bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple and automated method for 161Tb purification and ICP-MS analysis of 161Tb
Authors: McNeil Scott W. , Van de Voorde Michiel , Zhang Chengcheng , Ooms Maarten , Bénard François , Radchenko Valery , Yang Hua
Published: December 2022

Background

161Tb is a radiolanthanide with the potential to replace 177Lu in targeted radionuclide therapy. 161Tb is produced via the neutron irradiation of [160Gd]Gd2O3 targets, and must be purified from 160Gd and the decay product 161Dy prior to use. Established purification methods require complex conditions or high-pressure ion chromatography (HPIC) which are inconvenient to introduce in a broad user community. This study aims to find a simpler small solid-phase extraction (SPE) column method for 161Tb purification that is more suitable for automation with commercially available systems like TRASIS.

Results

We first tested the distribution coefficients on TK211 and TK212 resins for the separation of Gd, Tb, and Dy, and subsequently developed a method to separate these metal ions, with an additional TK221 resin to concentrate the final product. A side-by-side comparison of the products purified using this new method with the HPIC method was undertaken, assessing the radionuclidic purity, chemical purity regarding Gd and Dy, and labeling efficiency with a standard chelate (DOTA) and a novel chelate (crown). The two methods have comparable radionuclidic purity and labeling efficiency. The small SPE column method reduced Gd content to nanogram level, although still higher than the HPIC method. An ICP-MS method to quantify 161Tb, 159Tb, 160Gd, and 161Dy was developed with the application of mass-shift by ammonia gas. Last, 161Tb produced from the small SPE column method was used to assess the biodistribution of [161Tb]Tb-crown-αMSH, and the results were comparable to the HPIC produced 161Tb.

Conclusions

161Tb was successfully purified by a semi-automated TRASIS system using a combination of TrisKem extraction resins. The resulting product performed well in radiolabelling and in vivo experiments. However, improvement can be made in the form of further reduction of 160Gd target material in the final product. An ICP-MS method to analyze the radioactive product was developed. Combined with gamma spectroscopy, this method allows the purity of 161Tb being assessed before the decay of the product, providing a useful tool for quality control.
Elementary math in elementary school: the effect of interference on learning the multiplication table
Authors: Dotan Dror , Zviran-Ginat Sharon
Published: December 2022

Memorizing the multiplication table is a major challenge for elementary school students: there are many facts to memorize, and they are often similar to each other, which creates interference in memory. Here, we examined whether learning would improve if the degree of interference is reduced, and which memory processes are responsible for this improvement. In a series of 16 short training sessions over 4 weeks, first-grade children learned 16 multiplication facts—4 facts per week. In 2 weeks the facts were dissimilar from each other (low interference), and in 2 control weeks the facts were similar (high interference). Learning in the low-similarity, low-interference weeks was better than in the high-similarity weeks. Critically, this similarity effect originated in the specific learning context, i.e., the grouping of facts to weeks, and could not be explained as an intrinsic advantage of certain facts over others. Moreover, the interference arose from the similarity between facts in a given week, not from the similarity to previously learned facts. Similarity affected long-term memory—its effect persisted 7 weeks after training has ended; and it operated on long-term memory directly, not via the mediation of working memory. Pedagogically, the effectiveness of the low-interference training method, which is dramatically different from currently used pedagogical methods, may pave the way to enhancing how we teach the multiplication table in school.
Patient and healthcare provider perceptions on using patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) in routine clinical care: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Shunmuga Sundaram Chindhu , Campbell Rachel , Ju Angela , King Madeleine T. , Rutherford Claudia
Published: December 2022

Background

Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) assess quality-of-care from patients’ perspectives. PREMs can be used to enhance patient-centered care and facilitate patient engagement in care. With increasing quality improvement studies in clinical practice, the use of PREMs has surged. As a result, knowledge about stakeholder experiences of using PREMs to assess quality of care across diverse clinical settings is needed to inform PREM implementation efforts. To address this, this review examines the qualitative literature on patient and healthcare provider experiences of using PREMs in clinical practice.

Methods

Medline, Embase and PsycInfo were systematically searched from inception to May 2021. Additional searching of reference lists for all included articles and relevant review articles were performed. Retrieved articles were screened for eligibility by one reviewer and 25% cross-checked by a second reviewer across all stages of the review. Full texts meeting eligibility criteria were appraised against the COREQ checklist for quality assessment and thematic analysis was used to analyze textual data extracted from the results.

Results

Electronic searches identified 2683 records, of which 20 studies met eligibility criteria. Extracted data were synthesized into six themes: facilitators to PREM implementation; barriers to PREM implementation; healthcare providers’ perspectives towards using PREMs; patients’ perspectives towards using PREMs; advantages of using PREMs in clinical practice; limitations and practical considerations to reduce resistance of PREM usage. The primary factors facilitating and impeding the use of PREMs include organizational-, staff- and patient-related factors.

Conclusion

Results can be used to guide the usage and implementation of PREMs in clinical settings by addressing the identified barriers and building on the perceived benefits to encourage adoption of PREMs. Results around facilitators to PREM implementation and practical considerations could also promote appropriate use of PREMs by healthcare providers, helping to improve practice and the quality of care based on patient feedback.
Performance of door-to-CT time of code stroke in Indonesian tertiary referral center hospital
Authors: Rasyid Al , Kurniawan Mohammad , Mesiano Taufik , Hidayat Rakhmad , Rilianto Beny , Harris Salim
Published: December 2022

Background

This study was aimed to analyze the performance of door-to-CT scan (DTC) time of code stroke at the central referral hospital in Indonesia. Data from 310 patients were obtained in this cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria were: notified with code stroke within the period between November 2016 and April 2019. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to find which factors affecting DTC time.

Results

A tendency of decreasing DTC time was reported from November 2016 until April 2019. The median DTC time at study endpoint was 19.5 (1–210) minutes. Chi-square analysis showed that CT scan location was the factor associated with DTC (OR: 12.6, 95% CI 6.8–23.35, p < 0.001). Logistic regressions analysis also showed significant relationship of CT scan location and DTC (OR: 24.27, 95% CI 17.71–30.81, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Refinement of the code stroke implementation and CT scan placement in the Emergency Department (ED) are effective in reduction of DTC time, and as a result, improving acute stroke management.
Comparison of thoracic epidural and thoracic erector spinae plane block for pain relief of posterolateral rib fractures—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Diwan Sandeep Madhusudan , Adhye Bharati , Nair Abhijit , Sancheti Parag
Published: December 2022

Background

Pain from rib fractures (posterior/lateral/anterior) is associated with significant pulmonary morbidity. Earlier epidural and paravertebral blocks were implemented in the algorithm for multimodal pain management of rib fracture pain. Administration of these blocks are fraught with challenges encountered in intensive care unit (ICU). The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a viable alternative in ICU set up.

This retrospective study compared continuous thoracic ESPB and continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) [n=28 versus n=24] for polytrauma patients who sustained unilateral multiple rib fractures (MRFs), i.e., more than 3 admitted in ICU. Demography data were noted and compared. Outcome measures were block efficacy in terms of pain scores, opioid consumption (intravenous fentanyl), technical difficulties, and complications.

Results

Age, gender, and sides of ribs fractures were comparable in all groups. Pain scores and fentanyl consumption were significantly better in patients who received TEA.

Conclusions

Though statistically significant analgesic efficacy was observed with continuous TEA for managing pain due to unilateral posterolateral MRFs, the small sample size was a major limitation. Further prospective comparative study including effects on incentive spirometry and effectiveness of chest physiotherapy is warranted. However, continuous ESPB is simple and safe to perform with few theoretical contraindications.
Intravenous bolus-infusion versus sliding scale of insulin for intra-operative glycemic control in elective laparotomy surgeries
Authors: Samir Ghada M. , Ghallab Mahmoud Abd El-Aziz , Ibrahim Dalia A.
Published: December 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the bolus-infusion to the sliding scale of insulin approaches, regarding percentage of the operative time with the target capillary blood glucose (CBG) range, total insulin units given to the patients, development of hypoglycemia, and the peri-operative changes in serum potassium (s.k) in elective laparotomy surgeries. Sixty patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II, were randomly divided to either the bolus-insulin infusion (BII) group, or the sliding scale of insulin (SSI) group.

Results

The intra-operative target CBG range was achieved in both groups, with no statistically significant difference between them. However, in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU), the number of patients who achieved the target CBG range was significantly more in the BII group. The decrease in the CBG was statistically significant in the SSI group than in the BII group; starting from 30 minutes after the initial intra-venous (IV) insulin injected, to 240 minutes intra-operatively and in the PACU. No patient in either groups developed hypoglycemia. The mean intra-operative time needed to achieve the target CBG range was statistically significant less in the SSI group. The mean percentage of the operative time with the target CBG range was statistically non-significant higher in the SSI group. The mean total insulin units given were statistically non-significant higher in the SSI group. The peri-operative changes in s.k were statistically non-significant between the two groups.

Conclusions

The BII approach slowly achieved the target CBG range intra-operatively and maintained this target in the PACU, with mean 54.6 ± 28.9% operative time with the target CBG range, and with less mean total insulin units needed than the SSI approach.
Outcomes of novel 3D-printed fully porous titanium cup and a cemented highly cross-linked polyethylene liner in complex and revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Shichman Ittai , Somerville Lyndsay , Lutes William B. , Jones Stephen A. , McCalden Richard , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: December 2022

Introduction

A novel fully porous acetabular titanium shell has been designed to reduce stiffness mismatch between bone and implant and promote osseointegration in complex (cTHA) and revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). A highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liner is cemented within the cup to reduce wear rates and increase survivorship. This study reported the outcomes of an XLPE liner cemented into a novel 3D-printed fully porous cup in cTHA and rTHA.

Methods

Presented was a multicenter retrospective review of 40 patients (6 cTHA and 34 rTHA) who underwent THA with a fully porous titanium acetabular cup and cemented XLPE liner. Data were collected on demographics, surgical information, outcomes, including osseointegration and migration and implant survivorship.

Results

On average, patients were 71.42 ± 9.97 years old and obese (BMI: 30.36 ± 6.88 kg/m2) and were followed up for a mean time of 2.21 ± 0.77 years. Six patients underwent cTHA and 34 patients underwent rTHA. The mean hospital length of stay was 5.34 ± 3.34 days. Three (7.5%) 90-day readmissions were noted. Harris Hip Scores improved, on average, from 53.87 ± 12.58 preoperatively to 83.53 ± 12.15 postoperatively (P<0.001). One case of acetabular shell aspetic loosening with migration was noted. Thirty-nine of the 40 acetabular components were fully osseointegrated without migration. Two patients underwent re-revision surgery for PJI and one patient received acetabular shell+liner re-revision due to aseptic loosening. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed an all-cause revision-free survival rate of 95.0% at 6 months and 1 year, and 92.0% at 4-years. Aseptic acetabular cup, liner dislocation/loosening, and fracture-free survival was 100% at 6 months and 1-year, and 97.1% at 2 years.

Conclusion

The combined use of a novel 3D-printed fully porous titanium acetabular shell and cemented XLPE acetabular liner yielded excellent rates of osseointegration, and all-cause and acetabular aseptic loosening survivorship at a minimum 1-year follow-up. Further long-term studies are needed to assess the longevity of this construct.
Prognostic significance of HIF1-α immunohistochemical expression in gliomas and it's relation to IDH1 mutation status
Authors: Abd Elmaogod Eman Ahmed , Daoud Sahar Aly , Mostafa Zahraa Mohammed , Mahmoud Ebtehal Mohamed Mostafa
Published: December 2022

Background

Gliomas are the commonest primary adults’ brain tumors. Hypoxia performs an essential role in gliomas’ initiation as well as progression through hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) activation, which could serve as a promising target in treatment of gliomas. Our study aimed to evaluate types and grades of glioma cases and detect isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation status and expression of HIF-1α in all included cases and its correlation with clinical data and pathological parameters.

Results

Samples from 71 patients who were diagnosed with glioma were studied immunohistochemically for IDH1-R132H (if indicated) and HIF-1α expression. Expression of HIF-1α was detected in 73.2% of the included 71 gliomas. HIF-1α expression significantly increased in older patients, in high-grade gliomas and in tumors positive for necrosis. We studied IDH1 mutation in the histologically diagnosed grade 2, 3and 4 astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors (51 cases out of the included 71 gliomas). IDH1-R132H immunohistochemical expression was positive in 62.7% of cases. IDH1 mutation was significantly higher with younger age. IDH1 mutation was noted also with lower tumor grade. A statistically significant relation was detected between negative IDH1-R132H expression and high level of HIF-1α immunohistochemical expression.

Conclusion

Absence of IDH1 mutation with increased HIF-1α expression among high-grade gliomas suggesting both as predicting indicators for poor prognosis.
Exploring Clinacanthus nutans leaf different solvent extracts on antiproliferative effects induced metastasis through apoptosis and cell cycle against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Md Toha Zaleha , Haron Nor Hasyimah , Kamal Nik Nur Syazni Nik Mohamed , Khairuddean Melati , Arsad Hasni
Published: December 2022

Background

Medicinal herbs in Malaysia like Clinacanthus nutans (CN) traditionally are used in the treatment of various diseases and cancers. The present research was conducted to determine the effects of C. nutans leaf different solvent extracts on the human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7). The antiproliferative growth and survival effects of dichloromethane CN leaf extracts (CNDCM), as well as the short- and long-term effects through metastasis, apoptosis and cell cycle effects, were observed. The chemical profiles were done to evaluate the properties of the CNDCM.

Results

The evaluation of GC–MS identified 16 major phytochemical compounds present in this extract with biological activities. Antiproliferative assay used is the SRB assay, which showed the CNDCM induced strong antiproliferative property compared with the other extracts, so its IC50 dose was selected for further testing with value 108 µg/mL at 72 h after exposure on MCF-7 and MCF-10A cell lines. The clonogenic survival effects of CNDCM in various concentrations (31.25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 µg/mL) inhibited the ability of MCF-7 cells to form colonies, and the metastasis result was indicated in an image of wound healing assay. Moreover, the CNDCM extract significantly induced apoptosis in all the cell cycle phases. Finally, the experiments with various extract concentrations on normal human breast cell lines showed no antiproliferative effects for all the extracts tested.

Conclusion

Among all the extracts of CN, the CNDCM extracts demonstrated the highest antiproliferative activity and survival against the MCF-7 cell lines tested.
Exploring the protective effect exhibited by curcumin-loaded coconut oil microemulsion in the experimental models of neurodegeneration: an insight of formulation development, in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Patil Vijay , Mhamane Shruti , More Suraj , Pawar Atmaram , Arulmozhi S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases are a major health concern which requires promising drugs with appropriate drug delivery systems. The aim of the present study was development and characterization of curcumin-loaded coconut oil microemulsion (Cur-ME) and to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics performance. Initially, solubility study and emulsification study were performed for preliminary screening of the components. Pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed using selected components, and composition of Cur-ME was finalized. Furthermore, in vitro drug release in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic was performed.

Results

The final formulation exhibited globule size less than 20 nm with PDI and zeta potential as 0.24 and −17 mV, respectively. The formulation showed more than 90% drug content with no signs of precipitation upon dilution and centrifugation. In vitro drug release revealed 2.12-fold improvement in dissolution. In vivo plasma pharmacokinetics of Cur-ME revealed twofolds and 2.48-fold improvement in AUC and Cmax, respectively, than that of Cur-Sol. In vivo pharmacokinetics in adult zebrafish revealed significant enhancement (p < 0.01) in curcumin delivery to the brain with 1.96-fold and 1.92-fold improvement in Cmax and AUC, respectively. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamics of the formulation was evaluated using trimethyl tin (TMT)-induced neurodegeneration in wistar rats. The results revealed that Cur-ME treated group significantly decreased the escape latency and pathlength as compared to the neurodegeneration control group. The observed effects were also markedly significant than Cur-Sol treated group. Further, the brain malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were found to be increased significantly as compared to Cur-Sol treated group.

Conclusion

The encouraging results exhibited by Cur-ME can be regarded as a mark of an effective formulation that can be used in neurodegeneration. Overall, these findings indicate that an orally delivered microemulsion has enormous potential for drug delivery to the brain.
Influence of the intense laser field on optical absorption coefficients and refractive index changes in the double trigonometric quantum wells
Authors: Wang Jiashen , Li Keyin , Guo Kangxian
Published: December 2022

In this letter, the effect of the intense laser field on optical properties in the unique double trigonometric quantum wells has been investigated by applying the KH transformation. The Schrdinger equation is solved to obtain the energy levels and the wave functions of this system. Then the optical absorption coefficients (OACs) and refractive index changes (RICs) are calculated through the scheme of the compact density-matrix formalism. The results show that the OACs and RICs undergo a blue-shift first, followed by a red-shift, as the intensity of the laser field is enhanced. Furthermore, features of various transition total OACs are also discussed, which are also affected by the laser field.
Robust GABAergic Regulation of the GnRH Neuron Distal Dendron
Authors: Liu Xinhuai , Porteous Robert , Herbison Allan E
Published: December 2022

The amino acid transmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is suspected to play an important role in regulating the activity of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons controlling fertility. Rodent GnRH neurons have a novel dendritic compartment termed the “distal dendron” through which action potentials pass to the axon terminals and where inputs from the kisspeptin pulse generator drive pulsatile GnRH secretion. Combining Gnrh1-Cre mice with the Cre-dependent calcium sensor GCaMP6 and confocal imaging of acute brain slices, we examined whether GABA regulated intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]) in the GnRH neuron distal dendron. Short puffs of GABA on the dendron evoked either a monophasic sustained suppression of [Ca2+] or a biphasic acute elevation in [Ca2+] followed by the sustained suppression. Application of muscimol to the dendron replicated the acute elevation in [Ca2+] while baclofen generated the sustained suppression. Robust GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition was observed in 80% to 100% of dendrons recorded from females across the estrous cycle and from approximately 70% of dendrons in males. In contrast, the GABAA receptor–mediated excitation was rare in males and varied across the estrous cycle, being most prominent at proestrus. The activation of GABAB receptors potently suppressed the stimulatory effect of kisspeptin on the dendron. These observations demonstrate that the great majority of GnRH neuron distal dendrons are regulated by GABAergic inputs in a sex- and estrous cycle–dependent manner, with robust GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition being the primary mode of signaling. This provides a new, kisspeptin-independent, pathway for the regulation of pulsatile and surge modes of GnRH secretion in the rodent.
Ruderal City
Authors: Stoetzer Bettina
Published: December 2022

In Ruderal City Bettina Stoetzer traces relationships among people, plants, and animals in contemporary Berlin as they make their lives in the ruins of European nationalism and capitalism. She develops the notion of the ruderal—originally an ecological designation for the unruly life that inhabits inhospitable environments such as rubble, roadsides, train tracks, and sidewalk cracks—to theorize Berlin as a “ruderal city.” Stoetzer explores sites in and around Berlin that have figured in German national imaginaries—gardens, forests, parks, and rubble fields—to show how racial, class, and gender inequalities shape contestations over today’s uses and knowledges of urban nature. Drawing on fieldwork with gardeners, botanists, migrant workers, refugees, public officials, and nature enthusiasts while charting human and more-than-human worlds, Stoetzer offers a wide-ranging ethnographic portrait of Berlin’s postwar ecologies that reveals emergent futures in the margins of European cities. Brimming with stories that break down divides between environmental perspectives and the study of migration and racial politics, Berlin’s ruderal worlds help us rethink the space of nature and culture and the categories through which we make sense of urban life in inhospitable times.
Fly-Fishing
Authors: Schaberg Christopher
Published: December 2022

In Fly-Fishing, Christopher Schaberg ponders his lifetime pursuit of the widely mythologized art of fly-fishing. From the Michigan lakeshore where he learned to fish to casting flies in a New Orleans bayou, Schaberg sketches landscapes and fish habitats and shows how fly-fishing allows him to think about coexisting with other species. It offers Schaberg a much-needed source of humility, social isolation, connection with nature, and a reminder of environmental degradation. Rather than centering fishing on trophies, conquest, and travel, he advocates for a “small-fishing” that values catching the diminutive fish near one’s home. Introspective and personal, Fly-Fishing demonstrates how Schaberg’s obsession indelibly shapes how he understands and lives in the wider world.
STAT3 signaling induced by IL-6 family cytokines modulates angiogenesis
Authors: Rapp Julian , Jung Malte , Klar Rhena F. U. , Wolf Julian , Arnold Jakob , Gorka Oliver , Groß Olaf , Lange Clemens , Agostini Hansjürgen , Schlunck Günther , Bucher Felicitas
Published: December 2022

Aberrant angiogenesis is a hallmark of cardiovascular and retinal neovascular disease. The STAT3 pathway represents a potential pharmacological target for those diseases due to its impact on angiogenesis. Surprisingly some STAT3 activators including the IL6 cytokine member oncostatin M (OSM) enhance angiogenesis whereas others like ciliary neurotropic factor (CNTF) reduce it. This study aims to clarify those conflicting effects. In contrast to the antiangiogenic cytokine CNTF, the proangiogenic OSM was able to activate intracellular signaling pathways beyond STAT3 including ERK and AKT. These differences translated into transcriptomic and metabolic shifts. siRNA mediated STAT3 knockdown experiments showed a decrease in VEGF-induced endothelial migration and sprouting while enhancing OSMs proangiogenic drive and switching CNTF's antiangiogenic to a proangiogenic response. These effects correlated with a transcriptomic shift representing enhanced STAT1 and ERK activity following STAT3 knockdown including a compensatory prolonged pSTAT1 activity. In conclusion, the angiogenic effect of STAT3 seems to be determined by cytokine-induced STAT3 specificity and simultaneous activity of other intracellular signaling pathways while the STAT3 pathway, predominantly recognized for its proangiogenic phenotypes, reveals novel antiangiogenic potential.
Vertical distribution of Pseudo-nitzschia in the Gulf of Naples across the seasons
Authors: CIPOLLETTA FRANCESCO , RUSSO ADEMY , D’ALELIO DOMENICO , MARGIOTTA FRANCESCA , SARNO DIANA , ZINGONE ADRIANA , MONTRESOR MARINA
Published: December 2022

Pseudo-nitzschia is a widespread genus of marine pennate diatoms comprising 58 species of which 28 can produce the neurotoxin domoic acid, causative of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). Species of the genus are found in both oceanic and coastal waters where they can form large blooms. The timing and magnitude of blooms is generally described based on water samples collected at the surface, while limited information is available on cell distribution within the water column. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the vertical (0-50 m) distribution of Pseudo-nitzschia species identified in light microscopy using weekly samples collected in the Gulf of Naples (Italy) across an annual cycle (April 2006-April 2007). Physical variables and nutrient concentrations were also monitored. The genus is primarily abundant in surface waters, where spring blooms of P. cf. delicatissima and two morphotypes of P. galaxiae were related to the presence of a water layer with low salinity and high concentration of inorganic nutrients. Blooms of P. cf. pseudodelicatissima, P. allochrona and P. multistriata were recorded at surface during the summer-early autumn, when the water column was stratified and nutrient concentrations were low. Our observations confirmed the marked seasonality of Pseudo-nitzschia species described at our study site with light microscopy and molecular approaches, with species virtually absent from surface waters for long periods of the year. However, the high quantitative resolution applied in this study allowed to reveal low concentrations of Pseudo-nitzschia species/species complexes throughout the water column over the year. Since Pseudo-nitzschia do not produce benthic resting stages, their presence in deeper waters suggests that these species rely on rare overwintering cells that can function as bloom inocula.
A molecular framework for the systematics of the Mediterranean spindle-shells (Gastropoda, Neogastropoda, Fasciolariidae, Fusininae)
Authors: Fassio Giula , Russo Paolo , Bonomolo Giuseppe , Fedosov Alexander E. , Modica Maria Vittoria , Nocella Elisa , OLIVERIO MARCO
Published: December 2022

A remarkably high diversity of native small spindle-shells (Gastropoda, Fasciolariidae, Fusininae) has been recently inventoried in the Mediterranean Sea, with 23 species identified based on shell morphology. They have almost invariably been classified in the genus Fusinus, and a few of them recently moved to other genera (Aptyxis Troschel 1868, Aegeofusinus Russo, 2017 and Gracilipurpura Jousseaume, 1880), mostly based on the sole shell features. We have reconstructed a molecular phylogenetic framework for the Mediterranean Fusininae, focusing on native species representative of the genus-level taxa. Our results confirmed that Fusinus s.s. (type species Murex colus Linnaeus, 1758) should be restricted to a group of large-shelled species from the Indo-West Pacific and does not fit any of the small-shelled Mediterranean fusinines. We confirm that Murex syracusanus Linnaeus, 1758 represents a distinct lineage, and show that for all the remaining species the pattern is suggestive of a single monophyletic radiation of small Mediterranean fusinines, for which the name Pseudofusus Monterosato, 1884 must be used.
Surgical residents’ approach to training: are elements of deliberate practice observed?
Authors: Nelson Ferguson Kendra , Paradis Josée
Published: December 2022

Background: Deliberate practice research has consistently shown that intense, concentrated, goal-oriented practice in a focused domain, such as medicine, can improve skill development and performance. To date, little is known about how surgical residents approach their surgical training, how they evaluate their current weaknesses, and how they plan to transition from one milestone to another. Without knowledge of residents’ role in their development, educators miss the opportunity to optimize progression of these lifelong learning skills. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how surgical residents approach their surgical training from the perspective of the surgical residents themselves and to explore if elements of deliberate practice are observed.

Methods: Eight surgical trainees participated in one of two focus groups depending on their training level (five junior residents; three senior residents). With the exploratory nature of this research, a focus group methodology was utilized.

Results: By employing both deductive and inductive thematic analysis techniques, three themes were extracted from the data: learning resources and strategies, role of a junior/senior, and approaching weaknesses.

Conclusions: Although elements of deliberate practice were discussed, higher functioning is necessary to achieve performance excellence, leading to improved patient outcomes.
PEDAGOGICAL THOUGHT OF THE EDUCATOR OF THE LATE XIX - EARLY XX CENTURY GABDULLA TUKAI ON VARIOUS AREAS OF EDUCATION
Authors: Malikov Rustam Sh. , Galiakberova Al’finur A.
Published: December 2022

The subject of this study is the pedagogical thought of the Tatar educator of the late XIX – early XX century Gabdulla Tukai (April 26, 1886 – April 15, 1913). A lot has been written about the great Tatar poet-educator. His biography and poetry are investigated. His works have been translated into many languages of the world, and we can say with confidence that he is read all over the world. Nevertheless, the educator is not fully disclosed as teachers, despite the fact that he is a methodologist, the author of textbooks and teaching aids. His artistic works have not been investigated for the identification of didactic content. The purpose of the study is to identify the directions of education reflected in the poetry of the educator. The research used methods of analysis and synthesis, comparison and comparison, induction and deduction. The methodology of the study consisted of consistency, complexity, integrity, personal, activity, and essential approaches. As a result of the study, the following areas of education were identified: patriotic, labor, moral, aesthetic. The results of the research can be applied in the process of teaching the history of pedagogy and pedagogical thought in secondary and higher pedagogical educational institutions. Conclusions: the work of the educator G. Tukai contains thoughts about various areas of education that should be used in the modern educational process.
Your outdoor calendar: December
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: December 2022

It's magical midwinter – wrap children up warmly and make the most of this special time of year. Playing outdoors strengthens children's immune systems and build physical and emotional resilience. Consider starting outdoor play sessions with a vigorous ‘parkour’ routine, leaping and bounding and rolling and twisting your way around the space to warm up. Julie Mountain
Calculation of steering system parameters of a military training aircraft
Authors: NICOLIN Bogdan Adrian , NICOLIN Ilie
Published: December 2022

The mechanical-hydraulic steering system of a military training aircraft is a technical problem for specialized engineers and it must be investigated and solved in a scientific manner using theoretical knowledge, calculus programs such as Mathcad, and CAD applications for design such as CATIA V5 which allows the preservation of practical experience and favors its dissemination for future similar calculation. The scope of this calculus is to demonstrate that the active moment developed by the two hydraulic cylinders is always bigger than the resisting moment opposing the steering action of the nose landing gear wheel generated by the frictional forces between the wheel and the running way.
Contractual Requirements Review and Management
Authors: RUSU Manuela , MARIN Ilinca , SOARE Valentin , TONOIU Sergiu , BLAJINA Ovidiu
Published: December 2022

This article presents contractual requirements review as an element of a Quality Management System (SR EN 9100:2018 [1]), which requires the organization to conduct requirements reviews at various stages of the product realization lifecycle. Proper conduct of a review and management of requirements will enhance overall supply chain performance with regards to On-Time-On-Quality Delivery (OTOQD).
Smartphone-based light field display for determining the ophtalmic correction needs of the eye
Authors: Peloux Marius , Boutinon Stéphane
Published: December 2022

We propose to size a light field display based on a standard smartphone screen to which is associated a simple array of custom-made microlenses, aimed at evaluating the refractive error of a user’s eye. We show theoretically that, to that end, we can display some content with a constant angular resolution over a wide range of refractive errors, i.e., 

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Tantalum oxide and silicon oxide mixture coatings deposited using microwave plasma assisted co-sputtering for optical mirror coatings in gravitational wave detectors
Authors: Song Shigeng , Cai Sijia , Han Daxing , García Nuñez Carlos , Zhang Gong , Wallace Gavin , Fleming Lewis , Craig Kieran , Reid Stuart , Martin Iain W. , Rowan Sheila , Gibson Des
Published: December 2022

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2

concentration was increased in the
mixture, and the disorder constant decreased when the annealing
temperatures increased. Annealing of the mixtures also showed positive
effects to reduce the mechanical losses and the optical absorption.
This demonstrates their potential as an alternative high-index
material for optical coatings in gravitational wave detectors using a
low-cost process.
2022 Optical Interference Coatings Conference: Manufacturing Problem Contest [Invited]
Authors: Poitras Daniel , Ma Penghui , Jacobson Michael R. , Cooksey Catherine C. , Sandilands Luke J. , Lee Stacey
Published: December 2022

Participants in the 2022 Manufacturing Problem Contest were challenged to fabricate an optical filter with a specified stepped transmittance spanning three orders of magnitude from 400 to 1100 nm. The problem required that contestants be versed in the design, deposition, and measurement of optical filters to achieve good results. Nine samples from five institutions were submitted with total thicknesses between 5.9 and 53.5 µm with between 68 and 1743 layers. The filter spectra were measured by three independent laboratories. The results were presented in June 2022 at the Optical Interference Coatings Conference in Whistler, B.C., Canada.
Pressure-sensitive platform based on multiplexed in-series macro-bend optical fiber sensors
Authors: de Carvalho Vinicius , Lazzaretti André E. , Fabris José L. , Muller Marcia
Published: December 2022

This work shows a pressure-sensitive platform instrumented with a set of five in-series macro-bend optical fiber sensors. The structure of

20

×

20

cm

is divided into sixteen

5

×

5

cm

sensing cells. Sensing is based on the wavelength-dependent intensity changes in the array transmission visible spectrum, which carries information about the pressure acting on the structure. Data analysis uses principal component analysis to reduce spectral data to 12 principal components that explain 99% of the data variance and

k

-nearest neighbors classification and support vector regression methods. The capability of pressure detection with fewer sensors than the number of monitored cells was demonstrated with an accuracy of 94% for predicting the pressure location and a mean absolute error of 0.31 kPa within 3.74–9.98 kPa range.
Laser beam scintillations of LIDAR operating in weak oceanic turbulence
Authors: Gerçekcioğlu Hamza , Baykal Yahya
Published: December 2022

The formulation of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems is derived and examined for the scintillation index, evaluated on-axis, of laser beams in horizontal links in the ocean with weak turbulence by utilizing the Rytov method. These scintillation indices, obtained for the Gaussian beam which is collimated, the limits of plane and spherical waves, are depicted versus the source size, target size, and parameter of the normalized reflector size. It is found that the source size, target size, and normalized reflector size parameter, lessening the scintillation index evaluated on-axis, are approximately 0.44 cm,

56

×

10

−
4

c
m

, and 2.2, respectively. Additionally, by using these values that minimize the scintillation index, the variation of the scintillations is shown against the propagation distance, radius of reflector, temperature and salinity fluctuation effects, mean squared temperature, and turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate per unit mass of fluid at various selected source size and radius of reflector values.
Dissipative quantum computation and quantum state preparation based on BEC qubits
Authors: Ghasemian Ebrahim
Published: December 2022

Among environmental effects, dissipation allows the stabilization of quantum resources, a fact that may accomplish key advantages over unitary quantum state manipulation. In this paper, we study an open quantum system composed ofNtwo-mode Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs), namely, BEC qubits, interacting with their environments. Usually, the coupling of a system with its environment results in a dissipation process that washes out the quantum effects, but the environment may also play exactly the opposite role. Here, we show that the coupling of a BEC qubit with its local environments can be exploited to establish dissipative state engineering and dissipative quantum computation. Also, we discuss how to generate entanglement and transfer it using such macroscopic BEC qubits. Generally, the couplings can be manipulated such that the system is driven to a desired steady state. We demonstrate that the steady state of a BEC qubit just depends on the tunneling strength between its two modes and the features of the local environments. By preparing the proper physical conditions and adjusting the parameters involved in the model, it can be shown that the steady state of the system may coincide with its initial state. Also, the interaction between the BEC qubits and local environments can be engineered to provide physically controlled single- and two-qubit operations, which are necessary for performing dissipative universal quantum computation. With the prosperous development of quantum computing, such a system can be employed to implement quantum computers based on non-unitary operations.
Asymmetric structure optical fiber humidity sensor assisted by the virtual Vernier effect
Authors: Tong Zijin , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Zhipeng , Yang Mingyu , Dong Zhenyong , Zhou Jie , Guan Junneng , Wei Zhongchao , Tan Chunhua , Wang Faqiang , Meng Hongyun
Published: December 2022

In this paper, an asymmetric structure optical fiber sensor is proposed to measure relative humidity (RH). The sensing structure is composed of splicing dispersion compensation fiber (DCF) and coreless fiber (NCF), and two sections of single-mode fiber (SMF) at both ends. Peanut shaped structure is used as a beam splitter at the input side, and the NCF is used as a beam combiner at the output side to form interference fringes. The partial cladding of DCF was etched, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was coated on the etched area to form a hygroscopic film. When the ambient humidity changes, the refractive index and thickness of the hygroscopic film will change, which will lead to the wavelength shift of the resonant dip. The experimental results show that the sensitivity of the sensor is 0.1304 nm/RH% and 0.4452 nm/RH% in the RH range of 55%-75% and 75%-95%, respectively. In order to improve the sensitivity further, the original spectrum data is filtered by fast Fourier transform (FFT) and inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), and the high-frequency interference components of high-order mode (LP09) and fundamental mode are obtained, which is superimposed with a simulated signal to form Vernier effect. With the method of virtual Vernier effect, the sensitivity in the RH range of 55%-75% is improved to 2.869 nm/RH%, which is 22 times larger than the original sensitivity, and the sensitivity in the RH range of 75%-95% is improved to 2.64 nm/RH%, which is 6 times larger than the original sensitivity.
Generation of spatiotemporal optical vortices in ultrashort laser pulses using rotationally interleaved multispirals
Authors: Ma Li , Chen Chao , Zhan Zijun , Dong Qingrui , Cheng Chuanfu , Liu Chunxiang
Published: December 2022

Ultrashort optical vortex pulses carrying spatiotemporal orbital angular momentum (OAM) have inspired versatile applications such as the micromachining of integrated quantum chips and discoveries such as optical toroidal structures and OAM-carrying X-waves. Generating high-quality ultrashort vortices with controllable topological charges remains a crucial issue. Thus, we propose a rotationally interleaved multispiral to generate such vortices. A multispiral comprises multiple identical spirals rotated around the center in the equal-azimuthal interval and interleaved in equal-radius increments; this structure overcomes the previous structural asymmetry of the single spiral and improves the vortex quality. Accordingly, we conducted theoretical analyses, numerical simulations, and experimental investigations that demonstrated the feasibility of multispirals in generating the ultrashort vortices with symmetric distributions and flexibly controlling the topological charges. The proposed study is significant for broader applications involving ultrashort vortices and extensive investigations in related areas such as research on electron vortices, plasmonic vortices, and other matter vortices.
Spatial beam narrowing in multimode graded-index fiber amplifiers: an analytic approach
Authors: Agrawal Govind P.
Published: December 2022

Doped and optically pumped graded-index (GRIN) fibers can be used to amplify an optical beam such that its spatial quality is improved at the output end of the fiber compared with that of the unamplified beam. We develop a simple model of the amplification process in such GRIN fiber amplifiers and show that the resulting equations can be solved analytically with suitable approximations. The solution shows that the width of the amplifying beam oscillates but also becomes narrower because of the radial dependence of the optical gain. The main advantage of our simplified approach is that it provides an analytic expression for the damping distance of beam-width oscillations that shows clearly the role played by various physical parameters.
A phylogenetic approach to inferring the order in which mutations arise during cancer progression
Authors: Gao Yuan , Gaither Jeff , Chifman Julia , Kubatko Laura
Published: December 2022

Although the role of evolutionary process in cancer progression is widely accepted, increasing attention is being given to the evolutionary mechanisms that can lead to differences in clinical outcome. Recent studies suggest that the temporal order in which somatic mutations accumulate during cancer progression is important. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) provides a unique opportunity to examine the effect that the mutation order has on cancer progression and treatment effect. However, the error rates associated with single-cell sequencing are known to be high, which greatly complicates the task. We propose a novel method for inferring the order in which somatic mutations arise within an individual tumor using noisy data from single-cell sequencing. Our method incorporates models at two levels in that the evolutionary process of somatic mutation within the tumor is modeled along with the technical errors that arise from the single-cell sequencing data collection process. Through analyses of simulations across a wide range of realistic scenarios, we show that our method substantially outperforms existing approaches for identifying mutation order. Most importantly, our method provides a unique means to capture and quantify the uncertainty in the inferred mutation order along a given phylogeny. We illustrate our method by analyzing data from colorectal and prostate cancer patients, in which our method strengthens previously reported mutation orders. Our work is an important step towards producing meaningful prediction of mutation order with high accuracy and measuring the uncertainty of predicted mutation order in cancer patients, with the potential to lead to new insights about the evolutionary trajectories of cancer.