bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation negatively regulates fear memory in mice
Authors: Dong Yuan , Li Shuoshuo , Lu Yiming , Li Xiaoheng , Liao Yajin , Peng Zhixin , Li Yunfeng , Hou Lin , Yuan Zengqiang , Cheng Jinbo
Published: July 2020

Background

Persistent inflammation dysregulation and cognitive decline have been associated with several trauma- and stress-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorder. Despite the abundant discoveries of neuroinflammation in such disorders, the underlying mechanisms still remain unclear.

Method

Wild-type andNlrp3−/−mice were exposed to the electric foot shocks in the contextual fear memory paradigm. Three hours after the electric foot shocks, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was investigated through immunoblotting and ELISA. Microglia were isolated and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Hippocampal tissues were collected 3 h and 72 h after the electric foot shocks and subjected to RNA sequencing. MCC950 was administrated to mice via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-ra) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were delivered via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion. Contextual fear responses of mice were tested on 4 consecutive days (test days 1-4) starting at 48 h after the electric foot shocks. Anxiety-like behaviors were examined by elevated plus maze and open-field test.

Results

We demonstrated that, in the contextual fear memory paradigm, the NLRP3 inflammasome was activated 3 h after electric foot shocks. We also found an upregulation in toll-like receptor and RIG-I-like receptor signaling, and a decrease in postsynaptic density (PSD) related proteins, such as PSD95 and Shank proteins, in the hippocampus 72 h after the electric foot shocks, indicating an association between neuroinflammation and PSD protein loss after stress encounter. Meanwhile,Nlrp3knockout could significantly prevent both neuroinflammation and loss of PSD-related proteins, suggesting a possible protective role of NLRP3 deletion during this process. For further studies, we demonstrated that both genetic knockout and pharmaceutical inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome remarkably enhanced the extinction of contextual fear memory and attenuated anxiety-like behavior caused by electric foot shocks. Moreover, cytokine IL-1β administration inhibited the extinction of contextual fear memory. Meanwhile, IL-1ra significantly enhanced the extinction of contextual fear memory and attenuated anxiety-like behavior.

Conclusion

Taken together, our data revealed the pivotal role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the regulation of fear memory and the development of PTSD and anxiety disorder, providing a novel target for the clinical treatment of such disorders.
Correction to: Bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA-29b-3p prevents hypoxic-ischemic injury in rat brain by activating the PTEN-mediated Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Hou Kun , Li Guichen , Zhao Jinchuan , Xu Baofeng , Zhang Yang , Yu Jinlu , Xu Kan
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Th17/Treg imbalance is associated with reduced indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase activity in childhood allergic asthma
Authors: Hu Ying , Chen Zhiqiang , Zeng Jing , Zheng Shouyan , Sun Liujuan , Zhu Li , Liao Wei
Published: July 2020

Background

The differentiation of CD4+ lymphocytes Th17/regulatory T cells (Treg) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is associated with the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Basic research has shown that IDO is likely a “switch” of the transition from Th17 cells to Tregs under certain conditions. However, no relevant clinical studies have been reported on the association between IDO activity and Th17/Treg imbalance in children with allergic asthma. The goal of this study was to test whether indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) participates in the pathogenesis of pediatric allergic asthma by influencing Th17/regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation and related cytokines.

Methods

Thirty-three children with allergic asthma and 33 healthy children were selected. The subjects were evaluated via a pulmonary function test, a skin prick test, and an eosinophil count. Peripheral blood was collected to measure Th17/Treg percentages and related cytokine levels. Blood and induced sputum were obtained to measure the IDO level.

Results

Compared with the control group, the patient group had an obvious Th17/Treg imbalance; their IDO levels were significantly lower, their IL-17 and IL-6 levels were markedly higher, and their IL-10 and TGF-β levels were markedly lower than those of the control group. The IDO levels in both blood and induced sputum were negatively correlated with the Th17/Treg ratio.

Conclusions

A significant correlation was observed between IDO activity and Th17/Treg imbalance in children with allergic asthma. IDO may upregulate Treg numbers by stimulating IL-10 production and inhibiting IL-6 expression. Therefore, IDO may be a molecular switch that leads to the conversion of Th17 cells to Tregs, thus playing a potentially protective role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Trial registration This study was approved by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR-COC-15006080 and was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Southwest Hospital. The name of registration: The effect of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) on Regulation of Th17/Treg Differentiation in Childhood Asthma. Date of registration: 14/03/2015. URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn
The Freiburg sport therapy program for eating disorders: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zeeck Almut , Schlegel Sabine , Jagau Friederike , Lahmann Claas , Hartmann Armin
Published: July 2020

Background

Unhealthy attitudes towards sport and problematic exercise behavior in eating disorders (ED) are common and associated with poorer treatment outcome and higher relapse rates. There is a need to develop and empirically test interventions that could complement standard treatment. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Freiburg sport therapy program for eating disorders (FSTP).

Methods

Outpatients with ED were randomized either to a 3 month sport therapy program (sport therapy group: STG) or a waiting list control group (CG). Patients were assessed when starting the program and at the end of the intervention. The intervention group (STG) was followed up after 6 month. Main outcome criterion was a reduction in unhealthy exercise (Commitment to Exercise Scale, CES). Secondary outcomes encompassed eating pathology (Eating Disorder Examination, EDE), different dimensions of unhealthy exercise (Compulsive Exercise Test, CET subscales) and exercise quantity (accelerometer).

Results

Recruitment was challenging. Fifteen patients were randomized to the STG and 11 were randomized to the CG condition. There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to the main outcome criterion. However, the STG showed a significantly stronger reduction in avoidance and rule driven behavior (CET subscale) when compared to the CG. Improvements (STG) were maintained at follow up.

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of unhealthy attitudes towards sport and problematic exercise behavior between the intervention and the group, as measured with the Commitment to Exercise Scale. Further findings may point to the effectiveness of the program, but have to be interpreted with caution and verified in further studies. A major limitation is the small sample size.

Trial registration

Study register:ISRCTN 14776348(registered 26 January, 2015.
Mapping mycological ignorance – checklists and diversity patterns of fungi known for West Africa
Authors: Piepenbring Meike , Maciá-Vicente Jose G. , Codjia Jean Evans I. , Glatthorn Carola , Kirk Paul , Meswaet Yalemwork , Minter David , Olou Boris Armel , Reschke Kai , Schmidt Marco , Yorou Nourou Soulemane
Published: July 2020

Scientific information about biodiversity distribution is indispensable for nature conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. For several groups of animals and plants, such data are available, but for fungi, especially in tropical regions like West Africa, they are mostly missing. Here, information for West African countries about species diversity of fungi and fungus-like organisms (other organisms traditionally studied by mycologists) is compiled from literature and analysed in its historical context for the first time. More than 16,000 records of fungi representing 4843 species and infraspecific taxa were found in 860 publications relating to West Africa. Records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database (2395 species), and that of the former International Mycological Institute fungal reference collection (IMI) (2526 species) were also considered. The compilation based on literature is more comprehensive than the GBIF and IMI data, although they include 914 and 679 species names, respectively, which are not present in the checklist based on literature. According to data available in literature, knowledge on fungal richness ranges from 19 species (Guinea Bissau) to 1595 (Sierra Leone). In estimating existing species diversity, richness estimators and the Hawksworth 6:1 fungus to plant species ratio were used. Based on the Hawksworth ratio, known fungal diversity in West Africa represents 11.4% of the expected diversity. For six West African countries, however, known fungal species diversity is less than 2%. Incomplete knowledge of fungal diversity is also evident by species accumulation curves not reaching saturation, by 45.3% of the fungal species in the checklist being cited only once for West Africa, and by 66.5% of the fungal species in the checklist reported only for a single country. The documentation of different systematic groups of fungi is very heterogeneous because historically investigations have been sporadic. Recent opportunistic sampling activities in Benin showed that it is not difficult to find specimens representing new country records. Investigation of fungi in West Africa started just over two centuries ago and it is still in an early pioneer phase. To promote proper exploration, the present checklist is provided as a tool to facilitate fungal identification in this region and to aid conceptualisation and justification of future research projects. Documentation of fungal diversity is urgently needed because natural habitats are being lost on a large scale through altered land use and climate change.
Flow diverter devices in the treatment of posterior communicating artery aneurysms: mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes
Authors: Moubark Mahmoud , Allah Abd El-Kareem Abd , Yosef Hosam , Abdel-Tawab Mohamed , Panos Parschakis , Othman Mostafa
Published: July 2020

Background

In the last decade, flow diverter (FD) devices are one of the widely used endovascular methods in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. As the frequency of its use is increasing progressively, we thought that studies concerned with the use of FD at specific locations are helpful to clarify the efficacy and safety of FD as a treatment option in cerebral aneurysms. We represent our experiences in the treatment of posterior communicating artery (PCOM) aneurysms by FD devices aiming to assess its angiographic efficacy (complete aneurysm occlusion) and its related complications. This is a retrospective study of 47 patients harboring 47 PCOM aneurysms treated with Pipeline Embolization Device (PED). Acutely ruptured and non-saccular aneurysms were excluded from the study. Short- and mid-term radiological and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Procedure-related complications were observed in five patients (two ischemic events, two transient ischemic attacks (TIA), and one ipsilateral distal hemorrhage) with no procedure-related mortality. Complete aneurysm occlusion was encountered in 87.2%. In multivariable analysis, large-sized aneurysm and incorporated vessels were an independent predictor of non-occlusion (P= 0.026 andP= 0.035 respectively). A favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2) was observed in 45/47 patients (95.7%); the incidence of postoperative complications was an independent predictor of unfavorable clinical outcomes (P= 0.048).

Conclusion

PED stent provides a high occlusion rate in the treatment of PCOM aneurysms with good post-treatment clinical outcomes.
Thin section and X-ray computed tomography for characterizing volcanic reservoirs in Chagan Sag, Yin-E Basin, China
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Cao Siyuan , Niu Zicheng
Published: July 2020

We have synthesized macroscopic data (cores) and microscopic data (thin sections and computed tomography images) to characterize volcanic oil and gas reservoir spaces in the Chagan Sag, Yin-E Basin, China. We also have assessed the controlling factors affecting the formation of these reservoirs. Primary pores significantly improve the reservoir quality because they enable the formation of secondary pores (dissolution pores) by allowing migration, alteration, and filling by inorganic and organic fluids. Consequently, the development of secondary pores modifies the permeability of the volcanic rocks. The formation of volcanic reservoirs is influenced by lithology, diagenic minerals, faults, and fractures. The size and abundance of pores, especially gas pores, varies with the lithology. Gas pores are consistently larger and more abundant in basalts than in andesites and tuffs. Moreover, the carbonates and chlorites readily dissolve in the vesicles and fractures, thus resulting in the formation of secondary pores. However, quartzes are not susceptible to dissolution in this study area. Further, faults and fractures are necessary for the formation of reservoir spaces and for oil and gas migration. The tomographic images provide 3D distributions of fractures, vesicles, and matrix dissolution pores. The results suggest that fractures connecting isolated gas pores provide favorable spaces for oil accumulation.
Scientia Potentia Est: How the Italian World of Oncology Changes in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ballatore Zelmira , Bastianelli Lucia , Merloni Filippo , Ranallo Nicoletta , Cantini Luca , Marcantognini Giulia , Berardi Rossana
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the WHO, a response from the Italian Health System to react to an unprecedented condition became necessary and sudden. The COVID-19 pandemic has required oncologists to redefine clinical organization and patient management. The purpose of our study was to document the difficulties emerging during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Italian oncology.

METHODS

We broadcasted an electronic survey to oncologic health care professionals. It consisted of 45 questions ranging from individual perception of pandemic management by hospital centers to physicians’ and nurses’ psychological distress and patient care.

RESULTS

A total of 383 oncology health workers participated in the survey. The majority were female (71.8%) and from central Italy (46.2%). Impressively, a total of 357 (93%) participants declared the oncologic department reorganized routine clinical activity, but only 40.5% were adequately trained about the required procedures; 20% of the survey respondents think they have not received adequate and timely protective devices.

CONCLUSION

Our survey demonstrated the flexibility of oncologic teams. However, the emergency response quality has been heterogeneous, and several drawbacks have emerged from the first analyses investigating how the world of oncology changes in the COVID-19 pandemic. Information, protection, testing, and training of health care professionals are key words that should be kept in mind to encourage recovery after this tragedy and to be ready to face a similar emergency in the future.
Polyphenols: Potential Beneficial Effects of These Phytochemicals in Athletes
Authors: D’Angelo Stefania
Published: July 2020

An athlete's dietary requirements depend on several aspects, including the environment, the sport, and the athlete's goals. Although it is recognized that regular exercise improves muscle performance and energy metabolism, unaccustomed or excessive exercise may cause cell damage and impair muscle function by triggering tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. Supplement use among athletes is widespread and recently new attention has been applied to polyphenols. Polyphenols are a class of organic chemical compounds, mainly found in plants, characterized by the presence of multiples of phenol structural units, and over recent decades, special attention has been paid to the healthy role of fruit-derived polyphenols in the human diet. This article will summarize latest knowledge on polyphenolic compounds that have been demonstrated both to exert an effect in exercise-induced muscle damage and to play a biological/physiological role in improving physical performance.
An optimisation of four SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR assays in a Kenyan laboratory to support the national COVID-19 rapid response teams
Authors: Mohammed Khadija Said , de Laurent Zaydah R. , Omuoyo Donwilliams O. , Lewa Clement , Gicheru Elijah , Cheruiyot Robinson , Bartilol Brian , Mutua Shadrack , Musyoki Jennifer , Gumba Horace , Mwacharo Jedidah , Riako Debra , Mwangi Shaban J. , Gichuki Bonface M. , Nyamako Lydia , Karani Angela , Karanja Henry , Mugo Daisy , Gitonga John N. , Njuguna Susan , Gumbi Wilson , Tawa Brian , Tendwa Metrine , Cheruiyot Wesley , Sein Yiakon , Nyambu John K. , Patta Shem O. , Thani Thani Suleiman , Maitha Eric K. , Kitole Benson , Mwakinangu Mohamed S. , Muslih Barke S. , Otieno John Ochieng , Nyiro Joyce U. , Kiyuka Patience , Ndwiga Leonard , Wamae Kevin , Kimani Domtila , Makale Johnstone , Morobe John Mwita , Osoti Victor , Lambisia Arnold W. , Odundo Calleb , Mwarumba Salim , Mutunga Martin , Bejon Philip , Tsofa Benjamin , Agoti Charles N. , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella
Published: July 2020

Background: The global COVID-19 outbreak relies on a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), to facilitate the roll-out of patient care and infection control measures. There are several qRT-PCR assays with little evidence on their comparability. We report alterations to the developers’ recommendations to sustain the testing capability in our setting, where the supply of testing reagents is limited.

Methods: Standards generated from a serially-diluted positive control and previously identified positive/negative samples were used to determine the optimal volumes of the qRT-PCR reagents and to evaluate the validity and performance of four assays: Charité Berlin and European Virus Archive – GLOBAL (EVAg) primer-probe sets, and DAAN and Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) premixed commercial kits. A multiplex and singleplex RT-PCR kit was used with the two primer-probe sets and the recommended assay volumes of the two premixed kits were altered.

Results: In comparison to the multiplex RT-PCR kit, the singleplex RT-PCR kit combined with the primer-probe sets yielded consistent cycle threshold (Ct) values across the different titrations tested. The DAAN premixed kit produced comparable Ct values across the titrations, while the BGI kit showed incomparable Ct values and inconsistent results between batches using the manufacturer’s recommended volumes.

Conclusion: We achieved a 2.5-fold and 4-fold increase in the number of tests/kit for the premixed kits and the primer-probe sets, respectively. The primer-probe set assays were reliable and consistent, and we preferred a combination of an EVAg and a Berlin target. Any inconclusive result was repeated by different individuals following the same protocol. DAAN was a consistent and reliable assay even at lower concentrations from the stated recommendations. BGI in contrast, required dilution to improve its performance and was hence an assay that was used in combination with EVAg or Berlin targets.
Phosphoregulation of tropomyosin-actin interaction revealed using a genetic code expansion strategy
Authors: Palani Saravanan , Koester Darius , Balasubramanian Mohan K.
Published: July 2020

Tropomyosins are coiled-coil proteins that regulate the stability and / or function of actin cytoskeleton in muscle and non-muscle cells through direct binding of actin filaments. Recently, using the fission yeast, we discovered a new mechanism by which phosphorylation of serine 125 of tropomyosin (Cdc8), reduced its affinity for actin filaments thereby providing access for the actin severing protein Adf1/Cofilin to actin filaments causing instability of actin filaments. Here we use a genetic code expansion strategy to directly examine this conclusion. We produced inEscherichia coliCdc8-tropomyosin bearing a phosphate group on Serine-125 (Cdc8PS125), using an orthogonal tRNA-tRNA synthetase pair that directly incorporates phosphoserine into proteins in response to a UAG codon in the corresponding mRNA. We show using total internal reflection (TIRF) microscopy that, whereasE.coliproduced Cdc8PS125does not bind actin filaments, Cdc8PS125incubated with lambda phosphatase binds actin filaments. This work directly demonstrates that a phosphate moiety present on serine 125 leads to decreased affinity of Cdc8-tropomyosin for actin filaments. We also extend the work to demonstrate the usefulness of the genetic code expansion approach in imaging actin cytoskeletal components.
Conselhos de administração e board interlocking entre as empresas listadas no nível 1 de governança corporativa da B3
Authors: Nascimento Fábio Pagliarini do , Saltorato Patrícia , Sigahi Tiago Fonseca Albuquerque Cavalcanti , Tessarini Júnior Geraldo
Published: July 2020

Este trabalho explora o board interlocking (BI) a partir da análise das redes sociais formadas pelos conselhos de administração (CA) das empresas do Nível 1 de Governança Corporativa da B3. Os dados foram coletados por meio de pesquisa documental junto à imprensa de negócios e órgãos especializados, e analisados considerando medidas de centralidade de grau, intermediação e proximidade. Constatou-se que 42% dos conselheiros atuam simultaneamente em mais de um CA e que 92% das empresas possuem interlocking (pelo menos um executivo). Compreender o BI permite que pesquisadores, gestores e acionistas tomem decisões mais assertivas, respeitando os limites legais e éticos.
Saúde e educação: investimentos e efetividade municipal
Authors: Aguiar Mayte Cardoso , Teixeira Aridelmo , Beiruth Aziz Xavier
Published: July 2020

Objetiva-se avaliar se os investimentos em saúde e educação realizados pelos municípios do Estado do Espírito Santo têm impactado no Índice de Efetividade de Gestão Municipal – IEGM. Os resultados evidenciaram que os investimentos na saúde somente geram impactos positivos na efetividade no exercício posterior, e que na educação, os impactos na efetividade não são percebidos. Os resultados permitem inferir ser a gestão do investimento que traduz efetividade. Conclui-se que a decisão na alocação dos recursos deve se pautar em critérios técnicos, e que o controle externo deve considerar a adoção de indicadores que impactam a qualidade de vida da sociedade.
Aportes y asuntos críticos en la medición de la violencia sexual contra las mujeres en el marco del conflicto armado en Colombia: una reflexión a partir del diseño y los resultados de la ENVISE 2010 - 2015
Authors: Carrillo Urrego Abelardo , Millán Cruz Noelba , Babativa Márquez José Giovany
Published: July 2020

En este artículo se realiza un análisis crítico de algunos de los resultados más importantes de la Encuesta de Prevalencia de la Violencia Sexual en contra de las mujeres en el contexto del conflicto armado colombiano para el periodo 2010 – 2015. Esta encuesta presenta, entre otros aspectos, datos respecto a la magnitud de las diversas conductas vinculadas a la violencia sexual, algunas características sociodemográficas de las víctimas, rasgos de los agresores, los espacios y la frecuencia de tales formas de violencia. Si bien este artículo da cuenta de los aportes de la encuesta para generar información sobre el tema, también plantea un debate en torno a las limitaciones y desafíos que tienen los datos para estimar, entre otros aspectos, la magnitud o prevalencia de la violencia sexual contra las mujeres en el contexto del conflicto armado colombiano. Asimismo, plantea la necesidad de explorar el vínculo entre este tipo de violencia contra las mujeres y el contexto de violencia social e institucional que ha vivido el país en su historia reciente.
El derecho comercial: de la regulación al compliance
Authors: Sanclemente Javier
Published: July 2020

El presente texto plantea una reflexión sobre las nociones jurídicas del compliance y la regulación económica. Se analiza la manera en la que renuevan viejas instituciones del derecho comercial, como los derechos y las obligaciones de los agentes económicos. Ellas son las herramientas jurídicas de un Estado modesto, pero que pretende seguir siendo el garante de intereses generales. Para ello, desarrolla nuevas formas de controlar tanto el acceso como el comportamiento en el mercado. De esa manera se plantean nuevas tensiones entre el ejercicio del derecho a la libertad económica y la protección del bien común. Dichos conflictos deben tramitarse de modo pragmático, atendiendo la complejidad que se deriva de la mezcla de lógicas diversas. Se observa que las empresas deben armonizar el objetivo de generar utilidades con nuevas obligaciones que les exigen proteger intereses públicos. De esa forma, la responsabilidad social de la empresa adquiere un carácter normativo, pues el incumplimiento de las nuevas obligaciones puede dar lugar a sanciones severas, incluso en materia penal.
Narcotráfico, pandilleros y capital cultural positivo en Nicaragua
Authors: Rodgers Dennis
Published: July 2020

Como lo resaltan Steven Levitt y Stephen Dubner (2005, p. 103) en su famoso libro Freakonomics, existen numerosos mitos e ideas equivocadas sobre los beneficios del tráfico de drogas. En su capítulo jocosamente intitulado “¿Por qué los expendedores de drogas viven todavía con sus mamás?”, por ejemplo, describen cómo, contrariamente a lo que suele pensarse, la gran mayoría de los involucrados en el tráfico de drogas en Estados Unidos ganan “menos del salario mínimo”, y únicamente los jefes de las bandas obtienen ganancias significativas. Si bien este no es necesariamente el caso en todo el mundo —ver Rodgers (2017a)—, no hay duda de que los beneficios del tráfico de drogas se distribuyen de manera muy desigual, y que son altamente contingentes y volátiles, lo cual puede generar economías políticas muy particulares.
Optimization of Tree Ensembles
Authors: Mišić Velibor V.
Published: July 2020

From Tree Ensemble Models to Decisions
The Effect of Principals’ Leadership towards Effective Learning at an Indonesian Secondary School
Authors: Indra Ristapawa , Kustati Martin , Saregar Antomi , Warnis Warnis , Nelmawarni Nelmawarni , Yusuf Yunisrina Qismullah
Published: July 2020

The study aims to investigate the evaluation model of professional leadership and the characteristics of successful principals at an Indonesian secondary school. It is to further realize the effective learning and to produce instruments that meet the validity and reliability tests. It also aims to discover the correlation and the significance of the independent variables on the dependent variables, and the percentage of influence on the indicators in shaping the model of principals’ leadership. Quantitative data were obtained by distributing questionnaires to 100 students. The number of respondents was determined using a simple random sampling technique. The research findings showed that there was a significant correlation among the principals’ leadership, characters, and effective learning. It indicated that leadership evaluation influenced the school leadership and the principals’ characters on effective learning. The results of the measurement on formative relationships showed that the indicators of behaviour and actions of school principals who manage the teachers to conduct learning activity seriously in the classroom became a determining factor in shaping the effective learning paradigm in secondary schools.
IMPACT-Scot report on COVID-19 and hip fractures
Authors: Hall Andrew J. , Clement Nicholas D. , Farrow Luke ,   IMPACT-Scot Study Group, MacLullich Alasdair M. J. , Dall Graham F. , Scott Chloe E. H. , Jenkins Paul J. , White Timothy O. , Duckworth Andrew D.
Published: July 2020

Aims

The primary aim was to assess the independent influence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on 30-day mortality for patients with a hip fracture. The secondary aims were to determine whether: 1) there were clinical predictors of COVID-19 status; and 2) whether social lockdown influenced the incidence and epidemiology of hip fractures.

Methods

A national multicentre retrospective study was conducted of all patients presenting to six trauma centres or units with a hip fracture over a 46-day period (23 days pre- and 23 days post-lockdown). Patient demographics, type of residence, place of injury, presentation blood tests, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, operation, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, anaesthetic, length of stay, COVID-19 status, and 30-day mortality were recorded.

Results

Of 317 patients with acute hip fracture, 27 (8.5%) had a positive COVID-19 test. Only seven (26%) had suggestive symptoms on admission. COVID-19-positive patients had a significantly lower 30-day survival compared to those without COVID-19 (64.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 45.7 to 83.3 vs 91.7%, 95% CI 88.2 to 94.8; p < 0.001). COVID-19 was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality risk adjusting for: 1) age, sex, type of residence (hazard ratio (HR) 2.93; p = 0.008); 2) Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (HR 3.52; p = 0.001); and 3) ASA (HR 3.45; p = 0.004). Presentation platelet count predicted subsequent COVID-19 status; a value of < 217 × 109/l was associated with 68% area under the curve (95% CI 58 to 77; p = 0.002) and a sensitivity and specificity of 63%. A similar number of patients presented with hip fracture in the 23 days pre-lockdown (n = 160) and 23 days post-lockdown (n = 157) with no significant (all p ≥ 0.130) difference in patient demographics, residence, place of injury, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, ASA, or management.

Conclusion

COVID-19 was independently associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate for patients with a hip fracture. Notably, most patients with hip fracture and COVID-19 lacked suggestive symptoms at presentation. Platelet count was an indicator of risk of COVID-19 infection. These findings have implications for the management of hip fractures, in particular the need for COVID-19 testing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1219–1228.
Point spread function degradation model of a polarization imaging system for wide-field subwavelength nanoparticles
Authors: Qiong Wu , Gao Kun , Hua Zizheng , Zhang Zhenzhou , Zhao Hanwen , Xiong Jichuan , Yu Peilin
Published: July 2020

We propose a comprehensive point spread function (PSF) degradation
model, which considers multiple factors consisting of degradation of
specimen retardant sampling and polarization angularly anamorphic
sampling, to indicate the image degradation characteristics of
polarization imaging systems. First, a one-layer optical coherence
tomography (OCT) model was established to express the retardancy of
medium-loading specimens. Then, a PSF degradation model of angularly
anamorphic polarization sampling was deduced through the retrieval of
Stokes parameters. Finally, maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) was
adopted to assess the distribution of the proposed model. Hypothesis
testing using actual data and numerical simulations demonstrated that
the error of the system followed an asymmetric generalized Gaussian
distribution (AGGD). Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation
results and an actual imaging experiment demonstrate the consistency
of the proposed model and the degradation characteristics of the PSF,
which provide support for the improved accuracy and enhanced image
quality of the optical field retrieval of nanoparticles.
High contrast multimode fiber imaging based on wavelength
modulation
Authors: Zhang Xuanhao , Wen Zhong , Ma Yaoguang , Liu Xu , Wang Liqiang , Yang Qing
Published: July 2020

The property of the multimode fiber (MMF) to remain minimally invasive
when performing high-resolution observations, makes MMF imaging of
particular interest in many related fields recently, especially in
bioendoscopic imaging. Imaging through point scanning is the most
common method of MMF imaging now, which means modulating a scanning
focal spot on the end face of fiber by controlling modes in the fiber.
However, due to mode interference, there is always a background
speckle around the focal spot formed, which affects imaging quality
seriously. Increasing controllable modes number can effectively
suppress the effects of the background speckle, but it is limited by
the number of controllable elements (the elements number of wavefront
shaping devices). Here, we propose a new, to the best of our
knowledge, method to increase the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of MMF
imaging without increasing the number of controllable modes.
Wavelength modulation is introduced to suppress the background. The
background speckles turn to be uncorrelated, whereas the signal
patterns turn to be strongly correlated and can be added when 20
different wavelengths of light form a focal spot at the same position
at the distal end of MMF, respectively. Thus, a four-fold enhancement
can be gained in CNR at a 200 µm field-of-view (FOV) by suppressing
background speckles.
Intracavity birefringence-controlled GHz-tuning range passively harmonic mode-locked fiber laser based on NPR
Authors: Ling Yuanda , Huang Qianqian , Song Qingguo , Yan Zhijun , Mou Chengbo , Zhou Kaiming , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2020

We experimentally demonstrate a harmonic-order controllable L-band Er-doped passively mode-locked fiber laser based on nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR). Distinct from all previous reports, we find that the intracavity birefringence is able to control the harmonic order of a passively mode-locked fiber laser. Experimentally, under a constant pump power of 704 mW, the harmonic order can be tuned from 113th to 39th monotonically by adjusting the polarization controller orientation only. The corresponding repetition rate changes from 2.21 to 0.77 GHz simultaneously. Remarkably, the super-mode suppression ratio of each harmonic order we observed is higher than 29 dB with a maximum of 36.5 dB. Simulated transmission spectra of NPR prove that the changed transmission plays an important role in controlling the harmonic order.
MoS2-based broadband and highly efficient solar absorbers
Authors: Sun Zhanshan , Huang Fumin , Fu Yunqi
Published: July 2020

In order to obtain broadband, highly efficient, wide-angle, and polarization-insensitive solar absorbers, we propose a universal configuration consisting of monolayer molybdenum disulfide (

M
o
S

2

) and the metal-insulator-metal structure, which gives rise to significant absorption enhancement of the

M
o
S

2

layer. Light trapping structures with silver square-, circle-, and crossed-shaped resonators are investigated. The localized surface plasmon resonances among the silver resonators induce prominent interaction between the incident photon and

M
o
S

2

layer, contributing to efficient absorption of light energy. Simulation results show that the absorber made of square patches enables the best performance and realizes absorptance higher than 90% from 400 to 666 nm and an average absorptance greater than 91% in the range of 400–700 nm. The average light absorption within the

M
o
S

2

layer reaches 74% in the visible spectrum, which is one of the highest levels for the existing

M
o
S

2

-based absorbers. Meanwhile, the polarization-independent designs exhibit good angle tolerance within 50° incidences. Such a universal structure can also obtain broadband and highly efficient absorption by using other transition metal dichalcogenides such as

M
o
S
e

2

,

W
S

2

, and

W
S
e

2

, which indicates that the configuration has great applicability in solar energy absorption of 2D materials. The proposed solar absorbers with simple configuration and broadband absorption in wide incident angles have potential in applications such as solar cells, photovoltaic devices, and blackbody materials.
On modeling of plasmonic devices: overview
Authors: Said Afaf , Atia Khaled S. R. , Obayya S. S. A.
Published: July 2020

Plasmonics offers strong light localization into subwavelength dimensions beyond the diffraction limit. Therefore, plasmonics has a significant impact on realizing nanoscale photonic devices for a wide range of applications such as integrated optics, sensing, solar cells, and microscopy. The computational modeling of plasmonic devices provides a fundamental understanding of the relying physics. However, computational modeling of these devices is still a challenge as some of the existing modeling techniques fail to capture the correct behavior of plasmonic devices. In this regard, this paper focuses on reviewing the existing computational modeling tools for analyzing plasmonic devices and highlighting their salient features and shortcomings.
High power microsecond fiber laser at 1.5 μm
Authors: Pavlova Svitlana , Yagci M. Emre , Eken S. Koray , Tunckol Ersan , Pavlov Ihor
Published: July 2020

In this work, we demonstrate a single frequency, high power fiber-laser system, operating at 1550 nm, generating controllable rectangular-shape μs pulses. In order to control the amplified spontaneous emission content, and overcome the undesirable pulse steepening during the amplification, a new method with two seed sources operating at 1550 nm and 1560 nm are used in this system. The output power is about 35 W in CW mode, and the peak power is around 32 W in the pulsed mode. The repetition rate of the system is tunable between 50 Hz to 10 kHz, and the pulse duration is adjustable from 10 μs to 100 μs, with all on the fly electronically configurable design. The system demonstrates excellent long and short time stability, as well as spectral and spatial beam quality.
Forward imaging neural network with correction of positional misalignment for Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Zhang Jinlei , Tao Xiao , Yang Lin , Wu Rengmao , Sun Peng , Wang Chang , Zheng Zhenrong
Published: July 2020

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is a computational imaging technology used to achieve high-resolution imaging with a wide field-of-view. The existing methods of FPM suffer from the positional misalignment in the system, by which the quality of the recovered high-resolution image is determined. In this paper, a forward neural network method with correction of the positional misalignment (FNN-CP) is proposed based on TensorFlow, which consists of two models. Both the spectrum of the sample and four global position factors, which are introduced to describe the positions of the LED elements, are treated as the learnable weights in layers in the first model. By minimizing the loss function in the training process, the positional error can be corrected based on the trained position factors. In order to fit the wavefront aberrations caused by optical components in the FPM system for better recovery results, the second model is designed, in which the spectrum of the sample and coefficients of different Zernike modes are treated as the learnable weights in layers. After the training process of the second model, the wavefront aberration can be fit according to the coefficients of different Zernike modes and the high-resolution complex image can be obtained based on the trained spectrum of the sample. Both the simulation and experiment have been performed to verify the effectiveness of our proposed method. Compared with the state-of-art FPM methods based on forward neural network, FNN-CP can achieve the best reconstruction results.
Specular-reflection photonic nanojet: physical basis and optical trapping application
Authors: Minin I. V. , Geints Yu. E. , Zemlyanov A. A. , Minin O. V.
Published: July 2020

A specular-reflection photonic nanojet (s-PNJ) is a specific type of optical near-field subwavelength spatial localization originated from the constructive interference of direct and backward propagated optical waves focused by a transparent dielectric microparticle located near a flat reflecting mirror. The unique property of s-PNJ is reported for maintaining its spatial localization and high intensity when using microparticles with high refractive index contrast when a regular photonic nanojet is not formed. The physical principles of obtaining subwavelength optical focus in the specular-reflection mode of a PNJ are numerically studied and a comparative analysis of jet parameters obtained by the traditional schemes without and with reflection is carried out. Based on the s-PNJ, the physical concept of an optical tweezer integrated into the microfluidic device is proposed provided by the calculations of optical trapping forces of the trial gold nanosphere. Importantly, such an optical trap shows twice as high stability to Brownian motion of the captured nano-bead as compared to the conventional nanojet-based traps and can be relatively easy implemented.
Nonlinear pth root spectral magnitude scaling beamforming for clinical photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging
Authors: Cho Seonghee , Jeon Seungwan , Choi Wonseok , Managuli Ravi , Kim Chulhong
Published: July 2020

A recently introduced nonlinear

p

th root delay-and-sum (

NL-

p

-DAS

) beamforming (BF) technique for ultrasound (US) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging, achieving better spatial and contrast resolution compared to a conventional delay and sum (DAS) technique. While the method is advantageous for better resolution, it suffers from grainy speckles and dark areas in the image mainly due to the interference of non-sinusoidal functions. In this Letter, we introduce a modified

NL-

p

-DAS

technique called nonlinear

p

th root spectral magnitude scaling (

NL-

p

-SMS

), which performs the

p

th root on the spectral magnitude instead of the temporal amplitude. We evaluated the US and PA images of

NL-

p

-SMS

against those of

NL-

p

-DAS

by comparing the axial and lateral line profiles, contrasts, and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) in both phantom and in vivo imaging studies with various

p

values. As a result, we found that the

NL-

p

-SMS

has better axial resolution and CNR than the

NL-

p

-DAS

, and reduces the grainy speckles and dark area artifacts. We believe that, with this enhanced performance, our proposed approach could be an advancement compared to the existing nonlinear BF algorithms.
Systematical analysis of ideal absorptivity for passive radiative cooling
Authors: Li Yulian , Li Linzhi , Guo Li , An Bowen
Published: July 2020

Passive radiative cooling has had a renaissance in energy consumption, emission reduction, and environmental protection over the past two decades. Ultimate absorptivity determines the cooler’s performance, so the ideal absorptivity is the target for designing passive radiative coolers. In this paper, we systematically analyzed passive radiative cooling, including angle-dependent and wavelength-dependent thermal radiative power Prad, absorption power from the ambient Patm, their power difference Pdiff, absorption power from the sun Psun and thermally conductive and convection power Pcc. During the analytical process, we show the key factors of cooling and analyze the ideal absorptivity of radiators in four conditions. The analytical progress and results will give a reference to the design of the radiator in the future.
The Limits of Auteurism: Case Studies in the Critically Constructed New Hollywood, Nicholas Godfrey (2018)
Authors: Bugeja Nick
Published: July 2020

Review of: The Limits of Auteurism: Case Studies in the Critically Constructed New Hollywood, Nicholas Godfrey (2018)

New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 282pp., ISBN: 9780813589145 (pbk), $27.95
Interpreting Anime, Christopher Bolton (2018)
Authors: MacLeod Kaia
Published: July 2020

Review of: Interpreting Anime, Christopher Bolton (2018)

Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 328pp.,

ISBN: 9781517904036 (pbk), $24.00
Sicario (2015)
Authors: Williams Emmett
Published: July 2020

Review of: Sicario (2015)

USA

Director Denis Villeneuve

Runtime 121 minutes
Sound, Realism, Fantasy, and Fusion in La La Land (2016)
Authors: Spillane Ashley R.
Published: July 2020

Review of: Sound, Realism, Fantasy, and Fusion in La La Land (2016)

USA

Director Damien Chazelle

Runtime 127 minutes
Life reform, educational reform and reform pedagogy from the turn of the century up until 1945 in Hungary
Authors: Németh András , Pukánszky Béla
Published: July 2020

Since the end of the 19th century, the modernisation processes of urbanisation and industrialisation taking place in Europe and the transatlantic regions have changed not only the natural environment but also social and geographical relations. The emergence of modern states changed the traditional societies, lifestyles and private lives of individuals and social groups. It is also characteristic of this period that social reform movements appeared in large numbers – as a «counterweight» to unprecedented, rapid and profound changes. Some of these movements sought to achieve the necessary changes with the help of individual self-reform. Life reform in the narrower sense refers to this type of reform movement. New historical pedagogical research shows that in the major school concepts of reform pedagogy a relatively close connection with life reform is discernible. Reform pedagogy is linked to life reform – and vice versa. Numerous sociotopes of life reform had their own schools, because how better to contribute than through education to the ideal reproduction and continuity of one’s own group. Our work ties in with this pedagogical research direction. The background to the first part of the study is a long-term project aimed at promoting contacts in life reform and reform pedagogy in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and later in Hungary. In the second part we analyse the process up to 1945, in which the ideas of life reform and the elements of reform pedagogy were institutionalised and integrated into the official pedagogical guidelines of the Hungarian universities.
Los edificios escolares de primera enseñanza de Almudévar (Huesca, España) (1923-1936)
Authors: Vázquez Astorga Mónica
Published: July 2020

The aim of this work was to study state-funded primary schools in Almudévar (Huesca, Spain) that were planned or built during Miguel Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship and the Second Spanish Republic. Based on the documents consulted in the municipal archive and visits to the buildings themselves, it provides analysis of the commitment of the municipal corporation to addressing the needs of children regarding appropriate buildings for their schooling. This study has been carried out considering the regulations on primary education that were in force at that time, as well as the school models developed to construct school buildings with the best conditions for health and hygiene.