 3, 7, and 14 after CLP surgery, accompanied by impaired cognitive function. Sepsis led to decrease in all neuronal markers in the hippocampus, except GFAP. Immunofluorescence confirmed the decreased numbers of BrdU+/DCX+ cells and BrdU+/NeuN+ neurons, and increased numbers of BrdU+/GFAP+ cells. SOX2OT knockdown partially inhibited the effects of CLP on levels of SOX2 and neuronal markers, neuronal populations in the hippocampus, and cognitive function. SOX2 deficiency recapitulated the effects of SOX2OT knockdown.

Conclusion

SOX2OT knockdown improves sepsis-induced deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function by downregulating SOX2 in mice. Inhibiting SOX2OT/SOX2 signaling may be effective for treating or preventing neurodegeneration in sepsis-associated encephalopathy.
Corticosteroid receptor rebalancing alleviates critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency after traumatic brain injury by promoting paraventricular nuclear cell survival via Akt/CREB/BDNF signaling
Authors: Zhang Bin , Bai Miao , Xu Xiaojian , Yang Mengshi , Niu Fei , Gao Fei , Liu Baiyun
Published: October 2020

Background

We previously found that high-dose methylprednisolone increased the incidence of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) and mortality in rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI), whereas low-dose hydrocortisone but not methylprednisolone exerted protective effects. However, the receptor-mediated mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the receptor-mediated mechanism of the opposite effects of different glucocorticoids on the survival of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) cells and the incidence of CIRCI after TBI.

Methods

Based on controlled cortical impact (CCI) and treatments, male SD rats (n = 300) were randomly divided into the sham, CCI, CCI + GCs (methylprednisolone 1 or 30 mg/kg/day; corticosterone 1 mg/kg/day), CCI + methylprednisolone+RU486 (RU486 50 mg/kg/day), and CCI + corticosterone+spironolactone (spironolactone 50 mg/kg/day) groups. Blood samples were collected 7 days before and after CCI. Brain tissues were collected on postinjury day 7 and processed for histology and western blot analysis.

Results

We examined the incidence of CIRCI, mortality, apoptosis in the PVN, the receptor-mediated mechanism, and downstream signaling pathways on postinjury day 7. We found that methylprednisolone and corticosterone exerted opposite effects on the survival of PVN cells and the incidence of CIRCI by activating different receptors. High-dose methylprednisolone increased the nuclear glucocorticoid receptor (GR) level and subsequently increased cell loss in the PVN and the incidence of CIRCI. In contrast, low-dose corticosterone but not methylprednisolone played a protective role by upregulating mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. The possible downstream receptor signaling mechanism involved the differential effects of GR and MR on the activity of the Akt/CREB/BDNF pathway.

Conclusion

The excessive activation of GR by high-dose methylprednisolone exacerbated apoptosis in the PVN and increased CIRCI. In contrast, refilling of MR by corticosterone protects PVN neurons and reduces the incidence of CIRCI by promoting GR/MR rebalancing after TBI.
Effects of oncological care pathways in primary and secondary care on patient, professional and health systems outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van Hoeve Jolanda C. , Vernooij Robin W. M. , Fiander Michelle , Nieboer Peter , Siesling Sabine , Rotter Thomas
Published: October 2020

Background

Pathways are frequently used to improve care for cancer patients. However, there is little evidence about the effects of pathways used in oncological care. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to identify and synthesize existing literature on the effects of pathways in oncological care.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with cancer in primary and secondary/tertiary care whose treatment can be characterized as the strategy “care pathways” are included in this review. A systematic search in seven databases was conducted to gather evidence. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers. Study outcomes regarding patients, professionals, and system level were extracted from each study.

Results

Out of 13,847 search results, we selected 158 articles eligible for full text assessment. One hundred fifty studies were excluded and the remaining eight studies represented 4786 patients. Most studies were conducted in secondary/tertiary care. Length of stay (LOS) was the most common used indicator, and was reported in five studies. Meta-analysis based on subgroups showed an overall shorter LOS regarding gastric cancer (weighted mean difference (WMD)): − 2.75, CI: − 4.67 to − 0.83) and gynecological cancer (WMD: − 1.58, CI: − 2.10 to − 1.05). Costs were reported in six studies and most studies reported lower costs for pathway groups.

Conclusions

Despite the differences between the included studies, we were able to present an evidence base for cancer care pathways performed in secondary/tertiary care regarding the positive effects of LOS in favor of cancer care pathways.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42017057592.
Breeding ecology of the Yellow-bellied Warbler (Abroscopus superciliaris)
Authors: Bi Jianli , Jiang Yuxin , Yang Canchao
Published: October 2020

The life history of birds dictates their activities and is crucial to population success. However, the life history traits of only one-third of the world’s bird species have been described; the rest are poorly understood. We studied the breeding ecology of the Yellow-bellied Warbler (Abroscopus superciliaris) and documented reproductive information throughout the egg and nestling periods. The data included natural nest sites, nest components, nest size, egg laying dates and time, egg morph, egg size, clutch size, egg incubation, nestling brooding and feeding, nestling morph and growth, and reproductive outcome. This study provided particular information of breeding ecology that has not been reported before in the Yellow-bellied Warbler.
Corticosterone Is Essential for Survival Through Frog Metamorphosis
Authors: Shewade Leena H , Schoephoerster Jamee A , Patmann Matthew D , Kulkarni Saurabh S , Buchholz Daniel R
Published: October 2020

Thyroid hormone (TH) is required for frog metamorphosis, and corticosterone (CORT) increases TH signaling to accelerate metamorphic progression. However, a requirement for CORT in metamorphosis has been difficult to assess prior to the recent development of gene-editing technologies. We addressed this long-standing question using transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) gene disruption to knock out proopiomelanocortin (pomc) and disrupt CORT production in Xenopus tropicalis. As expected, mutant tadpoles had a reduced peak of plasma CORT at metamorphosis with correspondingly reduced expression of the CORT-response gene Usher syndrome type-1G (ush1g). Mutants had reduced rates of growth and development and exhibited lower expression levels of 2 TH response genes, Krüppel-like factor 9 (klf9) and TH receptor β (thrb). In response to exogenous TH, mutants had reduced TH response gene induction and slower morphological change. Importantly, death invariably occurred during tail resorption, unless rescued by exogenous CORT and, remarkably, by exogenous TH. The ability of exogenous TH by itself to overcome death in pomc mutants indicates that the CORT-dependent increase in TH signaling may ensure functional organ transformation required for survival through metamorphosis and/or may shorten the nonfeeding metamorphic transition to avoid lethal inanition.
Hormonal Stimulation of Human Ovarian Xenografts in Mice: Studying Folliculogenesis, Activation, and Oocyte Maturation
Authors: Wall Monica Anne , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Shikanov Ariella
Published: October 2020

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and banking provides a fertility preservation option for patients who cannot undergo oocyte retrieval; it is quickly becoming a critical component of assisted reproductive technology programs across the world. While the transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue has resulted in over 130 live births, the field has ample room for technological improvements. Specifically, the functional timeline of grafted tissue and each patient’s probability of achieving pregnancy is largely unpredictable due to patient-to-patient variability in ovarian reserve, lack of a reliable method for quantifying follicle numbers within tissue fragments, potential risk of reintroduction of cancer cells harbored in ovarian tissues, and an inability to control follicle activation rates. This review focuses on one of the most common physiological techniques used to study human ovarian tissue transplantation, xenotransplantation of human ovarian tissue to mice and endeavors to inform future studies by discussing the elements of the xenotransplantation model, challenges unique to the use of human ovarian tissue, and novel tissue engineering techniques currently under investigation.
Panel recovery after 22 years: how we reactivated a 45 year cohort study in Canada
Authors: Robson Karen , Anisef Paul , Northrup David , Grearson Adam
Published: October 2020

In this paper we describe the process we used to reactivate a cohort study that began in 1973 but had not been contacted since 1995. In 2018, we began efforts to trace cohort members who had been involved in the last wave of the study. While we had old contact information, we also employed internet search strategies to try to find individuals. We discuss our strategy and the limits that we have as Canadians working in an extremely limited funding landscape and a data infrastructure that does not allow access to government data sources, like those described by researchers of other similar longitudinal studies spanning decades in the UK and the US. Despite our considerable attrition, we performed some analyses that demonstrates our remaining cohort is not that dissimilar from either the original cohort or in terms of general characteristics of Ontarians in their mid-60s.
The impact of COVID-19 on China–Persian Gulf relations: a game-changer or a spotlight?
Authors: Scita Jacopo
Published: October 2020

In the last decade, the relationships between China and the Persian Gulf countries have evolved from ones based on an almost entirely economic rationale to a more complex, multi-layered set of relations, often pervaded by strategic elements. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the Persian Gulf – and the entire world – as an unforecastable storm, causing an unprecedented social, economic, political and health crisis. Yet the pandemic did not result in the rejection or even major scrutiny of China’s role and presence in the Persian Gulf. In fact, rather than undermining the foundations of the supply and demand logic that constitute the backbone of these relationships, the pandemic has made more apparent its fundamental trends, the blind spots, and, especially in the case of Iran, the dangerous overdependence.
Mothering practices across three generations of Chinese women: from liberated woman, virtuous wife and good mother, to intensive full-time mother
Authors: Guo Xin
Published: October 2020

Chinese women have lived through huge societal changes. This article aims to explore women’s lived experiences as mothers over three generations under such transformations, specifically how women’s childrearing practices are distinctively constructed and how each generation of women makes their own mark on such constructions. The study of what women do in their everyday lives creates methodological challenges. In the study on which this article draws, a biographical narrative interview method was applied and adapted to take into account the researcher’s impact on the co-construction process of the interviews and to understand some ‘untellable’ stories. Three detailed cases are analysed to demonstrate individual woman’s struggles and achievements when acting on the particular ideological contexts of the periods in which they were mothers.
Perfect absorption in GaAs metasurfaces near the bandgap edge
Authors: Hale L. L. , Vabishchevich P. P. , Siday T. , Harris C. T. , Luk T. S. , Addamane S. J. , Reno J. L. , Brener I. , Mitrofanov O.
Published: October 2020

Perfect optical absorption occurs in a metasurface that supports two degenerate and critically-coupled modes of opposite symmetry. The challenge in designing a perfectly absorbing metasurface for a desired wavelength and material stems from the fact that satisfying these conditions requires multi-dimensional optimization often with parameters affecting optical resonances in non-trivial ways. This problem comes to the fore in semiconductor metasurfaces operating near the bandgap wavelength, where intrinsic material absorption varies significantly. Here we devise and demonstrate a systematic process by which one can achieve perfect absorption in GaAs metasurfaces for a desired wavelength at different levels of intrinsic material absorption, eliminating the need for trial and error in the design process. Using this method, we show that perfect absorption can be achieved not only at wavelengths where GaAs exhibits high absorption, but also at wavelengths near the bandgap edge. In this region, absorption is enhanced by over one order of magnitude compared a layer of unstructured GaAs of the same thickness.
Simultaneous measurement of the absolute and relative time delay of a tiled-aperture coherent beam combination via the double-humped spectral beam interferometry
Authors: Liu Keyang , Song Liwei , Liu Yanqi , Wang Xinliang , Huang Zhiyuan , Tang Yunhai , Wang Xiaobin , Liu Zhengzheng , Leng Yuxin
Published: October 2020

Coherent beam combination (CBC) is a promising technology for achieving several hundred petawatts and even EW-level lasers. However, the measurement of the synchronization error and the time jitter of CBC is one of key technical issues, especially in the few-cycle PW-level laser facilities. In this paper, we demonstrate that the absolute time delay (ATD) and the relative time delay (RTD) for a tiled-aperture CBC can simultaneously be measured by using the double-humped spectral beam interferometry. The experimental study also was demonstrated. A root-mean-square deviation of approximately λ/38 (70 as) and a combining efficiency of 87.3% at 1 Hz closed feedback loop was obtained, respectively. Due to the wide adjustment range and a vast resisting beam energy disturbance capacity, this technique provide an effective and practical solution for measuring simultaneously the ATD and the RTD in the few-cycle PW-level laser pulses CBC.
Method for the generation of microwave frequency combs based on a Vernier optoelectronic feedback loop
Authors: Shen Zhiqiang , Jin Chenfei , Yang Jie , Zhang Siqi , Tang Meng , Wang Keke
Published: October 2020

Microwave frequency combs (MFCs) with flexible tunability and prominent phase noise performance are of importance to many applications, including consumer electronic product, fundamental research and military defence. It is difficult for traditional electronic signal sources to meet the imperative demand in terms of high frequency scale, due to a challenging problem of deteriorating phase noise performance with increasing frequency. Photonics-assisted methods have capacity of implementing the generation of microwave signals with high frequency and low phase noise. Here we report a novel photonics-assisted MFC generation method utilizing an optoelectronic feedback loop with a Vernier configuration. The proposed MFC generation system features self-sustained oscillation, inherent multiple-mode oscillation and low phase noise level. In the proof-of-principle experiment, the MFC generation system based on a dual-path Vernier optoelectronic feedback loop is demonstrated, and the comb spacing tuning from 3.072 to 4.710 GHz and the single sideband phase noise of −99.60 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from the carrier are achieved.
Fundamental scattering quantities for the determination of reflectance and transmittance
Authors: Ferrero A. , Frisvad J. R. , Simonot L. , Santafé P. , Schirmacher A. , Campos J. , Hebert M.
Published: October 2020

The bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and the bidirectional scattering - surface reflectance distribution function (BSSRDF), which relate radiance at the surface to irradiance and radiant flux, respectively, are regarded as the most fundamental scattering quantities used to determine the reflectance of objects. However, for materials where the optical radiation is transmitted under the surface, this radiance depends not only on irradiance and radiant flux, but also on the size of the irradiated area of the surface. This article provides insight into such dependence under the special condition in which the radiance is evaluated within the irradiated area and, consequently, is produced by both the insurface reflection and the subsurface scattering, in contrast to the situation in which the radiance is evaluated at non-irradiated areas and only subsurface scattering contributes. By explicitly considering both contributions, two other scattering quantities are defined: one that accounts exclusively for the insurface reflection and the other that accounts for subsurface scattering. In this regard, these quantities might be considered more fundamental than the BRDF and the BSSRDF, although they are coincident with these two functions apart from the above-mentioned special condition and for materials with negligible subsurface scattering. In this work, the relevance of the proposed scattering quantities is supported by experimental data, practical considerations are given for measuring them, and their relation to the bidirectional transmittance distribution function (BTDF) is discussed.
Acceleration and expansion of a photorealistic computer-generated hologram using backward ray tracing and multiple off-axis wavefront recording plane methods
Authors: Sun Minyuan , Yuan Yuan , Bi Yong , Zhang Shuo , Zhu Jianying , Zhang Wenping
Published: October 2020

Holograms can reconstruct the light wave field of three-dimensional objects. However, the computer-generated hologram (CGH) requires much calculating time. Here we proposed a CGH generation algorithm based on backward ray tracing and multiple off-axis wavefront recording planes (MO-WRP) to generate photorealistic CGH with a large reconstruction image. In this method, multiple WRPs were placed parallelly between the virtual object and the hologram plane. Virtual rays were emitted from the pixel of WRPs and intersect with the object. The complex amplitude of WRPs is then determined by illumination module, such as Phong reflection module. The CGH was generated by the shifted Angular Spectrum Propagation (ASP) from WRPs to the hologram plane. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, and the CGH generation rate is 37.3 frames per second (1 WRP) and 9.8 frames per second (2×2 WRPs).
Numerical analysis of synchronously pumped solid-state Raman lasers
Authors: Ding Shuanghong , Li Hengda , Che Xiaohua , Peng Siwei
Published: October 2020

Considering the spatial distribution of laser beams and phonon waves, the SRS coupling wave equations in the transient regime are derived and normalized for the first time. The synchronously pumped solid-state Raman laser is simulated numerically to investigate the influences of the cavity length detuning, output coupling rate, dispersion, Raman gain and dephasing time of Raman mode on laser performances. It is found that the intensive pulse compression of first Stokes laser in synchronously pumped solid-state Raman laser stems from pulse width gain narrowing and intensity oscillation effects. The cavity length detuning, dispersion, Raman gain and dephasing time considerably affect the pulse width gain narrowing and intensity oscillation processes. The theoretical results can help the design and optimization of synchronously pumped solid-state Raman laser to generate ultrafast Raman laser output efficiently.
Plasmonic hybridization generation in self-aligned disk/hole nanocavities for multi-resonance sensing
Authors: Chu Shuwen , Liang Yuzhang , Yuan Huizhen , Gao Huixuan , Yu Li , Wang Qiao , Peng Wei
Published: October 2020

Plasmonic nanostructures have proven an extensive practical prospect in ultra-sensitive label-free biomolecule sensing due to their nanoscale localization and large near-field enhancement. Here, we demonstrate a photonic plasmonic hybridization in the self-aligned disk/hole nanocavity array under two specific cases of nanogap and nanooverlap achieved by adjusting pillar height embedded into hole. The proposed disk/hole arrays in above two cases exhibit three hybridized modes with extremely high absorption, mainly arising from the in-phase (bonding) and out-of-phase (antibonding) coupling of dipolar modes of their parent disk and hole. Surprisingly, when the nanogap feature of the disk/hole array is transformed to the nanooverlap, crossing the quantum effect region, the bonding mode in the disk/hole array has an enormous transition in the resonant frequency. In comparison with the counterpart in the nanogap structure, the bonding mode in the nanooverlap structure supports strongest near-field localization (i.e., the decay length down to merely 3.8 nm), although charge transfer channel provided by the geometry connect between disk and hole quenches partial field enhancement. Furthermore, we systematically investigate the sensing performances of multiple hybridized modes in above two cases by considering two crucial evaluating parameters, bulk refractive index sensitivity and surface sensitivity. It is demonstrated that, in the nanogap structure, the bonding mode possesses both high bulk refractive index sensitivity and surface sensitivity. Dissimilarly, for the nanooverlap structure, the bonding and antibonding modes show different surface sensitivities in different regions away from the surface, which can be used to monitoring different bio-molecular sizes and achieve the most optimum sensitivity. Due to its unique sensing features, this disk/hole array mechanism is very valuable and promising for developing of high sensitivity sensing platform.
COMPLICATIONS IN ELDERLY AFTER PROXIMAL FEMORAL FRACTURE: AN INTEGRATING REVIEW
Authors: Sousa Allex Sobral , Sousa Carmelita Maria Silva , Gurgel Lucineide Coqueiro , Queiroz Iasmin Belém Silva , Sousa Francisco Rafael Soares de , Nóbrega Joanacele Gorgonho Ribeiro , Dantas Marta Coêlho Bezerra , Duarte Aclenielle Vital Santana , Luz Dayse Christina Rodrigues Pereira , Santana Willma José de
Published: October 2020

Abstract: Proximal femoral fractures in the elderly are mainly caused by low energy trauma, often resulting from a fall. Studies demonstrate the growing concern with the functional independence of the elderly due to the high incidence of proximal femoral fracture and its complications.  The aim of this study was to identify the main factors associated with proximal femoral fractures (FFP) in the elderly and their consequences for their functional  independence. The present study is defined as an integrative review. The search for scientific articles was carried out in the databases LILACS, Medline, SciElo and PubMed, from 2015 to 2019. Inclusion criteria were articles that were entirely available online and in the Portuguese, English and Spanish languages.  And articles that were not available in the whole and before 2015 were excluded.  In the results, it was identified that proximal femoral fractures are more frequent  in the elderly with greater longevity. It has been observed that the appearance of  future consequences in the elderly after FFP is often related to the long bedridden periods of this patient, impairing their functional independence. Elderly patients  with FFP present a greater predisposition to reduce muscle strength, thus  contributing to the appearance of future complications. These factors contribute to the morbidity and increase of the elderly mortality. FFP represent an important factor to lose functional independence in the elderly. Promote the elimination of future complications and their risk factors with therapeutic planning of  individual and collective actions aimed at preventing injuries and their consequences, and thus reducing the mortality of this patient.Keywords: Proximal femoral fracture. Elderly. Consequences. Complications.
MAIN COMPLICATIONS IN INTESTINAL OSTOMIES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Authors: Cordeiro Abigail de Almeida , Sousa Allex Sobral , Herculano Maria Aparecida Feitosa Candido , Queiroz Iasmin Belém Silva , Luna Cícera Alves de , Nóbrega Joanacele Gorgonho Ribeiro , Luna Thayná Bezerra de , Pereira Cicero Rafael , Luz Dayse Christina Rodrigues Pereira , Santana Willma José de
Published: October 2020

Abstract: The word stoma means the opening of a surgical mouth, when there is a need to divert the normal transit of food or elimination temporarily or permanently. The intestinal stoma has several reasons that lead to the need for its manufacture, among them: rectal colon cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, abdominal injuries due to trauma and perforations, among others. The individual with an ostomy is subject to immediate or long-term postoperative complications, even if the stoma is temporary, affecting the person on several aspects. The objective of this study was to identify the main complications of intestinal ostomies and their impact on the lives of these individuals. To this end, an integrative literature review was carried out with a qualitative approach, carried out by consulting the Scielo and Lilacs databases. The following descriptors (DeCS) were used: “Colostomy”, “Postoperative complications” and “Surgical stomas”. These were combined using the Boolean operator and. The criteria adopted for inclusion of articles were: articles published from 2013, in the languages: Portuguese, English and Spanish, available and free. The following were excluded: Monographs, theses, reviews and duplicate articles. A total of 2566 articles were found, using the combination of descriptors, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria 64 articles remained, these were subjected to a previous analysis of their summary, leaving 10 articles to compose the present study. There was a predominance of complications related to surgery, (50%) followed by complications related to peri-stoma skin (30%) and complications related to the lack of professional guidance in the preoperative period (20%). It is concluded, therefore, that the incidence of complications in intestinal ostomies not directly related to the surgical act, evidences the individual's adaptation process regarding the care with the stoma and peri-stoma skin, having as aggravating the lack of monitoring of trained professionals during the preoperatively and continuously in the following phases.Keywords: Colostomy. Postoperative complications. Surgical stomas.
Construcción y validación del Repositorio de Expresiones Faciales Emocionales Colombianas
Authors:   Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia, Zapata-Orozco Sofía , Zapata-González José ,   Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia, Gantiva Carlos ,   Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia, Suárez-Pico Paola ,   Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotá, Colombia, Barrera-Valencia Mauricio ,   Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia,   University of Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, República Checa
Published: October 2020

Los rasgos fenotípicos afectan la respuesta hacia los rostros emocionales. En Colombia, no se ha construido y validado un banco de imágenes de rostros emocionales. El objetivo del presente estudio fue construir y validar un banco de fotografías de rostros emocionales colombianos (alegría, ira, tristeza, miedo, asco, sorpresa y expresión neutral/descanso), a través de una metodología similar a la utilizada en el diseño de otros bancos de expresiones emocionales. El estudio se llevó a cabo con 80 participantes (43 mujeres), a los cuales se les presentó cada una de las 70 expresiones emocionales del Repositorio de Expresiones Faciales Emocionales Colombianas (REFEC). A partir de estudios previos en este campo se tomaron como índices de validez el porcentaje de acierto y el coeficiente de kappa de Fleiss (grado de concordancia entre evaluadores). Además, se midió el tiempo de reacción como índice de demanda cognitiva para el reconocimiento de la expresión emocional. Los resultados muestran un porcentaje de acierto superior al de otros bancos de estímulos de expresiones emocionales y un índice de concordancia bueno/excelente (similar al de otros instrumentos). En conjunto, los resultados sugieren que el REFEC es un banco de imágenes de expresiones faciales emocionales válido para su uso en población colombiana.