bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effects of donepezil against Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Gao Bu-Lang , Che Ning-Ning , Li Xue , Ren Chun-Feng
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of donepezil against β-amyloid25-35 (Aβ25-35)-induced neurotoxicity and the possible mechanism.

Methods

PC12 cells were conventionally cultured. Serial concentrations of Aβ25-35 and donepezil (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 μmol/L) were added to the PC12 cells, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining was performed to detect the effects of these treatments on PC 12 viability. The PC 12 cells were pretreated with 1, 5, 10, 20 or 50 μmol/L donepezil two hours before 20 μmol/L Aβ25-35 was added to pretreatment groups A, B, C, D and E. Normal control group I and the 20 μmol/L Aβ25-35-treated group were selected. An MTT assay was used to detect PC12 cell viability, and the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was determined. PC12 cells were pretreated with 10 μmol/L GF109203X (a protein kinase C [PKC] antagonist) 30 min before 10 μmol/L donepezil was added to pretreatment group F, and normal control group II, the 10 μmol/L GF109203X-treated group and the 10 μmol/L donepezil-treated group were chosen. The expression of phosphorylation-PKC (P-PKC) and its major substrate phosphorylated myristoylated alanine-rich protein C kinase substrate (P-MARCKS) was measured by Western blotting. The effects of donepezil on the subcellular distribution of the PKCα and PKCε isoforms were detected by immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Treatment with Aβ25-35 (5, 10, 20 or 50 μmol/L) for 24 h significantly (P < 0.05) decreased PC 12 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the PC12 cells in the control group, those in the 20 μmol/L Aβ25-35-treated group exhibited lower viability but higher LDH release. Compared with the 20 μmol/L Aβ25–35-treated group, pretreatment groups B, C, D and E exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) increased cell viability but significantly (P < 0.05) decreased LDH release. Western blotting demonstrated that compared with control, 10 μmol/L donepezil promoted PKC and MARCKS phosphorylation and that the expression of P-PKC and P-MARCKS in pretreatment group F was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that in the donepezil-treated group. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the PKCα and PKCε isoforms were located mainly in the cytoplasm of PC12 control cells, whereas donepezil increased the expression of the PKCα and PKCε isoforms in the membrane fraction. The Western blot results showed that donepezil altered the subcellular distribution of the PKCα and PKCε isoforms by decreasing their expression in the cytosolic fraction but increasing their expression in the membrane fraction.

Conclusion

Donepezil can antagonize Aβ25–350-induced neurotoxicity in PC 12 cells, and PKC activation may account for the neuroprotective effect of donepezil.
The Pseudo-Direct Numerical Simulation Method considered as a Reduced Order Model
Authors: Idelsohn Sergio R. , Gimenez Juan M. , Nigro Norberto M.
Published: October 2022

The multiscale method called Pseudo-Direct Numerical Simulation (P-DNS) is presented as a Reduced Order Model (ROM) aiming to solve problems obtaining similar accuracy to a solution with many degrees of freedom (DOF). The theoretical basis of P-DNS is other than any standard ROM. However, from a methodological point of view, P-DNS shares the idea of an offline computation, as ROM does, providing the set of coefficients, as a database or table, needed to solve the main problem. This work highlights the advantages and disadvantages of both methodologies. In particular, the drawback of the standard ROM concerning problems where space and time are not separated variables is discussed. The so-called Idelsohn’s benchmark is possibly the most elemental test that can be proposed to point out this drawback. This one-dimensional heat transfer problem with a moving heat source shows that, unlike ROMs, P-DNS can solve it by reducing the number of degrees of freedom as much as needed.
Dual-probe fluorescence spectroscopy for sensitive quantitation of Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology
Authors: Stepanchuk Anastasiia A. , Morgan Megan L. , Joseph Jeffrey T. , Stys Peter K.
Published: October 2022

Protein misfolding is a prominent pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Studies have shown that the diversity of β sheet-rich protein deposits (such as amyloid β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles), present across different brain regions, might underlie different disease phenotypes and only certain types of aggregates might be associated with cognitive decline. Conformationally sensitive fluorescent amyloid probes have the ability to report different structures of protein aggregates by virtue of their shifting emission spectra. Here we defined the binding affinity of the fluorescent amyloid probes BSB and MCAAD to disease-relevant protein aggregates, and combined the two probes to examine formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded mouse and human brain samples. Coupled with quantitative spectral phasor analysis, the dual-probe staining approach revealed remarkable heterogeneity of protein aggregates across the samples. Distinct emission spectra were consistent with certain types of deposits present in the mouse and human brain sections. The sensitivity of this staining, imaging and analysis approach outperformed conventional immunohistochemistry with the detected spectral differences between the greater parenchyma of cognitively normal and AD cases indicating a subtle yet widespread proteopathy associated with disease. Our method offers more sensitive, objective, and quantitative examination of protein misfolding pathology using conventional tissue sections.
Effect of biodegradable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate amendment on the soil biochemical properties and fertility under varying sand loads
Authors: Brtnicky M. , Pecina V. , Holatko J. , Hammerschmiedt T. , Mustafa A. , Kintl A. , Fojt J. , Baltazar T. , Kucerik J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) is a bacterial intracellular carbon and energy storage polymer, used as a thermoplastic polyester in a wide array of industrial and agricultural applications. However, how the soil microbiome and fertility are altered by exogenously applied P3HB has been relatively unexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of P3HB addition to nutrient restricted soil: its biological properties and lettuce (Lactuca sativaL. var.capitataL.) biomass production. The experiment was designed to evaluate impacts of spatial arrangement of the relatively organic-rich (soil organic matter, P3HB particles) versus poor fractions of the matrix with confounding factors such as variable microbial biomass, inherent nutrient/energy status, different water relations (due to variable hydrophysical properties of soil augmented by sand at different ratios).

Results

The results revealed that P3HB in soils induced inconsistent to contradictory changes in the microbial abundance as well as in most enzymatic activities. The differences were conditioned by the sand content both under P3HB presence or absence. On the other hand, dehydrogenase, urease activities, basal and substrate-induced soil respirations were mostly enhanced by P3HB addition, directly with increasing sand content (several respiration types). Nevertheless, P3HB significantly inhibited lettuce biomass production.

Conclusions

P3HB introduction to soil boosts the microbial activity owing to the preferential utilization of P3HB as C source, which depletes soil N and strongly inhibits the plant growth. Enhanced microbial activity in P3HB-amended soils with high sand content (60–80%) suggested that in nutrient-impoverished soil P3HB can temporarily replace SOM as a C source for microbial communities due to the shift of their structure to preferentially P3HB-degrading microbiome.

Graphical Abstract
Terminalia chebula: a novel natural product colorimetric sensor for Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions
Authors: Sen Subhadeep , Singh Tejinder , Im Jungkyun , Debnath Dilip , Biswas Goutam
Published: October 2022

Natural product like Terminalia chebula as Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions sensor was not reported in the literature till now. Herein, we first reported Terminalia chebula (T. chebula), a natural product used in Ayurveda, as a highly sensitive, simple, and cost-effective colorimetric sensor for the detection of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. Terminalia chebula showed a selective colorimetric sensing ability for iron (2+/3+) by changing color from green and pale yellow to blue, having limit of detection level of 43.7 μM and 60.8 μM for Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions, respectively. The concentration-dependent colorimetric determination of iron (2+/3+) was carried out, and the color change to distinguish between different concentrations was excellent. Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography, the fraction having sensing ability was isolated and purified. From the mass spectra of the purified fraction, it was concluded that, the major component responsible for the sensing ability was tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. This chemosensor could be used to detect and quantify Fe2+ and Fe3+ in water samples, which is particularly a useful tool.
Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty improves mechanical alignment and accuracy of component positioning compared to the conventional technique
Authors: Nam Chang Hyun , Lee Su Chan , Kim Jin-Hong , Ahn Hye Sun , Baek Ji-Hoon
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical axis, accuracy of component positioning, and polyethylene liner thickness between robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and conventional TKA.

Methods

From July 2020 to December 2020, 154 TKAs were performed in 110 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade IV varus knees using a robot-assisted system (MAKO group). Additionally, 110 propensity score-matched patients who had undergone primary conventional TKA were chosen in a one-to-one ratio for the conventional group. Post-operative radiographs were used to evaluate mechanical axis and component coronal and sagittal positioning. The polyethylene liner thickness was investigated. The respective mean error values and outliers were obtained for the two study groups and were compared to determine the mechanical axis and the accuracy of the postoperative component positioning.

Results

Patients in the MAKO group achieved better accuracy than those in the conventional group in terms of postoperative mean mechanical axis (1.9˚ vs. 2.8˚, p < 0.05), femur coronal inclination (91.2˚ vs. 91.8˚, p < 0.05), tibia coronal inclination (90.8˚ vs. 91.1˚, p < 0.05), and tibia sagittal inclination (90.7˚ vs. 91.7˚, p < 0.05). However, there was no difference between the two groups in polyethylene liner thickness.

Conclusions

Robot-assisted TKA showed improved mechanical axis and higher accuracy of component positioning compared to the conventional TKA technique, with no significant difference in polyethylene liner thickness between the two groups. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to compare the clinical outcomes of robot-assisted TKA.

Level of evidence

IV.
The construction of Chinese indicator system on public health field investigation and short-term study hub: experience and implications
Authors: Feng Ning , Dong Yanhui , Liu Shelan , Dong Xiaoping
Published: October 2022

Background

The increasing of exchange activities among public health institutes and experts globally calls for a standardized operation to construct public health field investigation and short-term study hub (Field Study Hub). This can funcion as a platform to share experience in public health development in an accurate and comprehensive manner that would benefit global practices. This research aims to establish a supportive indicator system to guide the construction work.

Methods

Delphi method including two rounds of surveys were conducted among 82 senior public health experts. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect the opinions of the experts on the necessity of setting and feasibility of measurement for proposed 5 dimensions of 49 indicators and 7 additionally proposed ones. Percentage and score were used to describe the assessments, χ2 and t tests to compare differences, Kappa and Cronbach’s alpha values to assess intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities. Significance level α was 0.05. Bonferroni adjustment was used in the comparison of experts’ judgment basis.

Results

The percentages of experts choosing “Very good” or “Good” for necessity and feasibility in rounds 1 and 2 were 73.1–97.6% (85.8% ± 7.5%), 64.6–93.9% (82.8% ± 6.7%), 73.8–100% (91.0% ± 6.2%) and 72.5–100% (89.2% ± 7.3%) respectively. The scores of necessity were higher than those of feasibility, and the differences in the dimensions of “Key experience”, “Capacity for logistic support” and the total were statistically significant (t11 = 2.920, t12 = 3.035, t31 = 4.448, t32 = 2.664, tt1 = 3.794, tt2 = 3.007, P < 0.05). The fourteen most necessary indicators were identified. The judgment bases of “Theory” and “Experience” were higher than “Knowledge” and “Intuition” statistically significantly (round 2: χTK2 = 39.020, χEK2 = 67.692, χTI2 = 45.823, χEI2 = 76.515, P < 0.0125). The Kappa values exceeded 40 with the maximum as 75 and the Cronbach’s alphas exceeded 0.8000 with the maximum as 0.9732.

Conclusions

A set of 5 dimensions of 56 indicators with good necessity and feasibility were developed to technically support and well evaluate the construction of field study hub in public health institutions. This was of high significance because it tended to provide a preliminary baseline for the standardized practice in global health. Also, the present research might serve as a methodological reference for the development of other indicator sets.
Maintained activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with TNFi and/or NSAID for at least 12 weeks: a cross-sectional study in Brazil
Authors: de Toledo Ricardo Acayaba , Grizzo Felipe Merchan Ferraz , Fernandes Vander , Calheiros Renato , Russo Ricardo T. , Rosal Gustavo , Marchese Luiz Roberto Delboni , Tunala Roberto , Watanabe Renato , Birck Marina Gabriela , Julian Guilherme Silva , Forestiero Francisco Jose
Published: October 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate disease activity among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AS) treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 12 weeks in private outpatient settings in Brazil.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, real-world study conducted in 17 Brazilian private health care institutes. Patients were selected if diagnosed with AS or axial radiographic spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and treated with NSAIDs or TNFi for at least 12 weeks within the last 26 weeks prior to enrollment. The data were collected from interviewed-based and self-administered questionnaires from patients and physicians. Disease activity was defined as active (≥ 4), low /suboptimal (≥ 2 and < 4) and inactive (< 4) by Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and/or very high (≥ 3.5), high (≥ 2.1 to < 3.5), low (≥ 1.3 to < 2.1), and inactive (< 1.3) by AS Disease Activity Score (ASDAS-CRP). Both patients and physicians’ perceptions of disease control were assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS; 0—inactive to 10—very active disease).

Results

The cohort included 378 patients with a mean age of 46 years, and the median time since diagnosis until enrollment was 5.4 years (interquartile range 2.7–10.5). Most patients were treated with TNFi alone (74%), followed by TNFi in combination with NSAID (15%), and NSAID alone (11%). About half AS patients showed active disease and 24% of patients showed low activity/suboptimal disease control despite having been treated for at least 12 weeks. Although TNFi showed better disease control than NSAID, inactive disease was experienced by few patients. The NRS (mean [standard deviation]) score for disease perception was 4.24 (3.3) and 2.85 (2.6) for patients and physicians, respectively.

Conclusion

This real-world study showed that most AS patients on TNFi and/or NSAID had not achieved an adequate disease control, as almost 75% of them exhibited active disease or low activity/suboptimal disease control. There remains a need for improved disease management among patients with AS.
Anti-drug Antibody Sample Testing and Reporting Harmonization
Authors: Jani Darshana , Marsden Robin , Gunsior Michele , Hay Laura Schild , Ward Bethany , Cowan Kyra J. , Azadeh Mitra , Barker Breann , Cao Liching , Closson Kristin R. , Coble Kelly , Dholakiya Sanjay L. , Dusseault Julie , Hays Amanda , Herl Carina , Hodsdon Michael E. , Irvin Susan C. , Kirshner Susan , Kolaitis Gerry , Kulagina Nadia , Kumar Seema , Lai Ching Ha , Lipari Francesco , Liu Susana , Merdek Keith D. , Moldovan Ioana R. , Mozaffari Reza , Pan Luying , Place Corina , Snoeck Veerle , Manning Marta Starcevic , Stocker Dennis , Tary-Lehmann Magdalena , Turner Amy , Vainshtein Inna , Verthelyi Daniela , Williams William T. , Yan Haoheng , Yan Weili , Yang Lili , Yang Lin , Zemo Jennifer , Zhong Zhandong Don
Published: October 2022

A clear scientific and operational need exists for harmonized bioanalytical immunogenicity study reporting to facilitate communication of immunogenicity findings and expedient review by industry and health authorities. To address these key bioanalytical reporting gaps and provide a report structure for documenting immunogenicity results, this cross-industry group was formed to establish harmonized recommendations and a develop a submission template to facilitate agency filings. Provided here are recommendations for reporting clinical anti-drug antibody (ADA) assay results using ligand-binding assay technologies. This publication describes the essential bioanalytical report (BAR) elements such as the method, critical reagents and equipment, study samples, results, and data analysis, and provides a template for a suggested structure for the ADA BAR. This publication focuses on the content and presentation of the bioanalytical ADA sample analysis report. The interpretation of immunogenicity data, including the evaluation of the impact of ADA on safety, exposure, and efficacy, is out of scope of this publication.

Graphical Abstract
A Single-Center, Observational Study of 607 Children and Young People Presenting With Differences of Sex Development (DSD)
Authors: Man Elim , Mushtaq Imran , Barnicoat Angela , Carmichael Polly , Hughes Claire R , Davies Kate , Aitkenhead Helen , Amin Rakesh , Buchanan Charles R , Cherian Abraham , Costa Nikola J , Creighton Sarah M , Duffy Patrick G , Hewson Emma , Hindmarsh Peter C , Monzani Louisa C , Peters Catherine J , Ransley Philip G , Smeulders Naima , Spoudeas Helen A , Wood Dan , Hughes Ieuan A , Katugampola Harshini , Brain Caroline E , Dattani Mehul T , Achermann John C
Published: October 2022

Context

Differences of sex development (DSD) represent a wide range of conditions presenting at different ages to various health professionals. Establishing a diagnosis, supporting the family, and developing a management plan are important.

Objective

We aimed to better understand the presentation and prevalence of pediatric DSD.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study was undertaken in a single tertiary pediatric center of all children and young people (CYP) referred to a DSD multidisciplinary team over 25 years (1995-2019). In total, 607 CYP (520 regional referrals) were included. Data were analyzed for diagnosis, sex-assignment, age and mode of presentation, additional phenotypic features, mortality, and approximate point prevalence.

Results

Among the 3 major DSD categories, sex chromosome DSD was diagnosed in 11.2% (68/607) (most commonly 45,X/46,XY mosaicism), 46,XY DSD in 61.1% (371/607) (multiple diagnoses often with associated features), while 46,XX DSD occurred in 27.7% (168/607) (often 21-hydroxylase deficiency). Most children (80.1%) presented as neonates, usually with atypical genitalia, adrenal insufficiency, undescended testes or hernias. Those presenting later had diverse features. Rarely, the diagnosis was made antenatally (3.8%, n = 23) or following incidental karyotyping/family history (n = 14). Mortality was surprisingly high in 46,XY children, usually due to complex associated features (46,XY girls, 8.3%; 46,XY boys, 2.7%). The approximate point prevalence of neonatal referrals for investigation of DSD was 1 in 6347 births, and 1 in 5101 overall throughout childhood.

Conclusion

DSD represent a diverse range of conditions that can present at different ages. Pathways for expert diagnosis and management are important to optimize care.
Do Two Electricity Pricing Wrongs Make a Right? Cost Recovery, Externalities, and Efficiency
Authors: Borenstein Severin , Bushnell James B.
Published: October 2022

Economists favor pricing pollution in part so that consumers face the full social marginal cost (SMC) of goods and services. But even absent externalities, retail electricity prices typically exceed private marginal cost, due to a utility’s need to cover average costs. Furthermore, the SMC of electricity can fluctuate widely hour-to-hour, while retail prices do not. We show that residential electricity rates exceed average SMC in most of the US, but there is large geographic and temporal variation. This finding has important implications for pass-through of pollution costs, as well as for policies promoting dynamic pricing, alternative energy, and reduced electricity consumption. (JEL D62, L94, L98, Q42, Q53)
Behavioral Responses to Wealth Taxes: Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Brülhart Marius , Gruber Jonathan , Krapf Matthias , Schmidheiny Kurt
Published: October 2022

We study how declared wealth responds to changes in wealth tax rates. Exploiting rich intranational variation in Switzerland, we find a 1 percentage point drop in a canton’s wealth tax rate raises reported taxable wealth by at least 43 percent after 6 years. Administrative tax records of two cantons with quasi-randomly assigned differential tax reforms suggest that 24 percent of the effect arises from taxpayer mobility and 21 percent from a concurrent rise in housing prices. Savings responses appear unable to explain more than a small fraction of the remainder, suggesting sizable evasion responses in this setting with no third-party reporting of financial wealth. (JEL D91, H24, H26, H31)
The Old-Age Security Motive for Fertility: Evidence from the Extension of Social Pensions in Namibia
Authors: Rossi Pauline , Godard Mathilde
Published: October 2022

The old-age security motive for fertility postulates that people’s needs for old-age support raise the demand for children. We exploit the extension of social pensions in Namibia during the 1990s to provide a quasi-experimental quantification of this widespread idea. The reform eliminated inequalities in pension coverage and benefits across regions and ethnic groups. Combining differences in pre-reform pensions and differences in exposure across cohorts, we show that pensions substantially reduce fertility, especially in late reproductive life. The results suggest that improving social protection for the elderly could go a long way in fostering fertility decline in sub-Saharan Africa. (JEL H55, I38, J13, J14, O15)
Koncepcja Szlaku Pracy Organicznej w Śremie w kontekście autentyczności i zrównoważonego rozwoju turystyki
Authors: Zajadacz Alina , Goryńska Dominika
Published: October 2022

Celem opracowania jest przedstawienie koncepcji szlaku turystycznego, opartego na autentycznych, lokalnych walorach, związanych z historią pracy organicznej w Śremie. W pierwszej części artykułu omówiono pojęcia autentyczności, pracy organicznej oraz tematycznego szlaku turystycznego w kontekście założeń zrównoważonego rozwoju. Część druga zawiera wyniki badań, których celem była diagnoza uwarunkowań powstania oraz propozycja przebiegu Szlaku Pracy Organicznej w Śremie. Koncepcję poddano konsultacjom społecznym wśród mieszkańców Śremu (listopad 2021–styczeń 2022), zgodnie ze społecznym podejściem w planowaniu turystycznym. Wyniki prac obejmują uporządkowaną bazę wiedzy na temat osób zaangażowanych w pracę organiczną oraz jej zróżnicowanych przejawów w Śremie. Koncepcja szlaku stanowi pierwszy etap w tworzeniu projektu, który może zostać wdrożony w formie oznakowanej w terenie i/lub wirtualnej trasy, wzbogacającej zarówno ofertę turystyczną, jak i edukacyjną Śremu.
Merging into the mainstream: the evolution of the role of point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound in hemophilia
Authors: Bakeer Nihal , Shapiro Amy D
Published: October 2022

Bleeding with resultant hemophilic arthropathy constitutes the largest cause of morbidity in patients with hemophilia. It results from repeated bleeding episodes in the joint and is characterized by synovial hypertrophy and cartilage and bony destruction. Hemophilic arthropathy assessment is a continually evolving process and is particularly challenging in children and young adults in whom joint disease may be missed or underestimated as obtaining serial “baseline” magnetic resonance imaging scans of multiple clinically asymptomatic or nearly asymptomatic joints may be unjustifiable and cost-ineffective. Musculoskeletal ultrasound—particularly, point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound—has emerged as a promising imaging modality for the early detection and management of hemophilic arthropathy, and for the evaluation of hemarthrosis and painful musculoskeletal episodes in patients with hemophilia. This review summarizes currently available data on the emerging role of this new imaging modality, its limitations, and gaps in knowledge. The review also raises unanswered questions, highlights the need for consolidated research efforts, and delineates future directions expected to advance this technology and optimize its use in this patient population.
Achieving High Individual Service Levels Without Safety Stock? Optimal Rationing Policy of Pooled Resources
Authors: Jiang Jiashuo , Wang Shixin , Zhang Jiawei
Published: October 2022

In “Achieving High Individual Service-Levels without Safety Stock? Optimal Rationing Policy of Pooled Resources,” Jiang, Wang, and Zhang analyze a resource rationing problem with service level constraints. They present a general framework to study the two-stage problem when customers require individual and possibly different service levels: (1) the capacity level of pooled resources in anticipation of random demand of multiple customers and (2) how the capacity should be allocated to fulfill customer demands after demand realization. The modeling framework generalizes and unifies many existing models in the literature and includes second-stage allocation costs. The authors propose a simple randomized rationing policy for any fixed feasible capacity level and show the optimality of this policy for very general service level constraints, including type I and type II constraints and beyond. They also discuss the optimality of index policies.
Central venous access device locking practices in the adult critical care setting: a single-centre, observational study establishing duration of locking per catheter lumen
Authors: Ornowska Marlena , Wittmann Jessica , Reynolds Steven
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Central line complications remain a problem in critical care patient populations. Various interventions to prevent or treat complications, such as central line-associated bloodstream infection and occlusion, have been the focus of recent research. Although alternative catheter locking solutions have been shown to be effective in other patient populations, their applicability to the critical care setting remains unclear. Due to the high acuity of critical care patients, it is uncertain whether their central lines remain locked for a duration long enough for alternative locking solutions to provide any effect.

Methods:

This single-centre, prospective, observational study aimed to gather information about the length of time central line lumens remain in a locked state in the average critical care patient. Baseline rates of various central line complications were also tracked.

Results:

Results of this study indicate that the majority of central lines will have at least one lumen locked for an average of 36.6% of their time in situ.

Conclusions:

It is anticipated that this length of time provides enough exposure for alternative locking solutions to potentially make a difference in central line complications in this patient population. Results of this study can be used for planning future multi-centre, randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of novel central line locking solutions to prevent central line complications in critically ill patients.
Relationships Between Preschool Teachers' Cognitive Flexibility, Mindfulness, and Self-Efficacy
Authors: BEKİRLER Aslı , GÜNAY BİLALOĞLU Raziye
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between preschool teachers' cognitive flexibility levels, mindfulness levels, self-efficacy perceptions, and to determine whether cognitive flexibility and mindfulness of preschool teachers predict self-efficacy of preschool teachers. The study, which is a correlational survey, consists of 230 preschool teachers working in the spring term of the 2020-2021 academic year. Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Conscious Awareness Scale, Preschool Teachers' Self-Efficacy Beliefs Scale, and Personal Information Form were used as data collection tools. In the analysis of the data, Independent Samples t test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe, Pearson’s Correlation and Regression Analysis were conducted. Regarding the research, it was found that cognitive flexibility, mindfulness, and self-efficacy of preschool teachers were positively and significantly related to each other. In addition, it was noted that self-efficacy perception levels mostly decreased as the duration of experience decreased. In parallel, it was found that the self-efficacy of teachers over the age of 30 was higher than that of teachers aged 30 and younger. Additionally, it was concluded that cognitive flexibility and mindfulness of preschool teachers significantly predicted their self-efficacy perceptions. In line with the findings, various suggestions were presented for educators and researchers.
O PAPEL DA GESTÃO ESCOLAR NA CONSTRUÇÃO DA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL INCLUSIVA
Authors: Marques de Mesquita Reinehr Mercia , Ripa Roselaine
Published: October 2022

Este trabalho discute a participação do gestor escolar no processo de construção da Educação Inclusiva, alicerçada em justiça e equidade para o alunado da Educação Infantil. Foi realizada uma investigação de caráter bibliográfico sobre a atuação do gestor escolar nas dimensões administrativa e pedagógica, por meio da análise da fundamentação histórico-legal da Educação Inclusiva como um direito na Educação Básica. Verificou-se que as contribuições do gestor escolar se desdobram, atualmente, a partir do modelo de Gestão Democrática, tencionando ampliar a viabilidade de mudanças de paradigmas, a promoção de cultura inclusiva e a construção de um espaço escolar de valorização do educando como ser social, ético, histórico e singular. Constatou-se, ainda, que o gestor escolar não é um agente absoluto na promoção das mudanças que o cenário escolar brasileiro exige, sendo essencial o apoio de regulamentações, de políticas públicas e dos demais atores envolvidos com a efetivação de uma escola inclusiva.
The Role Of Distinction In Dialectical Analyses Of Socioecology
Authors: Hedlund John , Longo Stefano B. , Clark Timothy P.
Published: October 2022

The concept of metabolism, as applied to the interrelations between human society and the rest of nature, has been one of the most fruitful iterations of socioecological thought over the last few decades. Here we will examine specific orientations of metabolic thought commonly employed in the social sciences, and their depiction of metabolism as it relates to the “society–nature” problematic and elaborate on the role of the dialectical method when analyzing socioecological processes and distinctions between society and the rest of nature. We will review two overarching uses of metabolism: the theory of metabolic rift and a hybridist metabolic approach to socio-nature. While the former regards society as an emergent property of nature, the latter regards distinctions between the two as undialectical and dualist. First, we review each of these approaches and how they differ in their application of the dialectical method. Then we explore some of the analytic implications of these differing approaches. We contend that a dialectical method that allows for, and encourages, analytical distinction is essential, and that the metabolic rift theory provides an important potential for advancing socioecological analysis in an era of anthropogenic environmental change through its use of analytical distinction between social and environmental phenomena.
On The Chinese Socialist Market Economy And The “New Projectment Economy”
Authors: Jabbour Elias , Dantas Alexis , José Espíndola Carlos
Published: October 2022

This article aims to show that the Chinese development process over the past four decades is not a self-explanatory fact. It is a process that may have revealed the ultimate limitation of the current capacities for interpretation represented by both orthodox and heterodox approaches. This limitation is due to two objective facts: 1) the transformation of the “socialist market economy” into a new socioeconomic formation (NSEF), a process that has accelerated since the financial crisis of 2008—the emergence of this NSEF results from a series of institutional innovations designed to accommodate a myriad of modes of production, all of them under the leadership of the public (socialist) sector; and 2) the continuous technical progress achieved by the state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Following the successful implementation of proactive industrial policies, the above-mentioned developments led to the appearance in China of new and superior forms of economic planning. This process can be understood as the re-emergence of Ignacio Rangel’s “project economy,” now under the title of the “new projectment economy.” In our view, perceiving and understanding this change in the mode of production in China, and the theoretical resources involved in it, represents the greatest challenge before today’s social science.
Mao Zedong’s a Critique of Soviet Economics
Authors: Pateman Joe
Published: October 2022

Since its inception, Marxism has showcased the scientific superiority of political economy over economics. This article argues that Mao Zedong played an important role in demonstrating this superiority. In his
A Critique of Soviet Economics, Mao criticised Soviet political economy for its economic focus, which underestimated the importance of politics and ideology. It was essential, Mao argued, to explore how the political and ideological superstructure affects the economic base. Only then can political economy scientifically understand the processes of socio-economic development, most notably the socialist revolution and period of socialist construction. This article argues that Mao’s arguments retain key insights for the study and development of Marxist political economy today. They remain especially important in the People’s Republic of China. By upholding and enriching Mao’s insights into the critical role of politics and ideology under socialism, the Communist Party of China has ensured the successful development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Examining Phenotypic Differences in Gaze Avoidance Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Wilkinson Ellen H. , Britton Tobias C. , Hall Scott S.
Published: October 2022

We examined potential phenotypic differences in eye gaze avoidance exhibited by boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS). In Study 1, the Eye Contact Avoidance Scale (ECAS) was administered to caregivers of boys aged 7–18 years with FXS (n = 148), ASD (n = 168), and mixed developmental disabilities (MDD; n = 128). In Study 2, subsets of boys with FXS (n = 31) and boys with ASD (n = 25) received a brief behavioral treatment probe to improve eye contact. Results showed that boys with FXS obtained significantly higher scores on the ECAS compared to boys with ASD and MDD. Exposure to the brief behavioral treatment probe resulted in significant decreases in scores for boys with FXS, but not for boys with ASD.
NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Feasibility in Individuals With Williams Syndrome
Authors: Condy Emma E. , Becker Lindsey , Farmer Cristan , Kaat Aaron J. , Chlebowski Colby , Kozel Beth A. , Thurm Audrey
Published: October 2022

The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) was developed for epidemiological and longitudinal studies across a wide age span. Such a tool may be useful for intervention trials in conditions characterized by intellectual disability (ID), such as Williams syndrome (WS). Three NIHTB-CB tasks, including two executive functioning (Flanker, Dimensional Change Card Sort) and one episodic memory (Picture Sequence Memory) task, were given to 47 individuals with WS, ages 4 to 50, to evaluate feasibility (i.e., proportion of valid administrations) in this population. Findings indicated that NIHTB-CB tests showed good feasibility. Flanker and DCCS age-corrected scores were negatively correlated with age and showed floor effects, indicating these scores may not be useful for quantifying performance on these NIHTB-CB tests in ID.
Microwave signal generation from a parity-time-symmetric optoelectronic oscillator with optical injection locking
Authors: Jiao Zhejing , Zuo Pengcheng , Xue Liang , Li Gaofang , Chen Yang
Published: October 2022

A parity-time (PT) symmetric optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) with optical injection locking is proposed and experimentally demonstrated to generate single-mode microwave signals. A distributed feedback laser is injection locked, which functions as a frequency multiplier for the coarse mode selection of the PT-symmetric OEO. The PT symmetry in the OEO is implemented by using a polarization-dependent Sagnac loop to form two identical loops for coupling. By tuning the two polarization controllers in the Sagnac loop, the gain/loss and coupling coefficient of the two loops can be controlled, and single-mode oscillation in the OEO could be achieved at the broken PT-symmetry condition. Microwave signal generation at the frequency of 6.427 GHz is obtained from the proposed OEO. The phase noise is about −105 dBc/Hz at an offset frequency of 10 kHz.
Optical frequency combs in dispersion-controlled doubly resonant second-harmonic generation
Authors: Ricciardi Iolanda , Maddaloni Pasquale , De Natale Paolo , Erkintalo Miro , Hansson Tobias , Arie Ady , Wabnitz Stefan , De Rosa Maurizio
Published: October 2022

We report on the experimental realization and a systematic study of optical frequency comb generation in doubly resonant intracavity second harmonic generation (SHG). The efficiency of intracavity nonlinear processes usually benefits from the increasing number of resonating fields. Yet, achieving the simultaneous resonance of different fields may be technically complicated, all the more when a phase matching condition must be fulfilled as well. In our cavity we can separately control the resonance condition for the fundamental and its second harmonic, by simultaneously acting on an intracavity dispersive element and on a piezo-mounted cavity mirror, without affecting the quasi-phase matching condition. In addition, by finely adjusting the laser-to-cavity detuning, we are able to observe steady comb emission across the whole resonance profile, revealing the multiplicity of comb structures, and the substantial role of thermal effects on their dynamics. Lastly, we report the results of numerical simulations of comb dynamics, which include photothermal effects, finding a good agreement with the experimental observations. Our system provides a framework for exploring the richness of comb dynamics in doubly resonant SHG systems, assisting the design of chip-scale quadratic comb generators.
Analysis and experiments on C band 200G coherent PON based on Alamouti polarization-insensitive receivers
Authors: Hraghi Abir , Rizzelli Giuseppe , Pagano Annachiara , Ferrero Valter , Gaudino Roberto
Published: October 2022

Passive optical network (PON) based on coherent detection has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years as a future solution for 100+ Gbps per wavelength. Particularly for 200G-PON, one of the most attractive options would be to switch to QAM transmission and coherent detection, due to its well know advantages compared to the Direct-Detection approaches used so far in PON. However, coherent technology, extensively used in core networks, has costs that are still perceived as too high for the access ecosystem. In order to perform cost reduction, some groups have studied the option of coherent polarization-independent (PI) detection, since it halves the number of optoelectronic components in the receiver front end. In this paper, we thus present a detailed simulative and experimental investigation of polarization-independent receivers to achieve 200 Gbps transmission in C band using the Alamouti polarization time block coding (PTBC). Our goal is to show what would be the system requirements in terms of optoelectronic bandwidths, laser phase noise and ultimate power budget limitations. We study two different modulation formats: quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) and 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM). We also compare heterodyne and homodyne/intradyne solutions through simulations. As a summarizing result, we experimentally show that 200G PON based on 50 Gbaud-16QAM single-polarization Alamouti coded signals would be possible with today state-of-the-art coherent technologies, demonstrating an Optical Distribution Network loss above 33 dB with 25 km fiber length, a very promising result that is compliant with the PON power budget E1 class.
Multi-material freeform gradient-index spectrometers
Authors: Desai Ankur X. , Schmidt Greg R. , Moore Duncan T.
Published: October 2022

With the advent of 3D printing optical elements, new techniques for manufacturing gradient-index (GRIN) optics have been realized that blend multiple materials in the deposition process. A method to achieve spectral splitting using multi-material GRIN optics is presented. The GRIN is additionally used to generate optical power, allowing for planar entrance and exit surfaces. It is shown that this simultaneous focusing and spectral splitting is not feasible with a two-material GRIN. A comparative design study is then conducted using three and four-material GRIN. A four-material design with optimized materials is also presented to showcase the potential for this new design form.
Optical limiting and nonlinear optical properties of Cr2O3 and WO3 based polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Muller O. , Guerchoux M. , Gibot P. , Merlat L. , Spitzer D.
Published: October 2022

The optical limiting behavior of templated transition metal nanoparticles Cr2O3 and WO3 in a PMMA host at the wavelength of 1064 nm in the nanosecond regime is discussed. Optical filters were produced by chemical synthesis from the bulk. The optical limiting properties were characterized using an adequate custom-made optical setup and the third order nonlinear parameters, namely the nonlinear absorption coefficients and refractive indices were measured by the Z-scan method. The optical limiting performance improvement is clearly demonstrated for the PMMA/Cr2O3 filter bearing out a laser protection level of OD = 1.2, a factor of 4 larger than the pure PMMA filter. A significant blue shift in the nonlinear activation threshold energy occurs when WO3 or Cr2O3 are embedded in a PMMA host as the values have been subsequently pulled down from 500 µJ (pure PMMA) to 65 µJ and 23µJ, respectively. Z-scan measurements highlighted a self-defocusing effect as a result of a negative nonlinearity. Nonlinear refractive indexes in the order of n2 = −1.0X10−15cm2/Wwere calculated for the PMMA/Cr2O3 and PMMA/ WO3 systems. A nonlinear absorption coefficient as high as β = 163cm/GW was measured for the PMMA/Cr2O3 optical limiting filter while the one for PMMA/ WO3 lies 1 order of magnitude behind. It is suggested that the PMMA/Cr2O3 optical system undergoes reverse saturable absorption enhanced by excited state absorption (ESA/RSA). Besides, it is believed that multi-photons absorption (MPA) occurs in PMMA/WO3 or pure PMMA.
Quantum positioning and ranging via a distributed sensor network
Authors: Sun Xiaocong , Li Wei , Tian Yuhang , Li Fan , Tian Long , Wang Yajun , Zheng Yaohui
Published: October 2022

A quantum sensor network with multipartite entanglement offers a sensitivity advantage in optical phase estimation over the classical scheme. To tackle richer sensing problems, we construct a distributed sensor network with four nodes via four partite entanglements, unveil the estimation of the higher order derivative of radio-frequency signal phase, and unlock the potential of quantum target ranging and space positioning. Taking phased-array radar as an example, we demonstrate the optimal quantum advantages for space positioning and target ranging missions. Without doubt, the demonstration that endows innovative physical conception opens up widespread application of quantum sensor networks.
Polarization independent high-speed spatial modulators based on an electro-optic polymer and silicon hybrid metasurface
Authors: Sun Xinyu , Qiu Feng
Published: October 2022

Dynamical control of the constitutive properties of a light beam is important for many applications in photonics and is achieved with spatial light modulators (SLMs). Performances of the current demonstrations, such as liquid-crystal or micro-electrical mechanical SLMs, are typically limited by low (∼kHz) switching speeds. Here, we report a high-speed SLM based on the electro-optic (EO) polymer and silicon hybrid metasurface. The specially configured metasurface can not only support a high-Q resonance and large “optical–electrical” overlap factor, but also overcome the challenge of polarization dependence in traditional EO modulators. Combined with the high EO coefficient of the polymer, a 400 MHz modulation with an RF driving source of 15 dBm has been observed in the proof-of-concept device near the wavelength of 1310 nm. The device with the desired merits of high speed, high efficiency, and micrometer size may provide new opportunities for high-speed smart-pixel imaging, free-space communication, and more.
Agrivoltaics: Modeling the relative importance of longwave radiation from solar panels
Authors: Shepard Laurel A. , Higgins Chad W. , Proctor Kyle W.
Published: October 2022

Agrivoltaics, which integrate photovoltaic power production with agriculture in the same plot of land, have the potential to reduce land competition, reduce crop irrigation, and increase solar panel efficiency. To optimize agrivoltaic systems for crop growth, energy pathways must be characterized. While the solar panels shade the crops, they also emit longwave radiation and partially block the ground from downwelling longwave radiation. A deeper understanding of the spatial variation in incoming energy would enable controlled allocation of energy in the design of agrivoltaic systems. The model also demonstrates that longwave energy should not be neglected when considering a full energy balance on the soil under solar panels.