Stratum corneum lipid and cytokine biomarkers at age 2 months predict the future onset of atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) commonly occurs in children and can progress into severe phenotypes or atopic march, causing significant impairment in quality of life. It is important to find early biomarkers of future onset of AD before any clinical manifestations. OBJECTIVE: We sought to find early predictors of future onset of AD in skin stratum corneum (SC). METHODS: Skin tape strips were collected from the forearm of newborns (n = 111) with and without family history of atopic diseases at the age of 2 months before any signs of clinical AD. Children were clinically monitored until they reached age 2 years to ensure the presence or absence of AD. Skin tape strips were subjected to lipidomic analyses by the liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and cytokine determination by Meso Scale Discovery U-Plex assay. RESULTS: Overall, 22 of 74 (29.7%) and 5 of 37 (13.5%) infants developed AD in the risk group and the control group, respectively. In the SC of future AD children, protein-bound ceramides were decreased (P < .001), whereas unsaturated sphingomyelin species (P < .0001) and "short-chain" nonhydroxy fatty acid sphingosine and alpha-hydroxy fatty acid sphingosine ceramides were elevated (P < .01 and .05, respectively) as compared with healthy children. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and IL-13 levels were increased in the SC of future AD subjects (by 74.5% and 78.3%, P = .0022 and P < .0001, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed strong AD predicting power of the combination of family history, type 2 cytokines, and dysregulated lipids, with an odds ratio reaching 54.0 (95% CI, 9.2-317.5). CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive skin tape strip analysis at age 2 months can identify asymptomatic children at risk of future AD development with a high probability.

Potential Effects of Low-Level Toluene Exposure on the Nervous System of Mothers and Infants.

In day-to-day living, individuals are exposed to various environmentally hazardous substances that have been associated with diverse diseases. Exposure to air pollutants can occur during breathing, posing a considerable risk to those with environmental health vulnerabilities. Among vulnerable individuals, maternal exposure can negatively impact the mother and child in utero. The developing fetus is particularly vulnerable to environmentally hazardous substances, with potentially greater implications. Among air pollutants, toluene is neurotoxic, and its effects have been widely explored. However, the impact of low-level toluene exposure in daily life remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated 194 mothers and infants from the Growing children's health and Evaluation of Environment (GREEN) cohort to determine the possible effects of early-life toluene exposure on the nervous system. Using Omics experiments, the effects of toluene were confirmed based on epigenetic changes and altered mRNA expression. Various epigenetic changes were identified, with upregulated expression potentially contributing to diseases such as glioblastoma and Alzheimer's, and downregulated expression being associated with structural neuronal abnormalities. These findings were detected in both maternal and infant groups, suggesting that maternal exposure to environmental hazardous substances can negatively impact the fetus. Our findings will facilitate the establishment of environmental health policies, including the management of environmentally hazardous substances for vulnerable groups.

Epigenetic Methylation Changes in Pregnant Women: Bisphenol Exposure and Atopic Dermatitis.

Bisphenol is a chemical substance widely used in plastic products and food containers. In this study, we observed a relationship between DNA methylation and atopic dermatitis (AD) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of pregnant women exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression, which can be altered by environmental factors, and affects the onset and progression of diseases. We found that genes belonging to the JAK-STAT and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways were hypomethylated in the blood of pregnant women exposed to bisphenols. These genes play important roles in skin barrier function and immune responses, and may influence AD. Therefore, we suggest that not only BPA, but also BPS and BPF, which are used as alternatives, can have a negative impact on AD through epigenetic mechanisms.

Epigenetic Regulation of the Expression of T Cell Stimulatory and Inhibitory Factors by Histone H3 Lysine Modification Enzymes and Its Prognostic Roles in Glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the specific T cell co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory factors that play prognostic roles in patients with glioblastoma. Additionally, the unique histone H3 modification enzymes that regulate the expression levels of these specific co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory factors were investigated. METHODS: The medical records of 84 patients newly diagnosed with glioblastoma at our institution from January 2006 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for T cell co-stimulatory factors (CD27, CD28, CD137, OX40, and ICOS), T cell co-inhibitory factors (CTLA4, PD1, PD-L1, TIM3, and CD200R), and histone H3 lysine modification enzymes (MLL4, RIZ, EZH1, NSD2, KDM5c, JMJD1a, UTX, and JMJD5) was performed on archived paraffin-embedded tissues obtained by biopsy or resection. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed for specific factors, which demonstrated causal relationships, in order to validate the findings of the IHC examinations. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 27.5 months (range, 4.1-43.5 months). During this period, 76 patients (90.5%) died, and the mean OS was 19.4 months (95% confidence interval, 16.3-20.9 months). Linear positive correlations were observed between the expression levels of CD28 and JMJD1a (R2 linear = 0.982) and those of CD137 and UTX (R2 linear = 1.528). Alternatively, significant negative correlations were observed between the expression levels of CTLA4 and RIZ (R2 linear = -1.746) and those of PD-L1 and EZH1 (R2 linear = -2.118); these relationships were confirmed by qRT-PCR. In the multivariate analysis, increased expression levels of CD28 (P = 0.042), and CD137 (P = 0.009), and decreased expression levels of CTLA4 (P = 0.003), PD-L1 (P = 0.020), and EZH1 (P = 0.040) were significantly associated with longer survival. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the expression of certain T cell co-stimulatory factors, such as CD28 and CD 137, and co-inhibitory factors, such as CTLA4 and PD-L1 are associated with prognosis of glioblastoma patients.

Evaluation of Paste-Type Micronized Acellular Dermal Matrix for Soft Tissue Augmentation: Volumetric and Histological Assessment in a Mouse Model.

BACKGROUND: A biological injectable material, paste-type micronized acellular dermal matrix (ADM), has been proven effective in wound healing by filling defects through tissue replacement. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of paste-type micronized ADM on soft tissue augmentation with that of the conventional fillers in animal experiments. METHODS: Two distinct paste-type micronized ADMs, which were mixed with distilled water (mADM) and gelatin (mADM+GEL), respectively, were compared with conventional fillers, hyaluronic acid (HA) and polymethyl methacrylate (COL+PMMA). Thus, four different types of fillers were each injected into the dorsum of nude mice to compare the volume retention and biocompatibility. During the 8-week experimental period, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) images were obtained for volumetric analysis. Histological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin and CD 31 staining. RESULTS: According to the CT images at week 8, the mADM and mADM+GEL showed a higher volume persistence rate of 113.54% and 51.12%, compared with 85.09% and 17.65% for HA and COL+PMMA, respectively. The 2-week interval ultrasound images revealed that the mADM showed a volume increase in width rather than in height, and an increase in height for HA did not vary much. Histological analysis showed marked fibrous invasion and neovascularization with the mADM and mADM+GEL compared to that of the conventional fillers. CONCLUSIONS: Paste-type micronized ADM showed soft tissue augmentation with similar effectiveness to that of conventional fillers. Therefore, paste-type micronized ADM has potential as an alternative material for a soft tissue filler in tissue replacement. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Molecular and Genomic Analysis of the Virulence Factors and Potential Transmission of Hybrid Enteropathogenic and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (EPEC/ETEC) Strains Isolated in South Korea.

Hybrid strains Escherichia coli acquires genetic characteristics from multiple pathotypes and is speculated to be more virulent; however, understanding their pathogenicity is elusive. Here, we performed genome-based characterization of the hybrid of enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), the strains that cause diarrhea and mortality in children. The virulence genes in the strains isolated from different sources in the South Korea were identified, and their phylogenetic positions were analyzed. The EPEC/ETEC hybrid strains harbored eae and est encoding E. coli attaching and effacing lesions and heat-stable enterotoxins of EPEC and ETEC, respectively. Genome-wide phylogeny revealed that all hybrids (n = 6) were closely related to EPEC strains, implying the potential acquisition of ETEC virulence genes during ETEC/EPEC hybrid emergence. The hybrids represented diverse serotypes (O153:H19 (n = 3), O49:H10 (n = 2), and O71:H19 (n = 1)) and sequence types (ST546, n = 4; ST785, n = 2). Furthermore, heat-stable toxin-encoding plasmids possessing estA and various other virulence genes and transporters, including nleH2, hlyA, hlyB, hlyC, hlyD, espC, espP, phage endopeptidase Rz, and phage holin, were identified. These findings provide insights into understanding the pathogenicity of EPEC/ETEC hybrid strains and may aid in comparative studies, virulence characterization, and understanding evolutionary biology.

Analysis of multi-omics data on the relationship between epigenetic changes and nervous system disorders caused by exposure to environmentally harmful substances.

Environmentally hazardous substances and exposure to these can cause various diseases. Volatile organic compounds can easily evaporate into the atmosphere, thereby exerting toxic effects through either the skin or respiratory tract exposures. Toluene, a neurotoxin, has been widely used in various industries. However, it has a detrimental effect on the nervous system (such as hallucinations or memory impairment), while data on the mechanism underlaying its harmful effects remain limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of toluene on the nervous system via epigenetic and genetic changes of toluene-exposed individuals. We identified significant epigenetic changes and confirmed that the affected abnormally expressed genes negatively influenced the nervous system. In particular, we confirmed that the miR-15 family, upregulated by toluene, downregulated ABL2, which could affect the R as signaling pathway resulting in neuronal structural abnormalities. Our study suggests that miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-301a-3p, and lncRNA NEAT1 may represent effective epigenomic markers associated with neurodegenerative diseases caused by toluene.

Enhancement of Synaptic Characteristics Achieved by the Optimization of Proton-Electron Coupling Effect in a Solid-State Electrolyte-Gated Transistor.

Presently, the 3-terminal artificial synapse device has been in focus for neuromorphic computing systems owing to its excellent weight controllability. Here, an artificial synapse device based on the 3-terminal solid-state electrolyte-gated transistor is proposed to achieve outstanding synaptic characteristics with a human-like mechanism at low power. Novel synaptic characteristics are accomplished by precisely tuning the threshold voltage using the proton-electron coupling effect, which is caused by proton migration inside the electrolyte. However, these synaptic characteristics are degraded because traps at the interface of channel/electrolyte disturb the proton-electron coupling effect. To minimize degradation, the oxygen plasma treatment is performed to reduce interface traps. As a result, symmetric weight updates and outstanding synaptic characteristics are achieved. Furthermore, high repeatability and long-term plasticity are observed at low operating power, which is essential for artificial synapses. Therefore, this study shows the progress of artificial synapses and proposes a promising method, a low-power neuromorphic system, to achieve high accuracy.

Pyrrolidine-based 3-deoxysphingosylphosphorylcholine analogs as possible candidates against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): identification of hit compounds towards development of potential treatment of Leishmania donovani.

A rational-based process was adopted for repurposing pyrrolidine-based 3-deoxysphingosylphosphorylcholine analogs bearing variable acyl chains, different stereochemical configuration and/or positional relationships. Structural features were highly influential on activity. Amongst, enantiomer 1e having 1,2-vicinal relationship for the -CH2O- and the N-acyl moieties, a saturated palmitoyl chain and an opposite stereochemical configuration to natural sphingolipids was the most potent hit compound against promastigotes showing IC50 value of 28.32 µM. The corresponding enantiomer 1a was 2-fold less potent showing a eudismic ratio of 0.54 in promastigotes. Compounds 1a and 1e inhibited the growth of amastigotes more potently relative to promastigotes. Amongst, enantiomer 1a as the more selective and safer. In silico docking study using a homology model of Leishmania donovani inositol phosphoceramide synthase (IPCS) provided plausible reasoning for the molecular factors underlying the found activity. Collectively, this study suggests compounds 1a and 1e as potential hit compounds for further development of new antileishmanial agents.

Comparative Analysis of the Patients with Spontaneous Thalamic Hemorrhage with Concurrent Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Those without Intraventricular Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with spontaneous thalamic hemorrhage (STH) accompanied by intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) with those of patients without IVH. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients with STH admitted to our institute between January 2000 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The laboratory and radiological results, mortality, and functional recovery were compared between the STH patients with IVH and those without IVH. RESULTS: Among 2,389 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, 233 (9.8%) patients were included in this study. Concurrent IVH was detected in 159 (68.2%) patients with STH, and more frequently in those with body mass index ≥ 25, Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3-8, underlying disease, family history of stoke, posterior/medial/global location of hematoma, ventriculomegaly, large volume of hemorrhage, and midline shift ≥ 5 mm. The 3-month mortality was 25.8% and 8.1% (P = 0.039), the rate of good functional recovery at 6 months was 52.2% and 31.0% (P = 0.040), and incidence of delayed normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) at 12 months was 10.8% and 24.5% (P = 0.062) in the STH patients with IVH and those without IVH, respectively. At 12 months, delayed NPH developed in 28 of 47 (59.6%) patients who received external ventricular drainage (EVD)-based treatment, 5 of 45 (11.1%) patients who underwent endoscopic evacuation-based treatment, and 8 of 45 (17.8%) patients who underwent other surgeries. CONCLUSION: Concurrent IVH is strongly associated with mortality in patients with STH. Delayed NPH may develop more frequently in STH patients with IVH who were treated with EVD.

Integrated analysis of multi-omics data on epigenetic changes caused by combined exposure to environmental hazards.

Humans are easily exposed to environmentally hazardous factors in industrial sites or daily life. In addition, exposure to various substances and not just one harmful substance is common. However, research on the effects of combined exposure on humans is limited. Therefore, this study examined the effects of combined exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on the human body. We separated 193 participants into four groups according to their work-related exposure (nonexposure, toluene exposure, toluene and xylene exposure, and toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene exposure). We then identified the methylation level and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) levels by omics analyses, and performed an integrated analysis to examine the change of gene expression. Thereafter, the effects of combined exposure to environmental hazards on the human body were investigated and analyzed. Exposure to VOCs was found to negatively affect the development and maintenance of the nervous system. In particular, the MALAT1 lncRNA was found to be significantly reduced in the complex exposure group, and eight genes were significantly downregulated by DNA hypermethylation. The downregulation of these genes could cause a possible decrease in the density of synapses as well as the number and density of dendrites and spines. In summary, we found that increased combined exposure to environmental hazards could lead to additional epigenetic changes, and consequently abnormal dendrites, spines, and synapses, which could damage motor learning or spatial memory. Thus, lncRNA MALAT1 or FMR1 could be novel biomarkers of neurotoxicity to identify the negative health effects of VOC complex exposure.

Association of Aortic Arch Calcification on Chest X-ray with Procedural Thromboembolism after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Objective: Procedural thromboembolism after a mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has rarely been studied. It may occur from the artery-to-artery embolization of atherosclerotic plaque in the aortic arch. We investigated the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AoAC) on a chest X-ray and procedural thromboembolism on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) after an MT. Materials and Methods: From January 2017 to December 2020, 131 patients underwent DWI within two days following an MT for an AIS. Procedural thromboembolism was defined as new DWI-positive lesions in other territories from the occluded artery on DWI within two days after MT. Results: Procedural thromboembolism was observed in 30 (22.9%) patients. Procedural thromboembolism was associated with old age (72.3 ± 9.44 vs. 65.7 ± 12.8 years, p = 0.003), a longer procedural time (77.6 ± 37.6 vs. 60.1 ± 29.7 min, p = 0.024), and AoAC (calcification (73.3%) vs. no calcification (29.7%), p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that procedural thromboembolism was independently associated with AoAC (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 6.107, adjusted 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.374-15.705, p < 0.001) and a longer procedural time (adjusted OR: 1.015, adjusted 95% CI: 1.001-1.030, p = 0.031). Conclusions: Procedural thromboembolism after an MT for an AIS was related to AoAC on a chest X-ray and a longer procedural time. Our results suggest that although rapid recanalization is the most crucial goal of an MT for an AIS, the importance of the careful advance of the guiding catheter through the aortic arch should not be underestimated to reduce the risk of procedural thromboembolism, especially in patients with AoAC on a chest X-ray.

Hysteresis Modulation on Van der Waals-Based Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistor by Interfacial Passivation Technique and Its Application in Optic Neural Networks.

2D semiconductor-based ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs) have been considered as a promising artificial synaptic device for implementation of neuromorphic computing systems. However, an inevitable problem, interface traps at the 2D semiconductor/ferroelectric oxide interface, suppresses ferroelectric characteristics, and causes a critical degradation on the performance of 2D-based FeFETs. Here, hysteresis modulation method using self-assembly monolayer (SAM) material for interface trap passivation on 2D-based FeFET is presented. Through effectively passivation of interface traps by SAM layer, the hysteresis of the proposed device changes from interface traps-dependent to polarization-dependent direction. The reduction of interface trap density is clearly confirmed through the result of calculation using the subthreshold swing of the device. Furthermore, excellent optic-neural synaptic characteristics are successfully implemeted, including linear and symmetric potentiation and depression, and multilevel conductance. This work identifies the potential of passivation effect for 2D-based FeFETs to accelerate the development of neuromorphic computing systems.

Thrombectomy in acute vertebrobasilar occlusion: a single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: Acute vertebrobasilar occlusion (VBO) has a grave clinical course; however, thrombectomy in VBO patients has rarely been reported. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of thrombectomy in VBO patients. METHODS: From March 2010 to December 2017, 38 patients with 40 acute VBOs underwent thrombectomy at our hospital. Thrombectomy was performed using catheter aspiration (n = 11, 26.8%) or a stent retriever (n = 29, 70.7%). RESULTS: Good clinical outcomes (3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 2 or lower) were achieved in 9 cases (22.5%), and successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade of 2b or 3) was achieved in 35 cases (87.5%). Good clinical outcomes were significantly related to aetiologies other than atherosclerosis (p = 0.020) and lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on admission (p = 0.025). The clinical and radiological outcomes did not differ significantly between catheter aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy (p = 1.000 and p = 0.603, respectively); however, stent retriever thrombectomy had a shorter procedure time than catheter aspiration (59.7 ± 31.2 vs. 84.5 ± 35.1 min, p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: In our series, good clinical outcomes were associated with a lower NIHSS score on admission and stroke aetiologies other than atherosclerosis. The two thrombectomy modalities showed similar clinical and radiological outcomes. However, stent retrievers seemed to allow more rapid recanalization than catheter aspiration in VBO.

A Class-J Power Amplifier Implementation for Ultrasound Device Applications.

In ultrasonic systems, power amplifiers are one of the most important electronic components used to supply output voltages to ultrasonic devices. If ultrasonic devices have low sensitivity and limited maximum allowable voltages, it can be quite challenging to detect the echo signal in the ultrasonic system itself. Therefore, the class-J power amplifier, which can generate high output power with high efficiency, is proposed for such ultrasonic device applications. The class-J power amplifier developed has a power efficiency of 63.91% and a gain of 28.16 dB at 25 MHz and 13.52 dBm input. The pulse-echo measurement method was used to verify the performance of the electronic components used in the ultrasonic system. The echo signal appearing with the discharged high voltage signal was measured. The amplitude of the first echo signal in the measured echo signal spectrum was 4.4 V and the total-harmonic-distortion (THD), including the fundamental signal and the second harmonic, was 22.35%. The amplitude of the second echo signal was 1.08 V, and the THD, including the fundamental signal and the second harmonic, was 12.45%. These results confirm that a class-J power amplifier can supply a very high output echo signal to an ultrasonic device.

Factors Associated with Procedural Thromboembolisms after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and objective: Procedural thromboembolisms after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke has rarely been studied. We retrospectively evaluated factors associated with procedural thromboembolisms after MT using diffusion-weight imaging (DWI) within 2 days of MT. Materials and Methods: From January 2018 to March 2020, 78 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent MT were evaluated using DWI. Procedural thromboembolisms were defined as new cerebral infarctions in other territories from the occluded artery on DWI after MT. Results: Procedural thromboembolisms were observed on DWI in 16 patients (20.5%). Procedural thromboembolisms were associated with old age (73.8 ± 8.18 vs. 66.8 ± 11.2 years, p = 0.021), intravenous (IV) thrombolysis (12 out of 16 (75.0%) vs. 25 out of 62 (40.3%), p = 0.023), heparinization (4 out of 16 (25.0%) vs. 37 out of 62 (59.7%), p = 0.023), and longer procedural time (90.9 ± 35.6 vs. 64.4 ± 33.0 min, p = 0.006). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that procedural thromboembolisms were independently associated with procedural time (adjusted odds ratio (OR); 1.020, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.002-1.039, p = 0.030) and IV thrombolysis (adjusted OR; 4.697, 95% CI; 1.223-18.042, p = 0.024). The cutoff value of procedural time for predicting procedural thromboembolisms was ≥71 min (area under the curve; 0.711, 95% CI; 0.570-0.851, p = 0.010). Conclusions: Procedural thromboembolisms after MT for acute ischemic stroke are significantly associated with longer procedural time and IV thrombolysis. This study suggests that patients with IV thrombolysis and longer procedural time (≥71 min) are at a higher risk of procedural thromboembolisms after MT for acute ischemic stroke.

Angiographic and clinical outcomes of non-patent anastomosis after bypass surgery in adult moyamoya disease.

BACKGROUND: The clinical and radiologic outcomes of symptomatic adult moyamoya disease (MMD) patients who have an occluded anastomosis immediately after bypass surgery are poorly studied. The clinical and angiographic outcomes of non-patent anastomosis in symptomatic adult MMD patients were retrospectively reviewed. METHODS: From August 2011 to November 2016, 31 revascularization surgeries, consisting of direct and indirect bypass, were performed on 29 adult MMD patients. Primary outcomes were evaluated based on the frequency of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) incidence and the recurrence of cerebral infarction and were assessed as improvement or worsening. RESULTS: Among 31 cases, computed tomography angiography (CTA) on the first day after surgery showed patent anastomosis in 20 hemispheres and non-patent anastomosis in 11 hemispheres. Follow-up conventional angiographies showed spontaneous recanalization of non-patent anastomosis in all occlusion cases. The incidence of TIA decreased in both the non-patent and the patent groups. Two newly developed cerebral infarctions were observed, which occurred in the patent group. Patients in the non-patent group also showed clinical improvement after surgery (p = 0.04), and no significant relationship was found between immediate postoperative patency and the primary outcome (p = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, regardless of patency immediately after bypass surgery, delayed recanalization and clinical improvement can be expected after bypass surgery for adult MMD.

The human task-evoked pupillary response function is linear: Implications for baseline response scaling in pupillometry.

The human task-evoked pupillary response provides a sensitive physiological index of the intensity and online resource demands of numerous cognitive processes (e.g., memory retrieval, problem solving, or target detection). Cognitive pupillometry is a well-established technique that relies upon precise measurement of these subtle response functions. Baseline variability of pupil diameter is a complex artifact that typically necessitates mathematical correction. A methodological paradox within pupillometry is that linear and nonlinear forms of baseline scaling both remain accepted baseline correction techniques, despite yielding highly disparate results. The task-evoked pupillary response (TEPR) could potentially scale nonlinearly, similar to autonomic functions such as heart rate, in which the amplitude of an evoked response diminishes as the baseline rises. Alternatively, the TEPR could scale similarly to the cortical hemodynamic response, as a linear function that is independent of its baseline. However, the TEPR cannot scale both linearly and nonlinearly. Our aim was to adjudicate between linear and nonlinear scaling of human TEPR. We manipulated baseline pupil size by modulating the illuminance in the testing room as participants heard abrupt pure-tone transitions (Exp. 1) or visually monitored word lists (Exp. 2). Phasic pupillary responses scaled according to a linear function across all lighting (dark, mid, bright) and task (tones, words) conditions, demonstrating that the TEPR is independent of its baseline amplitude. We discuss methodological implications and identify a need to reevaluate past pupillometry studies.

Experimental demonstration of 50 Gb/s (2 × 25 Gb/s) TDM/WDM PON over 64-way power split using O-band up/down transmission over 20 km with dynamic bandwidth allocation and SDN control.

For the accommodation of mobile, business, and residential service in the same optical distribution network, we experimentally demonstrate 50 Gb/s (25 Gb/s × 2 wavelengths) wireless and wired service converged optical access network with 64-way power split over 20 km of single mode fiber in 1300 nm band. Applying simple Reed-Solomon based forward-error-correction and a cost-effective avalanche photodiode receiver without using an optical amplifier realize the 64-way power split. Accommodating dynamic bandwidth allocation and open interface control with OpenDaylight (ODL) controller via network configuration protocol (NETCONF) interface are demonstrated. Furthermore, error-free packet transmission of 50 Gb/s with low latency and guaranteed bandwidth are successfully demonstrated.

Incorporating work experience of medical staff into patient safety climate management: a multi-group analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to provide insights on how to incorporate the work experience of medical staff into safety climate management based on the relationships among several safety-related constructs such as teamwork climate, working condition, and job satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a regional hospital in Taichung City, Taiwan using a Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ)-based questionnaire. The relationships among the constructs were modeled by a structural equation model, and a multi-group analysis was performed. Among the employees participating in the survey, only physicians and nurses were considered in the analysis, accounting for 1596 out of 2277 responses. The key measures were the difference between the unconstrained and fully constrained structural models, the statistically different coefficients, and their strengths across the high and low-experience groups. RESULTS: Our multi-group analysis showed that the effects of management leadership on job satisfaction and of teamwork climate on safety climate were statistically stronger for low-experience medical staff, whereas the effect of working conditions on safety climate was statistically stronger for high-experience medical staff. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate how to incorporate the work experience of medical staff into safety climate management. In summary, by focusing on different safety constructs for the less and more experienced staff-job satisfaction and teamwork climate for the less experienced, working conditions for the more experienced-management may be able to improve the organizational safety climate. Our suggestions in this study can be leveraged, should management implement the initiatives and action plans for safety climate improvement.