bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An activatable NIR‐II fluorescent probe for tracking heavy‐metal ion and high‐level salt‐induced oxidative stress in plant sprouts
Authors: Long Yi , Chen Junjie , Zeng Fang , Wu Shuizhu
Published: October 2022

Humans and plants have become enfolded and inseparable. Abiotic stresses in particular oxidative stress caused by heavy‐metal ions or high‐level salt contamination deleteriously impact plants’ growth process and have become a major threat to sustaining food security. Sprouting is the first step in plants’ growth process. When plant sprouts endure oxidative stress induced by toxic heavy‐metal ions or high‐level salt, accelerated generation of reactive oxygen species (e.g., H2O2) occurs inside plant sprouts; hence in‐situ H2O2 in plant sprouts could serve as the in‐vivo biomarker for tracking the oxidative stress in plant sprouts. Herein, we design an activatable probe CT‐XA‐H2O2 to track the oxidative stress in plant sprouts via in vivo NIR‐II fluorescent imaging. In CT‐XA‐H2O2, cyano‐thiazole acts as the electron‐accepting moiety and xanthane‐aminodiphenyl as the electron‐donating moiety, and dioxaborolane as the biomarker‐responsive unit and fluorescence quencher. The probe CT‐XA‐H2O2 shows weak fluorescent emission. When H2O2 is present, the dioxaborolane in the probe is cleaved, consequently, the dye CT‐XA‐OH is generated and brings about significant fluorescent signals for detecting and imaging the in‐situ biomarker. Moreover, the aminodiphenyl group endues the chromophore (the activated probe) with aggregation‐induced emission characteristics, which ensures stronger fluorescence in the aggregated state in the aqueous milieu. The probe CT‐XA‐H2O2 has been employed in the Cd2+‐ion or high‐level salt (NaCl) induced oxidative stress models of soybean sprouts and peanut sprouts, and the experimental results evidently reveal the probe's ability for in‐situ biomarker‐activatable in‐vivo detection and imaging in the plants' sprouts.
Fast‐current‐driven synthesis of ultrathin ZIF‐8 membrane on ceramic tube for propene/propane separation
Authors: Zhao Yali , Yang Xiayi , Luo Jiayu , Wei Yanying , Wang Haihui
Published: October 2022

MOF membranes are very promising in molecular separation, but it is still a challenge for industrial applications due to the complex and time‐consuming synthesis. We use the fast current‐driven synthesis (FCDS) method to achieve controlled growth of ZIF‐8 membranes on porous graphite‐coated ceramic tubes by controlling the growth time and current density. Grown for 30 min at a current density of 0.74 mA/cm2, the ZIF‐8 membrane exhibits selectivity for C3H6/C3H8 up to 63 with C3H6 permeance of 6 × 10−9 mol/(m2 s Pa). Furthermore, the ZIF‐8 membrane exhibits a pressure resistance of up to 3 bar and good stability of ~96 h. This work realizes the breakthrough of the MOF membrane synthesis via FCDS method from the frequently‐used expensive and fragile anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) disc substrate to the tough ceramic tubular substrate, which broadens the road for the industrialization of MOF membranes in gas separation fields.
Secondary Phosphine Sulfide‐Enabled Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution
Authors: Wu Zeng‐Hua , Wang Huai‐Yu , Yang Huai‐Lan , Wei Li‐Hua , Hayashi Tamio , Duan Wei‐Liang
Published: October 2022

An iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of branched allylic phosphine compounds under mild conditions is reported. Products bearing various functional groups can be synthesized with excellent stereoselectivity (up to 99.9 % ee) and regioselectivity. The employment of phosphine sulfides with relatively low deactivation capacity against metal catalysts is crucial for the success of this reaction.
Quorum sensing unveils the sludge floccule‐assisted stabilization of aerobic granules in granule‐dominated sequencing batch reactors
Authors: Li Yu‐Sheng , Li Bing‐Bing , Tian Tian , Yu Han‐Qing
Published: October 2022

Floccules are another major form of microbial aggregates in aerobic granular sludge systems. Previous studies mainly attributed the persistence of floccules to their relatively faster nutrient uptake and higher growth rate over aerobic granules; however, they failed to unravel the underlying mechanism of the long‐term coexistence of these two aggregates. In this work, the existence and function of the floccules in an aerobic granule‐dominated sequencing batch reactor were investigated from the view of quorum sensing (QS) and quorum quenching (QQ). The results showed that though the floccules were closely associated with the granules in terms of similar community structures (including the QS‐ and QQ‐related ones), they exhibited a relatively higher QQ‐related activity but a lower QS‐related activity. A compatible proportion of floccules might be helpful to maintain the QS‐related activity and keep the granules stable. In addition, the structure difference was demonstrated to diversify the QS‐ and QQ‐related activities of the floccules and the aerobic granules. These findings could broaden our understanding of the interactions between the coexistent floccules and granules in aerobic granule‐dominated systems and would be instructive for the development of the aerobic granular sludge process.
The relationship between dietary patterns and aggressive behavior in adolescent girls: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Malekahmadi Mahsa , Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid , Heshmati Javad , Alshahrani Shadia Hamoud , Oraee Nikzad , Ferns Gordon A. , Firouzi Safieh , Pahlavani Naseh , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: October 2022

Background

There are few studies about the relationship between dietary patterns and aggression. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the main dietary patterns and aggression scores among adolescent girls in Iran.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 670 adolescent girls. The 168‐item self‐administered Semi‐quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to evaluate dietary intake and to identify major dietary patterns, while factor analysis was applied. Aggression was evaluated by the validated Persian version of the Buss‐Perry questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by crude and adjusted models.

Results

Three main dietary patterns including healthy, fast food, and Western were identified. A significant positive association was found between more adherence to Western dietary pattern and the presence of a high aggression score (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.32–3.05, p‐trend = .001); even after adjustment for potential confounders, these findings were significant.

Conclusion

Although Western dietary patterns were associated with increased aggression risk, there was no significant relationship between healthy and fast food dietary patterns and the prevalence of a high aggression score. Further studies, particularly longitudinal intervention studies, are required to clarify this relationship.
Bimetallic CuSbSe2: A Potential Anode Material for Sodium and Lithium‐Ion Batteries with High‐Rate Capability and Long‐Term Stability
Authors: Hui Da , Chen Xi , Bian Xiaofei , He Chunfeng , Yao Shiyu , Chen Gang , Du Fei
Published: October 2022

Bimetallic transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) materials have emerged as attractive anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) because of the high intrinsic electronic conductivity, rich redox sites and unique reaction mechanism. In this work, we report the synthesis and electrochemical properties of a novel bimetallic TMCs material CuSbSe2. The as‐prepared anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 545.6  mA h g−1 for SIBs and 592.6  mA h g−1 for LIBs at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, and an excellent rate capability of 425.9  mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1 for SIBs and 226.0  mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 for LIBs without any common‐used surface modification or carbonaceous compositing. In addition, ex situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveal a combined conversion‐alloying reaction mechanism of LIBs and NIBs. Our findings suggest bimetallic CuSbSe2 could be a potential anode material for both SIBs and LIBs.
Complete tumor necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy defines good responders in patients with Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Lozano‐Calderón Santiago A. , Albergo Jose Ignacio , Groot Olivier Q. , Merchan Nelson A. , El Abiad Jad M. , Salinas Vanessa , Gomez Mier Luis Carlos , Montoya Camilo Soto , Ferrone Marco L. , Ready John E. , Linares Francisco J. , Levin Adam S. , Peleteiro Pensado Manuel , Pozo Kreilinger José Juan , Ruiz Irene Barrientos , Ortiz‐Cruz Eduardo J. , Gebhardt Mark C. , Cote Gregory M. , Choy Edwin , Spentzos Dimitrios , Hung Yin P. , Deshpande Vikram , Chebib Ivan A. , McCulloch Robert Allan , Farfalli Germán , Aponte Tinao Luis , Morris Carol D. , Petur Nielsen Gunnlaugur , Anderson Megan E. , Jeys Lee M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Survival in patients who have Ewing sarcoma is correlated with postchemotherapy response (tumor necrosis). This treatment response has been categorized as the response rate, similar to what has been used in osteosarcoma. There is controversy regarding whether this is appropriate or whether it should be a dichotomy of complete versus incomplete response, given how important a complete response is for in overall survival of patients with Ewing sarcoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that the amount of chemotherapy‐induced necrosis has on (1) overall survival, (2) local recurrence‐free survival, (3) metastasis‐free survival, and (4) event‐free survival in patients with Ewing sarcoma.

Methods

In total, 427 patients who had Ewing sarcoma or tumors in the Ewing sarcoma family and received treatment with preoperative chemotherapy and surgery at 10 international institutions were included. Multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards analyses were used to assess the associations between tumor necrosis and all four outcomes while controlling for clinical factors identified in bivariate analysis, including age, tumor volume, location, surgical margins, metastatic disease at presentation, and preoperative radiotherapy.

Results

Patients who had a complete (100%) tumor response to chemotherapy had increased overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.26; 95% CI, 0.14–0.48; p < .01), recurrence‐free survival (HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20–0.82; p = .01), metastasis‐free survival (HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.15–0.46; p ≤ .01), and event‐free survival (HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.16–0.41; p ≤ .01) compared with patients who had a partial (0%–99%) response.

Conclusions

Complete tumor necrosis should be the index parameter to grade response to treatment as satisfactory in patients with Ewing sarcoma. Any viable tumor in these patients after neoadjuvant treatment should be of oncologic concern. These findings can affect the design of new clinical trials and the risk‐stratified application of conventional or novel treatments.
N,S‐co‐doped FeCo Nanoparticles Supported on Porous Carbon Nanofibers as Efficient and Durable Oxygen Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Son Dong‐kyu , Bae Sooan , Nithya Jeghan Shrine Maria , Lee Gibaek
Published: October 2022

Finding high‐performance, low‐cost, efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) is essential for sustainable energy conversion systems. Herein, highly efficient and durable iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co)‐supported nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) co‐doped three‐dimensional carbon nanofibers (FeCo−N, S@CNFs) were synthesized via electrospinning followed by carbonization. The as‐prepared FeCo−N,S@CNFs served as efficient ORR catalysts in alkaline 0.1 m KOH solutions that were N2 and O2‐saturated. The experimental results revealed that FeCo−N,S@CNFs were highly active ORR catalysts with defect‐rich active pyridinic N and pyrrolic N and metal bonds to N and S atom sites, which enhanced the ORR activity. FeCo−N,S@CNFs exhibited a high onset potential (Eonset=0.89 V) and half‐wave potential (E1/2=0.85 V), similar to the electrocatalytic activity of commercial Pt/C. Additionally, the durability of the as‐prepared FeCo−N,S@CNFs catalysts was maintained for 14 h with long‐term stability and high tolerance to methanol stability, accounting for their excellent catalytic ability. Furthermore, Co−N@CNFs, Fe−N@CNFs, and varying Fe and Co ratios were compared with those of FeCo−N,S@CNFs. Synergistic interactions between metals and heteroatoms were believed to play a significant role in enhancing the ORR activity. Owing to their excellent catalytic reduction ability, the as‐prepared FeCo−N,S@CNFs can be widely used in battery‐based systems and replace commercial Pt/C in fuel cell applications.
Electrochemical and spectral studies of rhodanine in view of heavy metals determination
Authors: Matica Ovidiu Teodor , Brotea Alina Giorgiana , Ungureanu Eleonora‐Mihaela , Mandoc Luisa Roxana , Birzan Liviu
Published: October 2022

The electrochemical study of 2‐Sulfanylidene‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐4‐one (rhodanine, R) was performed on a glassy carbon working electrode by using three methods: differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) at rotating disk electrode voltammetry (RDE). The CV, DPV, and LSV at RDE curves for R were recorded at different concentrations in 0.1 M TBAP/CH3CN. Polymeric films were formed by successive cycling at different potentials and by controlled potential electrolysis. The film formation was proved by recording the CV curves of the chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) in transfer solutions containing ferrocene in 0.1 M TBAP/CH3CN. The obtained CMEs were used for the detection of heavy metal ions. Synthetic samples of heavy metal ions (Cd (II), Pb (II), Cu (II), Hg (II)) of concentrations between 10−7 and 10−5 M were analyzed using CMEs prepared in different conditions. The most intense signal was obtained for Pb(II) ion (estimated detection limit = 10−7 M), which shows that these CMEs can be used for Pb(II) ion detection. The ability of R to form complexes with Pb(II) ion was also tested by UV‐Vis spectrometry. The obtained results showed the formation of Pb(II)R2 as the most stable complex.
Feasibility, safety, and tolerability of two modalities of plasma exchange with albumin replacement to treat elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease in the AMBAR study
Authors: Boada Mercè , Kiprov Dobri , Anaya Fernando , López Oscar L. , Núñez Laura , Olazarán Javier , Lima José , Grifols Carlota , Barceló Miquel , Rohe Regina , Prieto‐Fernández Cristina , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Páez Antonio
Published: October 2022

Background

In the Alzheimer Management by Albumin Replacement (AMBAR) study, mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients were treated with a plasma exchange (PE) program. Feasibility and safety of PE in this specific population are poorly understood and were analyzed in detail in this study.

Methods

Qualified patients were treated with 6 weeks of weekly conventional therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with albumin replacement followed by monthly low‐volume plasma exchange (LVPE) for 12 months. The patients were divided into four groups: placebo (sham PE treatment), low‐albumin (20 g), low‐albumin + intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (10 g), and high‐albumin (40 g) + IVIG (20 g). Adverse events (AEs) were recorded and analyzed for all PE treatment groups and PE modalities.

Results

PE procedure‐related AEs were more common in the active treatment groups (16.9% out of 1283 TPE and 12.5% out of 2203 LVPE were associated with at least one AE, a similar rate than in other PE indications) than in the placebo group (0.7% out of 1223 sham PE). Percentage of procedures with at least one AEs was higher with central venous access compared to peripheral venous access in all three active treatment groups (20.1% vs 13.1%, respectively).

Conclusion

The TPE and LVPE procedures used in the AMBAR study on mild‐to‐moderate AD population were as safe and feasible as in other therapeutic applications of PE or routine plasmapheresis.
Parents' willingness to vaccinate themselves and their children with the booster vaccine against SARS‐CoV‐2: A cross‐sectional study in Puyang city, China
Authors: Zhou Yiguo , Li Guo‐Xing , Zhao Tian‐Shuo , Du Juan , Zhang Wan‐Xue , Xie Ming‐Zhu , Chen Lin‐Yi , Zeng Jing , Wang Chao , Liu Bei , Liu Ya‐Qiong , Cui Fuqiang , Lu Qing‐Bin
Published: October 2022

We aimed to investigate the hesitancy and willingness of parents to vaccinate themselves and their children with a booster dose against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and related factors. We conducted a cross‐sectional study in Puyang city, China. The information was collected, including demographic characteristics, willingness to receive a booster dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine, and attitudes and concerns toward COVID‐19 and vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy was assessed in individuals completing the first two doses and booster eligible, while vaccine willingness was assessed in those completing the first two doses and not yet booster eligible. Among the participants completing two primary doses while not meeting the booster criteria, 95.4% (1465/1536) and 95.0% (1385/1458) had a willingness to a booster dose of COVID‐19 vaccine for themselves and their children, respectively. Among the participants who met the booster criteria, 40.3% had vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy and unwillingness tended to occur in people who were younger, less educated, less healthy, and with unsureness of vaccines' efficacy and adverse events (AE). The younger age of children, children in poorer health, and concern about the efficacy and AE of vaccines contributed to the participants' unwillingness to vaccinate their children. We observed a high willingness to the booster dose of COVID‐19 vaccine both for the parents and their children, regardless of the eligibility to a booster dose. However, 40% of people had delayed vaccination behaviors. The promotion of scientific knowledge of vaccines' effectiveness and safety is needed, especially for people in poor health and parents with young children. Timely disclosure of AE caused by COVID‐19 vaccines and proper aiding offered to people encountering AE are suggested.
Critical appraisal in ecology: What tools are available, and what is being used in systematic reviews?
Authors: Stanhope Jessica , Weinstein Philip
Published: October 2022

Many reviews referred to as ‘systematic reviews’ in ecology are not consistent with best practice in that they generally lack appropriate critical appraisal of included studies. This limitation is particularly important in applied ecology, where there have been increasing calls for more systematic reviews to guide decision making. To identify the available critical appraisal tools (CATs) and hierarchies of evidence available for ecology studies, we systematically searched for: studies that described the development and/or examination of tools to assess the potential methodological bias in studies of ecology; and the tools used to assess potential methodological bias of included studies in ecological systematic reviews. We identified 680 reviews labelled as ‘systematic reviews’ in ecology, however only 4.0% performed critical appraisal of the included studies. Three hierarchies of evidence and 23 CATs were identified, and assessed as lacking independent development, validity and reliability testing, and/or completeness. The authors of the reviews that included critical appraisal have appropriately identified the need to move reviews in ecology in the direction of this higher level of evidence, and have taken applied ecology further in the direction of evidence‐based practice. However, we identified shortcomings in these approaches when compared with best practice, and conclude that new tools are needed that reflect a range of questions posed in ecology. Through increasing the availability of such tools, the strength of evidence provided by systematic reviews in ecology would improve.
Ultrasound‐assisted glycation and the allergenicity of α‐lactalbumin
Authors: Wang Xumei , Wang Hui , Ye Yunhua , Yang Ping , Liu Guangxian , Hu Yueming , Tu Zongcai
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound‐assisted glycation is a promising method for decreasing the allergenicity of α‐lactalbumin (ALA). However, there is a lack of in vivo studies on the allergenicity of ultrasound‐assisted glycated ALA. In this study, the effects of the ultrasound‐assisted glycation of ALA on the allergenicity and intestinal microflora were characterized using a BALB/c mouse model.

RESULTS

Increased immunoglobulin ‐G/ immunoglobulin‐E (IgG/IgE) and interleukin‐4/6 (IL‐4/6) secretions, and reduced interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) secretions were found in the serum of ALA sensitized and challenged, mice in comparison with a control group. However, there was no significant difference between the mice fed with ultrasound‐assisted glycated ALA and the control group. Mice that were sensitized and challenged with ALA showed disrupted intestinal microflora, manifesting in significantly decreased Firmicutes and significantly increased Proteobacteria. It was found that 100ALA‐gal could maintain the intestinal microflora of mice in a normal state. Pearson's rank correlation showed that Proteobacteria and Spirochaetota were correlated positively with the IL‐4/IL‐6 level and were correlated negatively with the expression of IFN‐γ. Proteobacteria were also significantly positively correlated with IL‐6 and negatively correlated with IFN‐γ (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that ultrasound‐assisted glycation on ALA can maintain the intestinal microflora in a normal state thus balancing the proportion of Th1/Th2 to decrease allergic reaction. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Operational challenges in a US nonprofit network amid COVID‐19: Lessons from a food network in Virginia
Authors: Azevedo Lauren , Haupt Brie , Markoski Tamara Dimitrijevska
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID‐19) had detrimental health and economic impacts on communities across the globe. Consequently, public, profit and nonprofit organizations had to quickly adjust to the new situation and adopt new operating strategies and service delivery mechanisms. This study examines a nonprofit food network in Virginia and the impact of COVID‐19 on food bank services and distribution operations. Guided by the adaptive systems approach, this case study utilizes the Federation of Virginia Food Bank (FVFB) and focuses on operational challenges within the network and the impact of the CARES Act. The data obtained from stakeholder interviews and a survey of local and regional providers suggest communication and adaptive management were crucial in the continuation of network operations. Furthermore, understanding the multifaceted needs of vulnerable individuals, beyond nutrition and food insecurity, is important for nonprofit service partners in a network. The study proposes a conceptual framework for effective operations in a nonprofit network during crisis and highlights the need to create collaborative capacity.
Hitting reset: Industry evolution, generational technology cycles, and the dynamic value of firm experience
Authors: Ozalp Hakan , Eggers J.P. , Malerba Franco
Published: October 2022

Research Summary

We study how the value of depth and breadth of experience shifts across generational technology cycles and industry evolution. Experience breadth builds organizational flexibility that is valuable during technology transitions and when the industry is younger, while experience depth builds domain‐specific resources that are important during periods of technology stability and later periods of industry evolution. We test our theory in the console game industry, where publishers face repeated periods of transition and stability across multiple console generations. We find support for most hypotheses, except that the value of breadth correlates with the magnitude of any transition instead of decreasing linearly over time. We contribute to research on the changing value of firm experience and to the understanding of generational technological change during industry evolution.

Managerial Abstract

Many industries face generational changes. How incumbent firms handle those transitions is important to firm survival and success. We study how the prior experience of video game publishers helps them navigate transitions. First, we find that firms with deep experience in a genre produce more successful games in that genre only during stable periods in the industry. Second, the benefits of deep experience increase over time as some of the experience‐built capabilities of the firm survive technological transitions. Third, broad and diversified firms perform best during generational transitions as they successfully enter new domains made popular by the generational shift. We suggest that the product strategies of video game firms should depend on the relevant experience they possess and the degree of environmental change.
A cognitive perspective on real options investment: CEO overconfidence
Authors: Lee Joon Mahn , Park Jung Chul , Chen Guoli
Published: October 2022

Research Summary

While real options theory has been applied with the optimality assumption, actual real options investments are made by managers, who are subject to cognitive biases, especially under uncertainty. In this article, we focus on one important type of cognitive bias, overconfidence, to provide new insights on real options literature. We argue that overconfident CEOs will invest less in real options than non‐overconfident CEOs. We also predict that the relationship between overconfident CEOs and firms' real options intensity will be strengthened when market uncertainty is higher. In a study of U.S. public firms, we find strong support across various tests that use multiple measures of overconfidence in CEOs and real options investments, and control for potential selection issues and other endogeneity concerns.

Managerial Summary

This article studies how a CEO's cognitive bias, overconfidence, may shape a firm's real option investments, which could result in a different level of strategic flexibility. We argue that overconfident CEOs have overly high expectations of their performance under uncertainty and/or underestimate the level of uncertainty in their strategic decision‐making, which leads to lower investments in the firms' real options relative to non‐overconfident CEOs. We study a sample of U.S. public firms and find strong evidence that an overconfident CEO is positively related to the real options investments at the firm level. We also find that this overconfidence effect becomes more pronounced in markets with greater uncertainty.
What attention is. The priority structure account
Authors: Watzl Sebastian
Published: October 2022

‘Everyone knows what attention is’ according to William James. Much work on attention in psychology and neuroscience cites this famous phrase only to quickly dismiss it. But James is right about this: ‘attention’ was not introduced into psychology and neuroscience as a theoretical concept. I argue that we should therefore study attention with broadly the same methodology that David Marr has applied to the study of perception. By focusing more on Marr's Computational Level of analysis, we arrive at a unified answer to the question of what attention is, what role it plays in the mind, and why organisms like us have that capacity. I propose a methodology for studying attention at Marr's Computational Level that optimizes in a three‐dimensional space: it should capture core aspects of our first‐person experience of attention, be explanatorily powerful in psychology and neuroscience, and fertile in an interdisciplinary context. I show how this methodology leads to what I call the priority structure account of attention. Attention is what organizes current information to make it more useful for the organism. We can identify it by four features. Attention, in this way, helps a cognitive system to integrate its informational state with its current motivational state. I describe how this account improves on alternatives and shows why attention is a useful concept in many disciplines and for connecting them.

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Psychological Capacities

Psychology > Attention

Philosophy > Foundations of Cognitive Science
Facilitating Learning Activities in Further Education and Master’s Program in Oncology Nursing
Authors: Molnes Sven Inge
Published: October 2022

The number of patients with cancer is increasing, resulting in complex disease patterns and multifaceted patient needs. Both the municipal health service and specialist health services face growing challenges. Oncology nursing students must be trained to see situations comprehensively, act when a patient’s situation worsens, and communicate effectively with the patient and the patient’s relatives. Much of this training will take place during the students’ practice studies, but these periods are short, and there are many aspects of nursing for students to focus on. Simulation offers one option for promoting learning in nursing education. Simulation is an effective supplement to traditional lectures in oncology nursing programs, giving students the opportunity to rehearse their skills and learn where they need more practice.
Train the Trainer Course: How Can the Skills of a Facilitator Benefit Academic Staff in Nursing and Other Health Education Programs?
Authors: Eriksson Ulrika , Kilvik Astrid
Published: October 2022

Over several years, simulation has become an established teaching method in study programs of nursing and other health disciplines. Simulation exercises have a theoretical foundation in a number of perspectives on how adults acquire knowledge, through experience-based learning, reflection-on-action and reflection-in-action, and an emphasis on the sociocultural context. As part of the learning process of simulation, the opportunity for feedback and feed forward is crucial in the learning process. The individual facilitator is particularly important in this understanding of learning. The role of the facilitator is aimed at guiding the student toward learning with the help of didactic and pedagogical methods. Learning in itself is a process that could be defined as a transformation that is not based on biological maturation. In this chapter, we look closer at the nature of train the trainer courses, what separates a facilitator from a lecturer, the significance of a common language and framework, as well as how the side effects and synergies of the facilitator’s skills might benefit academic staff in nursing and other health education programs.
Thermodynamics of Taub-NUT and Plebanski solutions
Authors: Liu Hai-Shan , Lü H. , Ma Liang
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We observe the parallel between the null Killing vector on the horizon and degenerate Killing vectors at both north and south poles in Kerr-Taub-NUT and general Plebanski solutions. This suggests a correspondence between the pairs of the angular momentum/velocity and the NUT charge/potential. We treat the time as a real line such that the Misner strings are physical. We find that the NUT charge spreads along the Misner strings, analogous to that the mass in the Schwarzschild black hole sits at its spacetime singularity. We develop procedures to calculate all the thermodynamic quantities and we find that the results are consistent with the first law (Wald formalism), the Euclidean action and the Smarr relation. We also apply the Wald formalism, the Euclidean action approach, and the (generalized) Komar integration to the electric and magnetic black holes in a class of EMD theories, and also to boosted black strings and Kaluza-Klein monopoles in five dimensions, to gain better understandings of how to deal with the subtleties associated with Dirac and Misner strings.
Origin of nontopological soliton dark matter: solitosynthesis or phase transition
Authors: Bai Yang , Lu Sida , Orlofsky Nicholas
Published: October 2022

Abstract

This work demonstrates that nontopological solitons with large global charges and masses, even above the Planck scale, can form in the early universe and dominate the dark matter abundance. In solitosynthesis, solitons prefer to grow as large as possible under equilibrium dynamics when an initial global charge asymmetry is present. Their abundance is set by when soliton formation via particle fusion freezes out, and their charges are set by the time it takes to accumulate free particles. This work improves the estimation of both quantities, and in particular shows that much larger-charged solitons form than previously thought. The results are estimated analytically and validated numerically by solving the coupled Boltzmann equations. Without solitosynthesis, phase transitions can still form solitons from particles left inside false-vacuum pockets and determine their present-day abundance and properties. Even with zero charge asymmetry, solitons formed in this way can have very large charges on account of statistical fluctuations in the numbers of (anti)particles inside each pocket.
Strukturelle Diskriminierung und Rassismus in der Krankenhausversorgung: die Rolle ökonomischer Rahmenbedingungen in der interkulturellen Öffnung
Authors: Schödwell Steffen , Savin Mihaela , Lauke Anke , Abels Ingar , Abdel-Fatah Dana , Penka Simone , Kluge Ulrike
Published: October 2022

Hintergrund

Rassismus und strukturelle Diskriminierung in der deutschen Gesundheitsversorgung sind bislang wenig untersucht, obwohl die interkulturelle Öffnung seit vielen Jahren gefordert wird. Gleichzeitig schreiten die Prozesse der Ökonomisierung vor allem in der Krankenhausversorgung voran. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht aktuelle Herausforderungen der interkulturellen Öffnung unter Berücksichtigung der ökonomischen Rahmenbedingungen.

Methoden

Es wurden 112 leitfadengestützte Interviews mit Mitarbeitenden der Berliner Krankenhausversorgung aus verschiedenen Berufsgruppen und Fachbereichen geführt. Gefragt wurde nach Herausforderungen, deren Bewältigung und Lösungsideen.

Ergebnisse

Folgeerscheinungen der Ökonomisierung werden besonders in der Versorgung von Patient*innen mit Flucht‑/Migrationsgeschichte sichtbar. Ressourcenmangel kombiniert mit fehlender Kostenübernahme für Sprachmittlung führen zu Überforderung und zu einer Tendenz von Kulturalisierung, bei der die „Kultur“ der Patient*innen zur Erklärung ihres Handelns herangezogen wird, sowie von offenem Rassismus. Nährboden sind dabei multiple Verunsicherungen, die Mitarbeitende durch Mehrbedarfe dieser Patient*innen erleben. Kulturalisierung wird beschrieben als Bewältigungsversuch emotionaler Bedrängnis angesichts von Zeitmangel und Personalknappheit. In erster Linie wird daher der Wunsch nach mehr Zeit und Personal geäußert. Maßnahmen zum Abbau von Rassismus und struktureller Diskriminierung werden konkretisiert.

Diskussion

Um Rassismus und Kulturalisierung entgegenzuwirken, sind Maßnahmen zentral, die an den ökonomischen Rahmenbedingungen sowie institutionellen Veränderungsprozessen ansetzen.
Tissue-resident immunity in the lung: a first-line defense at the environmental interface
Authors: Zazara Dimitra E. , Belios Ioannis , Lücke Jöran , Zhang Tao , Giannou Anastasios D.
Published: October 2022

The lung is a vital organ that incessantly faces external environmental challenges. Its homeostasis and unimpeded vital function are ensured by the respiratory epithelium working hand in hand with an intricate fine-tuned tissue-resident immune cell network. Lung tissue-resident immune cells span across the innate and adaptive immunity and protect from infectious agents but can also prove to be pathogenic if dysregulated. Here, we review the innate and adaptive immune cell subtypes comprising lung-resident immunity and discuss their ontogeny and role in distinct respiratory diseases. An improved understanding of the role of lung-resident immunity and how its function is dysregulated under pathological conditions can shed light on the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases.
RCVS: by clinicians for clinicians—a narrative review
Authors: Erhart Deborah Katharina , Ludolph Albert Christian , Althaus Katharina
Published: October 2022

Background/Objective

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome may be underdiagnosed. It can be accompanied by various complications, mainly intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. The clinical presentation of this condition varies according to its localization. The aims of this review are to raise awareness of the disease, especially in the presence of corresponding risk factors; to connect its precipitating factors, pathophysiology, and complications; and to compare various differential diagnoses of vasoconstriction.

Methods

A review of the literature in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted from May 1997 until May 2022.

Results

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which is a clinical–radiological syndrome, is mainly characterized by the occurrence of thunderclap headache and widespread vasoconstriction. The most common precipitating factors are the use of vasoactive substances and postpartum status. The pathophysiology is currently assumed to include two mechanisms: sympathetic overactivity and endothelial dysfunction. From these mechanisms, it is possible to derive potential complications as well as the most important differential diagnoses: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and primary angiitis of the central nervous system.

Conclusion

In general, the outcome of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is very good. Vasospasm as well as thunderclap headache attacks can be fully reversible, and > 90% of patients are functionally independent at discharge.
Barriers and facilitators for participation in workplace health promotion programs: results from peer-to-peer interviews among employees
Authors: Smit Denise J. M. , Proper Karin I. , Engels Josephine A. , Campmans Jennifer M. D. , van Oostrom Sandra H.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Workplace health promotion programs (WHPPs) have shown to be effective in improving lifestyle behaviors of employees. Despite potential benefits for employees, participation rates are generally low. The aim of this study was to gain deeper insight into barriers and facilitators for participation in WHPPs prior to implementation according to employees.

Methods

Peer-to-peer interviewing, a method derived from citizen science, was used to actively involve employees in the data collection. Employees working in the cleaning-, ICT- and facility-sector were trained to interview their co-workers. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), complemented with the constructs ‘interpersonal factors’ and ‘intrapersonal factors’ from the social ecological model. Data were coded deductively and inductively, and rated by two researchers independently.

Results

Fourteen peer-interviewers conducted 62 peer-to-peer interviews. Main barriers for participation in WHPPs were an unsupportive organizational culture where lifestyle is not a common topic and programs that are not tailored to their needs. Support from peers and supervisors were facilitators. The availability of organizational resources, such as facilities and financial compensation, support participation.

Conclusions

To enhance participation of employees in WHPPs it is recommended to take into account the barriers and facilitators identified in this study. For instance, employees should be involved in the development and implementation of WHPPS by the employer and their needs and available resources should be taken into account. This may lead to more successful implementation and higher participation rates in future WHPPs.
Association between atherogenic risk-modulating proteins and endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation in coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Tryfonos Andrea , Mills Joseph , Green Daniel J. , Wagenmakers Anton J. M. , Dawson Ellen A. , Cocks Matthew
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Endothelial dysfunction is an early and integral event in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Reduced NO bioavailability, oxidative stress, vasoconstriction, inflammation and senescence are all implicated in endothelial dysfunction. However, there are limited data examining associations between these pathways and direct in vivo bioassay measures of endothelial function in CAD patients. This study aimed to examine the relationships between in vivo measures of vascular function and the expression of atherogenic risk-modulating proteins in endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from the radial artery of CAD patients.

Methods

Fifty-six patients with established CAD underwent trans-radial catheterization. Prior to catheterization, radial artery vascular function was assessed using a) flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and b) exercise-induced dilation in response to handgrip (HE%). Freshly isolated ECs were obtained from the radial artery during catheterization and protein content of eNOS, NAD(P)H oxidase subunit NOX2, NFκB, ET-1 and the senescence markers p53, p21 and p16 were evaluated alongside nitrotyrosine abundance and eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation.

Results

FMD was positively associated with eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation (r = 0.290, P = 0.037), and protein content of p21 (r = 0.307, P = 0.027) and p16 (r = 0.426, P = 0.002). No associations were found between FMD and markers of oxidative stress, vasoconstriction or inflammation. In contrast to FMD, HE% was not associated with any of the EC proteins.

Conclusion

These data revealed a difference in the regulation of endothelium-dependent vasodilation measured in vivo between patients with CAD compared to previously reported data in subjects without a clinical diagnosis, suggesting that eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation may be the key to maintain vasodilation in CAD patients.
Effects of oral administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on the treatment of plaque-induced generalized gingivitis
Authors: de Almeida Silva Levi Yara Loyanne , Ribeiro Marcella Costa , Silva Pedro Henrique Félix , Silva Giselle Aparecida , de Souza Salvador Sergio Luiz , de Souza Sérgio Luís Scombatti , Casarin Renato , Júnior Arthur Belem Novaes , Júnior Mario Taba , Palioto Daniela Bazan , Honório Heitor Marques , Messora Michel Reis , Furlaneto Flávia Aparecida Chaves
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the adjuvant effects of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on the treatment of plaque-induced generalized gingivitis.

Materials and methods

Sixty patients were submitted to professional supragingival scaling and prophylaxis. They were randomly assigned to test (probiotic lozenges containing B. lactis HN019, n = 30) or control (placebo lozenges, n = 30) groups. Lozenges were consumed twice a day for 8 weeks. Bleeding on probing (BoP), Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated at baseline and after 2 and 8 weeks. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected at baseline and at 8 weeks for analysis of the inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-1β. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05).

Results

After 8 weeks, both groups showed reduction in the percentage of PI, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.7423). The test group presented a lower percentage of BoP and a higher percentage of sites with GI ≤ 1 when compared with the control group at the end of the study (p < 0.0001). At 8 weeks, the test group had a greater number of patients without generalized gingivitis than the control group (20 and 11 patients, respectively; p < 0.05). The test group presented significantly lower levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in GCF than the control group at the end of the study (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The adjunct use of B. lactis HN019 promotes additional clinical and immunological benefits in the treatment of generalized gingivitis.

Clinical relevance

B. lactis HN019 can be an efficient and side-effect-free adjunct strategy in the treatment of generalized gingivitis.
Ernährungssituation im Rettungsdienst
Authors: Schneider Melanie , Deist Saskia , Lührmann Petra
Published: October 2022

Hintergrund

Eine ausgewogene Ernährung hat eine besondere Bedeutung für die Gesundheit. Zur Ernährungssituation von Beschäftigten im Rettungsdienst liegen kaum Daten vor.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Berufsgruppe der Beschäftigten im Rettungsdienst sollte bezüglich ihres Verzehrverhaltens sowie der Barrieren und Ressourcen für eine gesundheitsfördernde Ernährung untersucht werden.

Material und Methoden

134 Beschäftigte im Rettungsdienst wurden mittels Fragebogen zur Ernährungssituation inkl. Verzehrverhalten (food frequency), Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung (SWE), Barrieren und Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten hinsichtlich einer gesundheitsfördernden Ernährung befragt.

Ergebnisse

Die Beschäftigten verzehren im Vergleich zu den Empfehlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ernährung zu wenig Gemüse, Obst, Vollkornprodukte sowie Milch(-produkte) und die Männer zu viel Fleisch und Wurst. Lebensmittel mit hohem Energiegehalt und/oder ungünstigem Nährstoffprofil, wie Fast Food, Süßigkeiten, Knabberartikel und zuckergesüßte Getränke, haben einen zu hohen Stellenwert in der Ernährung der Befragten. Nur etwa ein Fünftel der Beschäftigten weist ein günstiges Ernährungsmuster auf. Die SWE für die Umsetzung einer gesundheitsfördernden Ernährung während des Diensts ist deutlich geringer als die im Alltag (p < 0,001). Barrieren sind die Aspekte Zeit, finanzielle Mittel, Küchenausstattung und Planungsunsicherheit. Als Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten werden die Schaffung eines Speisenangebots und zeitlichen Rahmens sowie Ausstattungsoptimierungen bei den Rettungswachen genannt.

Diskussion

Führungskräfte sollten für die besonderen Herausforderungen und Chancen der Ernährung im Hinblick auf Gesundheit und Leistungsfähigkeit der Beschäftigten im Rettungsdienst sensibilisiert werden. Ernährungsbezogene Maßnahmen sollten fester Bestandteil der betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung werden.
Paradoxical choice and the reinforcing value of information
Authors: Ajuwon Victor , Ojeda Andrés , Murphy Robin A. , Monteiro Tiago , Kacelnik Alex
Published: October 2022

Signals that reduce uncertainty can be valuable because well-informed decision-makers can better align their preferences to opportunities. However, some birds and mammals display an appetite for informative signals that cannot be used to increase returns. We explore the role that reward-predictive stimuli have in fostering such preferences, aiming at distinguishing between two putative underlying mechanisms. The ‘information hypothesis’ proposes that reducing uncertainty is reinforcing per se, somewhat consistently with the concept of curiosity: a motivation to know in the absence of tractable extrinsic benefits. In contrast, the ‘conditioned reinforcement hypothesis’, an associative account, proposes asymmetries in secondarily acquired reinforcement: post-choice stimuli announcing forthcoming rewards (S+) reinforce responses more than stimuli signalling no rewards (S−) inhibit responses. In three treatments, rats faced two equally profitable options delivering food probabilistically after a fixed delay. In the informative option (Info), food or no food was signalled immediately after choice, whereas in the non-informative option (NoInfo) outcomes were uncertain until the delay lapsed. Subjects preferred Info when (1) both outcomes were explicitly signalled by salient auditory cues, (2) only forthcoming food delivery was explicitly signalled, and (3) only the absence of forthcoming reward was explicitly signalled. Acquisition was slower in (3), when food was not explicitly signalled, showing that signals for positive outcomes have a greater influence on the development of preference than signals for negative ones. Our results are consistent with an elaborated conditioned reinforcement account, and with the conjecture that both uncertainty reduction and conditioned reinforcement jointly act to generate preference.