bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Input from torus longitudinalis drives binocularity and spatial summation in zebrafish optic tectum
Authors: Tesmer Alexander L. , Fields Nicholas P. , Robles Estuardo
Published: January 2022

Background

A continued effort in neuroscience aims to understand the way brain circuits consisting of diverse neuronal types generate complex behavior following sensory input. A common feature of vertebrate visual systems is that lower-order and higher-order visual areas are reciprocally connected. Feedforward projections confer visual responsiveness to higher-order visual neurons while feedback projections likely serve to modulate responses of lower-order visual neurons in a context-dependent manner. Optic tectum is the largest first-order visual brain area in zebrafish and is reciprocally connected with the torus longitudinalis (TL), a second-order visual brain area that does not receive retinal input. A functional role for feedback projections from TL to tectum has not been identified. Here we aim to understand how this feedback contributes to visual processing.

Results

In this study, we demonstrate that TL feedback projections to tectum drive binocular integration and spatial summation in a defined tectal circuit. We performed genetically targeted, cell type-specific functional imaging in tectal pyramidal neurons (PyrNs) and their two input neuron populations: retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and neurons in TL. We find that PyrNs encode gradual changes in scene luminance using a complement of three distinct response classes that encode different light intensity ranges. Functional imaging of RGC inputs to tectum suggest that these response classes originate in the retina and RGC input specifies PyrN functional classes. In contrast, TL input serves to endow PyrNs with large, compound receptive fields that span both retinal hemifields.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a novel role for the zebrafish TL in driving binocular integration and spatial summation in tectal PyrNs. The neural circuit we describe generates a population of tectal neurons with large receptive fields tailored for detecting changes in the visual scene.
Association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and later risk of cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Oliver-Williams Clare , Stevens David , Payne Rupert A. , Wilkinson Ian B. , Smith Gordon C. S. , Wood Angela
Published: January 2022

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are common pregnancy complications that are associated with greater cardiovascular disease risk for mothers. However, risk of cardiovascular disease subtypes associated with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia is unclear. The present study aims to compare the risk of cardiovascular disease outcomes for women with and without a history of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia using national hospital admissions data.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of national medical records from all National Health Service hospitals in England. Women who had one or more singleton live births in England between 1997 and 2015 were included in the analysis. Risk of total cardiovascular disease and 19 pre-specified cardiovascular disease subtypes, including stroke, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy and peripheral arterial disease, was calculated separately for women with a history of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia compared to normotensive pregnancies.

Results

Amongst 2,359,386 first live births, there were 85,277 and 74,542 hospital admissions with a diagnosis of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, respectively. During 18 years (16,309,386 person-years) of follow-up, the number and incidence of total CVD for normotensive women, women with prior gestational hypertension and women with prior pre-eclampsia were n = 8668, 57.1 (95% CI: 55.9–58.3) per 100,000 person-years; n = 521, 85.8 (78.6–93.5) per 100,000 person-years; and n = 518, 99.3 (90.9–108.2) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Adjusted HRs (aHR) for total CVD were aHR (95% CI) = 1.45 (1.33–1.59) for women with prior gestational hypertension and aHR = 1.62 (1.48–1.78) for women with prior pre-eclampsia.

Gestational hypertension was strongly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, aHR = 2.85 (1.67–4.86), and unstable angina, aHR = 1.92 (1.33–2.77). Pre-eclampsia was strongly associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aHR = 3.27 (1.49–7.19), and acute myocardial infarction, aHR = 2.46 (1.72–3.53). Associations were broadly homogenous across cardiovascular disease subtypes and increased with a greater number of affected pregnancies.

Conclusions

Women with either previous gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia are at greater risk of a range of cardiovascular outcomes. These women may benefit from clinical risk assessment or early interventions to mitigate their greater risk of various cardiovascular outcomes.
Green tea-derived theabrownin induces cellular senescence and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma through p53 signaling activation and bypassed JNK signaling suppression
Authors: Xu Jiaan , Xiao Xiujuan , Yan Bo , Yuan Qiang , Dong Xiaoqiao , Du Quan , Zhang Jin , Shan Letian , Ding Zhishan , Zhou Li , Efferth Thomas
Published: January 2022

Background

Theabrownin (TB) is a bioactive component of tea and has been reported to exert effects against many human cancers, but its efficacy and mechanism on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with different p53 genotypes remains unclarified.

Methods

MTT assay, DAPI staining, flow cytometry and SA-β-gal staining were applied to evaluate the effects of TB on HCC cells. Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were conducted to explore the molecular mechanism of TB. A xenograft model of zebrafish was established to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of TB.

Results

MTT assays showed that TB significantly inhibited the proliferation of SK-Hep-1, HepG2, and Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, of which SK-Hep-1 was the most sensitive one with the lowest IC50 values. The animal data showed that TB remarkably suppressed SK-Hep-1 tumor growth in xenograft model of zebrafish. The cellular data showed TB's pro-apoptotic and pro-senescent effect on SK-Hep-1 cells. The molecular results revealed the mechanism of TB that p53 signaling pathway (p-ATM, p-ATR, γ-H2AX, p-Chk2, and p-p53) was activated with up-regulation of downstream senescent genes (P16, P21, IL-6 and IL-8) as well as apoptotic genes (Bim, Bax and PUMA) and proteins (Bax, c-Casp9 and c-PARP). The p53-mediated mechanism was verified by using p53-siRNA. Moreover, by using JNK-siRNA, we found JNK as a bypass regulator in TB's mechanism.

Conclusions

To sum up, TB exerted tumor-inhibitory, pro-senescent and pro-apoptotic effects on SK-Hep-1 cells through ATM-Chk2-p53 signaling axis in accompany with JNK bypass regulation. This is the first report on the pro-senescent effect and multi-target (p53 and JNK) mechanism of TB on HCC cells, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms of TB's anti-HCC efficacy.
Psychometric analysis of the questionnaires for the assessment of upper limbs available in their Italian version: a systematic review of the structural and psychometric characteristics
Authors: Barni Luca , Ruiz-Muñoz María , Gonzalez-Sanchez Manuel , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio I. , Merchan-Baeza Jose , Freddolini Marco
Published: January 2022

Introduction

There is no systematic review that analyzes the psychometric properties of questionnaires in Italian. Previous studies have analyzed the psychometric characteristics of instruments for the measurement of pathologies of upper limbs and their joints in different languages. The aim of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the questionnaires published in Italian for the evaluation of the entire upper limb or some of its specific regions and related dysfunctions.

Evidence acquisition

For the development of this systematic review, the following databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Dialnet, Cinahl, Embase and PEDro. The selection criteria used in this study were: studies of transcultural adaptation to Italian of questionnaires oriented to the evaluation of upper limbs or any of their structures (specifically shoulder, elbow and wrist/hand), and contribution of psychometric variables of the questionnaire in its Italian version.

Evidence synthesis

After reading the titles and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the complete documents, 16 documents were selected: 3 for the upper limb, 8 for the shoulder, 1 for the elbow and 4 for the wrist and hand. The cross-sectional psychometric variables show levels between good and excellent in all the questionnaires. Longitudinal psychometric variables had not been calculated in the vast majority of the analyzed questionnaires.

Conclusions

Italian versions of the questionnaires show good basic structural and psychometric characteristics for the evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and its joints (shoulder, elbow and wrist/hand).
Taste and chemical composition as drives for utilitarian redundancy and equivalence: a case study in local medical systems in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Reinaldo Rafael Corrêa Prota dos Santos , Santoro Flávia Rosa , Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino , de Medeiros Patrícia Muniz
Published: January 2022

Background

We aimed to verify whether the taste and chemical composition influence the selection of plants in each medicinal category, whether within a socio-ecological system or between different socio-ecological systems. To this end, we use the theoretical bases of the Utilitarian Redundancy Model and the Utilitarian Equivalence Model. We studied the local medical systems of four rural communities in northeastern Brazil, used as models to test our assumptions.

Methods

The data on medicinal plants and local therapeutic function were obtained from semi-structured interviews associated with the free-listing method, allowing to generate indexes of similarity of therapeutic use between the plants cited in each region. During the interviews, each informer was also asked to report the tastes of the plants cited. Subsequently, we classified each plant in each region according to the most cited taste. The data about the chemical composition of each plant were obtained from a systematic review, using Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases.

Results

Pairs of plants with similar tastes are 1.46 times more likely to have the same therapeutic function within a local medical system (redundancy), but not between medical systems (equivalence). We also find that chemical compounds are not primarily responsible for utilitarian redundancy and equivalence. However, there was a tendency for alkaloids to be doubly present with greater expressiveness in pairs of equivalent plants.

Conclusions

The results indicate that each social group can create its means of using the organoleptic characteristics as clues to select new species as medicinal. Furthermore, this study corroborates the main prediction of the Utilitarian Equivalence Model, that people in different environments choose plants with traits in common for the same functions.
MR-guided adaptive stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) of primary tumor for pain control in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC): an open randomized, multicentric, parallel group clinical trial (MASPAC)
Authors: Pavic M. , Niyazi M. , Wilke L. , Corradini S. , Vornhülz M. , Mansmann U. , Al Tawil A. , Fritsch R. , Hörner-Rieber J. , Debus J. , Guckenberger M. , Belka C. , Mayerle J. , Beyer G.
Published: January 2022

Background

Pain symptoms in the upper abdomen and back are prevalent in 80% of patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), where the current standard treatment is a systemic therapy consisting of at least doublet-chemotherapy for fit patients. Palliative low-dose radiotherapy is a well-established local treatment option but there is some evidence for a better and longer pain response after a dose-intensified radiotherapy of the primary pancreatic cancer (pPCa). Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can deliver high radiation doses in few fractions, therefore reducing chemotherapy-free intervals. However, prospective data on pain control after SBRT of pPCa is very limited. Therefore, we aim to investigate the impact of SBRT on pain control in patients with mPDAC in a prospective trial.

Methods

This is a prospective, double-arm, randomized controlled, international multicenter study testing the added benefit of MR-guided adaptive SBRT of the pPca embedded between standard of care-chemotherapy (SoC-CT) cycles for pain control and prevention of pain in patients with mPDAC. 92 patients with histologically proven mPDAC and at least stable disease after initial 8 weeks of SoC-CT will be eligible for the trial and 1:1 randomized in 3 centers in Germany and Switzerland to either experimental arm A, receiving MR-guided SBRT of the pPCa with 5 × 6.6 Gy at 80% isodose with continuation of SoC-CT thereafter, or control arm B, continuing SoC-CT without SBRT. Daily MR-guided plan adaptation intents to achieve good target coverage, while simultaneously minimizing dose to organs at risk. Patients will be followed up for minimum 6 and maximum of 18 months. The primary endpoint of the study is the “mean cumulative pain index” rated every 4 weeks until death or end of study using numeric rating scale.

Discussion

An adequate long-term control of pain symptoms in patients with mPDAC is an unmet clinical need. Despite improvements in systemic treatment, local complications due to pPCa remain a clinical challenge. We hypothesize that patients with mPDAC will benefit from a local treatment of the pPCa by MR-guided SBRT in terms of a durable pain control with a simultaneously favorable safe toxicity profile translating into an improvement of quality-of-life.

Trial registration

German Registry for Clinical Trials (DRKS): DRKS00025801. Meanwhile the study is also registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the Identifier: NCT05114213.
Red yeast rice ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through inhibiting lipid synthesis and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated hepatic inflammation in mice
Authors: Zou Jian , Yan Chunyan , Wan Jian-Bo
Published: January 2022

Background

Red yeast rice (RYR), a nutraceutical with a profound cholesterol-lowering effect, was found to attenuate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. Despite monacolin K in RYR being a specific inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMCGR), the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of RYR against NAFLD are not fully elucidated.

Methods

Using a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding and a cellular model of HepG2 cells challenged by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and palmitic acid (PA), the possible molecular mechanisms were exploited in the aspects of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome and mTORC1-SREBPs signaling pathways by examining the relevant gene/protein expressions. Subsequently, the correlation between these two signals was also verified using cellular experiments.

Results

RYR ameliorated lipid accumulation and hepatic inflammation in vivo and in vitro. RYR improved lipid metabolism through modulating mTORC1-SREBPs and their target genes related to triglyceride and cholesterol synthesis. Furthermore, RYR suppressed hepatic inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Interestingly, the treatment with RYR or MCC950, a specific NLRP3 inhibitor, resulted in the reduced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells challenged by LPS plus PA, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of RYR on NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated hepatic inflammation may partially, in turn, contribute to the lipid-lowering effect of RYR.

Conclusions

The modulation of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome and lipid synthesis may contribute to the ameliorative effects of RYR against HFD-induced NAFLD.
Lessons to be learned: identifying high-risk medication and circumstances in patients at risk for suicidal self-poisoning
Authors: Geith Stefanie , Didden Christiane , Rabe Christian , Zellner Tobias , Ott Armin , Eyer Florian
Published: January 2022

Background

Although the total number of suicides decreased since the beginning of the 1980s, the number of suicide-related behaviors using self-intoxication increased. Therefore, research on the characteristics of individuals committing self-intoxication becomes of growing importance for risk assessments and the development of preventive measures.

Methods

In this prospective, observational, monocentric cohort study, all incoming calls at our Poisons Control Centre reporting suicide-related behaviors through self-intoxication, were analyzed via a standardized questionnaire over 12 months. Both univariate and bivariate analyses were performed.

Results

1238 cases of deliberate intoxication were included in the study. The majority of cases occurred in the age group between 18 and 44 (n = 607/49%), two-thirds were female (n = 817/66%). The main substances used were antidepressants (n = 420/34%), peripheral analgesics (n = 322/26%) and neuroleptics (n = 282/23%). The majority of patients ingested substances from their prescribed medication (n = 640/82%) with the highest proportion in those aged over 64 years (n = 72/113; 91%, p < 0.001). Substance use was reported for the minority of patients (n = 175/23%). For 704 cases (79%), a psychiatric disorder was documented. Factors associated with recurrent suicide-related behaviors were an underlying psychiatric disorder (OR = 6.2; 95% CI 3.8–10.4), substance use (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.5–3.8), and ingestion of neuroleptics (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.0) or antidepressants (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.2–2.3).

Conclusion

This study might contribute to identifying individuals with an increased risk of suicide-related behaviors by deliberate intoxication and to developing preventive strategies for future suicide attempt(s).
Staffing and patient-related factors affecting inpatient falls in a psychiatric hospital: a 5-year retrospective matched case–control study
Authors: Seeherunwong Acharaporn , Thunyadee Chanya , Vanishakije Wipa , Thanabodee-tummajaree Pavinee
Published: January 2022

Background

The frequency and severity of falls of psychiatric inpatients in Thailand have not been previously reported. Also, the risk factors of falls have been numerous and complicated. This study aimed to investigate the staffing factors and patient-related factors that increase the likelihood of falls among psychiatric inpatients.

Methods

A five-year retrospective matched case–control study was conducted that selected cases of inpatients who fell and which were reported to the hospital risk management system. Subjects were compared to two control patients from the same hospital (1:2) by age (± 5 years), sex, and admission the same year. The total sample consisted of 240 patients. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the data.

Results

Of the eighty falls, 86.3% resulted in temporary harm and required intervention. The multivariate model showed that three patient-related factors were associated with increased inpatient falls: (1) having an acute psychotic condition (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.34; 95% CI 1.45, 13.05; p < 0.05), (2) polypharmacy with more than four types of medicines (AOR = 3.06; 95% CI 1.59, 5.88; p < 0.05), and (3) taking atypical psychiatric drugs (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI 1.35, 5.58; p < 0.05). Staffing for 26–50 patients in the wards was more protective for falls than with 25 or fewer patients (AOR = .17; 95% CI 0.04, 0.72; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The risk factors found may help assess fall risk and manage the number of patients in psychiatric units. Drug dosage and drug interaction of antipsychotic drugs and cardiovascular agents with other medications and drug administration timing before falls are recommended for further investigation. Also, staff ratio per patient and the proportion of staff mix in psychiatric units need further study to establish adequate levels of surveillance to prevent inpatient falls.
KRT13 promotes stemness and drives metastasis in breast cancer through a plakoglobin/c-Myc signaling pathway
Authors: Yin Lijuan , Li Qinlong , Mrdenovic Stefan , Chu Gina Chia-Yi , Wu Boyang Jason , Bu Hong , Duan Peng , Kim Jayoung , You Sungyong , Lewis Michael S. , Liang Gangning , Wang Ruoxiang , Zhau Haiyen E. , Chung Leland W. K.
Published: January 2022

Background

Keratins (KRTs) are intermediate filament proteins that interact with multiple regulatory proteins to initiate signaling cascades. Keratin 13 (KRT13) plays an important role in breast cancer progression and metastasis. The objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanism by which KRT13 promotes breast cancer growth and metastasis.

Methods

The function and mechanisms of KRT13 in breast cancer progression and metastasis were assessed by overexpression and knockdown followed by examination of altered behaviors in breast cancer cells and in xenograft tumor formation in mouse mammary fat pad. Human breast cancer specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry and multiplexed quantum dot labeling analysis to correlate KRT13 expression to breast cancer progression and metastasis.

Results

KRT13-overexpressing MCF7 cells displayed increased proliferation, invasion, migration and in vivo tumor growth and metastasis to bone and lung. Conversely, KRT13 knockdown inhibited the aggressive behaviors of HCC1954 cells. At the molecular level, KRT13 directly interacted with plakoglobin (PG, γ-catenin) to form complexes with desmoplakin (DSP). This complex interfered with PG expression and nuclear translocation and abrogated PG-mediated suppression of c-Myc expression, while the KRT13/PG/c-Myc signaling pathway increased epithelial to mesenchymal transition and stem cell-like phenotype. KRT13 expression in 58 human breast cancer tissues was up-regulated especially at the invasive front and in metastatic specimens (12/18) (p < 0.05). KRT13 up-regulation in primary breast cancer was associated with decreased overall patient survival.

Conclusions

This study reveals that KRT13 promotes breast cancer cell growth and metastasis via a plakoglobin/c-Myc pathway. Our findings reveal a potential novel pathway for therapeutic targeting of breast cancer progression and metastasis.
Pediatric Tuina in children with autism spectrum disorder: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Feng Xiang , Jiang Quanrui , Zhang Yuxing , Li Tao , Wei Wei , Yu Jun , Li Wu , Li Jiangshan
Published: January 2022

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by repetitive stereotypical behavior and communication deficits. Currently, it lacks a specific clinical treatment method. Pediatric Tuina is a recent therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used to treat children with ASD. Nonetheless, it remains uncommon given the lack of large-scale evidence-based medical studies. This study aims to compare the efficacy of Tuina and conventional treatment in children with ASD.

Methods

Eligible children will be randomly assigned to either the pediatric Tuina plus conventional treatment group or to the conventional treatment alone group based on a random table at a ratio of 1:1. The effectiveness of the Tuina intervention for ASD will be evaluated by a third-party organization. The pre- and post-intervention scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale comprised the primary outcome, whereas pre- and post-intervention scores on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist were the secondary outcomes to assess improvement in symptoms. Baseline values of the participants will be determined at the time of registration. Outcomes will be evaluated after the 30th treatment session. The follow-up period will last for 6 months after treatment.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tuina in the treatment of ASD. The results of this study could provide reliable evidence to improve the management of patients with ASD.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (CHICTR), ChiCTR2000040452. Registered on 28 November 2020.
Acute flaccid rhombencephalomyelitis with radiculitis in a child with an enterovirus A71 infection seen for the first time in Denmark: a case report
Authors: Foli-Andersen Pia Jennes , Munkholm Anja , Rønde Gitte , Børresen Malene Landbo , Nielsen Jens Erik Klint , Midgley Sofie , Bang Didi
Published: January 2022

Background

Acute flaccid myelitis is a serious condition of the spinal cord. More than 80% of patients experience a mild respiratory illness or fever consistent with a viral infection prior to acute flaccid myelitis development. Enterovirus A71 is known to circulate in Denmark, and has previously been associated with severe neurological symptoms. In this case report we describe acute flaccid rhombencephalomyelitis with radiculitis in an infant with an enterovirus infection.

Case presentation

The 8-month-old male of Asian origin presented with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by severe neurological deficits such as flaccid paralysis of the neck and upper extremities. An initial magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain was normal, and the boy was treated for encephalitis. A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain and spinal cord 1 week later showed the development of pathological symmetrical gray matter hyperintensity lesions on T2-weighted images in the brainstem and upper medulla spinalis, and nerve enhancement in the terminal thread of the spinal cord and the cervical roots; findings consistent with rhombencephalomyelitis with radiculitis causing flaccid paralysis. Enterovirus A71 was detected in both nasopharyngeal and fecal specimens. Other differential diagnostic etiologies of viral and bacterial encephalitis, including poliovirus, were excluded.

Conclusions

This is the first case in Denmark of a patient diagnosed with acute flaccid rhombencephalomyelitis strongly linked to an enterovirus A71 infection. This case emphasizes the diagnostic importance of combining a history of respiratory and/or gastrointestinal illness, fever, and delayed onset of varying degrees of paralysis with progressive characteristic spinal and brain lesions. Analysis of respiratory, fecal, and cerebrospinal samples for the presence of enterovirus, and eliminating other differential pathogens, is essential to confirm the diagnosis.
Prediction of semiconducting ferromagnetic CrVI6 monolayer
Authors: Zhang Ning-Ning , Zheng Fa-Wei , Li Shu-Jing , Wang Xiao-Hui , Fu Zhen-Guo , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2022

In this work, the effects of V atoms on the atomic structures, electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer CrI3 have been investigated and clarified using first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. We find that the most stable configuration is the evenly mixed CrVI6 for Cr

V8x
I24

by calculating the formation energy. Through substituting one Cr atom with a V atom, the evenly mixed CrVI

exhibits a ferromagnetic (FM) semiconducting character with a direct band gap energy of 0.779 eV, a large magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) of 1.959 meV per magnetic atom and a high Curie temperature up to 88 K. Our results indicate that CrVI6 monolayer may be a promising material for spintronics applications and substituting Cr with transition metal V atom is a viable strategy in optimizing the performance of CrI3.
Reading the Archival Remains of Arturo Islas’s La Mollie and the King of Tears
Authors: Fagan Allison
Published: January 2022

This essay considers Arturo Islas’s posthumously published novel, La Mollie and the King of Tears (1996), arguing that an examination of its “archival remains”—its drafted and rejected material found in Islas’s archive—offers compelling evidence of the text’s anxious resistances to bodily, narrative, and cultural annihilation. Drawing on textual scholarship that prioritizes notions of texts as “fluid” or “in process” as well as on theories of queer and asycnhronous temporalities, I argue for a reading of the novel as haunted by its erasures and absences, and for a reading practice that more purposefully imagines the role of the body—of the author, of the text, and of the reader— in constituting and reconstituting the narrative.
Recovery of Supraspinal Microstructural Integrity and Connectivity in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Wang Chencai , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Salamon Noriko , Holly Langston T.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND:

It remains unknown if the progressive loss of axonal conduction along sensorimotor tracts can be recovered after surgery in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and if subsequent adaptive microstructural changes are associated with the neurological improvement.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the upstream recovery of microstructural integrity and reorganization of microstructural connectivity that occurs in patients with DCM after surgical decompression.

METHODS:

Preoperative and postoperative cerebral diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion spectrum imaging data were collected for 22 patients with DCM (age = 56.9 ± 9.1 years). Paired t-tests were used to identify significant microstructural changes within cohorts, and correlation analysis was used to identify whether those changes are associated with neurological improvement.

RESULTS:

Before surgery, higher structural connectivity (SC) was observed in the prefrontal/frontal lobes, anterior cingulate, the internal and external capsules, and the anterior, posterior, and superior regions of the corona radiata fibers. Following surgery, an increased modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was associated with increased SC from the primary sensorimotor regions to the posterior cingulate and precuneus; increased SC between the cerebellum and the bilateral lingual gyri; and decreased SC from areas of the limbic system to the basal ganglia and the frontal lobe. In addition, increased fractional anisotropy and normalized quantitative anisotropy values along white matter fibers responsible for conveying sensory information and motor coordination and planning were associated with neurological improvement of patients with DCM after surgery.

CONCLUSION:

Recovery of microstructural integrity along the corticospinal tract and other sensorimotor pathways, together with supraspinal reorganization of microstructural connectivity within sensory and motor-related regions, was associated with neurological improvement after surgical decompression.
A patient satisfaction survey and educational package to improve the care of people hospitalised with COVID-19: a quality improvement project, Liverpool, UK
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Shamsher , Hicks Scott Rory , Watson Rebecca , Ahmed Rajia Akter , Jones Lewis , Vaselli Marcella , Wu Meng-San , Hayat Fatima , Ratcliffe Libuse , McKenna Mark , Hine Paul , Defres Sylviane , Wingfield Tom
Published: January 2022

Background: The perspectives and experiences of people hospitalised with COVID-19 have been under-reported during the coronavirus pandemic. We developed and conducted a COVID-19 patient satisfaction survey in a large university-affiliated secondary healthcare centre in Liverpool, UK, during Europe’s first coronavirus wave (April-June 2020). The survey found that care was rated highly, including among people of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. However, sleep-quality and communication about medications and discharge-planning were identified as areas for improvement.  

Methods: To improve care for people with COVID-19 admitted to our centre, we designed an educational package for healthcare professionals working on COVID-19 wards. The package, implemented in August 2020, included healthcare worker training sessions on providing holistic care and placement of “Practice Pointers” posters. Patient satisfaction was re-evaluated during the second/third COVID-19 waves in Liverpool (September 2020 - February 2021).

Results: Across waves, most (95%) respondents reported that they would recommend our hospital to friends and/or family and rated overall care highly. Comparison of the responses of second/third-wave respondents (n=101) with first-wave respondents (n=94) suggested improved patient satisfaction across most care domains but especially those related to having worries and fears addressed and being consulted about medications and their side-effects.

Conclusions: People admitted with COVID-19 to our centre in Liverpool, including those from BAME backgrounds, rated the care they received highly. A simple education package improved the feedback on care received by respondents between the first and second/third waves. These UK-first findings are informing regional strategies to improve person-centred care of hospitalised people with COVID-19.
Indonesian Mom-Influencers: The New Representative Faces of Corporations through Instagram Studying the Effect of Endorsers and Corporate Credibility on Consumer Attitude and Purchase Intention
Authors:   Binus Business School, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Aditya Febiyana , Rachma Nabila , Kosasih Dicky Mikhael , Gunadi Willy
Published: January 2022

Abstract. Mom-influencers are a new medium used by businesses to reach a market segment of young mothers. This phenomenon has developed as young mothers increasingly turn to social media for up-to-date information on how to parent and what products they need. This study explores the effect of the credibility of mom-influencers as endorsers and corporate credibility on consumers' attitudes towards advertisements, attitudes towards the brand, and purchase intention. This study targeted Indonesian participants who followed an Instagram-verified mom-influencer page on their Instagram account. The data were collected with an online questionnaire and processed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results show that corporate credibility determines Indonesian consumers' attitudes towards advertisements and brands, as well as purchase intention. Meanwhile, source credibility boosts corporate awareness by gaining consumer attention through promotions. Keywords: Attitude, Credibility, Mom-Influencers, Purchase Intention
„Gendergerechtes Sprechen“ als Evidenz für Sprachkontakt: Der Fall des Sorbischen
Authors: Menzel Thomas
Published: January 2022

In einer kleinen Korpusstudie mit Texten aus der niederund obersorbischen Publizistik wird die Verbreitung gendergerechter sprachlicher Ausdrucksmittel untersucht. Im Wege der close-reading-Methode wurden die Strategien des Splittings (Beidnennung) sowie verschiedene Typen genusneutraler Konstruktionen geprüft. Allgemein sind explizite genderlinguistische Strukturen wie die Beidnennung nicht sehr häufig vertreten. Sie sind eher als selten gebrauchte emblematische sprachliche Symbole zu verstehen. Das generische Maskulinum ist in den Texten weit verbreitet. Lexikalisch sind genderlinguistische Ausdrucksmittel als Übernahmen aus dem Deutschen gut erkennbar.
Semantyka i gramatyka leksemu 'powinien'
Authors: Topolińska Zuzanna
Published: January 2022

Autorka analizuje strukturę semantyczną i gramatyczną polskiego leksemu powinien i dochodzi do konkluzji, że jest on czasownikiem modalnym, semantycznym ekwiwalentem angielskiego should.
Experimental Design in Two-Sided Platforms: An Analysis of Bias
Authors: Johari Ramesh , Li Hannah , Liskovich Inessa , Weintraub Gabriel Y.
Published: January 2022

We develop an analytical framework to study experimental design in two-sided marketplaces. Many of these experiments exhibit interference, where an intervention applied to one market participant influences the behavior of another participant. This interference leads to biased estimates of the treatment effect of the intervention. We develop a stochastic market model and associated mean field limit to capture dynamics in such experiments and use our model to investigate how the performance of different designs and estimators is affected by marketplace interference effects. Platforms typically use two common experimental designs: demand-side “customer” randomization ([Formula: see text]) and supply-side “listing” randomization ([Formula: see text]), along with their associated estimators. We show that good experimental design depends on market balance; in highly demand-constrained markets, [Formula: see text] is unbiased, whereas [Formula: see text] is biased; conversely, in highly supply-constrained markets, [Formula: see text] is unbiased, whereas [Formula: see text] is biased. We also introduce and study a novel experimental design based on two-sided randomization ([Formula: see text]) where both customers and listings are randomized to treatment and control. We show that appropriate choices of [Formula: see text] designs can be unbiased in both extremes of market balance while yielding relatively low bias in intermediate regimes of market balance.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, revenue management and market analytics.
On the outing
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: January 2022

In parts one and two of our series on outings we talked about how to plan successful trips for children with SEND. In this article we share ways you might support a child on the day itself, even if the unexpected happens.
Mardi Gras maths
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: January 2022

Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day or Mardi Gras, falls on the first day of March this year. Try out some of these activities, combining cooking and eating pancakes with some mathematical skills, and make it a learning opportunity for all.
Winter ‘talk tiles’
Authors: White Hilary
Published: January 2022

Winter-themed pictorial ‘talk tiles’ are easy and enjoyable for children to make, and they offer useful triggers for a rich variety of seasonal language experiences.
Valentine's Day
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: January 2022

The Valentine's Day themed activities here are designed to show children the importance of their personal choices, and to encourage children to express their feelings, while developing friendships and working cooperatively.
Make yourself a priority in 2022
Authors: Oshikanlu Ruth
Published: January 2022

As health visitors, we know the importance of prioritising the children and families we serve. But are you ensuring that you are a priority, too?
Advancing health visiting practice to manage infant feeding difficulties
Authors: Baldwin Carla
Published: January 2022

Providing families with advice and support on infant feeding is a key aspect of the health visiting role. While health visitors hold a wealth of knowledge around this topic, limitations in practice can force them to signpost parents elsewhere. Current health policy in Wales envisions that resources will be used creatively and effectively to provide quality services that are closer to home for service users. A review of the literature demonstrated that both parents and health professionals would like clear, consistent and accessible advice and support regarding managing infant feeding difficulties. It is proposed that an infant feeding support service, led by a specialist health visitor with advanced practice skills such as non-medical prescribing, could help to address this need, and meet local and national policy objectives.
Deep Learning and the Game of Checkers
Authors: Popic Jan , Boskovic Borko , Brest Janez
Published: January 2022

In this paper we present an approach which given only a set of rules is able to learn to play the game of Checkers. We utilize neural networks and reinforced learning combined with Monte Carlo Tree Search and alpha-beta pruning. Any human influence or knowledge is removed by generating needed data, for training neural network, using self-play. After a certain number of finished games, we initialize the training and transfer better neural network version to next iteration. We compare different obtained versions of neural networks and their progress in playing the game of Checkers. Every new version of neural network represented a better player.
Computer-generated holography in the intermediate domain
Authors: Christopher Peter J. , Mouthaan Ralf , Wetherfield Benjamin , Medcalf Elliot J. , Wilkinson Timothy D.
Published: January 2022

Iterative Fourier transform algorithms are widely used for hologram
generation for phase-modulating spatial light modulators. In this
paper, we introduce a new technique called the “intermediate domain,”
which decomposes the Fourier transforms used into multiple
subtransforms, the combination of which can offer major performance
benefits over traditional approaches. To demonstrate this, we
introduce ID-GS, an implementation of the intermediate domain
technique for possibly the best known hologram generation algorithm,
Gerchberg–Saxton. We discuss the performance of this across a wide
range of configurations with a focus on computational performance.
Christiansen filters realized with cylindrical lenses of even symmetry
Authors: Xie Kang , Ma Dianguo , Ma Ji , Liang Lanju , Wei Dequan , Wang Xueqin , Wang Meng , Hu Zhijia , Zhang Junxi , Mao Qiuping
Published: January 2022

A type of Christiansen filter that takes the form of a smooth cylindrical lens of even symmetry is proposed. By varying the shape of the lens, the filter can be made to realize many common filtering responses, including the polynomial function response, the Gaussian function response, and the sinc function response. A systematic design technique based on inverse scattering is established, and a desired, prescribed response can be tailored by properly shaping the lens of the filter. Three prototypical Christiansen filters, namely, a second-order all-real-roots filter, a second-order sinc filter, and a Gaussian filter, are synthesized using the proposed method. A prescribed response at 545 nm with a FWHM of 2 nm is achieved systematically by all of the three Christiansen filters.
Grating and hole-array enhanced germanium lateral p-i-n photodetectors on an insulator platform
Authors: Zhou Hao , Chen Qimiao , Wu Shaoteng , Zhang Lin , Guo Xin , Son Bongkwon , Tan Chuan Seng
Published: January 2022

Germanium (Ge) lateral p-i-n photodetectors with grating and hole-array structures were fabricated on a Ge-on-insulator (GOI) platform. Owing to the low threading dislocation density (TDD) in the transferred Ge layer, a low dark current of 0.279 µA was achieved at −1 V. The grating structure enhances the optical absorption by guiding the lateral propagation of normal incident light, contributing to a 3× improved responsivity at 1,550 nm. Compared with the grating structure, the hole-array structure not only guides the lateral modes but also benefits the vertical resonance modes. A 4.5× higher responsivity of 0.188 A/W at 1,550 nm was achieved on the 260 nm Ge absorptive layer. In addition, both the grating and the hole-array structure attribute to a 2× and a 1.6× enhanced 3dB bandwidth at −5 V due to significantly reduced capacitance. The planar configuration of p-i-n photodiodes is favorable for large-scale monolithic integration. The incorporated surface structures offer promising approaches to reinforce the responsivity and bandwidth simultaneously, paving the way for the development of high-performance Ge photodetectors on silicon substrate.
Temporal-spatial characteristics of filament induced by a femtosecond laser pulse in transparent dielectrics
Authors: Ren Guoqi , Ito Yusuke , Sun Huijie , Sugita Naohiko
Published: January 2022

The evolution mechanism of femtosecond laser-induced filaments has been widely investigated owing to its application prospects in microprocessing. However, the material dependence of the excitation, stability, and decay of filaments is not well understood despite the importance of their precise utilization. In this study, the spatiotemporal evolution of filaments induced by a single femtosecond laser pulse in sapphire and silica glass was investigated using time-resolved pump-probe shadowgraphy on femtosecond and picosecond timescales. The results revealed that the evolution was significantly different in the two typically transparent dielectrics in terms of the electronic plasma dynamics and filament lifetimes. This difference can be attributed to the self-trapped excitons (STEs) in silica glass. Furthermore, the filament dependence on pump energy and focal position was experimentally analyzed. Divergent filaments were observed when the focal position was near the surface because of the effect of the excited plasma on beam propagation. Moreover, the evolution of filament length in the two materials was discussed. This study contributes to the applications of filaments in precise processing.
Cr:ZnS-based soliton self-frequency shifted signal generation for a tunable sub-100 fs MWIR OPCPA
Authors: Fuertjes Pia , von Grafenstein Lorenz , Mei Chao , Bock Martin , Griebner Uwe , Elsaesser Thomas
Published: January 2022

We present a tunable, high-energy optical parametric chirped pulse amplification system with a front-end based on a femtosecond Cr:ZnS laser. By taking advantage of the broad emission spectrum of the femtosecond Cr:ZnS master oscillator, we are able to directly seed the holmium-based pump around 2 µm. At the same time, the signal pulses for the parametric process are generated via Raman self-frequency shifting of the red end of the spectrum centered at 2.4 µm. The solitons, generated in a fluoride fiber, are tunable over the wavelength range between 2.8 and 3.2 µm. The optical parametric amplifier operates at a 1 kHz repetition rate, and consists of two stages equipped with ZGP as nonlinear crystal. The generated idler pulses are tunable between 5.4 and 6.8 µm with a pulse energy of up to 400 µJ. Dispersion management using bulk material stretching and compression in combination with precise phase shaping prior to amplification enables idler pulses of a sub-100 fs duration, translating into a peak power as high as 4 GW.
High-power nonlinear amplification of an ultrafast electro-optic frequency comb with flexible GHz repetition rate
Authors: Ye Hanyu , Leroi Florian , Pontagnier Lilia , Santarelli Giorgio , Boullet Johan , Cormier Eric
Published: January 2022

We report on an all-fiber 200 W widely tunable GHz electro-optic (EO) frequency comb operating in the nonlinear regime. The EO comb pulses at 1030 nm are initially pre-compressed to sub-2 ps, then power amplified to 2.5 W, and finally boosted to 200 W in a newly designed large-mode-area, Yb-doped photonic crystal fiber. Continuously tunable across 12-18 GHz, the picosecond pulses experience nonlinear propagation in the last amplifier, leading to output pulses compressible down to several hundreds of femtoseconds. To push our system deeper into nonlinear amplification regime, the pulse repetition rate is further reduced to 2 GHz, enabling significant spectral broadening at 200 W. Characterization reveals sub-200 fs duration after compression. The present EO-comb seeded nonlinear amplification system opens a new route to the development of high-power, tunable GHz-repetition-rate, femtosecond fiber lasers.