bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidelines for Handling of Cytological Specimens in Cancer Genomic Medicine
Authors: Morii Eiichi , Hatanaka Yutaka , Motoi Noriko , Kawahara Akihiko , Hamakawa Shinji , Kuwata Takeshi , Nagatomo Tadasuke , Oda Yoshinao , Okamoto Aikou , Tanaka Ryota , Iyoda Akira , Ichiro Maeda , Matsuo Yukiko , Nakamura Nobuyuki , Nakai Tokiko , Fukuhara Mei , Tokita Kazuya , Yamaguchi Tomohiko , Takenaka Masataka , Kawabata Ayako , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Tsubame Kaho , Satoh Yukitoshi ,   The Working Group on Cytology in the Era of Genomic Medicine
Published: February 2023

Rapid advances are being made in cancer drug therapy. Since molecularly targeted therapy has been introduced, personalized medicine is being practiced, pathological tissue from malignant tumors obtained during routine practice is frequently used for genomic testing. Whereas cytological specimens fixed mainly in alcohol are considered to be more advantageous in terms of preservation of the nucleic acid quality and quantity. This article is aimed to share the information for the proper handling of cytological specimens in practice for genomic medicine based on the findings established in “Guidelines for Handling of Cytological Specimens in Cancer Genomic Medicine (in Japanese)” published by the Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology in 2021. The three-part practical guidelines are based on empirical data analyses; Part 1 describes general remarks on the use of cytological specimens in cancer genomic medicine, then Part 2 describes proper handling of cytological specimens, and Part 3 describes the empirical data related to handling of cytological specimens. The guidelines indicated proper handling of specimens in each fixation, preparation, and evaluation.
Long-Term Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Male Transobturator-Retrourethral Sling Surgery
Authors: Hernández-Hernández David , Navarro-Galmés Miguel Angel , Padilla-Fernández Bárbara , Hess-Medler Stephany , Castro-Díaz David Manuel
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI) has an enormous impact in quality of life (QoL). Transobturator-rethrourethral sling (AdVanceTMXP sling) is a well-established treatment option although there is paucity of data on long-term outcomes. Our objective was to assess the long-term functional outcomes and QoL in a cohort of men undergoing AdVanceTMXP sling surgery. Methods: Retrospective observational study of men undergoing AdVanceTMXP sling in a tertiary referral institution from August 2013 to July 2020. 55 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Main outcomes were pre- and post-operative daily pad use and scoring in the ICIQ-SF questionnaire. Post-operative complications were assessed following the Clavien-Dindo classification system. QoL and satisfaction with the procedure were assessed through direct interview. Results: Mean number of pads prior to surgery was 3.1, and mean ICIQ-SF score was 13.5. After surgery, mean daily pads use went to 1.2, and mean ICIQ-SF dropped to 5. With a mean follow-up of 42.36 months, 21.8% patients did not use any pads/day and 76.4% achieved social continence (0–1 pad/day). We found no statistically significant differences in outcomes of patients with follow-up of <36 months, 36–48 months, and >48 months (p = 0.067). Conclusions: AdVanceTMXP sling implantation in men with PPUI improves urinary incontinence and QoL, and their results are sustained over time.
Diagnostic Value of the Air-Bone Threshold Gap in Stapes Fixation
Authors: Cheon Dongchul , Kim Dachan , Kim Sung Huhn , Choi Jae Young , Bae Seong Hoon
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The Carhart notch is a well-known sign of stapes fixation. However, previous studies have reported that the Carhart notch is not specific to stapes fixation and is also present in other middle ear diseases. Therefore, this study investigated the diagnostic value of threshold gap between air conduction and bone conduction (ABG) for stapes fixation, instead of the bone conduction dip representing the Carhart notch. Methods: A total of 199 ears that underwent exploratory tympanotomy were enrolled in this retrospective study. They were categorized into three groups according to surgical findings: stapes fixation (SF), other ossicle fixation (OF), and chain disconnection (CD). Preoperative pure-tone audiograms and impedance audiograms were compared between the groups. Results: The incidence of the Carhart notch did not differ between the groups. The ABG at 2,000 Hz showed a good diagnostic performance for distinguishing between the SF and CD groups (area under the curve, AUC = 0.816, p < 0.001), but poor performance for distinguishing between the SF and OF groups (AUC = 0.662, p = 0.003). Bone conduction at 2,000 Hz showed a moderate performance for distinguishing between the SF and CD groups (AUC = 0.707, p < 0.001) and did not show statistically significant results for distinguishing between the SF and OF groups (AUC = 0.594, p = 0.080). The tympanic membrane compliance was significantly higher in the CD group than in the SF group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The Carhart notch was not a specific finding of SF. The sensitivity and specificity of ABG ≤15 dB at 2,000 Hz for distinguishing between SF and CD were 60.4% and 89.2%, respectively. To prepare for surgical interventions in patients with conductive hearing loss but a normal tympanic membrane, clinicians should comprehensively consider these results.
Non-Intentional N-Acetylcysteine Overdose Associated with Cerebral Edema and Brain Death
Authors: Spence Emma E.M. , Shwetz Sey , Ryan Lauren , Anton Natalie , Joffe Ari R.
Published: February 2023

N-acetylcysteine is the established treatment for acetaminophen toxicity. This medication’s complex dosing schedule engenders a high incidence of medication errors. While nuisance side effects are common, only rare case reports describe serious outcomes associated with N-acetylcysteine administration, all of which take place in the setting of non-intentional N-acetylcysteine overdose. This case report contributes to a small but growing literature that suggests that large N-acetylcysteine overdose may have devastating outcomes. We describe a 15-year-old female who presented with stage III acetaminophen toxicity and who received a non-intentional 6-fold overdose of intravenous N-acetylcysteine due to a medication prescribing error. During the N-acetylcysteine infusion dosing error, the patient had clinical deterioration including seizure followed by cerebral edema and brain herniation that progressed to brain death. She developed agitation and worsening headache within 2 h of the dosing error, which progressed to seizure and intubation 14 h into the dosing error. Although possibly due to hepatic encephalopathy, at the time she developed fixed dilated pupils, her lactate, international normalized ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase had all improved. On review of the literature, other case reports of seizures (n = 4) and cerebral edema with brain herniation (n = 3) were found, suggesting our patient was not an isolated case. Clinicians need to be aware of the common occurrence of dosing errors for N-acetylcysteine infusions. We suggest institutions review their N-acetylcysteine ordering, dosing, and mixing protocols in order to avoid similar rare errors in the future. Iatrogenic overdose of N-acetylcysteine can cause seizure, cerebral edema, and brain death.
Supporting Resilience of Older Adults with Cognitive Decline Requires a Multi-Level System Approach
Authors: Peeters Geeske , Kok Almar , de Bruin Simone R. , van Campen Crétien , Graff Maud , Nieuwboer Minke , Huisman Martijn , van Munster Barbara , van der Zee Eddy A. , Kas Martien J. , Perry Marieke , Gerritsen Debby L. , Vreede-Chabot Elisabeth , The Anne-Mei , van Hout Hein , Bakker Franka C. , Achterberg Wilco P. , van der Steen Jenny T. , Smits Carolien , Melis René , Olde Rikkert Marcel
Published: February 2023

The concept of resilience, i.e., the capacity of a system to bounce back after a stressor, is gaining interest across many fields of science, policy, and practice. To date, resilience research in people with cognitive decline has predominantly addressed the early stages of decline. We propose that: (1) resilience is a relevant concept in all stages of cognitive decline; and (2) a socio-ecological, multisystem perspective on resilience is required to advance understanding of, and care and support for people with cognitive decline and their support networks. We substantiate our position with literature and examples. Resilience helps understand differences in response to risk factors of (further) cognitive decline and informs personalised prevention. In a curative context, interventions to strengthen resilience aim to boost recovery from cognitive decline. In care for people with dementia, resilience-focused interventions can strengthen coping mechanisms to maintain functioning and well-being of the individual and their support network. A good example of improving resilience in the social and policy context is the introduction of age-friendly cities and dementia-friendly communities. Good care for people with cognitive decline requires a health and social care system that can adapt to changes in demand. Given the interdependency of resilience at micro-, meso- and macro-levels, an integrative socio-ecological perspective is required. Applying the concept of resilience in the field of cognitive decline opens new horizons for research to improve understanding, predicting, intervening on health and social care needs for the increasing population with cognitive decline.
Use of Psychotropic Medication in Victims of Sudden Cardiac Death with Nonischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Kauppila Janna P. , Pakanen Lasse , Porvari Katja , Vähätalo Juha , Holmström Lauri , Haukilahti M. Anette E. , Perkiömäki Juha , Huikuri Heikki V. , Junttila M. Juhani
Published: February 2023

Background: Nonischemic heart disease (NIHD) is the underlying pathology in about 20% of sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs). Psychotropic medication has been reported as a risk factor for SCD among patients with coronary artery disease, but similar information concerning NIHD is scarce. Objectives: We evaluated the use of psychotropic medication in victims of SCD due to NIHD and compared it to the general medication use in Finland. Method: Study population was derived from the Finnish Genetic Study of Arrhythmic Events (Fingesture) (n = 5,869, mean age: 65 ± 12, 79% males; 1,404 victims of SCD due to NIHD, mean age: 57 ± 13, 77% males). All deaths occurred in Northern Finland during 1998–2017. All victims underwent a medicolegal autopsy. Data on use of medication were defined using postmortem toxicology results and patient records. Subjects with neither toxicological analysis nor information of medication use available were excluded. Information on general medication use was derived from Finnish Statistics on Medicines 2018 and presented as defined daily dose/1,000 inhabitants/day. Results: Psychotropic medication was used by 579 (41%) subjects with NIHD, whereas in the general population, only 12% were estimated to use psychotropics. The results were similar in subgroups of psychotropic medication: 27% versus 2.3% for benzodiazepines, 19% versus 7.5% for antidepressants, and 18% versus 2.2% for antipsychotics. Conclusions: Use of psychotropic medication is common in victims of SCD due to NIHD compared to the general population.
Effects of different mulching materials on yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Aung Zin Mar , Zar Thu
Published: February 2023

Two field experiments were conducted during dry season (October, 2019 to March, 2020) at Yezin Agricultural University farm and Sepin research farm, Yamethin, Myanmar to investigate the effect of different mulching materials on yield and yield components of maize. No mulching and six mulching materials (rice straw mulching, rice husk mulching, maize stover mulching, mung bean stover mulching, soybean stover mulching and white plastic polyethylene mulching) were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCB) with three replications on NK-621 variety. The longest days to 50% tasseling (69.67) at Yezin and (71.67) at Yamethin were obtained in no mulching while the shortest days to 50% tasseling (62.00) at Yezin and (64.33) at Yamethin were observed from rice straw mulching at Yezin and white plastic polyethylene mulching at Yamethin. Number of kernel row-1, rows ear-1, row length, kernels ear-1, thousand grains weight were significantly different among different mulching materials at Yezin. The maximum grain yield (5.72 ton ha-1) and (10.39 ton ha-1) were observed from rice straw mulching at Yezin and Yamethin. According to the results, rice straw mulching resulted in the highest yield and yield components of maize at two locations.
Validity of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical, Mental, and Social Health Measures After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation and Implications for Patient Care
Authors: Hahn Elizabeth A. , Walsh Mary N. , Allen Larry A. , Lee Christopher S. , Denfeld Quin E. , Teuteberg Jeffrey J. , Beiser David G. , McIlvennan Colleen K. , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Klein Liviu , Adler Eric D. , Stehlik Josef , Ruo Bernice , Bedjeti Katy , Cummings Peter D. , Vela Alyssa M. , Grady Kathleen L.
Published: February 2023

Background:

A better understanding is needed of the burdens and benefits of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on patients’ physical, mental, and social well-being. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the validity of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures for LVAD patients and to estimate clinically important score differences likely to have implications for patient treatment or care.

Methods:

Adults from 12 sites across all US geographic regions completed PROMIS measures ≥3 months post-LVAD implantation. Other patient-reported outcomes (eg, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 item), clinician ratings, performance tests, and clinical adverse events were used as validity indicators. Criterion and construct validity and clinically important differences were estimated with Pearson correlations, ANOVA methods, and Cohen d effect sizes.

Results:

Participants’ (n=648) mean age was 58 years, and the majority were men (78%), non-Hispanic White people (68%), with dilated cardiomyopathy (55%), long-term implantation strategy (57%), and New York Heart Association classes I and II (54%). Most correlations between validity indicators and PROMIS measures were medium to large (≥0.3;
p
<0.01). Most validity analyses demonstrated medium-to-large effect sizes (≥0.5) and clinically important differences in mean PROMIS scores (up to 14.8 points). Ranges of minimally important differences for 4 PROMIS measures were as follows: fatigue (3–5 points), physical function (2–3), ability to participate in social roles and activities (3), and satisfaction with social roles and activities (3–5).

Conclusions:

The findings provide convincing evidence for the relevance and validity of PROMIS physical, mental, and social health measures in patients from early-to-late post-LVAD implantation. Findings may inform shared decision-making when patients consider treatment options. Patients with an LVAD, their caregivers, and their clinicians should find it useful to interpret the meaning of their PROMIS scores in relation to the general population, that is, PROMIS may help to monitor a return to normalcy in everyday life.
Significant Improvement in Blood Pressure Levels Among Older Adults With Hypertension in Rural South Africa
Authors: Ferro Enrico G. , Abrahams-Gessel Shafika , Kapaon David , Houle Brian , Toit Jacques Du , Wagner Ryan G. , Gómez-Olivé F. Xavier , Wade Alisha N. , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa W. , Tollman Stephen , Gaziano Thomas A.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing an epidemiologic transition from infectious diseases to cardiovascular diseases. From 2014 to 2019, sociodemographic surveillance was performed in a large cohort in rural South Africa.

METHODS:

Disease prevalence and incidence were calculated using inverse probability weights. Poisson regression was used to identify disease predictors. The percentage of individuals with controlled (<140/90 mm Hg) versus uncontrolled hypertension was compared between 2014 and 2019.

RESULTS:

Compared with 2014 (n=5059), study participants in 2019 (n=4176) had similar rates of obesity (mean body mass index, 27.5±10.0 versus 27.0±6.5) but higher smoking (9.1% versus 11.5%) and diabetes (11.1% versus 13.9%). There was no significant increase in hypertension prevalence (58.4% versus 59.8%; age adjusted, 64.3% versus 63.3%), and there was a significant reduction in mean systolic blood pressure (138.0 versus 128.5 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). Among hypertensive individuals who reported medication use in 2014 and 2019 (n=796), the proportion with controlled hypertension on medication increased from 44.5% to 62.3%. Hypertension incidence was 6.2 per 100 person-years, and age was the only independent predictor. Among normotensive individuals in 2014 (n=2257), 15.2% developed hypertension by 2019, with the majority already controlled on medications by 2019.

CONCLUSIONS:

The hypertension prevalence and incidence are plateauing in this aging cohort. There was a statistically and clinically significant decline in mean blood pressure and a substantial increase in individuals with controlled hypertension on medication. The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors did not decrease over time, suggesting that the blood pressure decrease is likely due to increased medication access and adherence, promoted by local health systems.
Obesity and Overweight: Probing Causes, Consequences, and Novel Therapeutic Approaches Through the American Heart Association's Strategically Focused Research Network
Authors: Clark Jeanne M. , Garvey W. Timothy , Niswender Kevin D. , Schmidt Ann Marie , Ahima Rexford S. , Aleman Jose O. , Battarbee Ashley N. , Beckman Joshua , Bennett Wendy L. , Brown Nancy J. , Chandler‐Laney Paula , Cox Nancy , Goldberg Ira J. , Habegger Kirk M. , Harper Lorie M. , Hasty Alyssa H. , Hidalgo Bertha A. , Kim Sangwon F. , Locher Julie L. , Luther James M. , Maruthur Nisa M. , Miller Edgar R. , Sevick Mary Ann , Wells Quinn
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT: As the worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to rise, so too does the urgency to fully understand mediating mechanisms, to discover new targets for safe and effective therapeutic intervention, and to identify biomarkers to track obesity and the success of weight loss interventions. In 2016, the American Heart Association sought applications for a Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) on Obesity. In 2017, 4 centers were named, including Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. These 4 centers were convened to study mechanisms and therapeutic targets in obesity, to train a talented cadre of American Heart Association SFRN‐designated fellows, and to initiate and sustain effective and enduring collaborations within the individual centers and throughout the SFRN networks. This review summarizes the central themes, major findings, successful training of highly motivated and productive fellows, and the innovative collaborations and studies forged through this SFRN on Obesity. Leveraging expertise in in vitro and cellular model assays, animal models, and humans, the work of these 4 centers has made a significant impact in the field of obesity, opening doors to important discoveries, and the identification of a future generation of obesity‐focused investigators and next‐step clinical trials. The creation of the SFRN on Obesity for these 4 centers is but the beginning of innovative science and, importantly, the birth of new collaborations and research partnerships to propel the field forward.
Host‐Microbiota Communication in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Generates Unique IgA‐Coated Gut Microbes
Authors: Li Jing , Richards Elaine M. , Tummala Ramakumar , Pepine Carl J. , Raizada Mohan K. , Yang Tao
Published: February 2023

Background

Hypertension is associated with gut dysbiosis, altered intestinal immunity, and gut pathology in animal models and humans. Although these findings have implicated impaired interactions between gut and gut microbiota in hypertension, little is known about the specific functional gut microbes that interact with intestinal mucosa.

Methods and Results

To identify these microbes, we sorted Immunoglobin A (IgA)‐coated (IgA
+
) and IgA‐noncoated (IgA
−
) bacteria using a combination of magnetic‐activated cell sorting and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and subsequently performed 16 S rRNA gene sequencing (IgA‐SEQ) to determine the microbial composition of IgA
+
and IgA
−
fractions in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. We observed a significant decrease in IgA
+
bacteria in SHR compared with Wistar Kyoto and a distinct composition of IgA
+
and IgA
−
bacteria between Wistar Kyoto and SHR, showing more IgA‐bound Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria but less of Firmicutes in SHR at the phylum level. We further identified enriched IgA‐coated
Romboutsia
,
Turicibacter
,
Ileibacterium
, and
Dubosiella
in SHR that were negatively correlated with the various pathways including antigen presentation, immune response, cell junction organization, epithelium development, and defense response to virus.

Conclusions

We demonstrate new IgA‐coated bacteria that participate in host‐microbiota communication in hypertension, suggesting promising therapeutic interventions targeting these bacteria for hypertension management.
CCL17 Protects Against Viral Myocarditis by Suppressing the Recruitment of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Feng Guoshuai , Zhu Cuige , Lin Chieh‐Yu , Bredemeyer Andrea , Förster Irmgard , Kreisel Daniel , Lavine Kory J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Viral myocarditis is characterized by leukocyte infiltration of the heart and cardiomyocyte death. We recently identified C‐C chemokine ligand (CCL) 17 as a proinflammatory effector of C‐C chemokine receptor 2–positive macrophages and dendritic cells that are recruited to the heart and contribute to adverse left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction and pressure overload.

Methods and Results

Mouse encephalomyocarditis virus was used to investigate the function of CCL17 in a viral myocarditis model.
Ccl17

Gfp

reporter and knockout mice were used to identify the cell types that express CCL17 and delineate the functional importance of CCL17 in encephalomyocarditis virus clearance and myocardial inflammation. Cardiac CCL17 was expressed in C‐C chemokine receptor 2–positive macrophages and dendritic cells following encephalomyocarditis virus infection. Colony‐stimulating factor 2 (granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor) signaling was identified as a key regulator of CCL17 expression.
Ccl17
deletion resulted in impaired encephalomyocarditis virus clearance, increased cardiomyocyte death, and higher mortality during infection early stage, and aggravated hypertrophy and fibrotic responses in infection long‐term stage. An increased abundance of regulatory T cells was detected in the myocardium of injured
Ccl17‐
deficient mice. Depletion of regulatory T cells in
Ccl17‐
deficient mice abrogated the detrimental role of CCL17 deletion by restoring interferon signaling.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings identify CCL17 as an important mediator of the host immune response during cardiac viral infection early stage and suggest that CCL17 targeted therapies should be avoided in acute viral myocarditis.
A note on the specimens of Kittonia hannae ‘hannai’  (Bacillariophyta) figured in Long et al. (1946)
Authors: HUWILER MARTIN , GLEICH ANNE , WILLIAMS DAVID M.
Published: February 2023

In 1939, Lefébure & Chenevière described the Cretaceous fossil species Kittonia hannae Lefébure & Chenevière (1939: 23 pl. 1, fig. 3, see Sims & Williams 2022: fig. 8). The specimen figured was from the Moreno Shale deposit, California, USA, supplied by Dallas Hanna (1887–1970): “Moreno shale, Moreno Gulch in the Panoche Hills, Fresno County, California” […] “Sec. 6, T. 15 S., R. 12 E., M.D.B. & M., Fresno County, California” (Hanna 1934: 352, see also Hanna in Long et al. 1946: 91, Hanna 1927, Rampi 1940, Goudkoff 1945). Other specimens of Kittonia hannae were from another Moreno Shale exposure, “Sec. 24, T. 14, S., R. 11 E., Fresno County, California” (Hanna in Long et al. 1946: 93, Brigger & Hanna 1965: 4). A detailed discussion of the Moreno deposit can be found in Hanna (1927: 10), Long et al. (1946), Nikolaev et al. (2001) and Davies et al. (2012), and a review of the genus Kittonia was undertaken by Brigger & Hanna (1965).
Two new species of the termitophilous rove beetle genus Xenogaster Wasmann from Brazil (Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, Corotocini)
Authors: PIRES-SILVA CARLOS M.
Published: February 2023

Xenogaster Wasmann, 1891, is a Neotropical beetle genus of termitophilous beetles, comprising ten species disjunctly distributed. During the study of specimens of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, collected during expeditions to Southeastern Brazil, two new species were discovered. Xenogaster pseudonuda sp. nov. and X. kymopoleia sp. nov., are described and illustrated. A discussion is provided regarding the tarsal condition in Xenogaster and the coeloconic sensilla on antennomere III, constituting the first record for the subtribe Termitogastrina.
Low Melting Point Phosphor-In-Glass (PiG) Realizing at a Normal Atmosphere and Packaged Performance with GaN LED
Authors: Han Taiping , Wang Yan , Yang Liang , Hu Deming , Huang Zhanghong , Cao Chunyan , Xie An , Zhang Qin
Published: February 2023

In this study, a low-temperature normal atmosphere phosphor composite manufacturing technique based on the Sn-P-F-O glass system is proposed to solve the phosphor silicon difficulties of easy aging, low color rendering, oxygen and heat stability. To prepare ((BaSr)2SiO4:Eu2+)
Green and (CaAlSiN3:Eu2+) Red phosphor in glass (PiG), the Sn-P-F-O glass precursor was sintered for 1 hour at 800 °C, then mixed with G/R phosphors. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were used to investigate
the crystal phase, microstructure, excitation and emission spectra of PiG. To investigate the mechanism of phosphor and matrix glass mixing ratio on optical performance of PiG-LED, the G/R PiG plate was utilized to encapsulate GaN LED chips and its optoelectronic performance was examined.
Excited by current of 350 mA, G/R PiG-LED emits 6506 K correlated color temperature (CCT) white light when G/R ratio is 9:1, color rendering index as high of 90.4 when G/R ratio is 13:1.
Managing Optical Sensor Data Security and Mitigating Data Variation in Real-Time Applications Using Fractional Analytical Method
Authors: Alharbi Abdullah , Shalaby Ahmed , Mohamed Abdallah A.
Published: February 2023

Optical sensors are employed in different real-time applications for an object, temperature, etc., sensing, improving the analysis accuracy. The optical sensors utilized in medical applications collect more sensitive data. Therefore, sensor data must be maintained in terms of providing
security and privacy. The optical sensor recorded information influenced by the intermediate attacker that affects the data processing accuracy. The problem with the sensor input analysis is the intensity variation and failures in observed sequences. This article addresses the above problem
using reinforcement learning, and the method is named Fractional Analytical Method with Feature Variation (FAM-FV). This method relies on data intensity features observed in sensing, transmission, and analysis time instances which are used to manage data security. Reinforcement learning identifies
the analysis required based on ceasing intensity in different intervals. The required analysis is provided for restoring the intensity validations for reducing mean errors. This is performed based on the reinforced data attributes and matching features observed in the previous interval. The
matching is performed from sensing to analysis interval to improve accuracy. The learning paradigm identifies and recommends the analysis level in different intervals. The proposed method is verified using accuracy, precision, mean error, analysis time, and complexity metrics.
The Impact of Dropsonde Data on the Performance of the NCEP Global Forecast System during the 2020 Atmospheric Rivers Observing Campaign. Part II: Dynamic Variables and Humidity
Authors: Lord Stephen J. , Wu Xingren , Tallapragada Vijay , Ralph F. M.
Published: February 2023

The impact of assimilating dropsonde data from the 2020 Atmospheric River (AR) Reconnaissance (ARR) field campaign on operational numerical weather forecasts was assessed. Two experiments were executed for the period from 24 January to 18 March 2020 using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System version 15 (GFSv15) with a four-dimensional hybrid ensemble–variational (4DEnVar) data assimilation system. The control run (CTRL) used all of the routinely assimilated data and included data from 628 ARR dropsondes, whereas the denial run (DENY) excluded the dropsonde data. Results from 17 intensive observing periods (IOPs) indicate a mixed impact for mean sea level pressure and geopotential height over the Pacific–North American (PNA) region in CTRL compared to DENY. The overall local impact over the U.S. West Coast and Gulf of Alaska for the 17 IOPs is neutral (−0.45%) for integrated vapor transport (IVT), but positive for wind and moisture profiles (0.5%–1.0%), with a spectrum of statistically significant positive and negative impacts for various IOPs. The positive dropsonde data impact on precipitation forecasts over U.S. West Coast domains appears driven, in part, by improved low-level moisture and wind fields at short-forecast lead times. Indeed, data gaps, especially for accurate and unbiased moisture profiles and wind fields, can be at least partially mitigated to improve U.S. West Coast precipitation forecasts.
Concordance in COVID-19 serology, bone mineralization, and inflammatory analytes between venous and self-collected capillary blood samples exposed to various pre-analytical conditions
Authors: Hosseini Banafshe , Dasari Harika , Smyrnova Anna , Bourassa Claude , Leng Jing , Renaud Christian , Ducharme Francine M
Published: February 2023

Background

The COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in demand for remote blood sampling in clinical trials. This study aims to ascertain the concordance between venous versus capillary samples, processed immediately or exposed to various pre-analytical conditions.

Methods

Participants (≥12 years old) provided a venous blood sample (processed immediately) and capillary samples allocated to one of the following conditions: processed immediately or exposed to 12-, 24-, or 36-h delays at room temperature or 36-h delays with a freeze-thaw cycle. The analytes of interest included SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), alkaline phosphate (ALP), calcium (Ca), phosphate (Ph), and c-reactive protein (CRP). Paired samples were considered interchangeable if they met three criteria: minimal within-subject mean difference, 95% of values within desirable total errors, and inter-class correlation (ICC) > 0.90.

Results

90 participants (44.1% male) were enrolled. When comparing rapidly processed venous with capillary samples, 25(OH)D, ALP, and CRP met all three criteria; SARS-CoV-2 IgG met two criteria (mean difference and ICC); and Ca and Ph met one criterion (mean difference). When considering all three criteria, concentrations of 25(OH)D, CRP, and ALP remained unchanged after delays of up to 36 h; SARS-CoV-2 IgG met two criteria (mean difference and ICC); Ca and Ph met one criterion (mean difference).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that remote blood collection devices can be used to measure anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 25(OH)D, CRP, and ALP. Further analysis is required to evaluate the interchangeability between venous and capillary testing in Ca and Ph levels, which are more sensitive to pre-analytical conditions.
Estimation for a Misspecified Cusp-Type Signal Driven by a Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Mishra M. N. , Prakasa Rao B. L. S.
Published: February 2023

We study the problem of misspecification when the model proposed by the statistician (theoretical model) has a cusp-type singularity in the drift but the real model has a smooth drift function and the driving force is a fractional Brownian motion.

AMS subject classification: Primary 60G22; Secondary 62M09
Using Leadership Coaching to Strengthen the Developmental Opportunity of the Clinical Experience for Aspiring Principals: The Importance of Brokering and Third-Party Influence
Authors: Cosner Shelby , De Voto Craig
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To identify key issues that university-based leadership coaches act upon in work to fortify the developmental opportunity of the clinical experience for aspiring principals, and how leadership coaches act upon these issues. Research: Data include roughly 75 hours of interviews with two cohorts of aspiring principals and 25 hours of interviews with the five leadership coaches assigned to these aspirants ( N = 25). Drawing theoretically upon brokering and social networks brokerage, analysis of transcripts used both deductive and inductive coding. Findings: We identified five key issues acted upon by leadership coaches, including: (a) relational issues between the aspirant and the mentor; (b) insufficient time between the aspirant and the mentor; (c) aspirant identification of and engagement with clinical work of developmental importance; (d) aspirant access to and/or authority for clinical work; and (e) the developmental supports provided to aspirants by mentors. Drawing upon theories of brokering, social networks brokerage, and third-party influence as we examined how coaches acted upon aspirant issues, we found that coaches regularly worked as brokers and third-party influencers in these pursuits. The structuring and design of coaching as well as coaching tools proved vital to this work. Conclusion: Leadership coaches tethered to principal preparation programs can play an important role in fortifying the developmental opportunity of the clinical experience. Our findings suggest an assortment of implications for leadership preparation, the deployment and design of university-based leadership coaches, and the development of such coaches tied to principal preparation.
Asymptomatic pellet in the maxillary sinus: Medico-legal perspective
Authors: Atreya Alok , Yog Priyanshu , Menezes Ritesh G , Lamichhane Nishan , Tiwari Rakshya
Published: February 2023

Air guns used for plinking are weapons with a short range and low velocity. Because of their low velocity, the ammunition usually enters the body without causing any immediate life-threatening complications. Lead toxicity is a potential side effect of a pellet lodged in the body. However, there are cases where blood lead level was below the reference value even after decades of an air gun pellet remaining in the body. We report a case of 40-year-old man whose X-ray of the skull revealed a metallic foreign body that appeared to be an air gun pellet in the maxillary sinus. The patient recalled receiving a gunshot wound to his left cheek ten years ago. The wound healed, the pain subsided, and the patient was symptom-free, so he did not seek medical attention. The present case study illustrates the incidental finding of impacted foreign body and its medico-legal aspects in the Nepalese context.
Dementia in custody: A historical and forensic approach
Authors: Vyshka Gentian , Seferi Arsen , Mana Tedi , Qatipi Ledia
Published: February 2023

The constant ageing of the population extends to the population behind bars. We consider and summarise medical, ethical, legal and societal concerns raised when older adults with dementia are charged and put into custody.

Dementia in custody is a relatively new concept in forensic science. When you take into account the adversarial nature of the judicial system and the hardship posed by correctional facilities, an older adult with severe cognitive problems will increases the complexity of the situation.

The possibility of an octogenarian in cognitive decline being detained in police custody is less remote than it seemed half a century ago.
The Social Base of Bolsonarism: An Analysis of Authoritarianism in Politics
Authors: Chaguri Mariana Miggiolaro , do Amaral Oswaldo E.
Published: February 2023

The cohesion and resilience of the social base supporting Jair Bolsonaro is backed by an authoritarian perception of politics and society. Support for the president runs through all sectors of Brazilian society and reflects a variety of demands. A multidisciplinary research strategy that articulates statistical analysis of data from an innovative national survey with a sociological approach to the construction of an authoritarian vision of politics and society in Brazil suggests that the authoritarian right is a political and electoral force that will persist and that it has several characteristics that distinguish it from conservative movements in the Global North.

A coesão e resistência da base social que apoia a Bolsonaro são baseadas numa visão autoritária da política e da sociedade porque o apoio ao presidente se extende por todas as classes na sociedade brasileira e traz à tona uma diversidade de exigências. Uma estratégia multidisciplinária de pesquisa que articula uma análise estatística de dados colhidos de um levantamento nacional innovador com base numa aproximação sociológica voltada para a construção de uma ótica autoritária da política e da sociedade no Brasil constata que a direita autoritária persistirá como força política e eleitoral e que tem várias características as quais lhe distingue dos outros movimentos conservadores localizados nos países do norte global.
Invisible Disabilities and Inequality
Authors: McLeod Jane D.
Published: February 2023

In this address, I consider the realized and potential contributions of sociological social psychology to research on inequality based on invisible disabilities and the challenges that invisible disabilities pose to current social psychological theories. Drawing from the social structure and personality framework, I advance the general notion of invisible disability as a dimension of inequality, consider how four basic social psychological processes (social categorization, identity, status, and stigmatization) have and can help us understand how invisible disabilities shape outcomes over the life course, and suggest new lines of research social psychologists could pursue. I close with brief comments about the benefits of such an agenda for sociological social psychology as well as how these lines of research can inform theories of stratification.
Adorno on Philosophy and Sociology
Authors: Apata Gabriel O.
Published: February 2023

Philosophy and sociology appear to belong to separate spheres of thought, which might explain why they exist as separate academic disciplines. But in what way, if any, are philosophy and sociology different from, or related to, each other? In these series of lectures delivered at Frankfurt University in 1960, Adorno examines the relationship between philosophy and sociology and concludes that the subjects do not belong to separate spheres of thought. But Adorno has a bigger aim in mind. His attempt to reconcile philosophy and sociology takes the form of a wholesale attack on positivistic sociology, followed by a critique of philosophical idealism. There is, however, a debate as to whether the origins of Adorno’s critical sociology lie in Marx’s critique of political economy or philosophical idealism. These lectures throw further light on this question as they show the development of Adorno’s social philosophy and the critical theory.
On Narrative: An Interview with Roland Barthes
Authors: Fabbri Paolo , Sassatelli Monica , Manghani Sunil
Published: February 2023

This article presents a dialogue between Roland Barthes and Paolo Fabbri, which took place on 18 December 1965 in Florence, Italy. Barthes offers an engaging account of his structuralist approach to narrative, as was later published in essay form, ‘Introduction to the Structural Analysis of Narrative’, included in a special issue of Communications (Issue 8, 1966). In a cordial exchange with Fabbri, Barthes provides a more candid presentation of method than found in print, along with critical reflection of the underlying importance of the structuralist approach, as perceived at the time. The interview took place as part of a small conference on narrativity. Participants included Algirdas Julien Greimas, Claude Bremond, Umberto Eco, Jules Gritti, Violette Morin, Christian Metz, and Tzvetan Todorov. Subsequently, a number of these participants contributed articles to the same issue of Communications, on the structural analysis of narrative.
Mary Douglas on Purity and Danger: An Interview
Authors: Featherstone Mike , Turner Bryan S.
Published: February 2023

This interview with Mary Douglas took place at Lancaster University in the Religious Studies Department. The main focus of the interview was her recently published book, Purity and Danger, which had already become a classic of British anthropology. The questions and answers ranged mainly over the differences between the physical body, representations of the body, the body as a classificatory system, and social constructivism. Douglas’s early academic years and the influences on her work, such as the role of Roman Catholicism in her childhood and youth, were discussed. The interview concluded with speculation about the connections between anthropology and colonialism, and how she responded to those developments.
Comparing Artificial, Animal and Scientific Intelligence: A Dialogue with Giuseppe Longo
Authors: Angelini Andrea
Published: February 2023

The most recent tool for acting on the world, the exosomatization of cognitive activities, is often considered an autonomous and objective replacement of knowledge construction. We show the intrinsic limits of the mechanistic myths in AI, from classical to Deep Learning techniques, and its relation to the human construction of sense. Human activities in a changing ecosystem – in their somatic and sensible dimensionalities proper to any living experiences – are at the core of our analysis. By this, we stress the key role of the knowing subject, far away from any allegedly objective big collections of data. The production of organized structures of physics, biology and in societal analysis will be compared and distinguished by trying to set on more robust grounds the constructive as well as the disruptive roles of entropic, negentropic, anti-entropic dynamics that are different concepts in different domains, to be handled with care: the use of machine learning and optimization methods as tools and models to analyse and manage human activities in view of their scientific and political ideology of technoscientific governance. They suppose that which they try to produce is objective, that is, standardized and controllable behaviours. In this dialogue we stress a mirror symmetry between the lack of theoretical interpretation of scientific data and the lack of democracy in this fiction of neutrality. Moreover, bad analogies constitute an obstacle to grasp the anteriority of biological and ecological constraints which enable and limit all artificial products of human intelligence. We will thus stress biological specificity, the role of normativity and constraints in evolution, of labour in structuring the human historical construction of sense by common activities.
Capillary responses to functional and pathological activations rely on the capillary states at rest
Authors: Suzuki Hiroki , Takeda Hiroshi , Takuwa Hiroyuki , Ji Bin , Higuchi Makoto , Kanno Iwao , Masamoto Kazuto
Published: February 2023

Brain capillaries play a crucial role in maintaining cellular viability and thus preventing neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to characterize the brain capillary morphology at rest and during neural activation based on a big data analysis from three-dimensional microangiography. Neurovascular responses were measured using a genetic calcium sensor expressed in neurons and microangiography with two-photon microscopy, while neural acivity was modulated by stimulation of contralateral whiskers or by a seizure evoked by kainic acid. For whisker stimulation, 84% of the capillary sites showed no detectable diameter change. The remaining 10% and 6% were dilated and constricted, respectively. Significant differences were observed for capillaries in the diameter at rest between the locations of dilation and constriction. Even the seizures resulted in 44% of the capillaries having no detectable change in diameter, while 56% of the capillaries dilated. The extent of dilation was dependent on the diameter at rest. In conclusion, big data analysis on brain capillary morphology has identified at least two types of capillary states: capillaries with diameters that are relatively large at rest and stable over time regardless of neural activity and capillaries whose diameters are relatively small at rest and vary according to neural activity.
Modeling of Parking Violations Using Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial Regression: A Case Study for Berlin
Authors: Hagen Tobias , Reinfeld Nicole , Saki Siavash
Published: February 2023

Parking violations cause numerous problems, thus affecting daily mobility. Nevertheless, there are no extensive statistics on illegal parking in Germany, implying that the causes of this misconduct are still unexplored. The objective of this paper is to present a count data modeling approach for parking violations based on video footage taken from the windshields of driving vehicles, incorporating spatial data from OpenStreetMap (OSM). The main benefit of this data source is the transferability of the data collection procedure just by installing a recording device in vehicles of municipal services like waste collection. Moreover, the data from OSM are freely available for all cities. To account for excess zero counts in the street segments, a zero-inflated negative binomial distribution model was used to explain the number of violations per 100 m. “Excess” zeros were modeled using the logit part of the model, whereas the remaining counts of parking violations were fitted by the negative binomial model. Much effort was made to present the results of the count data models in an interpretable way. The most intuitive way seemed to be predictions of parking violations per 100 m (incidence rate) for different settings. Incidence rates were predicted for variations in explanatory variables, holding all other variables constant. We found parking violations per 100 m to be highest in main shopping streets. In addition, free parking spaces negatively- and the number of points of interest (such as buildings, craft stores, and shops) positively affected illegal parking.