bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of thickness on the superconducting properties of the thin films of FeTe0.55Se0.45 deposited on YSZ substrates using Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique
Authors: Chauhan Himanshu , Miglani Shivam Kumar , Mitra A , Varma G D
Published: April 2023

We report the successful fabrication of thin films of thickness ∼26 nm, 59 nm, 76 nm, and 158 nm of the composition FeTe0.55Se0.45 on the (100)-oriented Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrate using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The effect of thickness on the structure and superconducting properties of the thin films has been investigated. X-ray diffraction study reveals the growth of thin films along the c-axis. The temperature-dependent resistivity measurements confirm superconductivity in all the fabricated thin films, and the highest

T

c

onset

∼ 16.2 K has been observed for the thin film of thickness ∼59 nm, which is higher than the corresponding value of the polycrystalline target sample. The superconducting parameters such as upper critical magnetic field

H

c
2

0

,

coherence length

ξ

0

,

thermally activated energy (TAE) U0, and vortex phase state have been measured by magnetotransport measurements near

T

c

in the different applied magnetic fields up to 12 T. The TAE values determined from the conventional and modified thermally activated flux flow (TAFF) models are discussed and compared. A crossover from 2-dimensional (2D) vortex to 3-dimensional (3D) vortex behaviour has been observed. The vortex phase diagrams are used to observe the transition from the vortex liquid to the vortex glass state in the grown thin films. Moreover, magnetoresistance (MR) measurements show non-saturating linear magnetoresistance (LMR) in the high field region, indicating the presence of the possible topological state in the grown thin films. The values of magnetic field dependent transport critical current density,

J

c

H

have been evaluated from the current-voltage (I-V) curves. Furthermore, the normalised pinning force density has been used to characterize the pinning processes using the Dew Hughes’ scaling rule which reveals that the grown thin films contain δl-surface pinning centers.
Topological slow light waveguide in photonic valley-locked heterostructures
Authors: Zheng Wang , Wang Yueke
Published: April 2023

In this work, a photonic valley-locked heterostructure is proposed, which is composed of a Dirac photonic crystal (DPC) and two valley photonic crystals (VPC), with opposite valley Chern numbers. By modifying the size of rods nearest to the domain walls, the topological valley waveguide state (TVWS) with large group index (n

g
= 100) can be found, which is called topological slow-light waveguide mode (TSWM). The simulation results based on finite element method demonstrate that the TSWM supports high energy capacity in the proposed heterostructure waveguide, which is suitable for integrating with the existing waveguides. Besides, TSWM is also valley-locked and immune to backscattering. Our finding paves a way of topological slow light, enrich the research of VPCs, and has new applications in optical communication devices.
Polarization-independent high contrast grating 1300 nm dot-in-a-well InAs quantum-dot VCSEL
Authors: Mahjoory Ali , Maleki Mona , Baghban Hamed , Sheikhey Mohammad Mohsen
Published: April 2023

High contrast grating (HCG) 1300 nm InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) has been introduced in this manuscript and the impact of device structure on the self-heating effect and device temperature has been investigated. A self-consistent model that couples the opto-electro-thermal model of the device to the optical gain model is used to calculate optical gain. Simulated results indicate that the proposed structure significantly lowers the hole-burning effect due to a decrease in temperature. So, in contrast to the conventional QD-VCSELs, the HCG QD-VCSEL exhibits better carrier confinement due to hole quantum efficiency of 54% as opposed to 45% for the conventional QD-VCSELs at their rollover current density. Also, results show an improvement of 66% in the maximum output power from the HCG QD-VCSEL compared to a conventional QD-VCSEL structure. In addition, the 3-dB modulation bandwidth has been boosted compared to conventional QD-VCSELs.
Nonlinear phase accumulation for a linear path delay in low coherence fourier transform spectral interferometry
Authors: Athira T S , Naik Dinesh N
Published: April 2023

A scheme to measure path delay in spectral interferometry by observing the phase accumulated by the superposed field is presented. Through the interference with an additional reference beam maintained at an out-of-phase condition near zero optical path delay with respect to the sample probe beam, a nonlinearity in measured phase is observed. A detailed simulation is presented, and its experimental proof-of concept demonstration is attempted using the classic low coherence spectral interferometry. The spectral phase is measured from the modulations in the recorded spectral interference using Fourier transform method of fringe analysis. A systematic calibration for setting up the experiment even with unknown parameters like amplitude ratio among the interfering fields, and location of the zero optical path delay is also provided.
Facile synthesis of different metals doped α-PbO nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue dye
Authors: Geldasa Fikadu Takele , Kebede Mesfin Abayneh , Shura Megersa Wodajo , Andoshe Dinsefa Mensur , Tegegne Newayemedhin A , Hone Fekadu Gashaw
Published: April 2023

In recent days, metallic oxide semiconductor nanoparticles have drawn attention to the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. In the present work, undoped and different metals (Sn, Co, Cu, Ni, and Li)-doped of α-PbO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a facile chemical precipitations method. The obtained nanoparticles were further studied by using different characterization techniques. The XRD results confirmed that the prepared nanoparticles were a tetragonal, α-PbO phase crystal structure without mixing other PbO phases. The obtained optical band gaps from UV–vis DRS analysis were 2.03 eV, 2.68 eV, 1.61 eV, 1.78 eV, 1.67 eV, and 2.00 eV for pristine α-PbO, Sn, Co, Cu, Ni, and Li doped α-PbO respectively. From the PL emission, the lowest PL intensity of the doped samples indicated the low recombination of the electron-hole pairs that improved the photocatalytic performance of pristine α-PbO. SEM and EDX were used to analyze the surface morphology and composition of the synthesized nanoparticles, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the prepared nanoparticles were assessed through the degradation of the Methylene Blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation. The UV–visible spectrophotometer analysis showed that the MB dye concentration decreased as the irradiation time varied from 20 to 100 min. The results showed that within 100 min, the Sn-doped α-PbO nanoparticles possessed the maximum degradation efficiency compared to other metal-doped α-PbO nanoparticles, with 100% MB dye degradation compared to 94.76% by pristine α-PbO. This was due to the increased visible light harvesting, which aided in the photocatalytic degradation of MB dye.
Detecting H i Galaxies with Deep Neural Networks in the Presence of Radio Frequency Interference
Authors: Liang Ruxi , Deng Furen , Yang Zepei , Li Chunming , Zhao Feiyu , Yang Botao , Shu Shuanghao , Yang Wenxiu , Zuo Shifan , Li Yichao , Wang Yougang , Chen Xuelei
Published: April 2023

In the neutral hydrogen (H i) galaxy survey, a significant challenge is to identify and extract the H i galaxy signal from the observational data contaminated by radio frequency interference (RFI). For a drift-scan survey, or more generally a survey of a spatially continuous region, in the time-ordered spectral data, the H i galaxies and RFI all appear as regions that extend an area in the time-frequency waterfall plot, so the extraction of the H i galaxies and RFI from such data can be regarded as an image segmentation problem, and machine-learning methods can be applied to solve such problems. In this study, we develop a method to effectively detect and extract signals of H i galaxies based on a Mask R-CNN network combined with the PointRend method. By simulating FAST-observed galaxy signals and potential RFI impact, we created a realistic data set for the training and testing of our neural network. We compared five different architectures and selected the best-performing one. This architecture successfully performs instance segmentation of H i galaxy signals in the RFI-contaminated time-ordered data, achieving a precision of 98.64% and a recall of 93.59%.
Perturbative field-theoretical analysis of three-species cyclic predator-prey models
Authors: Yao Louie Hong , Swailem Mohamed , Dobramysl Ulrich , Täuber Uwe C
Published: April 2023

We apply a perturbative Doi–Peliti field-theoretical analysis to the stochastic spatially extended symmetric Rock-paper-Scissors (RPS) and May–Leonard (ML) models, in which three species compete cyclically. Compared to the two-species Lotka–Volterra predator-prey (LV) model, according to numerical simulations, these cyclical models appear to be less affected by intrinsic stochastic fluctuations. Indeed, we demonstrate that the qualitative features of the ML model are insensitive to intrinsic reaction noise. In contrast, and although not yet observed in numerical simulations, we find that the RPS model acquires significant fluctuation-induced renormalizations in the perturbative regime, similar to the LV model. We also study the formation of spatio-temporal structures in the framework of stability analysis and provide a clearcut explanation for the absence of spatial patterns in the RPS system, whereas the spontaneous emergence of spatio-temporal structures features prominently in the LV and the ML models.
Correspondence between theory and methodology: a case study of accounting for the environment in organisational research
Authors: Abeysekera Indra
Published: April 2023

The two most widely investigated environmental domains concerning firms are environmental disclosure and environmental performance. This study examines how well operational variables inform constructs in these two domains. The empirical research process has two aspects: truth making and truth building. Truth making using operational variables must align with truth building with respect to constructs. Towards this aim, this article explores two research questions. First, are disclosure and performance operationally and conceptually different? Second, do the operationalised and conceptualised variables have a strong association in each domain—disclosure and performance? This study uses research data matrices available from a published journal article as an example to demonstrate analytical details. It uses the canonical correlation analysis research method for analysing matrix data to answer the research questions. The findings show that disclosure and performance are conceptually different domains. However, results show that operational variables associate differently with the construct. The findings show that selecting variables in empirical settings that reflect constructs can correspond with theoretical advancements.
Engaging with an Imperfect Past: Simultaneity and the Many Stories within Director Rashid Johnson’s Native Son
Authors: McClain Kathryn J
Published: April 2023

Adaptations of classic literature are often maligned in conversations of supposed quality, and Richard Wright’s Native Son stands out as an exceptional example within such critical discourse. Like all adaptations, rewritings of Wright’s novel extend in conversations centred on simultaneity—the notion that a work can recognize multiple influences at once—over singular fidelity. Even more vitally, Rashid Johnson’s 2019 film Native Son is a conscious adaptation within this vein, and it therefore showcases how classic American literature can be recontextualized for the 21st century. Considered influences include Wright’s novel, previous Native Son adaptations, social and political structures, and debates on Bigger Thomas’ characterization by the likes of James Baldwin and Ralph Ellison.
Exposure to soluble platinum salts in precious metal refinery workers over a 17-year period
Authors: Smit Lidwien A M , Jacobs José , da Silva Juliete , Heederik Dick , van Rooy Frits , Portengen Lützen , Houba Remko
Published: April 2023

Background

Occupational exposure to soluble chlorinated platinum (Pt) salts, commonly called chloroplatinates, is a known cause of Pt salt sensitisation (PSS) and occupational asthma. We aimed to model inhalable soluble Pt salts exposure levels based on measurements in precious metal refineries for use in a retrospective cohort study on PSS.

Methods

Five platinum refineries located in the United Kingdom (3 sites), United States, and South Africa provided time weighted average inhalable soluble Pt salts exposure data, measured in 2,982 personal air samples over a 17-year period (2000-2016). We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate geometric mean (GM) exposure levels for each refinery and job title over time.

Results

The GM of measured exposure levels over all facilities was 92 ng/m3 with a geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 9.07. Facility-specific GMs ranged from 48 ng/m3 (GSD 15.3) to 242 ng/m3 (GSD 5.99). Exposure modelling showed that soluble Pt salts exposure levels declined approximately 10% per year in two of the five facilities, but there were no clear time trends in the other facilities. A priori specified exposure groups captured most of the between-jobs differences, which helps to accurately predict exposures for jobs with no measurement data available.

Conclusions

We applied exposure modelling to estimate time, refinery, and job-specific soluble Pt salts exposures. A significant annual decline in exposure levels was observed in two of the five participating facilities. Modelled exposure levels can be linked to individual workers’ job history for exposure–response analysis of PSS in an epidemiological study.
Effects of chronic dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene exposure on testosterone secretion and steroidogenic pathway in the male gonad
Authors: Molina Erica M , Kavazis Andreas N , Mendonça Mary T , Akingbemi Benson T
Published: April 2023

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are present in the environment and/or in consumer products. These agents have the capacity to mimic and/or antagonize endogenous hormones and thus perturb the endocrine axis. The male reproductive tract expresses steroid hormone (androgen and estrogen) receptors at high levels and is a major target for endocrine disrupting chemicals. In this study, Long–Evans male rats were exposed to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, a metabolite of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and a chemical present in the environment, in drinking water at 0.1 and 10 μg/L for 4 weeks. At the end of exposure, we measured steroid hormone secretion and analyzed steroidogenic proteins, including 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, aromatase, and the LH receptor. We also analyzed Leydig cell apoptosis (poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase) and caspase-3 in the testes. Testicular testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E2) were both affected by exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene by displaying altered steroidogenic enzyme expression. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene exposure also increased the expression of enzymes mediating the pathway for programmed cell death, including caspase 3, pro-caspase 3, PARP, and cleaved PARP. Altogether, the present results demonstrate that dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene directly and/or indirectly can target specific proteins involved in steroid hormone production in the male gonad and suggest that exposure to environmentally relevant dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene levels has implications for male reproductive development and function.
How Infectious Disease Experts Impacted the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Response: Lessons From the Front Lines
Authors: Adalja Amesh , McQuillen Daniel P , Meyer Diane
Published: April 2023

In this article, we summarize findings from research conducted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Infectious Diseases Society of America to understand infectious disease (ID) workforce contributions to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response and their impacts. ID experts were found to have made diverse and unique contributions that went well beyond their usual responsibilities, with many spending several hours a week on these activities without additional compensation. These efforts were thought to not only build community resilience but also augment the ongoing public health response. Respondents also reported several hospital and clinical leadership roles taken on during the pandemic, such as developing protocols and leading clinical trials. We also make several policy recommendations, such as medical student debt relief and improved compensation, that will be needed to help fortify the ID workforce for future pandemics.
Longitudinal Dietary Trajectories With Cognitive and Psychosocial Well-Being in Chinese Adults Aged 85 Years and Older in Singapore
Authors: Lai Jun S , Cheng Grand H.-L , Chong Yap-Seng , Chong Mary F.-F , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives

Studies on longitudinal trajectories of diet and the influence on aging in older adults are limited. We characterized diet quality trajectories over the past 2 decades among adults aged ≥85 years and examined their associations with cognitive and psychosocial outcomes.

Research Design and Methods

We used data from 861 participants in the population-based Singapore Chinese Health Study. Dietary intakes were assessed at baseline (mean age [range]: 65 [60–74] years) and at follow-ups 3 (85 [81–95]) and 4 (88 [85–97]) years. Diet quality was measured by adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension pattern, and group-based trajectory modeling was used to derive diet quality trajectories. At Follow-up 4, we assessed cognition using the Singapore-modified Mini-Mental State Examination, depressive symptoms using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, social engagement, and self-rated health. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations of diet quality trajectories with these outcomes.

Results

About 49.7% had a trajectory with consistently low diet quality scores, whereas 50.3% had a trajectory with consistently high diet quality scores. Compared to the “consistently low” trajectory, the “consistently high” trajectory had 29% and 26% lower likelihoods of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms, respectively (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 0.71 [0.51, 0.99] and 0.74 [0.55, 0.99], respectively); as well as 47% higher likelihood of social engagement (1.47 [1.09, 1.98]). No statistically significant association was observed between the trajectories and self-rated health.

Discussion and Implications

Maintaining high diet quality throughout the older adult life course was associated with better cognitive and psychosocial well-being in adults aged ≥85 years.
Everyday Experiences of Physical Function and Awareness of Fall Risk in Older Adulthood
Authors: Mejía Shannon T , Su Tai-Te , Washington Faith C , Golinski Sean , Sosnoff Jacob J
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives

Falls, the leading cause of death and disability among older adults, occur in daily life when the demands of daily activities surpass the ability to maintain balance. An estimated 30% of older adults misestimate their physical function, placing them at greater risk of falling. This study examined how experiences of physical function are linked to awareness of fall risk in daily life.

Research Design and Methods

For 30 consecutive days following a fall-risk assessment, 41 older adults (observations = 1,135; 56% women; age: 65–91) self-assessed objective and subjective fall risk using a custom smartphone application. Alignment of objective and subjective fall risk was indexed as awareness of fall risk. Postural sway was measured by the application. Physical and mobility symptoms and fear of falling were reported daily.

Results

At baseline, 49% of participants misestimated their fall risk. Awareness of fall risk varied from day to day and fall risk was misestimated on 40% of days. Multilevel multinomial models showed individual differences in the level of daily symptoms to increase the tendency to misestimate fall risk. Daily symptoms and fear of falling increased awareness of high fall risk, but daily symptoms threatened awareness of low fall risk.

Discussion and Implications

Findings suggest that misestimation of fall risk is common in older adulthood and informed by appraisals of physical function. Fall prevention strategies could support older adults in understanding their everyday physical function and provide tools to adjust the demands of activities in daily life.
Fluid-driven seismic swarms in the Gripp valley (Haute-Pyrénées, France)
Authors: Derode Benoit , Gounon Alisson , Letort Jean , Sylvander Matthieu , Rigo Alexis , Benahmed Sébastien , Grimaud Frank , Latour Soumaya , Pauchet Hélène , Santamaria Alvaro
Published: April 2023

An unusual seismic activity has recently occurred in the Gripp valley, located in the central part of the French Pyrenees. Since spring 2020, two new swarms appeared, clearly outside the usual location of the seismicity in this area. On 20 September 2020, almost concomitantly with the activation of the second seismic swarm, a hole suddenly opened in the bed of a local river, the Adour de Payolle. This hole drained the water from the river, which dried up over 500 m. We follow and study the spatial and temporal evolution of these clusters, using four temporary stations deployed a few days or months after the beginning of the crisis to complete the regional network. These additional data lead to the construction of a comprehensive catalogue of more than 4900 earthquakes, using both a template matching approach and a deep-learning based phase picking method to complete and improve the initial catalogue available from the French seismological agency. This allows highlighting a slow and clear migration of the seismicity during 1 yr. Precise absolute and relative event locations reveal a dipping faulting structure, confirmed by the focal mechanism estimated for the highest magnitude event of the sequence (ML 3). We propose to explain the observed migration of the seismicity by deep fluids going up through a newly discovered faulting structure.
Long-term ambient seismic interferometry for constraining seasonal subsurface velocity variations in urban settings: a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) case study
Authors: Yang Jihyun , Shragge Jeffrey
Published: April 2023

Ambient seismic interferometry of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data acquired on optical fibre arrays is an increasingly common approach for subsurface investigation. The fixed infrastructure and low maintenance costs of commodity telecommunications fibre also supports cost-effective DAS-based seismic monitoring solutions over extended periods of time—especially when using repurposed telecommunication fibre infrastructure in urban settings. To investigate whether ambient waveform data acquired on such an urban DAS array are sensitive to seasonal subsurface variations, we present a case study using ‘semi-continuous’ DAS time-series data with hourly 150 s sampling windows that were acquired over a 10-month interval in the central business district of Perth, Australia. We apply a cross-coherence analysis to transform pre-processed ambient waveform data into sliding-window weekly interferometric virtual shot gathers (VSGs). We then use these data volumes to compute time-lapse velocity–dispersion panels, which we input to a multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASWs) to generate depth-averaged S-wave velocity estimates of the top 30 m ($V_{S_{30}}$ ). Our time-lapse analyses show that weekly stacked interferometric VSGs exhibit up to 5.8 per cent variations in observed surface wave traveltimes whereas the MASW inversion results capture up to 9.4 per cent variations in $V_{S_{30}}$ estimates between the winter and spring months. We note that these observations are inversely correlated with time-averaged rainfall patterns in the Perth Metro region and are likely attributable to the associated seasonal variations in near-surface groundwater content. Overall, our analysis suggests that semi-continuous ambient seismic monitoring on urban DAS fibre arrays is a computational tractable acquisition strategy that records data volumes useful for monitoring the seasonal variability of groundwater resources beneath urban centres as well as potentially other time-lapse subsurface behaviour occurring over calendar time.
Effect of Ethanol Vapor Inhalation Treatment on Lethal Respiratory Viral Infection With Influenza A
Authors: Tamai Miho , Taba Seita , Mise Takeshi , Yamashita Masao , Ishikawa Hiroki , Shintake Tsumoru
Published: April 2023

Ethanol (EtOH) effectively inactivates enveloped viruses in vitro, including influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Inhaled EtOH vapor may inhibit viral infection in mammalian respiratory tracts, but this has not yet been demonstrated. Here we report that unexpectedly low EtOH concentrations in solution, approximately 20% (vol/vol), rapidly inactivate influenza A virus (IAV) at mammalian body temperature and are not toxic to lung epithelial cells on apical exposure. Furthermore, brief exposure to 20% (vol/vol) EtOH decreases progeny virus production in IAV-infected cells. Using an EtOH vapor exposure system that is expected to expose murine respiratory tracts to 20% (vol/vol) EtOH solution by gas-liquid equilibrium, we demonstrate that brief EtOH vapor inhalation twice a day protects mice from lethal IAV respiratory infection by reducing viruses in the lungs without harmful side effects. Our data suggest that EtOH vapor inhalation may provide a versatile therapy against various respiratory viral infectious diseases.
Establishing a Mouse Model for Sexual Transmission and Male Reproductive Tract Persistence of Ebola Virus
Authors: Clancy Chad S , Smart Gabrielle , Rhoderick J Fred , O’Donnell Kyle L , Rosenke Rebecca , Schäfer Alexandra , Marzi Andrea
Published: April 2023

Ebola virus disease (EVD) has resulted in the death of over 15 000 people since its discovery in 1976. At least 1 incident of re-emergence of EVD has been associated with persistent male reproductive tract infection in a patient surviving EVD greater than 500 days prior. To date, animal models of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection have failed to fully characterize the pathogenesis of reproductive tract infection. Furthermore, no animal model of sexual transmission of EBOV exists. In this study, we describe a roadmap to modeling sexual transmission of EBOV using a mouse-adapted EBOV isolate in immunocompetent male mice and female Ifnar−/− mice.
Single-Dose Treatment With Vesicular Stomatitis Virus–Based Ebola Virus Vaccine Expressing Ebola Virus–Specific Artificial Micro-RNA Does Not Protect Mice From Lethal Disease
Authors: O’Donnell Kyle L , Callison Julie , Feldmann Heinz , Hoenen Thomas , Marzi Andrea
Published: April 2023

Although significant progress has been made in the development of therapeutics against Ebola virus (EBOV), we sought to expand upon existing strategies and combine an RNA interference–based intervention with the approved vesicular stomatitis virus–based Ebola virus (VSV-EBOV) vaccine to conjointly treat and vaccinate patients during an outbreak. We constructed VSV-EBOV vectors expressing artificial micro-RNAs (amiRNAs) targeting sequences of EBOV proteins. In vitro experiments demonstrated a robust decrease in EBOV replication using a minigenome system and infectious virus. For in vivo evaluation, mouse-adapted EBOV–infected CD-1 mice were treated 24 hours after infection with a single dose of the VSV-EBOV amiRNA constructs. We observed no difference in disease progression or survival compared to the control-treated mice. In summary, while amiRNAs decrease viral replication in vitro, the effect is not sufficient to protect mice from lethal disease, and this therapeutic approach requires further optimization.
The One-Away Effect: The Pursuit of Mere Completion
Authors: Ruan Bowen , Polman Evan , Tanner Robin J
Published: April 2023

A series of controlled studies found that consumers counter-normatively prefer something nearly complete over something complete. We call this phenomenon the “one-away effect” because we find that when consumers are, for example, one stamp away from completing a punch card loyalty program, they value the card more than a completed card. This is because their valuation of the one-away card is influenced by their anticipation of merely completing the card, which generates its own utility, apart from the card’s end-reward (a free coffee). To wit, the prospective utility of performing the final action that fulfills completion increases consumers’ valuation of the one-away card. Our findings suggest that consumers are motivated to complete goals, tasks, and sets not only to obtain their end-rewards, but also because merely completing things is intrinsically motivating and can be a goal in and of itself. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the one-away effect, as well as the general notion of mere completion.
Family portraits from the lost Gaddi gallery
Authors: Floriani Mariaelena
Published: April 2023

This article presents ‘prolegomena’ to a deeper study of picture collecting and portraiture in Florence through the lens of Niccolò Gaddi’s commissions between 1560 and 1591. Originating in the lost gallery in Casa dell’Orto, fifteen portraits are isolated here, for the first time, as having formed the nucleus of the collection that belonged to Niccolò. Partly comprising hitherto unpublished paintings, they allow for an analysis of provenances and the subjects’ dynastic history that sheds light on the commissions of Niccolò and his family members. This represents a first step in the reconstruction of one of the most important private collections in Florence associated with the court of Francesco I and Ferdinando I de’ Medici. Moreover, the micro-case of Gaddi’s ‘quadreria familiare’ may lead to a better understanding of portrait painting in the circle of the ‘Pittori dello Studiolo’, greatly beloved by this ‘gentilhuomo privato con ambizioni da qualsivoglia principe’.
Analysis of hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p modulation and phosphodiesterase type 5 expression in the vaginal epithelium of premenopausal women with genital arousal disorder
Authors: Caruso Giuseppe , Falzone Luca , Palermo Gaia , Ricci Daria , Mazza Gabriele , Libra Massimo , Caruso Salvatore , Gattuso Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

Background

Few studies have investigated the role of the phosphodiesterase type 5A (PDE5A) isoenzyme in female genital tissue disorders, exclusively taken from cadavers, as well as the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the regulation of PDE5A levels.

Aim

The aim was to study the in vivo association between microRNA (miRNA) expression and the expression levels of PDE5A in women with female genital arousal disorder (FGAD) compared with healthy women.

Methods

Premenopausal women affected by FGAD (cases) and sexually healthy women (control group) underwent microbiopsy of the periclitoral anterior vaginal wall for the collection of tissue samples. Computational analyses were preliminarily performed in order to identify miRNAs involved in the modulation of PDE5A by using miRNA–messenger RNA interaction prediction tools. Differences in the expression levels of miRNAs and PDE5A were finally investigated in cases and control subjects by using the droplet digital polymerase chain reaction amplification system and stratifying women considering their age, number of pregnancies, and body mass index.

Outcomes

Expression levels of miRNAs were able to target PDE5A and the tissue expression in women with FGAD compared with healthy women.

Results

The experimental analyses were performed on 22 (43.1%) cases and 29 (56.9%) control subjects. Two miRNAs with the highest interaction levels with PDE5A, hsa-miR-19a-3p (miR-19a) and hsa-miR-19b-3p (miR-19b), were identified and selected for validation analyses. A reduction of the expression levels of both miRNAs was observed in women with FGAD compared with the control subjects (P < .05). Moreover, PDE5A expression levels were higher in women with FGAD and lower in women without sexual dysfunctions (P < .05). Finally, a correlation between body mass index and the expression levels of miR-19a was found (P < .01).

Clinical Implications

Women with FGAD had higher levels of PDE5 compared with control subjects; therefore, the administration of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) could be useful in women with FGAD.

Strengths and Limitations

The strength of the current study was to analyze genital tissue obtained in vivo from premenopausal women. A limitation was to not investigate other factors, including endothelial nitric oxide synthetases, nitric oxide, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate that the modulation of selected miRNAs could influence PDE5A expression in genital tissues in healthy women or in those with FGAD. Such findings further suggest that treatment with PDE5 inhibitors, as a modulator of PDE5A expression, could be indicated for women with FGAD.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Evans Dwight L. , Benton Tami D. , Ellison Katherine
Published: April 2023

This chapter focuses on bipolar disorder that affects the lives of people. It starts with how taking care of children with bipolar disorder might take over a parent’s life. The characteristic definition of bipolar disorder ranges between mania and depression. Professional help is advised when red flags like bouts of explosive rage or repeated high-risk behavior have been recorded. The chapter explains the process of diagnosing bipolar disorder, especially when the condition is often mistaken for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or schizophrenia. Moreover, bipolar disorder often exists side by side with other emotional and behavioral issues known as comorbid conditions or comorbidities. The chapter also highlights the role of biology in mood disorders.
Treatment
Authors: Evans Dwight L. , Benton Tami D. , Ellison Katherine
Published: April 2023

This chapter tackles psychotherapy as a method of treatment for bipolar disorder. It clarifies that medication is often not sufficient by itself, so psychotherapy will provide the greatest chance of lifelong success in treating the condition. Imaging studies have shown psychotherapy leads to physical changes in the brain. Moreover, bipolar disorder affects the person with the condition and their respective family. A therapist using cognitive-behavioral therapy challenges a patient’s unhealthy thinking patterns while simultaneously encouraging problem-solving skills and healthier choices. The chapter also explores other psychotherapy approaches such as interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and family-focused treatment. It then covers the duration and side-effects of psychotherapy.
Surviving School
Authors: Evans Dwight L. , Benton Tami D. , Ellison Katherine
Published: April 2023

This chapter advises parents to be vigilant about their children with bipolar disorder and what happens in their school. It starts with the alarming statistics of students being sleep-deprived, having stress-related health symptoms, and being constantly anxious about academics. School is a critically important environment at a key time in a child’s life due to its constant and powerful potential impacts on mental health. Heightened stress is especially hard on kids with bipolar disorder and can trigger a downward spiral. The chapter tackles the influence of bullies, isolation, and boycotts on a child’s school experience. If treatment plans, medication, and psychotherapy do not work, parents essentially have three choices: change the school, homeschool, or work with what they’ve got.
Understanding Depression
Authors: Evans Dwight L. , Rynn Moira A. , Ellison Katherine
Published: April 2023

This chapter elaborates on depression, which is an illness that affects the brain and body with subsequent emotional, mental, behavioral, and physical consequences. The clinical definition of major depressive disorder is a pervasive feeling of sorrow, hopelessness, or apathy that lasts more than a couple of weeks for a good part of each day, interferes with daily life, and may not respond to changing circumstances. The chapter provides an overview of diagnosing symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Scientists have found clear evidence linking depression to variation in brain architecture and brain chemistry. The chapter also explains the correlation of depression to gender, race, stress, and genes.
Treatment
Authors: Evans Dwight L. , Rynn Moira A. , Ellison Katherine
Published: April 2023

This chapter explains how medications help treat depression. Even though medication is not a panacea for treating depression, antidepressants have aided many millions of children, adolescents, and adults to ward off depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are known to be the front-line treatment for youth with depression and anxiety. Additionally, suicidal thoughts and behaviors are one of the potential side-effects of SSRIs. The chapter tackles the side-effects of taking medication, citing that patience is needed to achieve the right medication and dose. It advises going to the hospital immediately if the side-effects turn into a high fever, extreme dizziness, blood in stools, fainting, seizures, or suicidal behavior. On the other hand, many prescribers often suggest taking an off-label prescription, which either means it hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or it is a medication approved for adults but not for adolescents. The chapter suggests other approaches to treat depression, such as neuromodulation, electroconvulsive therapy, and ketamine.
Life After High School
Authors: Evans Dwight L. , Rynn Moira A. , Ellison Katherine
Published: April 2023

This chapter explores the steps parents can take as their children prepare to complete highschool and plan for their future. Parents with their child need to consider the potential options, manage expectations, and provide open communication in order to figure out the best next step. If the decision is to pursue college, parents should utilize The JED Foundation that offers advice for parents concerned about selecting the right college that will support their child’s mental health needs. Parent with their college bound child need to understand the school’s approach to handling emergencies and informing parents. Young people experiencing significant depression symptoms might want to consider paths that will minimize stress and provide additional time to prepare for school or the work force. The chapter also provides information on government support for people disabled with mental illness.
Why Do We Need Intensive Treatment for OCD?
Authors: Falk Avital , Bennett Shannon , Rozenman Michelle , Mohatt Justin , Bergman R. Lindsey
Published: April 2023

“Why Do We Need Intensive Treatment for OCD” provides an overview of the fundamentals of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), guidelines for how to use this book, and a description of the book’s target audience. It provides an overview of OCD epidemiology and clinical presentation, followed by a review of standard treatments for OCD, including exposure and response prevention (ERP) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It reviews the evidence base supporting ERP and SSRIs alone and in combination. It discusses limitations of standard treatment, the rationale for intensive and concentrated OCD treatment, and populations of patients for whom one should consider intensive treatment. The continuum of care for OCD is reviewed along with how intensive outpatient treatment fits within it. A review of the literature and case presentations are used in the chapter.
Evidence for Intensive Treatment Programs
Authors: Falk Avital , Bennett Shannon , Rozenman Michelle , Mohatt Justin , Bergman R. Lindsey
Published: April 2023

“Evidence for Intensive Treatment Programs” reviews the evidence base behind intensive treatment programs. While original treatment protocols for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are based on a “one-session-per-week” outpatient format, there is ample and growing support for providing OCD treatment in a more intensive manner. An advantage to this treatment model is that it is not actually one rigid model, but an umbrella term referring to intensifying treatment, which can be done in many ways. Intensive treatment tends to span 3 to 15 hours a week and can provide the same skills and intervention in a condensed time period or the same treatment at a higher “dose” or intensity. These treatments are gaining popularity, are as effective as weekly therapy, and have unique benefits for special populations.
Clinical Benefits of Intensive Pediatric OCD Treatment Models
Authors: Falk Avital , Bennett Shannon , Rozenman Michelle , Mohatt Justin , Bergman R. Lindsey
Published: April 2023

“Clinical Benefits of Intensive Pediatric OCD Treatment Models” discusses the practical benefits of an intensive treatment model and describes the type of patient population that can greatly benefit from an intensive treatment approach. Providing an increased number of intervention hours in a given week can allow for faster traction on symptom reduction. The potentially greater gains and symptom reduction in a shorter period of time may decrease functional impairment, which allows patients to return to age-appropriate and expected activities. Patients with OCD symptoms in the moderate-to-severe range are ideal candidates for intensive treatment. While there are many practical benefits of intensive treatment for pediatric OCD, this chapter reviews important considerations to determine whether intensive treatment is an appropriate fit for each family.
Program Format: Balancing Structure and Flexibility
Authors: Falk Avital , Bennett Shannon , Rozenman Michelle , Mohatt Justin , Bergman R. Lindsey
Published: April 2023

“Program Format: Balancing Structure and Flexibility” describes the specific considerations related to an intensive treatment program’s structure. These include daily program hours, total number of hours per week, relative number of group versus individual sessions, and how to provide flexibility and options for individual participants within a larger program framework. Examples of program hours and activities are provided, as well as considerations for group and/or individual treatment components, rolling admissions when treatment includes multiple group members, and telehealth considerations. The chapter closes with a review of optimal facilities and physical space in various settings, as well as ideal institutional support for maintaining an intensive program in the long term.
Barriers, Challenges, and Solutions: Planning for Successful Program Implementation
Authors: Falk Avital , Bennett Shannon , Rozenman Michelle , Mohatt Justin , Bergman R. Lindsey
Published: April 2023

“Barriers, Challenges, and Solutions: Planning for Successful Program Implementation” examines factors specific to providers, consumers, and systems/infrastructure to consider when developing an intensive treatment program for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It describes how providers must consider personal temperament and interests, time allocation, and clinical staffing before launching an intensive treatment program. It then considers potential patient barriers, including cost, geography, time commitment, and personal preferences. Finally, it describes systems and infrastructure factors that must be considered. Topics discussed include clinical space, target patient populations, community needs, finances, regulations, and managed care. The chapter emphasizes the need to carefully reflect on these topics before starting an intensive treatment program for OCD. It also encourages flexible thinking and creativity to create a program that considers the specifics of a given provider, consumer population, and system.
Treatment Pathway: From Referral to Aftercare
Authors: Falk Avital , Bennett Shannon , Rozenman Michelle , Mohatt Justin , Bergman R. Lindsey
Published: April 2023

“Treatment Pathway: From Referral to Aftercare” describes the four phases of the treatment process, including preintake screening, intake assessment, active treatment, and treatment tapering. It provides a step-by-step guide on how clinicians can consider each part of the process, from the first phone call to assess eligibility before a full intake assessment and through the full and comprehensive intake, which determines eligibility and additionally provides rich clinical information to inform the treatment plan. Clinicians and providers should consider each phase from the beginning of treatment to ensure that the tapering of and ending of treatment are smooth and successful. Various comorbidities are considered that may make treatment challenging, and practical advice is provided on how to sequence different treatment plans to maximize success.
Medication in the Context of an Intensive Treatment Program
Authors: Falk Avital , Bennett Shannon , Rozenman Michelle , Mohatt Justin , Bergman R. Lindsey
Published: April 2023

“Medication in the Context of an Intensive Treatment Program” describes the role of medication in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), special considerations for intensive treatment programs, and common medication-related questions encountered by clinicians providing intensive treatment. It explains why it is critical that therapists have some working knowledge of medications and their role in OCD treatment. It reviews first-line medical treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clomipramine, as well as risks associated with using as needed (PRN) medications such as benzodiazepines. It describes the evidence base for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), SSRIs, and combination treatment. It provides an overview of medication dosing in children and adolescents with OCD and considers how to sequence medication, CBT, and exposure and response prevention (ERP) and duration of treatment.
Treating Chronic Breathlessness in Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Reinke Lynn F. , Roberts Mary M. , Smith Tracy A.
Published: April 2023

The patient whose case is discussed in this chapter has severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and experiences breathlessness on a daily basis, both at rest and on mild exertion. These acute breathlessness episodes are frightening to him and induce panic. The intensity of the patient’s breathlessness is worsening due to inactivity, and he feels helpless. His wife needs to help him with activities of daily living. His underlying COPD means that he has reduced gas exchange and he is dependent on supplemental oxygen therapy. This chapter discusses the physiology of breathlessness and the psychosocial needs of patients and presents evidence-based nonpharmacological and pharmacological approaches to managing acute and chronic breathlessness in patients with COPD.
Panting for Breath in End-Stage Dementia
Authors: Goderie-Plomp Hermien W. , Parsons Carole , Mehr David R. , van der Steen Jenny T.
Published: April 2023

When a person with advanced dementia develops respiratory symptoms, infection, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure are considerations. Pneumonia often has a high mortality rate and high symptom burden. While a decision to focus on palliative treatment is often appropriate, even with prior discussions families may experience considerable distress. Dyspnea can usually be controlled with opioids, typically morphine. Other symptoms, such as reduced oral intake and dehydration, pain, fever, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, are also discussed. The need for careful symptom monitoring, preferably with observation scales, and swift interventions to alleviate the symptom burden is highlighted. Family support and guidance on a daily basis are important treatment foci.