bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The outcome of hydrodilation in frozen shoulder patients and the relationship with kinesiophobia, depression, and anxiety
Authors: Debeer Philippe , Commeyne Olivia , De Cupere Ianthe , Tijskens Dorien , Verhaegen Filip , Dankaerts Wim , Claes Laurence , Kiekens Glenn
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the effect of hydrodilatation in frozen shoulder patients on objective indices of shoulder functionality and subjective outcomes of pain, mobility, kinesiophobia, depression, and anxiety, and (2) progress knowledge about the reciprocal temporal relationship between psychological parameters at baseline and objective and subjective outcomes at 3-month follow-up.

Methods

We evaluated the clinical and psychological status of 72 patients with a frozen shoulder before and after hydrodilatation, using the Constant Murley score, the Visual Analogue score, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Shoulder Pain And Disability Index.

Results

We noted a significant improvement in functionality, pain and disability (p < .001). Depression and anxiety improved significantly (p < .001) between baseline and 3-month follow-up. Prospective analyses demonstrated that psychological factors are more likely to predict outcomes of hydrodilatation than vice versa.

Conclusion

Hydrodilatation followed by physiotherapy is an excellent way to treat patients with recalcitrant frozen shoulder, resulting in a continuous improvement of ROM and pain. Physiotherapists and physicians should be aware that psychological factors might have an impact on the treatment outcome.
The neuropsychiatric effects of nitrous oxide and low vitamin B12
Authors: Farmer Joseph , Romain Karen , Ibrahim Mina , Kumar Manoj , York Moore William
Published: September 2021

This narrative review article aims to update knowledge on the neuropsychiatric complications of nitrous oxide use and low vitamin B12. We consider common forms and uses of nitrous oxide (N2O) and review its mechanism of action, and then explore the potential impacts of use. In particular, neuropsychiatric effects mediated by low vitamin B12 are considered and the correct interpretation of laboratory results explored. This is of particular importance as where vitamin B12 is inactivated by chronic nitrous oxide use, blood test levels of vitamin B12 may not reflect the quantity of functional B12 in patients.
Performance of the Hypotension Prediction Index With Noninvasive Arterial Pressure Waveforms in Awake Cesarean Delivery Patients Under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Frassanito Luciano , Sonnino Chiara , Piersanti Alessandra , Zanfini Bruno Antonio , Catarci Stefano , Giuri Pietro Paolo , Scorzoni Marco , Gonnella Gian Luigi , Antonelli Massimo , Draisci Gaetano
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND:

Arterial hypotension is common after spinal anesthesia (SA) for cesarean delivery (CD), and to date, there is no definitive method to predict it. The hypotension prediction index (HPI) is an algorithm that uses the arterial waveform to predict early phases of intraoperative hypotension. The aims of this study were to assess the diagnostic ability of HPI working with arterial waveforms detected by ClearSight system in predicting impending hypotension in awake patients, and the agreement of pressure values recorded by ClearSight with conventional noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring in patients undergoing CD under SA.

METHODS:

In this retrospective analysis of pregnant patients scheduled for elective CD under SA, continuous hemodynamic data measured with the ClearSight monitor until delivery were downloaded from an Edwards Lifesciences HemoSphere platform and analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the performance of HPI algorithm working on the ClearSight pressure waveform in predicting hypotensive events, defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP) <65 mm Hg for >1 minute. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were computed at the optimal cutpoint, selected as the value that minimizes the difference between sensitivity and specificity. ClearSight MAP values were compared to NIBP MAP values by linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis corrected for repeated measurements.

RESULTS:

Fifty patients undergoing CD were included in the analysis. Hypotension occurred in 23 patients (48%). Among patients experiencing hypotension, the HPI disclosed 71 alerts. The HPI predicted hypotensive events with a sensitivity of 83% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69–97) and specificity of 83% (95% CI, 70–95) at 3 minutes before the event (area under the curve [AUC] 0.913 [95% CI, 0.837–0.99]); with a sensitivity of 97% (95% CI, 92–100) and specificity of 97% (95% CI, 92–100) at 2 minutes before the event (AUC 0.995 [95% CI, 0.979–1.0]); and with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 100–100) and specificity 100% (95% CI, 100–100) 1 minute before the event (AUC 1.0 [95% CI, 1.0–1.0]). A total of 2280 paired NIBP MAP and ClearSight MAP values were assessed. The mean of the differences between the ClearSight and NIBP assessed using Bland-Altman analysis (±standard deviation [SD]; 95% limits of agreement with respective 95% CI) was −0.97 mm Hg (±4.8; −10.5 [−10.8 to −10.1] to 8.5 [8.1–8.8]).

CONCLUSIONS:

HPI provides an accurate real time and continuous prediction of impending intraoperative hypotension before its occurrence in awake patients under SA. We found acceptable agreement between ClearSight MAP and NIBP MAP.
An Ultramicroporous Metal-Organic Framework with Record High Selectivity for Inverse CO2/C2H2 Separation
Authors: Cui Hui , Xie Yi , Ye Yingxiang , Shi Yanshu , Liang Bin , Chen Banglin
Published: September 2021

Removal of CO2 to purify CO2/C2H2 mixtures through porous material is a more energy saving method compared with the traditional cryogenic distillation. Those CO2-selective adsorption porous materials are ideal for directly producing high-purity C2H2, especially allowing sieving separation with infinite selectivity but without sacrificing any uptake capacity. Here, we report an ultramicroporous metal–organic framework (MOF) [Cu(hfipbb)(H2hfipbb0.5)] (1), [H2hfipbb is 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) bis(benzoic acid)] has been studied for inverse separation of CO2 from C2H2 under ambient conditions. This Cu-based MOF material was comprehensively demonstrated as an efficient CO2-selective adsorbent used for C2H2 purification by single-component adsorption isotherms, showing promise for industrial acetylene purification.
Esterification or Thioesterification of Carboxylic Acids with Alcohols or Thiols Using Amphipathic Monolith-SO3H Resin
Authors: Wakayama Fumika , Ito Ryo , Park Kwihwan , Ishida Moeka , Yamada Yutaro , Ichihara Shuta , Takada Hitoshi , Nakamura Shinji , Kato Ayumu , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Sajiki Hironao , Monguchi Yasunari
Published: September 2021

We have developed a method for the esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols using amphipathic, monolithic-resin bearing sulfonic acid moieties as cation exchange functions (monolith-SO3H). Monolith-SO3H efficiently catalyzed the esterification of aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids with various primary and secondary alcohols (1.5–5.0 equiv) in toluene at 60–80 °C without the need to remove water generated during the reaction. The amphipathic property of monolith-SO3H facilitates dehydration due to its capacity for water absorption. This reaction was also applicable to thioesterification, wherein the corresponding thioesters were obtained in excellent yield using only 2.0 equiv of thiol in toluene, although heating at 120 °C was required. Moreover, monolith-SO3H was separable from the reaction mixtures by simple filtration and reused for at least five runs without decreasing the catalytic activity.
PET–CT for the diagnosis and treatment of primary musculoskeletal tumors in Chinese patients - experience from 255 patients in a single center
Authors: Muheremu Aikeremujiang , Wen Tianlin , Niu Xiaohui
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The current study was carried out to assess the value of positron emission tomography (PET)/CT on the diagnosis and staging of primary musculoskeletal tumors.

Methods:

PET–CT test results and histopathological study reports of all the patients with primary musculoskeletal tumors in our department from January 2006 to July 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in these PET–CT reports were recorded and analyzed respectively for each type of sarcoma.

Results:

A total of 255 patients were included in the final analysis. Sensitivity of SUVmax based diagnosis was 96.6% for primary malignant osseous sarcomas and 91.2% for soft tissue sarcomas. SUVmax of high-grade osseous sarcomas (average 8.4 ± 5.5) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than low-grade osseous sarcomas (average 3.9 ± 1.8); based on current case series, SUVmax of high-grade soft tissue sarcomas (7.5 ± 5.1) was not significantly different (p = 0.229) from that of low-grade soft tissue sarcomas (5.3 ± 3.7). Significant decrease of SUVmax value after chemotherapy was associated with favorable prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma.

Conclusion:

Results of the current study indicate that, the SUVmax based application of PET–CT can be a valuable supplementary method to histopathological tests regarding the diagnosis and staging of primary musculoskeletal sarcomas.

Advances in knowledge:

SUVmax based application of PET–CT is a highly sensitive method in diagnosis of primary osseous and soft tissue sarcomas in Chinese patients.
pubassistant.ch: consolidating publication profiles of researchers
Authors: Gerber Reto , Robinson Mark D.
Published: September 2021

Online accounts to keep track of scientific publications, such as Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) or Google Scholar, can be time consuming to maintain and synchronize. Furthermore, the open access status of publications is often not easily accessible, hindering potential opening of closed publications. To lessen the burden of managing personal profiles, we developed a R shiny app that allows publication lists from multiple platforms to be retrieved and consolidated, as well as interactive exploration and comparison of publication profiles. A live version can be found at pubassistant.ch.
Using multiple outcomes in intervention studies for improved trade-off between power and type I errors: the Adjust NVar approach
Authors: Bishop Dorothy V. M.
Published: September 2021

Background 

The CONSORT guidelines for clinical trials recommend use of a single primary outcome, to guard against the raised risk of false positive findings when multiple measures are considered. It is, however, possible to include a suite of multiple outcomes in an intervention study, while controlling the familywise error rate, if the criterion for rejecting the null hypothesis specifies that N or more of the outcomes reach an agreed level of statistical significance, where N depends on the total number of outcome measures included in the study, and the correlation between them. 

Methods 

Simulations were run, using a conventional null-hypothesis significance testing approach with alpha set at .05, to explore the case when between 2 and 12 outcome measures are included to compare two groups, with average correlation between measures ranging from zero to .8, and true effect size ranging from 0 to .7. In step 1, a table is created giving the minimum N significant outcomes (MinNSig) that is required for a given set of outcome measures to control the familywise error rate at 5%. In step 2, data are simulated using MinNSig values for each set of correlated outcomes and the resulting proportion of significant results is computed for different sample sizes,correlations, and effect sizes. 

Results 

The Adjust NVar approach can achieve a more efficient trade-off between power and type I error rate than use of a single outcome when there are three or more moderately intercorrelated outcome variables. 

Conclusions 

Where it is feasible to have a suite of moderately correlated outcome measures, then this might be a more efficient approach than reliance on a single primary outcome measure in an intervention study. In effect, it builds in an internal replication to the study. This approach can also be used to evaluate published intervention studies.
MANAGING SUPPLY NETWORKS BASED ON THE SMART CITY CONCEPT – A REVIEW OF GOOD PRACTICES
Authors: Bielski Bartłomiej , Drzymała Daria
Published: September 2021

The aim of the article was to present solutions of the Smart City concept, which can also have a real impact on the management of supply networks. One of the two main grounds that make up the Smart City concept are human potential and technological potential, whose components are divided into six functional dimensions. Effective and reliable city management and supply network management depends on a well-chosen strategy and methods used. Benefits and effects of city management based on the Smart City concept can be seen in the ranking of the most intelligent cities. A city has its own centre, and in the case of a supply network, such a centre can be a city that has to cooperate so that the various processes carried out by the various links in the supply chain pass through it correctly, giving mutual benefits.
Validity and Reliability of Metacognitive Rating Scale for Nursing Students
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Heo Youngjin , Han Mihwa , Kim Mijung , Choi Hyunseok
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the metacognition rating scale (MCRS), which is a revised version of the existing metacognition questionnaire (MCQ) with anger and anxiety added.Methods: A survey was conducted on 591 nursing students at colleges in North and South Gyeongsang Provinces, South Korea. The collected data were processed for the reliability and validity of the MCRS through Cronbach’s ⍺ and confirmatory factor analysis using SPSS 26.0.Results: Cronbach’s ⍺ for the reliability of MCRS was calculated at .88, .86, .77, .74, and .66 for five subfactors. Among the five subfactors, the first, second, third, and fifth factors showed high correlation in each of six items. Factor 4 was highly correlated in 5 out of 6 questions.Conclusion: The data confirm that the MCQ revised to include anger and anxiety is both reliable and valid for nursing students. Therefore, this scale can be used to identify the maladaptive metacognition of nursing students in stressful situations.
As duas faces do direito: um ensaio da separação da interpretação e da decisão jurídicas
Authors: Borges T. Jr. José
Published: September 2021

A interpretação de textos legais para a formação de normas jurídicas é problema de suma importância, talvez o mais relevante para o direito, uma vez que as regras são de fato aquelas provenientes da interpretação, e não do texto em si. O escopo deste artigo é enfrentar a problemática da interpretação buscando apontar inconsistências na literatura tradicional, na medida em que se acredita haver confusão entre planos diferentes de interpretação e decisão, causando assim embaraços aos operadores do direito. Para tanto, este artigo se propõe a analisar a formação do seu conteúdo semântico, diferenciando os planos inteiramente diferentes da decisão e da interpretação jurídica à luz da direção de ajuste do discurso e da função linguística. Com isso, mostra-se existir uma diferença entre a decisão jurídica e a interpretação jurídica, razão da perplexidade da dogmática para prever e vincular os conteúdos das decisões tomadas com fundamento no Direito positivo.
Heidegger, anti-intelectualismo e a questão das visões de mundo: uma análise do fenômeno mundo a partir da "metafísica do Dasein" (1927-1930)
Authors: Pinheiro Braga Arnin Rommel
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo tem por objetivo principal abordar as reflexões sobre o fenômeno “mundo” realizadas por Heidegger em sua “Metafísica do Dasein”, isto é, em seus escritos imediatamente posteriores a Ser e Tempo (1927), e anteriores à publicação da obra Sobre a Essência da Verdade (1930), a saber: As Fundações Metafísicas da Lógica (1928), A Essência do Fundamento (1929), Introdução à Filosofia (1928-1929) e Os Conceitos Fundamentais da Metafísica: Mundo, Finitude, Solidão (1929-1930). Neste período, o filósofo em questão elaborou uma radicalização de suas considerações sobre o existencial “ser-no-mundo” iniciadas em Ser e Tempo. Em outras palavras, Heidegger mostrará nesses escritos como o fenômeno “mundo”, em sua aparição mais originária, sempre se mostra como uma realidade em unidade estrutural com o ser-aí. A partir desse pressuposto, este artigo também propõe a “Metafísica do Dasein” – e sua concepção de “mundo” como uma realidade unida ao ser-aí – como base para uma crítica contundente às “visões de mundo” (Weltanschauung) que influenciam o ser humano atual. São elas: a postura do anti-intelectualismo e sua negação da ciência; e a postura da ciência moderna de raízes cartesianas, que entende o mundo como uma realidade radicalmente separada do sujeito. Desse modo, acreditamos que a partir da “Metafísica do Dasein”, faz-se possível estruturar novas formas de se relacionar com o mundo e com o conhecimento. Formas estas baseadas em uma atitude fundamental e mais originária do ser humano em relação com o mundo: o “deixar-ser” (Sein lassen).
O que o Esporte tem a nos dizer sobre nós mesmos? - Uma abordagem fenomenológica das práticas esportivas
Authors: Pompilio Carlos Eduardo
Published: September 2021

As práticas esportivas partilham com os estados enfermos uma potência mostrativa capaz de desvelar aspectos de nossas estruturas ontológicas que, no mais das vezes, estão ocultas. Nesse artigo, são avaliadas três modalidades esportivas, a saber, judô, beisebol e futebol, que permitem entender certos aspectos de nossa existência que nos caracterizam. A elaboração de tais aspectos por meio das vivências esportivas possibilita a reconfiguração existencial do indivíduo que passa por situações-limite como doenças e derrotas, entre outras reversões de expectativas. É possível ainda uma abordagem em segunda pessoa da corporeidade, chamada aqui de empática, que abre um campo interpretativo para as práticas esportivas em direção a uma melhor compreensão do que é ser humano.
Fenomenologia da experiência e ocupações religiosas de usuários de um CAPS de Belém
Authors: Magalhães Renata Raiol , Araújo Lucivaldo Da Silva
Published: September 2021

Possíveis relações entre experiência religiosa e a saúde mental têm sido recorrentemente debatidas por inúmeras áreas de conhecimento. Nesse campo, a espiritualidade/religiosidade (E/R) podem figurar como demanda dos usuários no cotidiano dos serviços de saúde, suscitando a reflexão e manejo dos profissionais envolvidos. Com base nesse cenário, este artigo trata dos resultados de uma pesquisa que objetivou compreender como a experiência espiritual/religiosa de usuários de um CAPS interage com os modos de cuidado em saúde mental e analisar os sentidos da experiência espiritual/religiosa para essas pessoas. O estudo qualitativo de cunho fenomenológico e hermenêutico ocorreu em um CAPS III de Belém-PA e pautou-se na realização de entrevistas semidirigidas. Participaram oito usuários que realizam o acompanhamento em saúde mental no local de pesquisa, cumprindo todos os critérios previstos de inclusão e exclusão. As entrevistas tiveram os áudios gravados, transcritos e submetidos à análise do discurso, a partir da hermenêutica de Ricoeur. As informações foram organizadas em categorias a partir das unidades de sentido: experiência religiosa e a pandemia de COVID-19; itinerários da experiência religiosa e a família; experiência religiosa de usuários de um CAPS e vinculação entre a experiência religiosa e os modos de cuidado em saúde mental. A perspectiva dos colaboradores sobre a experiência religiosa mostrou-se como território com fronteiras fluidas que se entrelaçam continuamente nas ocupações cotidianas, ora interagindo de maneira a criar um ambiente que inspira segurança e harmonia, ora contribuindo para limitações e preconceitos que aprisionam a expansão de suas possibilidades de contato.
Diferença epistêmica e diferença colonial: o papel do comparatismo contrastivo e das hermenêuticas pluritópicas.
Authors: Palermo Zulma
Published: September 2021

Proponho nestas páginas uma articulação – possível e necessária – entre uma concepção decolonial da literatura e a cultura e os estudos comparados que se formaram desde as últimas décadas do século XX. Tal articulação se desenvolve em três momentos: o primeiro apresenta o estado da situação dos estudos sobre as culturas latino-americanas a partir do paradigma da diferença colonial e epistêmica; o segundo delineia a posição do comparatismo contrastivo com uma escassa genealogia no contexto geral da América Latina. Finalmente, são delineadas as formas de articulação entre aqueles.
Flea product efficacy, pet owners' adherence and treatment failure: what's the connection?
Authors: Wong Serena , Elsheikha Hany , Dryden Michael
Published: September 2021

Successful flea control relies mainly on the use of effective anti-flea products and the adherence of pet owners to treatment recommendations. When flea infestations continue to persist, despite the application of a potent flea product, lack of efficacy may be suspected. This study evaluated whether common flea products are still effective. As compliance is also critical, the impacts of owners' adherence on treatment success were also investigated, with a view to giving recommendations for improvement. The authors tested the hypothesis that when treatment failure occurs, perceived inefficacy of anti-flea products is caused by poor compliance. Searches were carried out in PubMed and CAB Abstracts, with abstracts screened against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. In total, eleven studies on efficacy and seven studies on adherence were included in the analysis. All anti-flea products included in the study, with the exception of fipronil-S methoprene and possibly selamectin, appear to be effective in treating and preventing flea infestations in dogs and cats. With the majority of pet owners failing to adhere to recommendations, all veterinary staff should be proactive in providing rationale for the use of anti-flea products and reassure owners of their effectiveness to maximise compliance.
Solar Irradiation Forecasting Technologies: A Review
Authors: Gupta Anuj , Gupta Kapil , Saroha Sumit
Published: September 2021

Renewable energy has received a lot of attention in the previous two decadeswhen it comes to meeting electrical needs in the home, industrial, andagricultural sectors. Solar forecasting is critical for the efficient operation,scheduling, and balancing of energy generation by standalone and grid-connected solar PV systems. A variety of models and methods have beendeveloped in the literature to forecast solar irradiance. This paper provides ananalysis of the techniques used in the literature to forecast solar irradiance.The main focus of the study is to investigate the influence of meteorologicalvariables, time horizons, climatic zone, pre-processing technique, optimiza-tion & sample size on the complexity and accuracy of the model. Due to theirnonlinear complicated problem solving skills, artificial neural network basedmodels outperform other models in the literature. Hybridizing the two modelsor performing pre-processing on the input data can improve their accuracyeven more. It also addresses the various main constituents that influence amodel’s accuracy. The paper provides key findings based on studied literatureto select the optimal model for a specific site. This paper also discussesthe metrics used to measure the efficiency of forecasted model. It has beenobserved that the proper selection of training and testing period also enhancethe accuracy of the model.
Effectiveness of sweep net, yellow pan trap and malaise trap for sampling parasitic hymenoptera on tidal swamp rice
Authors: Ikhsan Zahlul , Hidrayani Hidrayani , Yaherwandi Yaherwandi , Hamid Hasmiandy
Published: September 2021

The presence of the parasitic Hymenoptera plays a vital role in pest management for sustainable agriculture. So, it is crucial to know the parasitoid species that exist in an agroecosystem. Sweep Net, Yellow Pan Trap, and Malaise Trap are often used to study the diversity of Hymenoptera parasitic in agroecosystems. This study aims to see the effectiveness of Sweep Net, Yellow Pan Trap, and Malaise Trap in trapping Parasitic Hymenoptera. The study was carried out at four sub-districts, namely are Batang Tuaka, Keritang, Reteh, and Tembilahan Hulu sub-district. The research was carried out by sampling with the transect line method. Sweep net, Yellow pan trap, and Malaise trap have trapped 5,732 individuals of Parasitic Hymenoptera on tidal swamp rice in Indragiri Hilir Regency. The Parasitic Hymenoptera consists of 10 superfamilies, 30 families, and 320 morphospecies. Malaise traps are the best for trapping parasitic Hymenoptera on tidal swamp rice. Malaise traps have been able to trap up to 62% of morphospecies and 81% of the abundance of individual Parasitic Hymenoptera on tidal swamp rice. Yellow pan traps trap 28% of morphospecies and 15% of the abundance of individual Parasitic Hymenoptera. The sweep net can trap 10% of morphospecies and 4% of the abundance of individual Parasitic Hymenoptera.Keywords: Parasitic Hymenoptera; trap; tidal swamp rice.
Design of an ultra-sensitive bimetallic anisotropic PCF SPR biosensor for liquid analytes sensing
Authors: Shakya Amit Kumar , Ramola Ayushman , Singh Surinder , Van Vien
Published: September 2021

In this research work, an anisotropic photonic crystal fiber (PCF) biosensor working on a refractive index (RI) variation and based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is presented. Liquid analytes (LA) having a RI within the range of 1.340 to 1.380 RIU are investigated from the proposed biosensor. Spectroscopy analysis of LA having RI values of 1.340 RIU, 1.360 RIU, and 1.380 RIU is performed from the developed sensing setup for modeling an ultrasensitive biosensor. The numerical analysis of the sensing parameters for the proposed sensor presents a maximum wavelength sensitivity (WS) of 20000 nm/RIU for x- polarization (x − pol.) and 18000 nm/RIU for y- polarization (y − pol.), respectively, using the wavelength interrogation technique. Maximum amplitude sensitivity (AS) of 2158 RIU−1 and 3167 RIU−1 is obtained for x −  pol. and y −  pol., respectively, using the amplitude interrogation technique. Maximum sensor resolution (SR) of 5.00 × 10−6 RIU and 5.55 × 10−6 RIU is obtained for x −  pol. and y −  pol., respectively. The linear relationship of the resonant wavelength (RW) with the RI produces R2 =   0.9972 and R2 = 0.9978, corresponding to a degree (2) for x −  pol. and y −  pol., respectively. The figure of merit (FOM) for x − pol. and y −  pol. are 93.45 RIU−1 and 105.88 RIU−1, respectively. The sensing parameters have obtained the maximum value for the LA having a RI value of 1.375 RIU.
Multiple lenses athermalization and achromatization by the quantitative replacement method of combined glasses on athermal visible glass map
Authors: Zhu Yang , Cheng Jinshuo , Liu Yujuan
Published: September 2021

This report proposes an athermalization and achromatization method based on combined glasses and comprehensive distance weight to select and replace optical and housing tube materials quantitatively without multiple iterations. In addition, it presents a new achromatic and athermal condition of the replacement search method using combined glasses. It establishes an athermal glass map model combining the cluster center, tube materials, two combined lenses, and a rest equivalent lens to analyze the characteristics of the glass distribution. A cluster analysis method was introduced to analyze the distribution characteristics of the athermal glass map in the visible catalog. The athermal ability of the housing tube and the replacement of combined glass material are evaluated by distance weight in athermal glass map. A complex aerial multiple lenses system was designed using this method and maintained high imaging quality from –40 °C to 70 °C. This method can reduce the number of iterations for the selection of combined glass and significantly improves the optimization efficiency of athermalization.
High-efficiency 3D reconstruction with a uniaxial MEMS-based fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Miao Yupei , Yang Yang , Hou Quanyao , Wang Ziwei , Liu Xiaoli , Tang Qijian , Peng Xiang , Gao Bruce Z.
Published: September 2021

Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) scanning is increasingly popular in 3D surface measurement with the merits of the compact structure and high frame-rate. In this paper, we achieve real-time fringe structured 3D reconstruction by using a uniaxial MEMS-based projector. To overcome the limitations on uniaxial MEMS-based projector of lensless structure and unidirectional fringe projection, a novel isophase plane model is proposed, in which the laser line from MEMS-based projector is regarded as an isophase plane. Our model directly establishes the mapping relationship between phase and spatial 3D coordinates through the intersection point of camera back-projection light ray and isophase plane. Furthermore, a flexible calibration strategy to obtain 3D mapping coefficients is introduced with a specially designed planar target. Experiments demonstrated that our method can achieve high-accuracy and real-time 3D reconstruction.
Near-infrared laser photoacoustic gas sensor for simultaneous detection of CO and H2S
Authors: Yin Xukun , Gao Miao , Miao Ruiqi , Zhang Le , Zhang Xueshi , Liu Lixian , Shao Xiaopeng , Tittel Frank K.
Published: September 2021

A ppb-level H2S and CO photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) gas sensor was developed by using a two-stage commercial optical fiber amplifier with a full output power of 10 W. Two near-infrared diode lasers with the central wavenumbers of 6320.6 cm−1 and 6377.4 cm−1 were employed as the excitation laser source. A time-division multiplexing method was used to simultaneously detect CO and H2S with an optical switch. A dual-resonator structural photoacoustic cell (PAC) was theoretically simulated and designed with a finite element analysis. A µV level background noise was achieved with the differential and symmetrical PAC. The performance of the multi-component sensor was evaluated after the optimization of frequency, pressure and modulation depth. The minimum detection limits of 31.7 ppb and 342.7 ppb were obtained for H2S and CO at atmospheric pressure.
Ultrasensitive interferometers based on zigzag-shaped tapered optical microfibers operating at the dispersion turning point
Authors: Zhou Wenchao , Wei Youlian , Wang Yue , Li Kaiwei , Yu Haiyang , Wu Yihui
Published: September 2021

This work proposes and demonstrates a novel interferometric sensor based on a zigzag-shaped tapered optical microfiber (Z-OMF) working at the dispersion turning point (DTP). The Z-OMF can be fabricated in a controllable manner through a modified fiber tapering method. Our study shows that the bending taper can transfer a portion of the fundamental HE11 mode to higher-order modes, and when the bending angle of the Z-OMF reaches 1.61°, high contrast interference fringes can be formed between the HE11 and the HE21 modes. More importantly, we find that by optimizing the diameter of the OMF, the group effective refractive index (RI) difference between HE11 and HE21 mode equals zero, and the refractive index sensing performance can be dramatically improved. To validate our proposed sensing mechanism, we experimentally demonstrate an ultrahigh sensitivity of 1.46×105 ± 0.09×105 nm/RIU. The proposed Z-OMF interferometer has the advantage of high sensitivity and low cost and shows excellent potential in chemical and biological detection.
Ultra-wide band (O to L) photonic integrated polymer cross-bar switch matrix
Authors: Wang Yu , Shin Jang-Uk , Tessema Netsanet , van den Hout Menno , van der Heide Sjoerd , Okonkwo Chigo , Jung Hyun-Do , Calabretta Nicola
Published: September 2021

We present an ultra-wide band photonic integrated

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polymer cross-bar switch matrix based on total internal reflection and the thermo-optic effect. The photonic integrated polymer switch owns low insertion loss, low power consumption, wavelength, and polarization-independent operation for all switching paths. The experimental results show ultra-wide band (O- to L-band) operation with fiber-to-fiber insertion losses ranging from

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3.7

to

−

6.5

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, 0.1 to 0.6 dB polarization-dependent losses, switching the on-off ratio above 36 dB on average, and 25 mW power consumption per path. Error-free operation with a power penalty

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d
B

at 1 E-9 bit error rate (BER) for ultra-wide band non-return-to-zero on-off keying (NRZ-OOK) wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) switched signals at 10, 25, 40, and 50 Gbit/s, and 510 Gbps dual polarization 64-QAM switched data with a negligible penalty were measured.
Hearing the Light
Authors: Moser Tobias , Keppeler Daniel , Goßler Christian , Schwarz Ulrich T.
Published: September 2021

Through optogenetics and new medical devices, optical stimulation
of the auditory nerve could improve on current hearing-restoration
technology, affording better speech recognition and perception of
music.
The Candida glabrata Upc2A transcription factor is a global regulator of antifungal drug resistance pathways
Authors: Vu Bao Gia , Stamnes Mark A. , Li Yu , Rogers P. David , Moye-Rowley W. Scott
Published: September 2021

The most commonly used antifungal drugs are the azole compounds, which interfere with biosynthesis of the fungal-specific sterol: ergosterol. The pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata commonly acquires resistance to azole drugs like fluconazole via mutations in a gene encoding a transcription factor called PDR1. These PDR1 mutations lead to overproduction of drug transporter proteins like the ATP-binding cassette transporter Cdr1. In other Candida species, mutant forms of a transcription factor called Upc2 are associated with azole resistance, owing to the important role of this protein in control of expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Recently, the C. glabrata Upc2A factor was demonstrated to be required for normal azole resistance, even in the presence of a hyperactive mutant form of PDR1. Using genome-scale approaches, we define the network of genes bound and regulated by Upc2A. By analogy to a previously described hyperactive UPC2 mutation found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we generated a similar form of Upc2A in C. glabrata called G898D Upc2A. Analysis of Upc2A genomic binding sites demonstrated that wild-type Upc2A binding to target genes was strongly induced by fluconazole while G898D Upc2A bound similarly, irrespective of drug treatment. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that, in addition to the well-described ERG genes, a large group of genes encoding components of the translational apparatus along with membrane proteins were responsive to Upc2A. These Upc2A-regulated membrane protein-encoding genes are often targets of the Pdr1 transcription factor, demonstrating the high degree of overlap between these two regulatory networks. Finally, we provide evidence that Upc2A impacts the Pdr1-Cdr1 system and also modulates resistance to caspofungin. These studies provide a new perspective of Upc2A as a master regulator of lipid and membrane protein biosynthesis.
A CENH3 mutation promotes meiotic exit and restores fertility in SMG7-deficient Arabidopsis
Authors: Capitao Claudio , Tanasa Sorin , Fulnecek Jaroslav , Raxwal Vivek K. , Akimcheva Svetlana , Bulankova Petra , Mikulkova Pavlina , Crhak Khaitova Lucie , Kalidass Manikandan , Lermontova Inna , Mittelsten Scheid Ortrun , Riha Karel
Published: September 2021

Meiosis in angiosperm plants is followed by mitotic divisions to form multicellular haploid gametophytes. Termination of meiosis and transition to gametophytic development is, in Arabidopsis, governed by a dedicated mechanism that involves SMG7 and TDM1 proteins. Mutants carrying the smg7-6 allele are semi-fertile due to reduced pollen production. We found that instead of forming tetrads, smg7-6 pollen mother cells undergo multiple rounds of chromosome condensation and spindle assembly at the end of meiosis, resembling aberrant attempts to undergo additional meiotic divisions. A suppressor screen uncovered a mutation in centromeric histone H3 (CENH3) that increased fertility and promoted meiotic exit in smg7-6 plants. The mutation led to inefficient splicing of the CENH3 mRNA and a substantial decrease of CENH3, resulting in smaller centromeres. The reduced level of CENH3 delayed formation of the mitotic spindle but did not have an apparent effect on plant growth and development. We suggest that impaired spindle re-assembly at the end of meiosis limits aberrant divisions in smg7-6 plants and promotes formation of tetrads and viable pollen. Furthermore, the mutant with reduced level of CENH3 was very inefficient haploid inducer indicating that differences in centromere size is not the key determinant of centromere-mediated genome elimination.
A comparative field evaluation of six medicine quality screening devices in Laos
Authors: Caillet Céline , Vickers Serena , Zambrzycki Stephen , Fernández Facundo M. , Vidhamaly Vayouly , Boutsamay Kem , Boupha Phonepasith , Peerawaranun Pimnara , Mukaka Mavuto , Newton Paul N.
Published: September 2021

Background

Medicine quality screening devices hold great promise for post-market surveillance (PMS). However, there is little independent evidence on their field utility and usability to inform policy decisions. This pilot study in the Lao PDR tested six devices’ utility and usability in detecting substandard and falsified (SF) medicines.

Methodology/principal findings

Observational time and motion studies of the inspections by 16 Lao medicine inspectors of 1) the stock of an Evaluation Pharmacy (EP), constructed to resemble a Lao pharmacy, and 2) a sample set of medicines (SSM); were conducted without and with six devices: four handheld spectrometers (two near infrared: MicroPHAZIR RX, NIR-S-G1 & two Raman: Progeny, Truscan RM); one portable mid-infrared spectrometer (4500a), and single-use paper analytical devices (PAD). User experiences were documented by interviews and focus group discussions.

Significantly more samples were wrongly categorised as pass/fail with the PAD compared to the other devices in EP inspections (p<0.05). The numbers of samples wrongly classified in EP inspections were significantly lower than in initial visual inspections without devices for 3/6 devices (NIR-S-G1, MicroPHAZIR RX, 4500a). The NIR-S-G1 had the fastest testing time per sample (median 93.5 sec, p<0.001). The time spent on EP visual inspection was significantly shorter when using a device than for inspections without devices, except with the 4500a, risking missing visual clues of samples being SF. The main user errors were the selection of wrong spectrometer reference libraries and wrong user interpretation of PAD results. Limitations included repeated inspections of the EP by the same inspectors with different devices and the small sample size of SF medicines.

Conclusions/significance

This pilot study suggests policy makers wishing to implement portable screening devices in PMS should be aware that overconfidence in devices may cause harm by reducing inspectors’ investment in visual inspection. It also provides insight into the advantages/limitations of diverse screening devices in the hands of end-users.
Occupational health and safety in mining: Predictive probabilities of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use among artisanal goldminers in Ghana
Authors: Aram Simon Appah , Saalidong Benjamin M. , Appiah Augustine , Utip Idongesit Bassey
Published: September 2021

Artisanal goldminers in Ghana are exposed to various levels and forms of health, safety and environmental threats. Without the required legislation and regulations, artisanal miners are responsible for their own health and safety at work. Consequently, understanding the probabilities of self-protection at work by artisanal goldminers is crucial. A cross-sectional survey of 500 artisanal goldminers was conducted to examine the probabilities of personal protective equipment use among artisanal goldminers in Ghana. The data was subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistics. Initial findings showed that personal protective equipment use among artisanal miners was 77.4%. Overall, higher probabilities of personal protective equipment use was observed among artisanal goldminers who work in good health and safety conditions as compared to artisanal miners who work in poor health and safety conditions. Also, personal protective equipment use was more probable among the highly educated artisanal goldminers, miners who regularly go for medical screening and the most experienced miners. Additionally, personal protective equipment use was more probable among artisanal miners who work in non-production departments and miners who work in the medium scale subsector. Inversely, personal protective equipment use was less probable among female artisanal miners and miners who earn more monthly income ($174 and above). To increase self-care and safety consciousness in artisanal mining, there is the need for a national occupational health and safety legislation in Ghana. Also, interventions and health promotion campaigns for better occupational conditions in artisanal mining should target and revise the health and safety related workplace programs and conditions.
Cross-sectional study of the ambulance transport between healthcare facilities with medical support via telemedicine: Easy, effective, and safe tool
Authors: Pedrotti Carlos H. S. , Accorsi Tarso A. D. , Amicis Lima Karine De , Filho Jose R. de O. Silva , Morbeck Renata A. , Cordioli Eduardo
Published: September 2021

Background

Feasibility and safety of ambulance transport between healthcare facilities with medical support exclusively via telemedicine are unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective study with a single telemedicine center reference for satellite emergency departments of the same hospital. The study population was all critically ill patients admitted to one of the peripheral units from November 2016 to May 2020 and who needed to be transferred to the main building. Telemedicine-assisted transportation was performed by an emergency specialist. The inclusion criteria included patients above the age of 15 and initial stabilization performed at the emergency department. Unstable, intubated, ST-elevation myocardial infarction and acute stroke patients were excluded. There was a double-check of safety conditions by the nurse and the remote doctor before the ambulance departure. The primary endpoint was the number of telemedicine-guided interventions during transport.

Results

2840 patients were enrolled. The population was predominantly male (53.2%) with a median age of 60 years. Sepsis was the most prevalent diagnosis in 28% of patients, followed by acute coronary syndromes (8.5%), arrhythmia (6.7%), venous thromboembolism (6.1%), stroke (6.1%), acute abdomen (3.6%), respiratory distress (3.3%), and heart failure (2.5%). Only 22 (0.8%) patients required telemedicine-assisted support during transport. Administration of oxygen therapy and analgesics were the most common recommendations made by telemedicine emergency physicians. There were no communication problems in the telemedicine-assisted group.

Conclusions

Telemedicine-assisted ambulance transportation between healthcare facilities of stabilized critically ill patients may be an option instead of an onboard physician. The frequency of clinical support requests by telemedicine is minimal, and most evaluations are of low complexity and easily and safely performed by trained nurses.
Prevalence of common mental disorder and associated factors among mothers of under five year children at Arbaminch Town, South Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Barsisa Batala , Derajew Habtamu , Haile Kibrom , Mesafint Gebremeskel , Shumet Shegaye
Published: September 2021

Background

Common mental disorders are the major public healthproblem that affects mothers with young children. Although there were a number of studies done on maternal mental health problems, they were largely focused on perinatal period. However, there is scarcity of information on the magnitude and correlates of these mental health problems beyond perinatal period and due concern is not given mainly in LMICs including our country.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and factors associated with common mental disorderamong mothers of under-five year children at Arbaminch town, South Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in May and June 2019 at Arbaminch town. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 776 participants. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to assess common mental disorder (CMD). Data was coded and entered in EPIDATA3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated to common mental disorder. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant and strength of the association was presented by adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval.

Result

The prevalence of common mental disorder among mothers with children aged below five years was 36.6% with (95% CI, 33.2, 39.9). Being single/divorced/widowed [AOR = 3.64, 95% CI:(1.47, 8.99), chronic medical illness [AOR = 3.25, 95% CI:(2.10, 5.04)], exposure to two/more stressful events [AOR = 1.62, 95% CI:(1.11, 2.36)], poor social support [AOR = 2.59, 95% CI:(1.62, 4.14)], mothers living with cigarette smoker husband [AOR = 2.03, 95% CI:(1.19, 3.47)], and mothers physically abused by their spouse [AOR = 2.36, 95% CI:(1.49, 3.74)] were factors associated with common mental disorder.

Conclusion and recommendation

The prevalence of common mental disorder was high among mothers with children aged below five years compared to the general population. Being single/divorced/widowed, chronic medicalillness, exposure to two/more stressful events, poor social support, mothers living with cigarette smoker husbandand physically abuse by their spouse were factors associated with common mental disorder. Early detection and management of these maternal mental health problems is vital for mothers’ wellbeing as well as growth and development of children.