bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pericardial disease as a rare complication of pediatric appendicitis: a systematic literature search
Authors: Saha Bibek , Aoyama Kazuyoshi , Petre Maria-Alexandra , Englesakis Marina , Robertson James , Levine Mark
Published: November 2020

Background

Classic symptoms of acute appendicitis are well known but are uncommon and often misinterpreted in pediatric patients, potentially delaying diagnosis and resulting in rare sequelae.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search of case reports detailing pericardial disease as a rare complication of pediatric appendicitis through MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Databases. Inclusion criteria was that the patient must be < 18 years old and present with both pericardial disease and appendicitis.

Results

Our search yielded 7 cases with an average age of 10.3 ± 3.9 years old. The cases involved cardiac tamponade, pericarditis, and/or pericardial effusion. Five cases were diagnosed with appendicitis before complicated by pericardial disease. Most cases had an infectious component, but a majority had negative pericardial fluid cultures. Pleural effusion and abdominal abscesses were other common complications of pediatric appendicitis.

Conclusion

Awareness of this uncommon relationship may have prognostic value as this may facilitate appropriate management of pericardial effusions, tamponade, and/or appendicitis.
Nearly one in three children is suffering from sub-optimal feeding practice in Gibe District, Hadiya zone, South Ethiopia
Authors: Fentahun Netsanet , Mulu Yared , Feleke Tesfaye , Tamirat Abraham
Published: November 2020

Background

Although infant and young child feeding practices play an important role, children in Ethiopia suffer from poor infant and young child feeding. To date, there is a limited study which addresses factors that influence infant and young child feeding practices. The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of infant and young child feeding practices in Gibe District, Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was employed on 418 randomly selected mothers with children under the age of 24 months from March 13 to April 13, 2017. The pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Multiple logistic regressions were applied to determine the predictors of infant and young child feeding practices.

Results

A total of 284 (67.9%) infant and young child suffered from the sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices. The husband being a government employee [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.08 (1.65, 10.04)], lower household income [(AOR) = 3.11 (1.36, 7.07)], not attending antenatal care (AOR = 2.03 (1.22, 3.36)], child age 0–5 months [AOR = 2.42 (1.02, 5.72)], negative attitude towards infant and young child feeding practices [AOR = 2.35 (1.44, 3.84)], and the number of children 3–4 [AOR = 1.99 (1.08, 3.64)] were predictors of the sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices.

Conclusion

Sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices were very high as compared to the WHO infant and child feeding recommendation. The husband being a government employee, lower household income, not attending antenatal care, child age 0–5 months, negative attitude towards infant and young child feeding practices, and the number of children 3–4 were the predictors of the sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices. Nutritional interventions should emphasize the predictors of sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices to improve optimal infant and young child feeding practices in Ethiopia.
TIDES: examining the influence of temporal individual differences on multitasking in educational simulation
Authors: Franklin Ashley E. , Thielke Laura , Gilbert Gregory E. , Waller Mary
Published: November 2020

Background

The majority of tasks nurses complete in acute care settings are time-sensitive. Due to complex patient needs, nurses’ multitasking behavior is of growing importance. Situations involving multitasking behavior typically require nurses to switch their attention among multiple tasks and patients in a rapid fashion. Research suggests temporal individual differences such as time urgency, polychronicity, and time perspective influence decision-making. The factors suggest that balanced time perspective may facilitate multitasking. Given novice nurses commit errors related to multitasking, we evaluated the relationship between temporal individual differences, cognitive workload, and multitasking behaviors in a simulation setting.

Methods

A one-group repeated measures design was used to evaluate the relationship between multitasking, demographic factors, cognitive workload, and temporal individual differences. One hundred sixty fourth-year, prelicensure nursing students independently completed two 45-min multiple patients simulations involving care of three interactive patient simulators. Participants completed the Multitasking Preference Inventory, Time Perspective Inventory, Experiences of Time survey, and Time Urgency Scale before simulation. A summary Creighton Simulation Evaluation Instrument score was used to represent multitasking. Participants completed the Task Load Index to represent cognitive workload. We calculated deviation from balanced time perspective and measured its correlation with multitasking. Regression models calculated how much variance deviation from balanced time perspective, demographic factors, and cognitive workload contributed to multitasking.

Results

Standardized test scores were more predictive of multitasking than deviation from balanced time perspective (β = 0.19, t = 2.48, p = 0.0142). As deviation from balanced time perspective increased, multitasking behaviors decreased (r = − 0.17), participants reported a higher sense of urgency (r = 0.39), and they had more frustration after simulation (r = 0.22). Deviation from balanced time perspective did not influence cognitive workload.

Conclusions

Nursing students who demonstrate multitasking behaviors tend to have a more balanced time perspective. Knowing students’ deviation from balanced time perspective may help educators anticipate who will need more assistance with multitasking in simulation. Nursing students frequently wait until just before graduation to provide care for multiple patients; including mention of deviation from balanced time perspective in simulation preparation may help senior nursing students become more self-aware and ultimately improve behavioral performance.
Measuring school children’s attitudes toward immigrants in Switzerland and Poland
Authors: Becker Charlotte Clara , Davidov Eldad , Cieciuch Jan , Algesheimer René , Kindschi Martin
Published: November 2020

For decades, social scientists have been interested in studying individual attitudes toward ethnic minorities or immigrants and their development over time. Whereas these attitudes have been commonly studied among adults, little is known about children’s and teenager’s attitudes toward immigrant minorities. This gap might have been a result of a lack of standardized, cost-effective, and efficient large-scale survey measures tailored to young people. In the current study, we try to overcome this gap by introducing and validating a new, child-friendly, easily administrable picture-based survey measure of attitudes toward immigrants belonging to two ethnic minorities: blacks and Muslims.

For this purpose, we collected a panel dataset at three measurement time points in two countries, Switzerland and Poland, including 5332 school children and teenagers aged 8 to 19 years, divided into three age cohorts. We performed confirmatory factor analyses within and across the samples and found that the new picture-based measures were reliable and highly comparable across measurement time points, age cohorts, and country samples. The findings suggest that picture-based measures may be a promising tool to measure attitudes among children.
Stigma and burden of mental illness and their correlates among family caregivers of mentally ill patients
Authors: Ebrahim Omnya S. , Al-Attar Ghada S. T. , Gabra Romany H. , Osman Doaa M. M.
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives

Family caregivers play a curial role in supporting and caring for their mentally ill relatives. Their struggle for facing stigma and shouldering caregiving burden is marginalized, undervalued, and invisible to medical services. This study assessed the stigma and burden of mental illnesses, and their correlates among family caregivers of mentally ill patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 425 main family caregivers of mentally ill patients at Assiut University Hospital. A structured interview questionnaire was designed to collect socio-demographic data of both patients and their caregivers. Stigma scale for caregivers of people with mental illness (CPMI) was used to assess the affiliate stigma, while the associative stigma was assessed by the explanatory model interview catalogue stigma scale (EMIC-Stigma scale). The caregivers’ burden was assessed using Zarit burden Interview, and Modified Attitude toward Mental Illness Questionnaire was used to assess caregivers’ knowledge and attitude towards mental illness.

Results

Bipolar disorder (48%) and schizophrenia/other related psychotic disorders (42.8%) were the most common mental illnesses among the study patients. The mean scores of CPMI total scale, EMIC-Stigma scale, and Zarit Burden scale were 56.80 ± 7.99, 13.81 ± 5.42, and 55.20 ± 9.82, respectively. The significant correlates for affiliate stigma were being parents of patients (ß = 4.529,p< 0.001), having higher associate stigma (ß = 0.793,p< 0.001), and aggressive behavior of mentally ill patients (ß = 1.343,p= 0.038). The significant correlates for associate stigma of the study caregivers were being caregivers’ relatives other than parents (ß = 1.815,p= 0.006), having high affiliate stigma (ß = 0.431,p< 0.001), having poor knowledge and negative attitude towards mental illness (ß = − 0.158,p= 0.002), and aggressive behavior of mentally ill relatives (ß = 1.332,p= 0.005). The correlates for the high burden were being male (ß = 3.638,p= 0.006), non-educated caregiver (ß = 1.864,p= 0.045), having high affiliate stigma (ß = 0.467,p< 0.001), having high associative stigma (ß = 0.409,p< 0.001), having poor knowledge and negative attitude toward mental illness (ß = − 0.221,p= 0.021), seeking traditional healers and non-psychiatrist’s care from the start (ß = 2.378,p= 0.018), and caring after young mentally ill relatives (ß = − 0.136,p= 0.003).

Conclusion

The studied caregivers suffered from stigma and a high level of burden. Psycho-educational programs directed toward family caregivers are highly recommended.
Is there any association between real earnings management and crash risk of stock price during uncertainty? An evidence from family-owned firms in an emerging economy
Authors: Fatima Huma , Haque Abdul , Usman Muhammad
Published: November 2020

This research work intends to analyze the association between real earnings manipulation and stock price crash. Further, we also analyze the spillover outcome of the crash as a result of applying real earnings management. It is hypothesized that there is a positive and statistically significant association between real activities manipulation and crash risk. It is also assumed that this spillover outcome is more noticeable during uncertainty. By applying data of family firms for the time period 2005–2018, empirical results provide the proof that real manipulation has a significant impact on stock crash for a developing economy like Pakistan among family-based companies. This research work also gives a statistical insight that spillover outcome is more notable for firms facing uncertainty. Our statistical estimations are in support of the assumed hypotheses of the study. This study has very significant and practical implications for academic researchers, standard setters, and investors.
The significance of α-defensins 1-3 in Behcet’s disease: a case-control study among Egyptian patients
Authors: Shaat Reham M. , El Meadawy Samah , Rizk Ehsan Mohamed , Elgawad Mohamed Sherif Abd , Elsaid Tamer O.
Published: November 2020

Background

Behcet’s disease (BD) is associated with uveitis, oral ulcers, genital ulcers and arthritis. Enhanced activity of innate immunity components, such as neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells and endothelial cells, is a prominent feature of BD. The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of α-defensins 1-3 in BD and detect their correlation with disease activity, severity and oral ulcer activity.

Results

Significant differences were found between Behcet’s patients and controls as regards serum α-defensins 1-3 (median 10.1, IQR 4–45 μg/ml versus median 7.4, IQR 0.6–13.2 μg/ml, p = 0.001) and salivary α-defensins 1-3 (median 17.4, IQR 5.7–44 μg/ml versus median 8.6, IQR 3.3–11 μg/ml, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) showed a fair area under curve (AUC) (AUC = 0.743), with sensitivity of 40% and specificity 100% at cutoff value of 17.3 μg/ml for serum α-defensins 1-3, while salivary α-defensins 1-3 showed excellent AUC (AUC = 0.936), with sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 86.7% at cutoff value of 9.8 μg/ml. The levels of serum and salivary α-defensins 1-3 > cutoff value were significantly higher in active severe Behcet’s patients with active oral ulcers (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

α-Defensins 1-3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of BD and could be valuable markers in the determination of disease activity, severity and oral ulcer activity.
Umbrella systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on comorbid physical conditions in people with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Rydzewska Ewelina , Dunn Kirsty , Cooper Sally-Ann
Published: November 2020

Background

Comorbid physical conditions may be more common in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than other people.

Aims

To identify what is and what is not known about comorbid physical conditions in people with ASD.

Method

We undertook an umbrella systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on comorbid physical conditions in people with ASD. Five databases were searched. There were strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. We undertook double reviewing for eligibility, systematic data extraction and quality assessment. Prospective PROSPERO registration: CRD42015020896.

Results

In total, 24 of 5552 retrieved articles were included, 15 on children, 1 on adults, and 8 both on children and adults. Although the quality of included reviews was good, most reported several limitations in the studies they included and considerable heterogeneity. Comorbid physical conditions are common, and some are more prevalent than in the general population: sleep problems, epilepsy, sensory impairments, atopy, autoimmune disorders and obesity. Asthma is not. However, there are substantial gaps in the evidence base. Fewer studies have been undertaken on other conditions and some findings are inconsistent.

Conclusions

Comorbid physical conditions occur more commonly in people with ASD, but the evidence base is slim and more research is needed. Some comorbidities compound care if clinicians are unaware, for example sensory impairments, given the communication needs of people with ASD. Others, such as obesity, can lead to an array of other conditions, disadvantages and early mortality. It is essential that potentially modifiable physical conditions are identified to ensure people with ASD achieve their best outcomes. Heightening clinicians’ awareness is important to aid in assessments and differential diagnoses, and to improve healthcare.
Endocannabinoid signalling in stem cells and cerebral organoids drives differentiation to deep layer projection neurons via CB1 receptors
Authors: Paraíso-Luna Juan , Aguareles José , Martín Ricardo , Ayo-Martín Ane C. , Simón-Sánchez Samuel , García-Rincón Daniel , Costas-Insua Carlos , García-Taboada Elena , de Salas-Quiroga Adán , Díaz-Alonso Javier , Liste Isabel , Sánchez-Prieto José , Cappello Silvia , Guzmán Manuel , Galve-Roperh Ismael
Published: November 2020

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system, via the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, regulates neurodevelopment by controlling neural progenitor proliferation and neurogenesis. CB1 receptor signalling in vivo drives corticofugal deep layer projection neuron development through the regulation of BCL11B and SATB2 transcription factors. Here, we investigated the role of eCB signalling in mouse pluripotent embryonic stem cell-derived neuronal differentiation. Characterization of the eCB system revealed increased expression of eCB-metabolizing enzymes, eCB ligands and CB1 receptors during neuronal differentiation. CB1 receptor knockdown inhibited neuronal differentiation of deep layer neurons and increased upper layer neuron generation, and this phenotype was rescued by CB1 re-expression. Pharmacological regulation with CB1 receptor agonists or elevation of eCB tone with a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor promoted neuronal differentiation of deep layer neurons at the expense of upper layer neurons. Patch-clamp analyses revealed that enhancing cannabinoid signalling facilitated neuronal differentiation and functionality. Noteworthy, incubation with CB1 receptor agonists during human iPSC-derived cerebral organoid formation also promoted the expansion of BCL11B+ neurons. These findings unveil a cell-autonomous role of eCB signalling that, via the CB1 receptor, promotes mouse and human deep layer cortical neuron development.
Fostering global data sharing: highlighting the recommendations of the Research Data Alliance COVID-19 working group
Authors: Austin Claire C. , Bernier Alexander , Bezuidenhout Louise , Bicarregui Juan , Biro Timea , Cambon-Thomsen Anne , Carroll Stephanie Russo , Cournia Zoe , Dabrowski Piotr Wojciech , Diallo Gayo , Duflot Thomas , Garcia Leyla , Gesing Sandra , Gonzalez-Beltran Alejandra , Gururaj Anupama , Harrower Natalie , Lin Dawei , Medeiros Claudia , Méndez Eva , Meyers Natalie , Mietchen Daniel , Nagrani Rajini , Nilsonne Gustav , Parker Simon , Pickering Brian , Pienta Amy , Polydoratou Panayiota , Psomopoulos Fotis , Rennes Stephanie , Rowe Robyn , Sansone Susanna-Assunta , Shanahan Hugh , Sitz Lina , Stocks Joanne , Tovani-Palone Marcos Roberto , Uhlmansiek Mary ,   Research Data Alliance
Published: November 2020

The systemic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic require cross-disciplinary collaboration in a global and timely fashion. Such collaboration needs open research practices and the sharing of research outputs, such as data and code, thereby facilitating research and research reproducibility and timely collaboration beyond borders. The Research Data Alliance COVID-19 Working Group recently published a set of recommendations and guidelines on data sharing and related best practices for COVID-19 research. These guidelines include recommendations for researchers, policymakers, funders, publishers and infrastructure providers from the perspective of different domains (Clinical Medicine, Omics, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, Community Participation, Indigenous Peoples, Research Software, Legal and Ethical Considerations). Several overarching themes have emerged from this document such as the need to balance the creation of data adherent to FAIR principles (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable), with the need for quick data release; the use of trustworthy research data repositories; the use of well-annotated data with meaningful metadata; and practices of documenting methods and software. The resulting document marks an unprecedented cross-disciplinary, cross-sectoral, and cross-jurisdictional effort authored by over 160 experts from around the globe. This letter summarises key points of the Recommendations and Guidelines, highlights the relevant findings, shines a spotlight on the process, and suggests how these developments can be leveraged by the wider scientific community.
Is Evolution a Chance Process?
Authors: Alexander Denis
Published: November 2020

It is commonly thought that evolution is a chance process, an idea found in popular writings on evolution, but also in academic writing in a broad range of scientific disciplines: scientific, philosophical and theological. One problem is that words such as ‘chance’ and ‘random’ are used with a range of different meanings according to context, and in evolutionary biology the word ‘chance’ is sometimes used in a way that is different from its use in mathematics and philosophy. The present article aims to clarify the range of meanings and to argue the case that the evolutionary process is far from being a ‘theory of chance’ from biological, mathematical, or indeed philosophical and theological perspectives.
Could There Have Been Human Families Where Parents Came from Different Populations: Denisovans, Neanderthals or Sapiens?
Authors: Uhlik Marcin Edward
Published: November 2020

No later than ~500kya the population of Homo sapiens split into three lin¬eages of independently evolving human populations: Sapiens, Neanderthals and Den¬isovans. After several hundred thousands years, they met several times and interbred with low frequency. Evidence of coupling between them is found in fossil records of Neanderthal – Sapiens offspring (Oase 1) and Neanderthal – Denisovans (Denisova 11) offspring. Moreover, the analysis of ancient and present-day population DNA shows that there were several significant gene flows between populations. Many introgressed sequences from Denisovans and Neanderthals were identified in genomes of currently living populations. All these data, according to biological species definition, may in¬dicate that populations of H. sapiens sapiens and two extinct populations H. sapiens neanderthalensis and H. sapiens denisovensis are one species. Ontological transitions from pre-human beings to humans might have happened before the initial splitting of the Homo sapiens population or after the splitting during evolution of H. sapiens sapiens lineage in Africa. If the ensoulment of the first homo occurred in the evolving populations of H. sapiens sapiens, then occasionally mixed couples (Neanderthals – Sapiens or Denisovans – Sapiens) created relations that functioned as a family, in which children could have matured.
Thomas Aquinas on the Proportionate Causes of Living Species
Authors: Carl Brian T.
Published: November 2020

The principle of proportionate causality is often cited as a cause for concern that Thomistic metaphysics may be irreconcilable with a theory of biological evolution. St. Thomas does hold that for the generation of what he calls perfect animals, a generator of the same species is required. This study clarifies what the proportionate causes of generated organisms are for Thomas, examining his views about spontaneous generation, reproductive generation, and hybridization, while also articulating the roles of both the heavenly bodies and their separate movers as universal causes of generation. This study establishes that Thomas’s assertion of the need for a univocal generator for perfect animals is grounded not in the principle of proportionate causality, but rather in physical and biological doctrines received from Aristotle and in a causal principle that seems reconcilable with biological evolution, namely, that a remote universal cause requires more mediating causes to produce more powerful effects.
La comunicación digital de la Unión Europea en relación con la ciudadanía
Authors: Gálvez Caja María Asunción
Published: November 2020

En un intento de reflexionar sobre la conexión que hay entre esferas
aparentemente tan distintas como el universo ciudadano y el universo institucional,
este artículo trata de describir cómo es la comunicación institucional de la Unión
Europa en relación con los individuos en su papel de ciudadanos y usuarios, por
tanto, desde el punto de vista exclusivamente digital.
Este análisis se realiza sobre una selección representativa del conjunto de
las unidades que componen la Unión Europea mediante el estudio de sus páginas
web con el fin de averiguar si cada uno de estos cuerpos está “ciudadanizado” y
si existe un espacio de diálogo e interacción destinado a solucionar todo tipo de
gestiones y trámites, así como a satisfacer las necesidades de información que
como europeos podemos tener.
Las restricciones a la libre circulación de personas en la UE durante la era COVID-19: hacia un futuro incierto
Authors: M. Martín Magdalena
Published: November 2020

Este estudio analiza el impacto que la COVID-19 ha supuesto para la
libre circulación de personas y el control de las fronteras tanto interiores como
exteriores en la UE, en un momento especialmente delicado, ya que ha coincidido
con la apertura de la Conferencia sobre el futuro de la UE. La hipotésis de partida
es la inadecuación del marco jurídico de la libre circulación, tanto en el Derecho
Internacional como en el Derecho Europeo, para adoptar las restricciones que la
lucha contra la pandemia exige. Este hecho, unido a que los Estados miembros
son competentes en materia de salud pública y en la preservación de su seguridad
nacional, han alterado la esencia y los límites de un derecho clave para el presente y el futuro del proceso de integración europea. De ahí que sea necesario preservar
el actual acervo normativo frente a estas y otras posibles derivas restrictivas,
evitando así dar por sentado su irreversibilidad.
The economic value for cycling – a methodological assessment for Starter Cities
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Isidoro Catarina , Moura Sá Frederico , Baptista Da Mota José Carlos
Published: November 2020

The concerns about climate change, the effects of congestion and pollution in urban areas have led to the debate about the need for alternative mobility patterns to reduce the negative impacts of transport. At the same time, research on sustainable urban mobility highlights the value of cycling as a mean of transport and its economic, social and environmental benefits. Despite the proven benefits, investments in cycling are not always considered a priority, especially in contexts where cycling is residual, such as Portuguese cities, with an average modal share of 0.5%. In this context, the Boost project is developing a Starter Cities Roadmap to promote cycling. This article aims to discuss the methodological steps beyond a comprehensive Economic Value for Cycling (EVC) tool. This tool is aimed to analyze the impacts of a higher use of the bicycle as a transportation mode and its multi-dimensional impacts in the economy. Departing from the example of starter cities in Portugal and the available statistical information, a full description of the methodology applied (and challenges) is offered. This method covers from the calculation of the bicycle industry value chain; economic impacts of reduced fuel consumption caused by modal shift; and the value of environmental, energy and health benefits at a local level.
Sleep, sedentary behavior and physical activity: changes on children’s routine during the COVID-19
Authors: Silva Luís Carlos Barbosa , Noaves Cinthya Rafaella Magalhães da Nóbrega , Lima Júnior Ronaldo Alexandre de , Giudicelli Bruno Barbosa , Cunha Júnior Arnaldo Tenório da , Tenório Maria Cecília Marinho , Martins Clarice Maria de Lucena , Tassitano Rafael Miranda
Published: November 2020

Social isolation was adopted as a strategy to reduce the transmission speed of the severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in several countries in the world, including Brazil. As a result, schools were closed and the routines of children altered, affecting sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity. The present study aims to compare the children’s weekly routine and time spent on sleep, sedentary behavior and physical activity before and during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A cross-sectional study with a quantitative and qualitative approach was performed, with 120 parents, mothers or guardians of children from 5 to 10 years of age of both sexes enrolled in 5 full-time schools in Arapiraca, Alagoas, Brazil. To meet the research objective, two interviews were conducted between 27 May and 5 June, out addressing aspects of sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the analysis of quantitative data, the paired sample t test was performed, while for qualitative data, discourse analysis was used. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the routine and in sleep time (increase 10%) and screen time (increase 36%) before vs during the COVID-19 pandemic, on weekdays and weekends. There was also a reduction in the practice of physical activity (54%). Therefore, the findings indicate that behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic could be harmful to children’s health and that the school may be an important social environment to protect children from exposure to these behaviors.
Legal issues in end-of-life care 2: consent and decision-making
Authors: Taylor Helen
Published: November 2020

Paramedics are legally and professionally obliged to uphold their patients' right to dignity, respect and autonomy—and this includes the general requirement to obtain their consent before proceeding with any intervention. The first instalment of this two-part article considered the challenges that this might present to the paramedic. This second article develops this theme and further explores the legal framework underpinning the decision-making process when caring for a patient approaching the end of life. It also examines issues around consent and mental capacity in more depth and addresses matters such as such as advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRT) and do not attempt cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions.
Chromophore reconstruction at depth in bilayered media: a method for quantification
Authors: Dot Audrey , Bettega Georges , Lartizien Rodolphe , Berger Michel , Henry Maxime , Perriollat Mathieu , Coll Jean-Luc , Planat-Chretien Anne
Published: November 2020

We report a method for deriving the absolute value of absorption coefficients at depth in bilayered media. The method was simplified from that of time-resolved diffuse optical tomography (TR-DOT) into one dimension to validate and set up the main parameters with the help of simulations, and to test it in an easy preclinical model. The method was applied to buried flaps as used in reconstructive surgery, and absolute chromophore concentrations in the flap and in the upper (skin and fat) layer were derived. The encouraging results obtained lay a foundation for developing more complex multidimensional models.
Nasal-temporal asymmetry in peripheral refraction with an aspheric myopia control contact lens
Authors: Jaisankar Durgasri , Liu Yongji , Kollbaum Pete , Jaskulski Matt , Gifford Paul , Suheimat Marwan , Atchison David A.
Published: November 2020

A combination of human subject data and optical modelling was used to investigate unexpected nasal-temporal asymmetry in peripheral refraction with an aspheric myopia control lens. Peripheral refraction was measured with an auto-refractor and an aberrometer. Peripheral refraction with the lens was highly dependent upon instrument and method (e.g. pupil size and the number of aberration orders). A model that did not account for on-eye conformation did not mirror the clinical results, but a model assuming complete lens conformation to the anterior corneal topography accounted for the positive shift in clinically measured refraction at larger nasal field angles. The findings indicate that peripheral refraction of highly aspheric contact lenses is dependent on lens conformation and the method of measurement. These measurement methods must be reported, and care must be used in interpreting results.
Tunable zero-phase delay of one-dimensional photonic crystals containing InSb material
Authors: Zhou Ziwei , Wan Baofei , Xu Yi , Ma Yu , Zhang Haifeng , Zhang Dan
Published: November 2020

In this paper, by introducing a variety of the new semiconductor material InSb, the broadband zero-phase delay has been realized, which is based on one-dimensional photonic crystals (PCs). It has been found that the tunable effects of the zero-phase delay can be obtained in the zero-effective-phase gap (denoted as zero-

φ

e
f
f

gap). Under these circumstances, the phases of the TE and TM waves switch smoothly across the stop band in the PCs and the difference between the phase shift of both polarized waves could remain constant inside the band. The results reveal that when satisfying the condition of zero-averaged (volume) refractive index (zero-

n
¯

), zero-

φ

e
f
f

delay within the gap 10.06–11.85 THz can be switched precisely by the magnetic influx density 2–4 T. Meanwhile, the temperature of 220–290 K and the incident angle of 0° to 90° can manipulate the bandwidth of zero-

φ

e
f
f

delay about 180° precisely in the 10.02–11.9 THz regime. In addition, we think the zero-

φ

e
f
f

gap can be applied in manufacturing tailored broadband phase retarders or wave plates.
Simultaneous multi-color optical sectioning fluorescence microscopy with wavelength-coded volume holographic gratings
Authors: Chia Yu-Hsin , Yeh J. Andrew , Huang Yi-You , Luo Yuan
Published: November 2020

Optical sectioning fluorescence microscopy provides high contrast images of volumetric samples and has been widely used for many biological applications. However, simultaneously acquiring multi-color fluorescence images require additional optical elements and devices, which are bulky, wavelength specific, and not cost-effective. In this paper, wavelength-coded volume holographic gratings (WC-VHGs) based optical sectioning fluorescence microscopy is proposed to simultaneously offer multi-color fluorescence images with fine out-of-focus background rejection. Due to wavelength degeneracy, multiplexed WC-VHGs are capable of acquiring multi-wavelength fluorescence images in a single shot, and displaying the laterally separated multi-wavelength images onto CCD. In our system optical sectioning capability is achieved through speckle illumination and HiLo imaging method. To demonstrate imaging characteristics of our system, dual-wavelength fluorescence images of both standard fluorescent microspheres and ex vivo mT/mG mice cardiac tissue are presented. Current results may find important applications in hyperspectral imaging for biomedical research.
Simple terahertz vortex beam generator based on reflective metasurfaces
Authors: Li Jiu-Sheng , Zhang Li-Na
Published: November 2020

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) is an effective way to increase wireless communication capacity. The existing OAM mainly focuses on the optical and microwave frequency domain. In this letter, a reflective metasurface is proposed to generate an OAM vortex wave beam in the terahertz region with different topological charges. Under illumination of a circular polarized wave, the proposed metasurface generates the deflected OAM vortex wave beam with topological charges of l=±1 and l=±2 at a wide terahertz band from 0.3THz to 0.45THz. The OAM beam has a high mode purity that is larger than 90% at 0.4THz. Both theoretical prediction and simulated results verify that the designed metasurface can achieve a terahertz vortex wave beam with different OAM topological charges.
3D modeling of coherence scanning interferometry on 2D surfaces using FEM
Authors: Pahl Tobias , Hagemeier Sebastian , Künne Marco , Yang Di , Lehmann Peter
Published: November 2020

Despite the fact that optical profilers, such as coherence scanning interferometers, are frequently used for fast and contactless topography measurements in various fields of application, measured profiles still suffer from the wave characteristics of light, which leads to systematic deviations that are still not sufficiently investigated. In order to analyze these systematic deviations and their physical relations, we apply a rigorous simulation model considering both the transfer characteristics of the measurement instrument as well as the geometry and material of different measurement objects. Simulation results are compared to measurement results for different polarizations, wavelengths and interferometer types, considering surface structures including edges, slopes and different materials as the main reasons for those deviations. Compared to former publications, a full three-dimensional (3D) modeling of the image formation with regard to two-dimensional (2D) surface structures is provided. The advantages of 3D modeling in contrast to a time efficient 2D approach are discussed. Further, an extract of an atomic force microscope (AFM) measurement result is used as the basis for the FEM simulation in one example in order to achieve most realistic simulation results.
Platonic Gaussian beams: wave and ray treatment
Authors: Gutiérrez-Cuevas R. , Alonso M. A.
Published: November 2020

A class of self-similar beams, the Platonic Gaussian beams, is introduced by using the vertices of the Platonic solids in a Majorana representation. Different orientations of the solids correspond to beams with different profiles connected through astigmatic transformations. The rotational symmetries of the Platonic solids translate into invariance to specific optical transformations. While these beams can be considered as “the least ray-like” for their given total order, a ray-based description still offers insight into their distribution and their transformation properties.
Hybrid magneto photonic material structure for plasmon assisted magnetic switching
Authors: Chu Alan Hwader , Beauchamp Bradlee , Shah Deesha , dutta Aveek , Boltasseva Alexandra , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Marinero Ernesto E.
Published: November 2020

We have proposed the use of surface plasmon resonances at the interface of hybrid magneto-photonic heterostructures [Opt. Mat. Express, 7, 4316 (2017)10.1364/OME.7.004316] for all-optical control of the macroscopic spin orientation in nanostructures in fs time scales. This requires strong spin-photon coupling for the resonant enhancement of opto-magnetic fields, generated through the inverse Faraday effect, in magnetic nanostructures with perpendicular anisotropy. Here we report on the development of nm thick interlayers to control the growth orientation of hcp-Co alloys grown on refractory plasmonic materials to align the magnetic axis out-of-plane, thereby meeting key requirements for the realization of ultrafast magneto-photonic devices.
Efficient light extraction from an apex quantum dot coupled to a single-mode optical fiber
Authors: Kim Sejeong , Baek Chungheon , Choi Minho , Cho Jong-Hoi , Cho Yong-Hoon
Published: November 2020

Deterministic quantum dots (apex-QDs), which are spontaneously formed at the vertex of pyramid structures, are an attractive single-photon source. Herein, we propose the design of apex-QDs coupled to a single-mode optical fiber for directional emission from a quantum dot, followed by optimization of the structural parameters to maximize the extraction efficiency toward the fiber using FDTD simulation. A dielectric layer of SiO2 was inserted between a silver and a quantum dot to minimize the metallic loss and control the distance between them. For this, the optimum layer thicknesses of silver and SiO2 were 100 nm and 240 nm, respectively, achieving 94% light collection downward near 600 nm in wavelength. The proposed structure was then coupled to a tapered optical fiber, achieving 60% of the quantum dot emission. This high collection through an optical fiber was observed for a wide range of emission wavelengths.
Plasmonic corrugated waveguide coupled to a rectangular nano-resonator as an optical filter
Authors: Hasan Mehedi , Mayoa Ferdousi , Hossain Md. Sahabul , Ahmed Rajib , Hossain Mainul , Ali Khaleda , Islam Sharnali
Published: November 2020

An optical filter, having a maximum transmission of 71% at single mode, with salient out-of-band rejection is designed with a combination of corrugated waveguide and nano-disk resonators. Plasmonic resonances of different bandwidths adjusted at different wavelengths have been achieved by varying the structural parameters (waveguide width, coupling gap, and resonator dimensions). Finally, a combined integrated structure is proposed as an optical filter for exciting multiple modes, which can extend the operating wavelength range (max. 2200 nm). The resonance wavelength and bandwidth of this filter can be adjusted further by tailoring the structural geometry, paving the way for highly efficient and compact optical devices and sensors.
High-Q spiral-based coupled-resonator device on a Si3N4 platform for ultrasensitive sensing applications
Authors: Wu Xi , Fan Tianren , Eftekhar Ali A. , Hosseinnia Amir H. , Adibi Ali
Published: November 2020

We demonstrate high-Q Si3N4 racetrack-spiral and spiral-spiral coupled-resonator devices for sensing applications. The coupled-resonator architecture resolves the confusion caused by small free spectral range (FSR) in conventional long resonators. The sensitivity of the racetrack-spiral coupled-resonator device for sodium chloride (NaCl) and biomolecule detection is numerically achieved at around 199 nm/RIU (bulk sensitivity) and 183 pm/nm (surface sensitivity), respectively. We fabricate a racetrack-spiral coupled-resonator device with intrinsic Q of 560,000 (263,000) at near-infrared wavelengths, at around 1300 nm, for air (water) cladding. We extract an experimental bulk sensitivity of around 131 nm/RIU for this device from the wavelength shift of the device with different concentrations of the NaCl solution. The performance of the spiral-spiral coupled-resonator device for NaCl and biomolecule detection is theoretically calculated. For biomolecular detection, this device is self-referenced, and its FSR increases almost linearly with the refractive index of biomolecular layer in a certain range. A theoretically defined FSR sensitivity of 74 nm/RIU is extracted from the experimental data. We fabricate a spiral-spiral coupled-resonator device with intrinsic Q of 276,000 (112,000) at around 1300 nm for air (water) cladding, and a bulk sensitivity of 167 nm/RIU for NaCl detection.
Cancer classification based on chromatin accessibility profiles with deep adversarial learning model
Authors: Yang Hai , Wei Qiang , Li Dongdong , Wang Zhe
Published: November 2020

Given the complexity and diversity of the cancer genomics profiles, it is challenging to identify distinct clusters from different cancer types. Numerous analyses have been conducted for this propose. Still, the methods they used always do not directly support the high-dimensional omics data across the whole genome (Such as ATAC-seq profiles). In this study, based on the deep adversarial learning, we present an end-to-end approach ClusterATAC to leverage high-dimensional features and explore the classification results. On the ATAC-seq dataset and RNA-seq dataset, ClusterATAC has achieved excellent performance. Since ATAC-seq data plays a crucial role in the study of the effects of non-coding regions on the molecular classification of cancers, we explore the clustering solution obtained by ClusterATAC on the pan-cancer ATAC dataset. In this solution, more than 70% of the clustering are single-tumor-type-dominant, and the vast majority of the remaining clusters are associated with similar tumor types. We explore the representative non-coding loci and their linked genes of each cluster and verify some results by the literature search. These results suggest that a large number of non-coding loci affect the development and progression of cancer through its linked genes, which can potentially advance cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Neural mass modeling of slow-fast dynamics of seizure initiation and abortion
Authors: Köksal Ersöz Elif , Modolo Julien , Bartolomei Fabrice , Wendling Fabrice
Published: November 2020

Epilepsy is a dynamic and complex neurological disease affecting about 1% of the worldwide population, among which 30% of the patients are drug-resistant. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent episodes of paroxysmal neural discharges (the so-called seizures), which manifest themselves through a large-amplitude rhythmic activity observed in depth-EEG recordings, in particular in local field potentials (LFPs). The signature characterizing the transition to seizures involves complex oscillatory patterns, which could serve as a marker to prevent seizure initiation by triggering appropriate therapeutic neurostimulation methods. To investigate such protocols, neurophysiological lumped-parameter models at the mesoscopic scale, namely neural mass models, are powerful tools that not only mimic the LFP signals but also give insights on the neural mechanisms related to different stages of seizures. Here, we analyze the multiple time-scale dynamics of a neural mass model and explain the underlying structure of the complex oscillations observed before seizure initiation. We investigate population-specific effects of the stimulation and the dependence of stimulation parameters on synaptic timescales. In particular, we show that intermediate stimulation frequencies (>20 Hz) can abort seizures if the timescale difference is pronounced. Those results have the potential in the design of therapeutic brain stimulation protocols based on the neurophysiological properties of tissue.
Investigating hospital Mycobacterium chelonae infection using whole genome sequencing and hybrid assembly
Authors: Gu Christopher H. , Zhao Chunyu , Hofstaedter Casey , Tebas Pablo , Glaser Laurel , Baldassano Robert , Bittinger Kyle , Mattei Lisa M. , Bushman Frederic D.
Published: November 2020

Mycobacterium chelonae is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium that is a common cause of nosocomial infections. Here we describe investigation of a possible nosocomial transmission of M. chelonae at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). M. chelonae strains with similar high-level antibiotic resistance patterns were isolated from two patients who developed post-operative infections at HUP in 2017, suggesting a possible point source infection. The isolates, along with other clinical isolates from other patients, were sequenced using the Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies. The resulting short and long reads were hybrid assembled into draft genomes. The genomes were compared by quantifying single nucleotide variants in the core genome and assessed using a control dataset to quantify error rates in comparisons of identical genomes. We show that all M. chelonae isolates tested were highly dissimilar, as indicated by high pairwise SNV values, consistent with environmental acquisition and not a nosocomial point source. Our control dataset determined a threshold for evaluating identity between strains while controlling for sequencing error. Finally, antibiotic resistance genes were predicted for our isolates, and several single nucleotide variants were identified that have the potential to modulated drug resistance.