Single Instrument Research Articles

Musculoskeletal pain in musicians: does playing more than one instrument have more effect?

Objectives. Repeated instrumental practice represents a risk factor for the appearance of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). This study aimed to compare the prevalence and characteristics of PRMDs based on location, pain characteristics and number of hours of instrumental practice, in musicians who play one or more musical instruments. Methods. An observational study was conducted with music university students in Spain using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 178 musicians (41%) played a second instrument. Musicians who played only one instrument had a slightly lower mean number of pain sites (M 3.25, SD 1.93; M 3.44, SD 2.27). On the contrary, pain intensity (M 2.72, SD 2.03; M 2.23, SD 1.78 points), pain interference on mood, quality of life and instrumental practice (M 3.04, SD 2.29; M 2.80, SD 2.24 points) as well as the number of hours devoted to instrumental practice (M 21.18, SD 10.47; M 20.03, SD 12.54 h/week) is slightly higher in musicians playing a single instrument. Conclusions. Pain intensity is the only variable of those analysed that presents statistically significant differences when comparing musicians who play a single instrument with those who play a second instrument, being higher in mono-instrumental musicians.

Induction-Coil Measurement System for Normal- and Superconducting Solenoids

The magnetic measurement of solenoids relies on different methods to characterize the field quality and locate the magnetic axis. Usually, Hall mappers and stretched-wire systems are used for these tasks. This paper presents an alternative, fluxmetric method to measure the radial field dependence and the magnetic axis with a single instrument. The solenoidal-field transducer is based on a disc-shaped induction-coil array with concentric coils and 90 deg. arc segments mounted on a translation stage. This allows to sample the magnet along its axis and to extract both the longitudinal and transversal field components. The design, development, and validation of the new instrument are described. The induction coil, which is the core of this instrument, is fabricated in printed-circuit board technology, which has become the new standard for these applications. Results of recent measurements of a normal-conducting solenoid magnet are given.

Analysis of Near 400 Pesticides in Tea via LC–MS/MS: Simple Sample Preparation and APCI to Improve Analyte Coverage

As regulatory laboratories search for and implement consolidated methods for multiple matrix and analyte classes, compound lists increase to hundreds or thousands of targets. Multi-instrument approaches are often relied upon to analyze all pesticide targets, with the workload split between liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) instrumentation. In this work, a simple solvent extraction approach was coupled with dual source electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) modes on an LC–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) instrument to analyze 395 analytes extracted from black tea (345 compounds via ESI and 50 compounds via APCI, along with the internal standards). Excellent method performance (defined as an accuracy of 70–120% and a precision of <20% at one of two validation levels) was achieved for over 93% of analytes, including compounds normally analyzed by GC–MS, such as trifluralin, chlorfenson, chlormephos, fenchlorphos, etridiazole, and others. This approach can allow the consolidation of a pesticide method to a single instrument or significantly reduce the workload of a complementary GC–MS method.

Direct Measurement of the Magnetocaloric Effect through Time-Dependent Magnetometry

The magnetocaloric effect of a given material is typically assessed through indirect estimates of the isothermal magnetic entropy change, $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{M}$. While estimating the adiabatic temperature difference, $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{T}_{\mathrm{ad}}$, is more relevant from the standpoint of refrigeration device engineering, this requires specialized experimental setups. We here present an approach to directly measure $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{T}_{\mathrm{ad}}$ through time-dependent magnetometry in a commercial superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) device. We use as reference material gadolinium under a 20-kOe field change, and compare our results with those of the literature. Under nonadiabatic experimental conditions, a remarkably similar $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{T}_{\mathrm{ad}}(T)$ curve profile is obtained; however, its peak amplitude is underestimated. With a simple compensation methodology we are able to further approximate the profile of the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{T}_{\mathrm{ad}}(T)$ curve obtaining the peak amplitude, the maximizing temperature, and the FWHM within relative errors of $\ensuremath{-}4\mathrm{%}$, $\ensuremath{-}0.7\mathrm{%}$, and 11%, respectively. Our reported approach makes the measurement of both $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{M}(T)$ and $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{T}_{\mathrm{ad}}(T)$ possible with a single instrument, enabling accelerated progress towards new, competitive, and industry-ready materials.

An FPGA-based system for generalised electron devices testing

Electronic systems are becoming more and more ubiquitous as our world digitises. Simultaneously, even basic components are experiencing a wave of improvements with new transistors, memristors, voltage/current references, data converters, etc, being designed every year by hundreds of R &D groups world-wide. To date, the workhorse for testing all these designs has been a suite of lab instruments including oscilloscopes and signal generators, to mention the most popular. However, as components become more complex and pin numbers soar, the need for more parallel and versatile testing tools also becomes more pressing. In this work, we describe and benchmark an FPGA system developed that addresses this need. This general purpose testing system features a 64-channel source-meter unit, and 2times banks of 32 digital pins for digital I/O. We demonstrate that this bench-top system can obtain {170},hbox {pA} current noise floor, {40},hbox {ns} pulse delivery at pm {13.5},hbox {V} and {12},hbox {mA} maximum current drive/channel. We then showcase the instrument’s use in performing a selection of three characteristic measurement tasks: (a) current–voltage characterisation of a diode and a transistor, (b) fully parallel read-out of a memristor crossbar array and (c) an integral non-linearity test on a DAC. This work introduces a down-scaled electronics laboratory packaged in a single instrument which provides a shift towards more affordable, reliable, compact and multi-functional instrumentation for emerging electronic technologies.

WE2.5 Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration using disposable Bronchoscope and Cystoscope: Case Series in a District General Hospital

Abstract Aims Case Series performing Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (LCBDE) using single use bronchoscope and cystoscope in a district general hospital. Aim is to explore the safety and efficacy of using single use instruments. Methods Retrospective study of all LCBDE from a single consultant using single use scopes from May 2019 to January 2022. Data collected from Electronic Care Record, notes and theatre management system. Both choledochotomy and transcystic approaches were used. Operations were recorded and outcomes of patients explored. Results Fifteen laparoscopic CBD explorations were carried out during the identified period. Indications included young patients (<50yr) 33.3%, Failed ERCP 13.3%, Referral by gastroenterologist 13.3% and other reasons 40%. The mean age (+/- SD) was 58 (+/-17) and 80% of patients were female. 66.6% of cases were emergencies, 40% had intraoperative cholangiograms, 100% underwent primary closure. The average length of stay (±SD) after the operation was 10 (±8). One patient developed a haemoserous collection that required a laparoscopic washout, one developed post-operative atrial fibrillation and one patient was readmitted with post-operative infection. There were no intraoperative complications or equipment failures. Conclusions The use of disposable bronchoscope and cystoscopes are safe and effective way of performing LCBDE. This approach is also cost effective compared to the more expensive reusable choledocoscope particularly when considering delays due to sterilisation as well as issues with availability in departments. Providing this service in district general hospitals will assist in extensive waiting lists and potentially avoid morbidity associated with ever lengthening waiting lists and reduce pressure on tertiary centres.

The prevalence and severity of insomnia symptoms during COVID-19: A global systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

IntroductionThere have been no previous meta-analytic studies that have looked at the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in different COVID-19 groups using a single assessment instrument to evaluate insomnia symptoms while maintaining data homogeneity. The current review's associated goal is to undertake an individual participant data (IPD) analysis to further investigate past meta-analyses, a method that has been shown to be more robust than standard meta-analyses. MeethodsOnly studies that used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to assess insomnia are used in this analysis. The IPDMA was performed and registered in PROSPERO in compliance with the PRISMA IPD Statement (CRD42021275817). From November 2019 to August 2021, researchers explored seventeen databases and six preprint services for relevant studies. ResultsThe pooled estimate of insomnia symptoms (subthreshold and clinically significant) was 52.57%. An estimated 16.66% of the population suffered from clinically significant insomnia, of which 13.75% suffered from moderate insomnia, and 2.50% suffered from severe insomnia. The different populations' grouping had no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of insomnia symptoms. Insomnia symptoms did not appear to be associated with age or sex. ConclusionOur findings imply that the COVID-19 pandemic is linked to a significant rise in subthreshold insomnia symptoms, but not to moderate or severe insomnia. Educating people from all walks of life about the importance of sleep and the risk of acquiring insomnia symptoms during this or future pandemics should be a top concern.

Real-Time Underway Mapping of Nutrient Concentrations of Surface Seawater Using an Autonomous Flow Analyzer.

High-frequency field nutrient analyzers offer a promising technology to solve time-consuming and laborious sampling problems in dynamic and complex river-estuarine-coastal ecosystems. However, few studies on the simultaneous underway analysis of five key nutrients (ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and silicate) in seawaters are available because of the limitations of the technique. In this study, a state-of-the-art autonomous portable analyzer for the shipboard analysis of nutrients in the environment of varied salinities and concentration ranges was reported. The analyzer consisted of compact hardware that was well suited for shipboard deployment with minimal maintenance. Moreover, a novel LabVIEW-based software program was developed, containing additional functions such as automated calibration curve generation, autodilution of high-concentration samples, and a user-friendly interface for multiparameter analysis using a single instrument. After the optimization of chemical reactions and work flow chart, the analyzer exhibited low limits of detection, a large linear range with automated dilution, and relative standard deviations of less than 2% (n = 11). Compared to other flow-based techniques, this analyzer is more portable and consumes less reagent with an autonomous data processing function and applicability within a broad salinity range (0-35). The analyzer was successfully applied for real-time analysis in the Jiulong River Estuary-Xiamen Bay with excellent on-site accuracy and applicability. The relationship between high spatial resolution nutrient concentrations and salinities showed very different patterns in estuarine and coastal areas, indicating the benefit of using an underway automated analyzer for chemical mapping in a dynamic environment.

Predicting single kernel and bulk milled rice alkali spreading value and gelatinization temperature class using NIR spectroscopy

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe alkali spreading value (ASV) of rice is a widely measured quality parameter and accepted indicator of gelatinization temperature (GT) class. However, the alkali test, developed in 1958, is labor intensive and subjective. Better methods to measure ASV and GT, for single kernel and bulk rice would provide an important tool to determine the effects of individual kernels on end‐use quality and rice with desired cooking qualities. An instrument developed by the USDA‐ARS and a commercially available near infrared (NIR) instrument were evaluated for determining ASV and classification of intermediate and low GT levels for single kernel and bulk milled rice, respectively.FindingsQuantitative prediction of ASV scores (2–7) demonstrated the potential of NIR spectroscopy for screening with a standard error of prediction for validation samples ranging from 0.91 to 1.39 for the single kernel NIR instrument, and from 0.97 to 1.19 for the commercial instrument. GT categorization into intermediate and low values, using ASV scores, showed 82.4% and 85.0% correct classification using 1 and 30‐single kernel average calibration models, respectively. GT was correctly classified (93.6%–84.4%) using a commercial NIR instrument.ConclusionNIR spectroscopy has potential for rough screening of ASV and for two‐category GT rice classification.Significance and NoveltyConsidering that NIR spectroscopy has been proven to be applicable for other quality parameters, such as rice starch content and quality, protein content, and milling degree, the addition of calibrations for ASV as a predictor of GT class will be highly beneficial while not requiring additional resources. The rapid and nondestructive classification of individual kernels may also enable physical segregation of individual kernels for use by rice researchers and/or industry for additional studies on kernels with specific quality parameters and for determining the extent of variant kernels in a milled rice lot that could affect end use quality. Future studies on the use of NIR spectroscopy for brown rice should be evaluated so that quality could be assessed, while maintaining seed viability, and then used in field studies.

Prototype of high accuracy single input phase measurement instrument

A prototype implementation of a phase measurement method (PMM) for a sine-wave signal delivered at the output port of a generator and its experimental assessment is presented. This PMM is capable of measuring the output phase of a sine-wave signal respect to a reference phase with high accuracy and a very low uncertainty. A description of the prototype PMM, and its mathematical model are given in the paper. The prototype operates over the frequency range of 100Hz to 10MHz and it is composed from three main subsystems: (i) the sampling circuit, (ii) the pulse-train signal generator, and (iii) the data acquisition and digital signal processing. A laboratory test bench was realized to assess the phase measurement repeatability of the prototype, and a maximum phase standard deviation of 0.021° measured at 25°C was obtained for the output frequency of 10MHz, where the phase uncertainty decreases with decreasing frequency.

Monitoring of atmospheric CH4, CO, CO2, N2O and SF6 using three-channel gas chromatography

我国正处于“碳达峰、碳中和”的关键时期,准确认识我国温室气体浓度时空格局以及变化对于评估“碳达峰”和“碳中和”行动成效非常重要。当前我国近地面温室气体高精度监测主要依赖进口的光学监测主机,单台仪器成本高且监测要素有限。为此,该研究基于传统的气相色谱法,自主设计了一套三通道气相色谱分析系统,在单台仪器上实现了5种主要长寿命温室气体(CH4、CO、CO2、N2O和SF6)的高精度监测。对该系统的精密度、线性响应情况和准确度进行的针对性测试实验表明系统检测性能满足世界气象组织/全球大气观测(WMO/GAW)质控标准。针对环境浓度的CH4、CO、CO2、N2O和SF6的连续分析精密度分别达0.08%、1.90%、0.05%、0.08%、0.66%。准确度测试中,5种气体(CH4、CO、CO2、N2O和SF6)使用回归方程计算所得值与标称摩尔分数间的偏差分别达0.15×10-9、0.20×10-9、0.37×10-6、0.35×10-9、0.02×10-12(摩尔分数),CH4、CO、CO2、N2O和SF6仪器响应值与标称摩尔分数的线性拟合相关系数(R2)均为0.9999,线性拟合残差和准确度基本达到WMO/GAW拓展质控目标。该系统对杭州城区大气温室气体在线连续监测结果显示,2021年5~7月期间大气CH4、CO、CO2和N2O呈明显的日变化特征,主要受人为活动影响。综合测试和试运行结果表明,该研发系统具备良好的精密度、准确度、线性和稳定性,与目前国内广泛进口的仪器相比,具有技术自主可控、运行成本更低、自动化水平更高等优势,能满足多种温室气体在线监测研究的需求。

Mental Health in Engineering Education: Identifying Population and Intersectional Variation

<italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Contribution:</i> Screening rates for engineering students for several major and moderate mental health issues are reported, including unspecified psychological distress as captured by the Kessler 6 screening instrument; screening rates for depressive, anxiety, and eating disorders as measured by the patient health questionnaire (PHQ); and screening rates for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as measured by the primary care post-traumatic stress disorder (PC-PTSD) instrument. This work also explores how mental health issues affect different student demographic groups within engineering. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Background:</i> Anecdotal evidence has long suggested that stress and certain mental health issues are particularly acute in the field of Engineering, and some recent research has shown elevated rates of mental health issues at different institutions around the country. This article presents the results of a previously validated mental health survey conducted with first- and second-year students at eight universities. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Intended Outcomes:</i> A better understanding of which mental health issues affect engineering students as a population, and an understanding of what mental health disparities exist among different demographics in engineering. This information is intended to allow engineering programs, student groups, and other stakeholders to better target mental health resources for all engineering students. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Application Design:</i> This work combines several widely used population-scale mental health diagnostic tools into a single comprehensive survey instrument that was deployed to first- and second-year engineering students at eight universities nationwide. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Findings:</i> This study finds that 50% of respondents screening positive for a major mental health condition—including depression, anxiety, PTSD, an eating disorder, or major psychological distress—while only 16% of respondents report having ever received a diagnosis for a mental health condition. Women respondents are more likely to screen positive for anxiety disorders ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4.4\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> for panic disorder, <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.2\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> for other anxiety, and <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.9\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> for PTSD) and major depressive disorder ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.3\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> ) relative to men. Respondents reporting physical disabilities have significantly higher likelihoods of suffering from mental health issues than peers with no reported physical disabilities and are <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.9\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> more likely to screen positive for PTSD. Identifying as Hispanic was also a significant predictor of major depressive disorder ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3.2\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> more likely) and PTSD ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.5\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> more likely).

Composite jet fuel cross-hedging

Jet fuel prices are highly volatile and outside airlines’ control, incentivizing them to reduce earnings volatility through financial hedging. Due to limited direct hedging options, airlines often resort to cross-hedging of jet fuel requirements. In this paper, we propose a composite jet fuel cross-hedging approach, shown to provide substantial performance benefits relative to a traditional single instrument strategy. A mimicking portfolio approach, incorporating multiple hedging instruments, is found to provide additional hedging gains. Finally, we demonstrate that further hedging effectiveness is achieved by adding recently introduced jet fuel swap contracts to a hedge portfolio.

An investigation of gecko attachment on wet and rough substrates leads to the application of surface roughness power spectral density analysis

The roughness and wettability of surfaces exploited by free-ranging geckos can be highly variable and attachment to these substrates is context dependent (e.g., presence or absence of surface water). Although previous studies focus on the effect of these variables on attachment independently, geckos encounter a variety of conditions in their natural environment simultaneously. Here, we measured maximum shear load of geckos in air and when their toes were submerged underwater on substrates that varied in both surface roughness and wettability. Gecko attachment was greater in water than in air on smooth and rough hydrophobic substrates, and attachment to rough hydrophilic substrates did not differ when tested in air or water. Attachment varied considerably with surface roughness and characterization revealed that routine measurements of root mean square height can misrepresent the complexity of roughness, especially when measured with single instruments. We used surface roughness power spectra to characterize substrate surface roughness and examined the relationship between gecko attachment performance across the power spectra. This comparison suggests that roughness wavelengths less than 70 nm predominantly dictate gecko attachment. This study highlights the complexity of attachment in natural conditions and the need for comprehensive surface characterization when studying biological adhesive system performance.

(Digital Presentation) Effects of Surface Finish on the Corrosion Performance of Additively Manufactured Metals

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is becoming a transformative technology in the manufacturing industry. The as-built surfaces produced by metal AM are very different compared to wrought material, typically resulting in very rough surfaces that have different corrosion properties. There are a large number of studies that have attempted to understand the corrosion response of metal AM. However, these studies are typically performed on materials that have been printed on a single machine. As a result, there are significant inconsistencies in the literature due to the high variability in the quality of parts manufactured on different machines. We will present work that compares the corrosion response of AM 316L stainless steel (SS) that has been printed on multiple machines. Our results have shown there is significant variability observed in the corrosion performance of metal AM parts built on different machines and within a single build plate. The observed corrosion performance is likely affected by the stability of the passive film, chemical segregation, and microstructure of the surface. We also propose that surface finishing of AM 316L SS reduces the part-to-part variations observed in the corrosion performance of the material printed on different machines and within a single build plate.This talk will discuss the corrosion properties of AM 316L SS, A20x (AM aluminum alloy), and Ti-6Al-4V parts produced by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). The majority of our work focused on understanding the susceptibility to localized corrosion of metal additively manufactured materials with respect to build machine, surface roughness, and build angle. As a result, we also examined the corrosion performance of 316L SS built on a single instrument as we varied the build parameters. Conventional electrochemical corrosion experiments were used to characterize corrosion performance, including open circuit potential, potentiostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization scans. White light interferometry, optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the surface of the samples.

Revising the trait model of the alternative model of personality disorders: Comment on Clark and Watson's structural review.

In their review of examination of the self-report Personality Inventory for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5; PID-5) factor structure and joint factor analysis of this instrument with other self-report measures of personality and psychopathology, Clark and Watson (2022) make argument for a set of modifications to the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD)-the AMPD-5.1. In this commentary we offer opinion that their proposed modifications to the AMPD are problematic. In particular, we express concern that their modifications are based solely on research that uses a single instrument to measure the model and that this instrument employs a self-report measure methodology. We argue further that this method of assessment is vulnerable to response bias which could potentially alter the substantive structure of the model. We suggest that any proposed revised model should also be informed by other forms of measurement (e.g., informant report and structured interviews). In addition, we also argue that the best approach to delineating the universe of pathological personality traits should also include clinician input. Such input would maximize the clinical utility of any revised model. We believe that to propose a modified model that is based on self-report only and does not include other sources of information is presumptive and premature. At best, we think that Clark and Watson (2022) have only provided suggestions for a revision and expansion of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (i.e., the PID-5.1). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

One for All, All for One: A Close Look at In-Resin Fluorescence Protocols for CLEM.

Sample preparation is the novel bottleneck for high throughput correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM). Protocols suitable for both imaging methods must therefore balance the requirements of each technique. For fluorescence light microscopy, a structure of interest can be targeted using: 1) staining, which is often structure or tissue specific rather than protein specific, 2) dye-coupled proteins or antibodies, or 3) genetically encoded fluorescent proteins. Each of these three methods has its own advantages. For ultrastructural investigation by electron microscopy (EM) resin embedding remains a significant sample preparation approach, as it stabilizes the sample such that it withstands the vacuum conditions of the EM, and enables long-term storage. Traditionally, samples are treated with heavy metal salts prior to resin embedding, in order to increase imaging contrast for EM. This is particularly important for volume EM (vEM) techniques. Yet, commonly used contrasting agents (e.g., osmium tetroxide, uranyl acetate) tend to impair fluorescence. The discovery that fluorescence can be preserved in resin-embedded specimens after mild heavy metal staining was a game changer for CLEM. These so-called in-resin fluorescence protocols present a significant leap forward for CLEM approaches towards high precision localization of a fluorescent signal in (volume) EM data. Integrated microscopy approaches, combining LM and EM detection into a single instrument certainly require such an “all in one” sample preparation. Preserving, or adding, dedicated fluorescence prior to resin embedding requires a compromise, which often comes at the expense of EM imaging contrast and membrane visibility. Especially vEM can be strongly hampered by a lack of heavy metal contrasting. This review critically reflects upon the fundamental aspects of resin embedding with regard to 1) specimen fixation and the physics and chemistry underlying the preservation of protein structure with respect to fluorescence and antigenicity, 2) optimization of EM contrast for transmission or scanning EM, and 3) the choice of embedding resin. On this basis, various existing workflows employing in-resin fluorescence are described, highlighting their common features, discussing advantages and disadvantages of the respective approach, and finally concluding with promising future developments for in-resin CLEM.

Development and Psychometric Testing of a Taiwanese Team Interactions and Team Creativity Instrument (TITC-T) for Nursing Students.

Background: How well team members work together can be affected by team interactions and creativity. There is no single instrument for measuring both variables in healthcare education settings in Taiwan. The purpose of this study is to develop an instrument to measure team interactions and team creativity for Taiwanese nursing students. Methods: A 34-item team interactions and team creativity self-report instrument was developed for nursing students in Taiwan (TITC-T). Items consisted of statements about how a participant perceived their team members’ constructive controversy, helping behaviors, communication, and creativity. Nursing students (n = 275) were recruited from two campuses of a science and technology university to examine the psychometric properties of the TITC-T. The reliability and psychometric properties were evaluated. Results: The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.98. The confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a one-dimensional factor structure that fit well with the model (Comparative Fit Index = 0.995, Tucker Lewis Index = 0.908, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.098). Conclusions: The TITC-T is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating team interactions and team creativity for students enrolled in nursing programs in Taiwan.

Religion and Science in the Pythagorean Doctrine

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, Pythagorasçı öğretide din ve bilim ilişkisinin nasıl kurulduğunu açık ve seçik bir şekilde ortaya koymaktır. Din ve bilim, insanın yaşam serüveninde kendisini ve çevresindekileri anlamlandırmasına ve açıklamasına olanak sağlayan iki önemli disiplindir. Dolayısıyla da bu iki disiplin, tarihsel süreç içerisinde hep karşılıklı bir etkileşim içerisinde olmuşlardır. Bazı düşünürler, din ve bilim arasındaki etkileşimin birbirlerini desteklediğini ve beslediğini öne sürerken, ağırlıkta olan görüş ise, bu disiplinlerin birbirlerine karşıt olduğu ve akabinde onların aynı anda kabul edilmelerinin bir çelişki yarattığıdır. Böylece ikinci anlayışı savunanlar için din ve bilim apayrı alanlar olmalarının yanında birbirleriyle de hiçbir şekilde uzlaşmayan disiplinlerdir. Buna mukabil, Pythagoras ve takipçileri, bir anlamda öncellerine, (Miletli filozoflara) meydan okuyarak, din ve bilimi bir çatı altında sunmuş ve böylelikle de dinin bilime karşıt olmadığını, aksine dinin temelinde bilimin olabileceğini ve hatta bu iki disiplinin aynı amaca hizmet eden tek bir araç olduğunu göstermişlerdir. Pythagorasçılar bu gayelerini, din, müzik ve matematik çalışmalarını birleştiren “harmonia” kavramını keşfederek gerçekleştirmişlerdi.

Automated high-speed 3D imaging of organoid cultures with multi-scale phenotypic quantification.

Current imaging approaches limit the ability to perform multi-scale characterization of three-dimensional (3D) organotypic cultures (organoids) in large numbers. Here, we present an automated multi-scale 3D imaging platform synergizing high-density organoid cultures with rapid and live 3D single-objective light-sheet imaging. It is composed of disposable microfabricated organoid culture chips, termed JeWells, with embedded optical components and a laser beam-steering unit coupled to a commercial inverted microscope. It permits streamlining organoid culture and high-content 3D imaging on a single user-friendly instrument with minimal manipulations and a throughput of 300 organoids per hour. We demonstrate that the large number of 3D stacks that can be collected via our platform allows training deep learning-based algorithms to quantify morphogenetic organizations of organoids at multi-scales, ranging from the subcellular scale to the whole organoid level. We validated the versatility and robustness of our approach on intestine, hepatic, neuroectoderm organoids and oncospheres.