bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysregulated kappa‐opioid receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex contribute to working memory deficits in alcohol dependence
Authors: Wei Gengze , Sirohi Sunil , Walker Brendan M.
Published: January 2022

Impaired working memory is one symptom contributing to compromised executive function in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Dysregulation of cortical dynorphin (DYN) and κ‐opioid receptors (KORs) has been implicated in alcohol dependence‐induced impairment in executive function. The present experiments test the hypothesis that dysregulated medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) KORs contribute to impaired working memory in alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence was induced in male Wistar rats via 4 months of intermittent ethanol vapor exposure prior to training/testing in an mPFC‐dependent working memory task (delayed nonmatching‐to‐sample task; DNMST). mPFC KOR function in alcohol‐naïve rats was compared with that of alcohol‐dependent and nondependent rats using a DYN A‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS coupling assay. A functional role for mPFC KORs in the regulation of working memory was assessed via intra‐mPFC infusions of a KOR agonist prior to assessment in the DNMST, and the contribution of mPFC KORs to compromised working memory in dependence was assessed via mPFC infusions of the KOR antagonist norbinaltorphimine (nor‐BNI). In alcohol‐dependent rats, impaired performance in the DNMST confirmed compromised working memory. Furthermore, DYN A‐stimulated mPFC KOR function was pathologically increased in alcohol‐dependent rats compared with nondependent and alcohol‐naïve rats. Additionally, mPFC KOR involvement in working memory was functionally confirmed by intra‐mPFC KOR agonist‐induced deficits in DNMST performance. Importantly, alcohol dependence‐induced impairment in the DNMST was ameliorated by intra‐mPFC KOR antagonism. Regulation of working memory by mPFC KORs and alcohol dependence‐induced dysregulation of mPFC KOR function identify a novel therapeutic target to treat AUD‐related symptoms of working memory impairment.
Extrasystoles or short bradycardias of the newborn seldom require subsequent 24‐hour electrocardiographic monitoring
Authors: Uusitalo Asta , Tikkakoski Antti , Reinikainen Miika , Lehtinen Pieta , Ylänen Kaisa , Korhonen Päivi , Poutanen Tuija
Published: January 2022

Aim

To retrospectively assess the indications for and findings on 24‐hour electrocardiographic (Holter) monitoring in newborns, focussing on bradycardias and extrasystoles.

Methods

Data included 337 term‐born infants. Holter indications were categorised into bradycardias below 80 beats per minute, extrasystoles, any tachycardia and other. Heart rate below 60 beats per minute, pathological atrioventricular conduction, supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia, or either atrial premature contractions over 10% or ventricular premature contractions over 5% of total beats were defined as significant arrhythmia on Holter.

Results

The median age was 6 days (range: 2–62 days). Bradycardia (42%) or extrasystoles (32%) were the most common Holter indications. Fifty‐three infants (16%) had significant arrhythmia on Holter. Heart disease or 12‐lead electrocardiogram expressing extrasystoles or conduction abnormalities were associated with significant arrhythmias (p = 0.046 and p < 0.001, respectively). Twenty‐seven of 109 infants (25%) with extrasystoles as a Holter indication had abnormal Holter results, but only seven (6.4%) had significant arrhythmia on Holter if the 12‐lead electrocardiogram was normal. No pathology was found behind bradycardias below 80 beats per minute in the absence of heart disease.

Conclusion

Among term newborns with extrasystoles or bradycardias, Holter monitoring could be targeted to infants with heart disease or abnormal electrocardiograms.
Mucosal microbiotas and their role in stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Pamp Sünje Johanna
Published: January 2022

Mucosal microbiotas and their role in stem cell transplantation. Patients with hematological disorders such as leukemia often undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and thereby receive stem cells from a donor for curation of disease. This procedure also involves immunosuppressive and antimicrobial treatments that disturb the important interactions between the microbiota and the immune system, especially at mucosal sites. After transplantation, bacterial diversity decreases together with a depletion of Clostridia, and shifts toward predominance of Proteobacteria. Infectious and inflammatory complications, such as graft‐versus‐host disease, also interfere with patient recovery. This review collects and contextualizes current knowledge of the role of mucosal microbiotas at different body sites in stem cell transplantation, proposes underlying mechanisms, and discusses potential clinical value of bacterial markers for improved treatment strategies.
Inference for Nonparanormal Partial Correlation via Regularized Rank-Based Nodewise Regression
Authors: Hu Haoyan , Qiu Yumou
Published: January 2022

Partial correlation is a common tool in studying conditional dependence for Gaussian distributed data. However, partial correlation being zero may not be equivalent to conditional independence under non-Gaussian distributions. In this paper, we propose a statistical inference procedure for partial correlations under the high-dimensional nonparanormal (NPN) model where the observed data are normally distributed after certain monotone transformations. The NPN partial correlation is the partial correlation of the normal transformed data under the NPN model, which is a more general measure of conditional dependence. We estimate the NPN partial correlations by regularized nodewise regression based on the empirical ranks of the original data. A multiple testing procedure is proposed to identify the nonzero NPN partial correlations. The proposed method can be carried out by a simple coordinate descent algorithm for lasso optimization. It is easy-to-implement and computationally more efficient compared to the existing methods for estimating NPN graphical models. Theoretical results are developed to show the asymptotic normality of the proposed estimator and to justify the proposed multiple testing procedure. Numerical simulations and a case study on brain imaging data demonstrate the utility of the proposed procedure and evaluate its performance compared to the existing methods. Data used in preparation of this article were obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database.
Income transfer programme for children and adolescents with disabilities in Brazil
Authors: de Campos Mariana Dias , Kohatsu Giovanna Lyka , Yamaguchi Mirian Ueda , Silva Eraldo Schunk , Rudey Edson Luciano , Massuda Ely Mitie
Published: January 2022

Background

In Brazil, there are 55 million people living in extreme poverty. People with disabilities are doubly impacted by low income and the presence of the disability. The Continuous Cash Benefit Program (BPC) is an aid granted by the Brazilian federal government to people who attest to the condition of disability as an impediment to a life on an equal basis with other individuals. Requests to BPC are made to the national competence body that carries out an expert medical and social assessment, by means of an instrument that determines the degree of the disability. Our objective was to analyse the standard of BPC concessions for children and young people with disabilities and to identify the prevalence of major diseases in the concessions.

Methods

The exploratory, cross‐sectional and retrospective research used primary data collected from 332 expert medical assessments of children under 16 years old. The standard and determinants of the concessions were established through Cluster Analysis by Ward's criterion and Euclidean distance, specifying the homogeneous groups of dysfunction classes. The prevalence of major diseases was performed by frequency analysis according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The socioeconomic profile of BPC requirements and the main causes of BPC rejection were analysed through descriptive analysis.

Results

There was a predominance of male, preschoolers and illiterate individuals in the requirements and concessions. In the granting standard for impaired function class, problems related to congenital changes received benefits even in the absence of impairment, with childhood autism being the most prevalent diagnosis.

Conclusions

The concessions seemed more dependent on the diagnosis itself and on the age of the beneficiaries than on the degree of dysfunction suffered, without exclusions, by the individuals.
Impact of MiFID II tick‐size regime on equity markets—Evidence from the LSE
Authors: Favaretto Eros , Lepone Andrew , Lepone Grace
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the impact of MiFID II on the London Stock Exchange. We find that a tick‐size reduction leads to lower bid–ask spreads, lower trade values, reduced cost of trading at and beyond the best bid‐offer, an acceleration of quote updates, an increase in aggressive trades and a reduction in price impact. Increased tick size widens spreads and increases trading costs. Step functions reveal that liquidity adjusts opposite to the tick change. To determine if impacts are proportional, we identify potential functions that predict cost changes with tick updates, implying that traders adjust their trade sizes according to the new tick levels.
Determine power and sample size for the simple and mediation Actor–Partner Interdependence Model
Authors: Ledermann Thomas , Rudaz Myriam , Wu Qiong , Cui Ming
Published: January 2022

Objective

We provide details on how relationship researchers can use Monte Carlo simulation for power estimation and sample size determination for the simple and the mediation Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). In addition to power estimates for specific sample sizes, we show how the sample size for each effect can be determined.

Background

Researchers designing a study commonly want to know what sample size is required to detect a specific effect or in the case after data collection is completed what the power is for a specific effect.

Method

The solution we present asks for the correlations among the variables and allows for the specification of skewness and kurtosis and the incorporation of missing data. For the mediation APIM, power is estimated for the direct effects, indirect effects, and total effects.

Results

The illustrations demonstrate that indistinguishable members require sample sizes that are about half of the sample sizes required for distinguishable members and that skewed data tend to require larger sample sizes. The illustration of the mediation APIM reveals that it is not uncommon that some of the simple indirect effects are significant, but none of the total indirect effects and none of the total effects are.

Conclusion

Monte Carlo simulation provides an easy‐to‐use and flexible solution to determine power and sample sizes for the simple and mediation APIM for distinguishable and indistinguishable members.

Implications

Recommendations are made for dyadic studies with small sample sizes and studies using the mediation APIM.
Home cage measures of Alzheimer's disease in the rTg4510 mouse model
Authors: Barabas Amanda J. , Robbins Lindsey A. , Gaskill Brianna N.
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer's disease affects an array of activities in patients' daily lives but measures other than memory are rarely evaluated in animal models. Home cage behavior, however, may provide an opportunity to back translate a variety of measures seen in human disease progression to animal models, providing external and face validity. The aim of this study was to evaluate if home cage measures could indicate disease in the rTg4510 mouse model. We hypothesized that sleep, nesting, and smell discrimination would be altered in mutant mice. Thirty‐two transgenic mice were used in a Latin square design of four genotypes x both sexes x two diets. Half the mice received a doxycycline diet to suppress tauopathy and evaluate tau severity on various measures. At 8‐, 12‐, and 16‐weeks old, 24 h activity/sleep patterns, nest complexity, and odor discrimination were measured. After 16‐weeks, tau concentration in the brain was quantified. Mutant mice had increased tau concentration in brain tissue, but it was reduced by the doxycycline diet. However, only nest complexity was different between mutant mice and controls. Overall, tauopathy in rTg4510 mice does seem to affect these commonly observed symptoms in human patients. However, while running this study, a report showed that the rTg4510 mutant phenotype is not caused by the mutation itself, but confounding factors from transgene insertion. Combined with report findings and our data, the rTg4510 model may not be an ideal model for all aspects of human Alzheimer's disease.
Mine closure, social disruption, and crime in South Africa
Authors: Marais Lochner , Ndaguba Emeka , Mmbadi Elelwani , Cloete Jan , Lenka Molefi
Published: January 2022

The international literature links mining booms with social disruption. The rapid economic and population growth that mining brings increases urban crime and social problems. But insufficient attention has been paid to the reverse situation: the social disruption that can accompany the closure of a mine. We compare crime statistics for four categories of small city, known in South Africa as “intermediate city municipalities,” from 2009 to 2018. Contrary to the findings of international studies, we find that those where mining was in decline had some of the highest crime rates, particularly in the category of sexual offences, whereas those where mining was growing had the lowest. Our research shows that mine decline and closure can contribute to social disruption. We argue that South African government policy has exacerbated this problem in the context of mine decline and that several dependencies created by mining further contribute to the problem. We challenge the assumption that fast population growth and an increase in the male population are prerequisites for social disruption. Our paper suggests the need for modifications to social disruption theory.
Learning to See God in the School of Creation: Theoria and the Teleological Character of Creation in Basil of Caesarea’s Hexaemeron
Authors: Fogleman Alex
Published: January 2022

This article offers a constructive reading of Basil’s doctrine of creation in the Hexaemeron in order to articulate the relation between Christ the divine Logos and the logos of particular creatures. Tracing two lines of thought in Basil’s homilies on the six days of creation – (1) an ambivalence about the possibility of a material substrate in creation and (2) a teleological understanding of creation – I argue that the true ontology of the creature is something realized only eschatologically as a result of the divine Logos working out in creatures what they are to become. Basil’s ability to order creaturely speculation within a spiritual pedagogy of theoria allows him to articulate the nature of creation as something that is both unknowable (for now) and yet something to be realized (in the eschaton). Though these themes remain underdeveloped in Basil’s thought, when read constructively, the Hexaemeron provides an insightful theological grammar to express the divine Logos as immanent to the logos of creaturely beings and, at the same time, to name creaturely being as an eschatological gift, the end‐product of the divine Logos bringing to realization the creative purposes and powers of each and every being.
Gregory of Nyssa on Soteriology, the Cosmos and Christ's Pneumatic Body
Authors: Abecina Alexander L.
Published: January 2022

This article advances two related claims about Gregory of Nyssa's soteriology. Based on a reading of Homilies 13, 14 and 15 of the In Canticum Canticorum, I argue that Gregory conceived of humanity's salvation as membership in Christ’s pneumatic body. I proceed to argue that Gregory's theological basis for adopting this view of salvation – that is, trinitarian unity of activity, Spirit‐based Christology and Christ as ‘first fruit’ – helps us better to understand the relationship between the so‐called ‘humanistic’ and ‘physical’ aspects of his soteriology. I offer a response, therefore, to an influential interpretation of Gregory’s soteriology that originated with Wilhelm Herrmann, and has most recently been advocated by Johannes Zachhuber.
Current status of diabetes treatment in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan: Results of a questionnaire survey conducted in 2016 and 2020
Authors: Uehira Yudai , Ueno Hiroaki , Ebihara Emi , Uchida Taisuke , Nabekura Hiroki , Sakoda Hideyuki , Yonekawa Tadato , Yamaguchi Hideki , Nakazato Masamitsu
Published: January 2022

Aims/Introduction

The Japanese diabetes treatment guidelines do not specify the first choice of hypoglycemic agents, unlike those of Western countries. Furthermore, the current situation in diabetes treatment is that the choice of hypoglycemic agents is determined by each physician. Therefore, we aimed to determine the current situation in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, in this context. For this, we carried out a questionnaire survey among physicians twice regarding the target value of glycated hemoglobin and the choice of hypoglycemic agents in various cases.

Materials and Methods

We administered an unsigned questionnaire to physicians in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, in July 2016 and March 2020. We divided responses into those of diabetologists and those of non‐diabetologists, and analyzed each response. We then compared the results between both years.

Results

In total, 18 diabetologists and 142 non‐diabetologists responded in 2016, and 21 diabetologists and 134 non‐diabetologists responded in 2020. Many diabetologists chose biguanide as the first‐line drug for obese type 2 diabetes patients. In addition, the rate of choice of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) among physicians almost increased in 2020. Some non‐diabetologists, and even a few diabetologists, inappropriately chose SGLT2i and biguanide for patients with severe renal dysfunction.

Conclusions

Because SGLT2i became available in 2016 and a few years have passed, both diabetologists and non‐diabetologists seemed to refrain from prescribing SGLT2i. However, with the emergence of various lines of firm evidence regarding the use of SGLT2i, physicians started to prescribe it. However, some diabetologists and non‐diabetologists chose hypoglycemic agents inadequately; therefore, there is a need for novel and precise information.
The potential of historical ecology to aid understanding of human–ocean interactions throughout the Anthropocene
Authors: Thurstan Ruth H.
Published: January 2022

Marine historical ecology emerged in the scholarly literature with the aim of understanding long‐term dynamics in marine ecosystems and the outcomes of past human–ocean interactions. The use of historical sources, which differ in temporal scale and resolution to most scientific monitoring data, present both opportunities and challenges for informing our understanding of past marine ecosystems and the ways in which human communities made use of them. With an emphasis upon marine social‐ecological changes over the past 200 years, I present an overview of the relevant historical ecology literature and summarise how this approach generates a richer understanding of human–ocean interactions and the legacies associated with human‐induced ecosystem change. Marine historical ecology methodologies continue to be developed, whereas expanded inter‐ and multidisciplinary collaborations provide exciting avenues for future discoveries. Beyond scholarship, historical ecology presents opportunities to foster a more sustainable relationship with oceans going forward: by challenging ingrained perceptions of what is “normal” within marine ecosystems, reconnecting human communities to the oceans and providing cautionary lessons and exemplars of sustainable human–ocean interactions from the past. To leverage these opportunities, scholars must work alongside practitioners, managers and policy makers to foster mutual understanding, explore new opportunities to communicate historical findings and address the challenges of integrating historical data into modern‐day frameworks.
Provider Characteristics Associated with Trust When Caring for Women Experiencing Substance Use Disorders in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Renbarger Kalyn M. , Trainor Kristin E. , Place Jean Marie , Broadstreet Allyson
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Women experiencing substance use disorders (SUD) have often reported challenges in their relationships with health care providers during the perinatal period that served as a barrier to care. Establishing trust is an important aspect in forming positive relationships. The purpose of this study was to identify provider characteristics associated with the development of trust when caring for women experiencing SUD during the perinatal period.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the databases of CINAHL, APA PsychINFO, and PubMed along with a manual search of Google Scholar between the years of 2000‐2021. Studies were included if they were (1) original qualitative research; (2) published in English; (3) peer reviewed; (4) from the perspective of women experiencing SUD; (5) included descriptions of positive health care interactions between women experiencing SUD in the perinatal period and their health care providers; and (6) conducted in the United States or Canada. The studies were assessed for quality and validity using 10 criteria from the Joanne Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research.

Results

Findings from 21 qualitative studies were synthesized using a thematic synthesis approach and revealed 3 overarching themes that included 7 descriptive subthemes which identified provider characteristics associated with trust. The 7 descriptive subthemes included: developing rapport with women, demonstrating caring behaviors, including women in care, understanding women's SUD treatment efforts, reassuring women, delivering competent care, and educating women.

Discussion

Participants’ accounts of trusting interactions with health care providers occurred when providers viewed women approvingly, affirmed their treatment efforts and maternal abilities, and delivered competent care that was knowledgeable of issues associated with SUD. The findings suggest the importance of confronting implicit biases, integrated care, and fostering a stigma‐free and trauma‐informed working environment.
OnabotulinumtoxinA from lines to facial reshaping: A new Italian consensus report
Authors: Signorini Massimo , Piero Fundarò Salvatore , Bertossi Dario , Cavallini Maurizio , Cirillo Pierfrancesco , Natuzzi Guglielmo , Quartucci Sandro , Sciuto Chantal , Patalano Mariagrazia , Trocchi Gloria
Published: January 2022

Background

Botulinum neurotoxin type A is the most widely used nonsurgical treatment for esthetic improvement of the face and neck. In 2015, an Italian consensus panel met to discuss the optimal methods for using onabotulinumtoxinA. However, clinical practice continues to evolve and the original report is now considered obsolete.

Aims

To provide updated guidance on the esthetic uses of onabotulinumtoxinA in the face and neck.

Methods

A panel of 10 Italian specialists (including plastic and maxillofacial surgeons, dermatologists, and esthetic doctors) individually completed a questionnaire on their own clinical practice, and then met to discuss their responses and agree on a revised treatment consensus.

Results

Recommendations are provided on patient assessment, reconstitution of onabotulinumtoxinA, and preferred procedures (injection sites, doses, anatomical targets, safety precautions, etc.) across a variety of treatment areas, including glabellar, crow's feet, and forehead lines; brow lifting and shaping; lower eyelid hypertrophy; bunny lines; sagging nasal tip; gummy smile; masseter hypertrophy; perioral lines; marionette lines and “sad mouth;” mentalis hypertonia; and platysma bands. Some of the recommended doses are substantially increased from the previous consensus (particularly in the upper third and masseter) for the purpose of achieving longer lasting results without affecting safety. Furthermore, two increasingly popular techniques—the Nefertiti lift and Microbotox—are included in the consensus for the first time.

Conclusions

Optimal practice with onabotulinumtoxinA requires a systematic approach to maximize safety and effectiveness across the range of potential uses. The present consensus was developed to support these aims.
Gene duplication to the Y chromosome in Trinidadian Guppies
Authors: Lin Yuying , Darolti Iulia , Furman Benjamin L. S. , Almeida Pedro , Sandkam Benjamin A. , Breden Felix , Wright Alison E. , Mank Judith E.
Published: January 2022

Differences in allele frequencies at autosomal genes between males and females in a population can result from two scenarios. First, unresolved sexual conflict over survival can produce allelic differentiation between the sexes. However, given the substantial mortality costs required to produce allelic differences between males and females at each generation, it remains unclear how many loci within the genome experience significant sexual conflict over survival. Alternatively, recent studies have shown that similarity between autosomal and Y sequences can create perceived allelic differences between the sexes. However, Y duplications are most likely in species with large nonrecombining regions, in part because they simply represent larger targets for duplications. We assessed the genomes of 120 wild‐caught guppies, which experience extensive predation‐ and pathogen‐induced mortality and have a relatively small ancestral Y chromosome. We identified seven autosomal genes that show allelic differences between male and female adults. Five of these genes show clear evidence of whole or partial gene duplication between the Y chromosome and the autosomes. The remaining two genes show evidence of partial homology to the Y. Overall, our findings suggest that the guppy genome experiences a very low level of unresolved sexual conflict over survival, and instead the Y chromosome, despite its small ancestral size and recent origin, may nonetheless accumulate genes with male‐specific functions.
Result and technique consideration of radiofrequency catheter ablation of tachycardia in patients with dextrocardia
Authors: Zhang Yuekun , Sun Liping , Luo Fangyuan , Li Jiaju , Sun Yibo , Chen Yingwei , Dong Jianzeng
Published: January 2022

Background

Patients with tachycardia, in the context of pre‐existing dextrocardia, could benefit from catheter ablation. However, anatomical complexities hinder effective conduct of this procedure. We aimed to retrospectively summarize the clinical characteristics and the safety and efficiency, and recommended the technique considerations.

Methods

Twenty‐one cases from 19 patients with tachycardia and dextrocardia, who underwent catheter ablation between 2009 and 2021, were enrolled. All patients underwent echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) to confirm the anatomical malformations. Transseptal puncture was guided by fluoroscopy or intracardiac echocardiography when left atrial access was necessary and the ablation process was guided by three‐dimensional (3D) mapping.

Results

Six cases exhibited situs solitus while nine cases exhibited situs inversus. Fourteen cases had atrial fibrillation, seven had atrial flutter, and two had atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT); two cases had combined atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Acute success was achieved in 18 cases (85.7%, 18/21). The 3D mapping system was not employed in the three cases which failed. During long‐term follow‐up (20.71 ± 21.86 months), eight cases (72.7%, 8/11) of atrial fibrillation with dextrocardia successfully attained sinus rhythm. None of AVRT cases had recurrence. Half of the atrial flutter cases with dextrocardia, especially those with a history of surgical correction for cardiac malformations, underwent recurrence. One case had cardiac tamponade.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation for tachycardia patients with dextrocardia is safe, efficient, and feasible. It is imperative to integrate echocardiography, cardiac computer tomography, and 3D mapping, and apply 3D reconstruction to facilitate the success of catheter ablation.
Change leadership and change embeddedness in public organizations: Connecting macrolevel reform to microlevel implementation
Authors: Higgs Malcolm J. , Kuipers Ben S. , Steijn Bram
Published: January 2022

Governments initiate major public sector reforms for various reasons. Although change leadership appears crucial, its role in implementing reforms in public organizations receives scant attention. Insights from public administration and change management literature help to bridge the gap between these macrolevel and microlevel perspectives. Our multilevel study of two youth care organizations addressing public sector reform explores how leadership behavior—and in interaction between top and middle managers—contributes to the concept of what we call change embeddedness among front‐line employees. The use of leadership behaviors during the reform that are leader centric (shaping) appear to be associated with greater ambiguity and worse change embeddedness. However, leadership focused on engaging employees and boundary spanning with external organizations seems to support the embeddedness of the reform, especially when these behaviors are connected to a clear sense of purpose around the change.
Finite‐horizon approximate linear programs for capacity allocation over a rolling horizon
Authors: Vossen Thomas W.M. , You Fan , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2022

Approximate linear programs (ALPs) have been used extensively to approximately solve stochastic dynamic programs that suffer from the well‐known curse of dimensionality. Due to canonical results establishing the optimality of stationary value functions and policies for infinite‐horizon dynamic programs, the literature has largely focused on approximation architectures that are stationary over time. In a departure from this literature, we apply a nonstationary approximation architecture to an infinite‐dimensional linear programming formulation of the stochastic dynamic programs. We solve the resulting problems using a finite‐horizon approximation. Such finite‐horizon approximations are common in the theoretical analysis of infinite‐horizon linear programs, but have not been considered in the approximate linear programming literature. We illustrate the approach on a rolling‐horizon capacity allocation problem using an affine approximation architecture. We obtain three main results. First, nonstationary approximations can substantially improve upper bounds on the optimal revenue. Second, the upper bounds from the finite‐horizon approximation monotonically decrease as the horizon length increases, and converge to the upper bound from the infinite‐horizon approximation. Finally, the improvement does not come at the expense of tractability, as the resulting ALPs admit compact representations and can be solved efficiently. The resulting approximations also produce strong heuristic policies and significantly reduce optimality gaps in numerical experiments.
Impact of universal healthcare on patient choice and quality of care
Authors: KC Diwas , Kim Tongil
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the role of universal healthcare on patient choice and quality of care. Lack of health insurance is a leading contributor to emergency department (ED) visits from the uninsured. Using a natural experiment from Massachusetts, we follow previously uninsured individuals over time—both before and after the implementation of universal healthcare—to study the effects of insurance availability on their healthcare seeking behavior. We find that the availability of health insurance has a significant impact on the type of healthcare sought by the previously uninsured. Specifically, individuals are less likely to continue visiting the ED and instead more likely to choose hospital inpatient and outpatient services. We find that frequent fliers and patients with chronic conditions, who are both known to account for a substantial share of healthcare costs, exhibit heterogeneity in this behavior. Finally, we examine the effect of the policy on quality of care, as measured by short‐term ED revisits. Although the overall revisit rates remain unchanged, frequent ED users and chronic patients experience a decline in short‐term ED revisits. With key features of the Affordable Care Act being frequently criticized for repeal, understanding how these changes influence patient choice and quality of care is significantly policy relevant.
Identification of new proteins in mature sieve elements
Authors: Sanden Niels Christian , Schulz Alexander
Published: January 2022

The phloem enables vascular plants to transport photoassimilates from source tissues to heterotrophic sink tissues. In the phloem, unbroken strings of enucleated sieve elements, which lose the majority of their cellular contents upon maturation, provide a low resistance path for mass flow. The protein machinery in mature sieve elements performs vital functions to maintain the flow, transmit systemic signals and defend the sugar stream against pests. However, our knowledge of this particular protein population is very limited since mature sieve elements are difficult to isolate and not amenable to transcriptomic analysis due to their enucleate nature. Here, we used co‐expression analysis and published gene clusters from transcriptomic studies to generate a list of sieve element proteins that potentially survive the enucleation process to reside in mature sieve elements. We selected seven candidates and show that they all localize in sieve elements in Arabidopsis roots and six of them in bolting stems. Our results support the idea that nascent sieve elements prior to enucleation translate part of the protein machinery found in mature sieve elements. Our co‐expression list and the publicly available gene clusters expressed in late proto‐ and meta‐phloem sieve elements are valuable resources for uncharacterized genes that may function in mature sieve elements.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:82 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Bost Chloé , Cargou Marine , Fort Marylise , Congy‐Jolivet Nicolas , Bouthemy Charlène
Published: January 2022

HLA‐DQA1*01:82 differs from DQA1*01:03:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 49 in exon 2.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DRB1*15:184 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Ward Jessica , Guthrie Pamela , Keen Leigh , Poles Anthony , Wroe Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

HLA‐DRB1*15:184 differs from HLA‐DRB1*15:01:01 by a single base substitution in exon 3 at codon 134.
Preconception health in the well woman
Authors: Brooks Charlotte , Supramaniam Prasanna Raj , Mittal Monica
Published: January 2022

Key content

It is important to focus on preconception care in the well woman because prevention is better than treatment, and interventions commenced in pregnancy may have limited benefit.

A lower socioeconomic status is associated with poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm birth (PTB), pre‐eclampsia (PET), and small‐for‐gestational‐age babies.

Poor nutrition contributes to epigenetic dysregulation, which can alter gene expression and effect phenotypic change. A healthy diet during pregnancy, high in grains and vegetables, may help to reduce the risk of obesity, GDM, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, PET, and maternal anaemia; the benefits to the fetus include the prevention of low birthweight, macrosomia, PTB and stillbirth.

The minimum amount of aerobic activity recommended during the preconception and pregnancy period is either 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week, or 30 minutes of activity per day, or 75 minutes of intense activity per week.

Alcohol is a teratogen that can cause fetal growth restriction and facial malformations, learning and behavioural challenges and impairment to the central nervous system. Smoking in pregnancy can lead to impaired fetal growth and adverse effects on the immune system.

Learning objectives

To understand the importance of the preconception period.

To evaluate key nutritional requirements in the preconception period.

To critically evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of vaccination in the preconception period.
Respiratory distress in small animals: Pathophysiology and clinical approach
Authors: Loewen Jennifer M. , Bach Jonathan F.
Published: January 2022

Background

Respiratory distress is a common reason for animals to present to the emergency room. An understanding of respiratory physiology is helpful to facilitate accurate localization of the patient's source of respiratory distress. This knowledge will aid implementation of more appropriate therapies.

Physiology/pathophysiology summary

Respiratory distress can occur secondary to lesions at any location of the respiratory system. Diseases affecting different portions of the respiratory track (eg, upper airway, lower airways, parenchymal, or the pleural space) lead to distinguishing clinical signs as the patient's respiratory physiology is affected differently.

Clinical importance

Respiratory distress can be life‐threatening if it is not recognized and addressed in a timely matter. Prompt recognition of unique clinical signs may aid the clinician's ability to localize the disease process and implement targeted therapies.

Key Points

Diseases affecting different portions of the respiratory track (eg, upper airway, lower airways, parenchymal, or the pleural space) lead to distinguishing clinical signs as the patient's respiratory physiology is affected differently.

Recognition of respiratory patterns allows clinicians to correlate clinical signs to the most likely affected region of the respiratory tract.

Ideally, alveolar gas (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) are equally matched. However, even a normal lung does not have ideal ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching.

There are a variety of conditions that lead to decreased lung compliance, from pathology of the pulmonary parenchyma (eg, pulmonary edema, alveolar infiltrates such as pneumonia or contusions, or pulmonary fibrosis), pleural space disease (eg, pneumothorax or pleural effusion), abdominal distension, or the inability to expand the rib cage (eg, pain, thoracic wall injury, constricting thoracic bandages).

The five classic causes of hypoxemia include low FiO2, diffusion impairment, hypoventilation, shunt, and V/Q mismatch.

Being prepared to rapidly induce anesthesia and intubate dyspneic animals with upper airway obstruction may be required alleviate the risk of respiratory arrest.
On The Construction of Teaching Team in Chinese Application-Oriented Universities
Authors: Wang Shijie
Published: January 2022

Teachers are the base of education plans. Teachers of application-oriented universities are engaged in educational teaching and academic research, and they are the main body of human resource management in colleges and universities. The “construction of the teaching team” in application-oriented universities is to, based on school positionings, build a rationally structured and high-quality teaching team and an improved training and evaluation incentive mechanism, continuously improve teachers’ professionality and morality and strengthen the stability of teaching staff.
Patient-Customized Theatre Mattress Supports for Spinal Surgery: A Pilot Study Presenting a Novel Engineering Virtual Design and Manufacturing Technique
Authors: Little J. Paige , Green Daniel , Izatt Maree T. , Moloney Gregory E. , Askin Geoffrey N.
Published: January 2022

Optimal patient positioning for spine surgery is vital for surgical success and the minimization of complications intra-/postoperatively. In patients with complex comorbidities, commercially available surgical positioning equipment is inadequate. To overcome this, a novel method was developed to create custom-fit patient-specific theater mattresses for patients undergoing spine surgery. An innovative digital workflow involving three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning, 3D simulation, and computer-aided design was developed to manufacture customized theater supports with patient-specific requirements. These supports offered the surgeon an enhanced ability to relieve load bearing on prominent anatomical features or where desired, to tailor the support surface to the patient's anatomy for lengthy surgery. The bespoke theater mattress was evaluated by whether the support resulted in a complication-free surgery. Using this new workflow, case examples for two patients with complex comorbidities were described. The spine surgeon and anesthetist reported the patient-specific custom mattresses were fit as per the required design, provided sufficient clearance around anatomical prominences and areas that required to be unloaded, had sufficient clearance for the anesthetic method and cannulation, provided excellent surgical access and stability during surgery, and postoperatively no soft tissue overload over bony prominence and implanted devices. Positive patient outcomes after successful lengthy surgical interventions were associated with these patient-specific, contoured mattress supports. Future projects will seek to utilize this technology for other types of surgeries and intra-operative positioning requirements, and for a broader demographic of patients in both the pediatric and adult setting.
Shockwaves in Jammed Ductile Granular Media
Authors: Fonseka R. Devanjith J. I. , Awasthi Amnaya , Lambros John , Geubelle Philippe H.
Published: January 2022

We investigate shock propagation in confined, frictionless granular media using discrete element simulations with an elastoplastic contact law. Depending on the level of confinement and loading, elastoplastic systems exhibit a weak or strong shock propagation response similar to an elastic Hertzian system although the details of the shock development differ markedly from the elastic case. Two modes of dynamic stress propagation are observed based on the shock intensity regime: weak shocks carry the stresses via the initial contact path while strong shocks form new contact networks behind the front. However, unlike for elastic shock propagation, there is an upper bound to the front velocity of strong shocks that depends on the maximum intergranular contact stiffness. Since elastoplastic contact is a dissipative process, results show that dissipation is enhanced with confining pressure in the weak shock regime.
Parameter Study of Geometrically Induced Flow Maldistribution in Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Authors: Schab Richard , Dorau Tim , Unz Simon , Beckmann Michael
Published: January 2022

Shell and tube heat exchangers (STHEs) are the most common type of heat exchanger in preheat trains (PHT) of oil refineries and in chemical process plants. Most commercial design software tools for STHE assume uniform distribution over all tubes of a tube bundle. This leads to various challenges in the operation of the affected devices. Flow maldistribution reduces heat duty of STHE in many applications and supports fouling buildup in fluids that tend to particle, bio, and crystallization fouling (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure, ed., 2010, Heat Atlas, 2nd ed., VDI-Buch., Springer-Verlag). In this article, a fluid mechanics study about tube side flow distribution of crude oil and related hydrocarbons in two-pass PHT heat exchangers is described. It is shown that the amount of flow maldistribution varies significantly between the different STHE designs. Therefore, a parameter study was conducted to investigate reasons for maldistribution. For instance, the nozzles diameter, type, and orientation were identified as crucial parameters. In consequence, simple design suggestions for reducing tube side flow maldistribution are proposed.
Differences in Strength, Speed, and Power Performance Between Visually Impaired Paralympic and Olympic Sprinters
Authors: Freitas Tomás T. , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Winckler Ciro , Zabaloy Santiago , Pereira Lucas A. , Loturco Irineu
Published: January 2022

Purpose:To compare the strength, speed, and power performance of elite sprinters with and without visual impairment.Methods:Twelve elite able-bodied sprinters and 15 Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment took part in this study. Sprinters from both groups performed the following tests: squat and countermovement jumps, maximum bar-power output in the half-squat and jump-squat exercises, and 60-m sprint. The differences between groups in all variables examined were analyzed using the independentttest.Results:Olympic sprinters revealed better performances in all tests when compared with Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment (effect sizes ranging from 1.29 to 9.04;P < .001). Differences of ∼32% and ∼20% were found for the half-squat and loaded and unloaded vertical jumps, respectively. Smaller differences (from ∼8% to ∼11%) were obtained in linear sprint performance.Conclusions:Between-groups differences peaked at low-velocity exercises (eg, ∼32% in the half-squat) and decreased as movement velocity and specificity increased (eg, ∼8% at 60-m sprint). Thus, the greatest differences between Olympic and Paralympic sprinters seem to be related to their ability to apply force at low movement velocities. Coaches are encouraged to work on all sprinting phases and across the entire force–velocity spectrum, bearing in mind that improvements in strength capacity will possibly lead to increased sprint performance in Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment, especially in the acceleration phase of sprinting.
Relationship Between Aerobic Capacity, Mobility, and Spatial Navigation in Healthy Individuals and Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Plácido Jessica , Ferreira José Vinicius , Silva Felipe de Oliveira , Ferreira Renan Baltar , Guimarães Carla , de Carvalho Andréa Nunes , Laks Jerson , Deslandes Andrea Camaz
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical ability and spatial navigation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls, using the floor maze test. Study participants (n = 58) were subjected to the following tests: floor maze test, sit-to-stand, 8-foot up-and-go, and aerobic steps. Factorial analyses showed that performance of the physical tests combined explained approximately 87% of the sample variability. Mobility (R2 = .22, p ≤ .001) and aerobic capacity (R2 = .27, p ≤ .001) were both associated with delayed maze time in the floor maze test. Low levels of aerobic capacity were also associated with an increased odds to perform poorly in the delayed maze time after controlling for age, sex, and mild cognitive impairment diagnosis (odds ratio = 3.1; 95% confidence interval [1.0, 9.5]; p = .04). Aerobic capacity and mobility are associated with spatial navigation in patients with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults.