bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Becoming Globally Competent Through Inter-School Reciprocal Learning Partnerships: An Inquiry Into Canadian and Chinese Teachers’ Narratives
Authors: Khoo Yishin
Published: September 2021

This study explores how a Canada–China Sister School Network provides school-based professional learning opportunities for in-service teachers to grow their knowledge and capacity to educate for global competence and citizenship (GCC). In particular, it presents the story of a Canadian teacher and a Chinese teacher who had found ways of educating for GCC through carrying out intercultural and international reciprocal learning in a researcher-supported inter-school reciprocal learning partnership. By inquiring into the Canadian and Chinese teachers’ growth narratives, this study highlights four lessons teachers, educators/researchers, and policy makers may learn from the two teachers. It concludes by highlighting the potential of a relationship-oriented, open-ended, and non-hierarchical international school network in supporting teachers to become more globally competent, foregrounding reciprocal learning and collaboration among school practitioners and researchers.
Objective comparison of the softness of Australian Soft Rolling Skin wool and ordinary Merino wool
Authors: Yu Hao , Hurren Christopher , Liu Xin , Wang Xungai
Published: September 2021

Australian Merino wool is well-known in the wool market for its top quality, and the bulk of it is used in apparel where softness is a key factor for consumers. However, the ethical issue of mulesing is driving textile manufacturers and retailers to purchase non-mulesed wool from other sources instead of Australian mulesed wool. Australian Soft Rolling Skin (SRS) wool, grown on non-mulesed sheep, has been perceived to have a softer handle than ordinary Merino (OM) of the same diameter. In this research, three different methods were deployed to objectively compare the softness of SRS and OM wool. The force required to pull a bundle of clean wool through a series of parallel pins, that is, the pulling force, was used to evaluate the combined effect of fiber bending rigidity and surface friction. SRS wool resulted in lower pulling force than OM wool, with a difference of 15 cN/ktex (approximately 12.5%). According to the Resistance to Compression test results, SRS wool (4.5–5.7 kPa) was easier to compress than OM wool (5.4–6.5 kPa). The modified Resistance to Compression method showed different compression profiles for the two types of wool, and the slope of the decreasing curve (SDC) was used to study the softness property, with lower SDC values representing softer handle. These results confirm that over a fixed diameter range the SRS wool was more compressible and flexible, and this should result in a softer handle for clothing made from the fiber.
How More Options Decrease the Compromise Effect: Investigating Boundary Conditions for the Compromise Effect in Travel Decisions
Authors: Park In-Jo , Kim Jungkeun , Jhang Jihoon , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Zhao Vivian
Published: September 2021

Travelers often demonstrate the compromise effect—a tendency to choose the intermediate option(s) when facing difficult trade-off decisions. The compromise effect has been replicated in very specific settings where typically only two or three options were available. This research extends our understanding of the compromise effect by examining the impact of the number of options on travelers’ choices. Based on two different accounts (i.e., attribute distance account vs. decision complexity account), we predict that the compromise effect will be attenuated as the number of options in a choice set increases. Four experimental studies provide supporting evidence for this argument and support the attribute distance account as the main underlying mechanism. This research contributes to the extant tourism and travel choice literature by responding to the call to investigate the compromise effect in complex buying contexts.
In Situ Preservation of Parathyroid Gland With Vasculature for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Is Associated With Higher PTH Levels After Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Yin Chuanchang , Song Bin , Zheng Weihong , Li Xingrui , Zhao Huichuan , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of parathyroid gland vasculature preservation in-situ technique (PGVPIST) on postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium plasma levels in thyroid patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Patients with PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy by either the conventional technique (group 1, January 2019 to January 2020) or PGVPIST (group 2, January 2020 to January 2021) were compared. Postoperative blood calcium levels and PTH levels were assessed in these groups.

Results:

Totally 149 patients with consecutive PTC underwent total thyroidectomy, including 60 patients in group 1 and 89 patients in group 2. Postoperative serum calcium levels in group 1 were insignificantly lower than in group 2 at day 1 (2.18 ± 0.02 vs 2.15 ± 0.01 mmol/L) and day 30 (2.27 ± 0.02 vs 2.38 ± 0.11) after surgery. But postoperative serum PTH levels in group 1 were significantly lower than that in group 2 at day 1 (23.68 ± 2.54 vs 31.46 ± 2.11 pg/mL) and day 30 (45.63 ± 3.21 vs 55.65 ± 2.89 pg/mL) after surgery.

Conclusion:

Parathyroid gland vasculature preservation in-situ technique for PTC is associated with higher PTH level after total thyroidectomy. The parathyroid gland vasculature mostly strongly adheres with adjacent thyroid parenchyma. Therefore, deferred processing of tiny thyroid parenchyma of parathyroid gland vessels is essential to prevent devascularization.
Racing climate change in Guyana and Suriname
Authors: Collins Yolanda Ariadne
Published: September 2021

Research on the overlap between race and vulnerability to the physical and governance-related aspects of climate change is often globally scaled, based on extended temporalities, and colour-coded with non-white populations recognized as being at greater risk of experiencing the adverse effects of climate change. This article shows how de-centring whiteness from its position as automatic, oppositional counterpart to blackness can make space for greater recognition of the role played by the environment in processes of racialization. De-centring whiteness in this way would form a valuable step towards recognizing how race, constructed in part through shifting relations between people and the environment, overlaps with climate vulnerability within multiracial populations. Without discounting the value of global, colour-coded interpretations of race, I point out the limits of their applicability to understandings of how climate change is unfolding Guyana and Suriname, two multiracial Caribbean countries. I argue that in the postcolonial period, relations with the environment take historical constructions of race forward in ways that undergird the impacts of climate change. Even further, I show how the environment has always played a key, underacknowledged role in processes of racialization, complicating colour-coded interpretations of race, whether global or local.
Outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiopulmonary bypass in children after drowning-related resuscitation
Authors: Gottschalk Urda , Köhne Maria , Holst Theresa , Hüners Ida , von Stumm Maria , Müller Götz , Stark Veronika , van Rüth Victoria , Kozlik-Feldmann Rainer , Singer Dominique , Sachweh Jörg S , Biermann Daniel
Published: September 2021

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in children worldwide. However, the use of long-term extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in this setting is not widely established, and rewarming is often achieved by short-term cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) treatment. Thus, we sought to add our experience with this means of support as a bridge-to-recovery or to-decision. This retrospective single-center study analyzes the outcome of 11 children (median 23 months, minimum–maximum 3 months–6.5 years) who experienced drowning and subsequent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) between 2005 and 2016 and who were supported by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), CPB, or first CPB then ECMO. All but one incident took place in sweet water. Submersion time ranged between 10 and 50 minutes (median 23 minutes), water temperature between 2°C and 28°C (median 14°C), and body core temperature upon arrival in the emergency department between 20°C and 34°C (median 25°C). Nine patients underwent ongoing CPR from the scene until ECMO or CPB initiation in the operating room. The duration of ECMO or CPB before successful weaning/therapy withdrawal ranged between 2 and 322 hours (median 19 hours). A total of four patients (36%) survived neurologically mildly or not affected after 4 years of follow-up. The data indicate that survival is likely related to a shorter submersion time and lower water temperature. Resuscitation of pediatric patients after drowning has a poor outcome. However, ECMO or CPB might promote recovery in selected cases or serve as a bridge-to-decision tool.
Differences in the serum metabolic profile to identify potential biomarkers for cyanotic versus acyanotic heart disease
Authors: Vimal Suman , Ranjan Renuka , Yadav Surabhi , Majumdar Gauranga , Mittal Balraj , Sinha Neeraj , Agarwal Surendra Kumar
Published: September 2021

Background:

Growth retardation, malnutrition, and failure to thrive are some of the consequences associated with congenital heart diseases. Several metabolic factors such as hypoxia, anoxia, and several genetic factors are believed to alter the energetics of the heart. Timely diagnosis and patient management is one of the major challenges faced by the clinicians in understanding the disease and provide better treatment options. Metabolic profiling has shown to be potential diagnostic tool to understand the disease.

Objective:

The present experiment was designed as a single center observational pilot study to classify and create diagnostic metabolic signatures associated with the energetics of congenital heart disease in cyanotic and acyanotic groups.

Methods:

Metabolic sera profiles were obtained from 35 patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (TOF) and 23 patients with acyanotic congenital heart disease (ASD and VSD) using high resolution 1D 1H NMR spectra. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed to classify particular metabolic disorders associated with cyanotic and acyanotic heart disease.

Results:

The results show dysregulations in several metabolites in cyanotic CHD patients versus acyanotic CHD patients. The discriminatory metabolites were further analyzed with area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and identified four metabolic entities (i.e. mannose, hydroxyacetone, myoinositol, and creatinine) which could differentiate cyanotic CHDs from acyanotic CHDs with higher specificity.

Conclusion:

An untargeted metabolic approach proved to be helpful for the detection and distinction of disease-causing metabolites in cyanotic patients from acyanotic ones and can be useful for designing better and personalized treatment protocol.
Clinical results and 30-day outcomes of self-expanding transcatheter aortic valves: comparative case-matched analysis of CoreValve® versus ACURATE neo™
Authors: Ivanov Borko , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Djordjevic Ilija , Zeriouh Mohamed , Gerfer Stephen , Gaisendrees Christopher , Sabashnikov Anton , Rustenbach Christian , Rahmanian Parwis , Kuhn-Regnier Ferdinand , Mader Navid , Adam Matti , Baldus Stephan , Wahlers Thorsten , Kuhn Elmar
Published: September 2021

Background:

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with excellent results in patients with severe aortic stenosis. In highly calcified aortic anuli with increased risk of annulus rupture and in favor of the supra-annular design, self-expandable prostheses are frequently used. In this regard, we aimed to perform a comparative analysis of clinical and 30-day outcomes after TAVR using the self-expanding CoreValve® Evolut R or ACURATE neo™ prosthesis.

Methods:

Out of 343 consecutive patients treated with either CoreValve® Evolut R or ACURATE neo™ from January 2014 to December 2017, 76 patients were assigned each per group after 1:1 propensity score matching in regard of preoperative characteristics. Pre- and periprocedural outcomes were retrospectively collected and assessed. Outcomes at 30 days are reported according to the established Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-2) criteria.

Results:

Device success and 30-day survival accounted for 93.4% ( n = 71), respectively 97.4% ( n = 74) in both groups (p = 1.00). No statistically significant differences regarding clinical parameters were observed. The combined safety endpoint at 30 days was comparable (84.2% ( n = 64) CoreValve® vs 85.5% ( n = 65) ACURATE neo™; p = 0.848). Except a trend toward higher stroke (p = 0.08) and pacemaker (p = 0.07) rate in the CoreValve® group, major vascular complications, incidence of life-threatening or disabling bleeding, and incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury were comparable. Postoperative hemodynamic parameters showed no significant differences between the implanted valves.

Conclusion:

Both self-expandable prostheses showed good postoperative hemodynamic performance with a low incidence of severe paravalvular leakage, all- cause mortality, and comparable clinical outcomes.
Bottom-up strategies, platform worker power and local action: Learning from ridehailing drivers
Authors: Woodside Jonathan , Vinodrai Tara , Moos Markus
Published: September 2021

In the digital gig economy, workers generally have limited power and are disadvantaged compared to platform operators, who are usually large technology firms. Workers are often independent contractors rather than employees in this emerging form of work. While beneficial to platform companies, these arrangements place considerable risk on workers. Moreover, the structure of the gig economy presents challenges to traditional labor organizing strategies. To identify strategies used by ridehailing drivers to improve their working conditions and highlight points of intervention for policy makers and labor organizers, we draw upon an analysis of interviews and videos posted by YouTube diarists working for Uber. We find that ridehailing drivers improve their working conditions through business planning, leveraging competition between platforms, building solidarity through social media, and using technology to manage the workplace. We find that drivers favor individualistic strategies and often lack the institutional support and knowledge to benefit more fully from these strategies. We argue that local governments and labor market intermediaries offer the potential to empower ridehailing drivers and reinvigorate interest in collective action through workforce development tools if they build on the strategies these gig workers already use.
COVID-19 Life Events Spill-Over on Family Functioning and Adolescent Adjustment
Authors: Hussong Andrea M. , Midgette Allegra J. , Richards Adrianna N. , Petrie Rachel C. , Coffman Jennifer L. , Thomas Taylor E.
Published: September 2021

We examined US parent and youth perceptions of how life events, both positive and negative, associated with COVID-19 resulted in changes in family and youth functioning. Families ( n = 105, 80% white, 48% male, and 87% mothers) completed surveys during the pandemic (May to July 2020) and 3 years prior (for youth ages M = 10.6, SD = 1.17 and M = 13.6, SD = 1.19). Declines in youth, though not parent, report of open family communication, parental support, and family satisfaction were found. Declines were associated with various domains of pandemic-related stress in parent report, though positive life events served as buffers. Pre-pandemic family functioning also predicted pandemic stress. Spillover effects in turn impacted youth functioning. The current findings shed light on how experiences of the pandemic are linked with family functioning and have implications for how to support families during this time.
Peaceful Use of Lasers in Space: Context-Based Legitimacy in Global Governance of Large Technical Systems
Authors: Boháček Petr , Dufek Pavel , Schmidt Nikola
Published: September 2021

Technology offers unique sets of opportunities, from human flourishing to civilization survival, but also challenges, from partial misuse to global apocalypse. Yet technology is shaped by the social environment in which it is developed and used, prompting questions about its desirable governance format. In this context, we look at governance challenges of large technical systems, specifically the peaceful use of high-power lasers in space, in order to propose a conceptual framework for legitimate global governance. Specifically, we adopt a context-based approach to legitimacy to address the trade-offs between effectiveness (output legitimacy) and inclusivity (input legitimacy) in the governance of large technical systems. We show that distinguishing two basic phases of space laser policy which call for different legitimacy criteria helps balance out the trade-offs without sacrificing either effectiveness or inclusivity. Finally, we construe LTSs’ governance as a tool for creating globally networked spaces which may enable coordinated global democratic governance.
Geosynthetic Reinforced Fill Material for Tennessee Bridge Approach Slab Support
Authors: Imseeh Wadi H. , Alshibli Khalid A. , Abu-Farsakh Murad Y. , Kniazewycz Ted A.
Published: September 2021

The approach slab is constructed at bridge ends to serve as a smooth transition from the highway pavement to the bridge deck. However, motorists usually complain about a sudden change in elevation (bump) at the highway/approach slab (H/S) joint that causes a potential hazard for public safety, damage to vehicles, and rider discomfort. This paper develops a finite element (FE) analysis for the differential settlement at the H/S joint when supported by a strip footing that sits on compacted layers of soil embankment with uniaxial geogrid reinforcement. A parametric study was conducted to select the optimum design that consists of five geogrid layers equally spaced within a depth of 2 [Formula: see text] below the strip footing, where [Formula: see text] is the width of the footing. The inclusion of geogrid reinforcement did not only enhance the ultimate bearing stress of the strip footing but also redistributed the vertical loads over a wider region of soil embankment and thus reduced settlement. A case study is also presented for modeling the performance of a preliminary design proposed by Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for the retrofit of bridge ends. The FE analysis showed a 30%–40% improvement in the ultimate bearing stress of the strip footing when the geogrid reinforcement proposed by TDOT is extended to a depth of 1.5 [Formula: see text] below the footing.
Throughput Capacity Comparison for Airport Pickup and Dropoff Facilities
Authors: Kleywegt Anton J. , Liu Xinyu
Published: September 2021

An airport serves as an interface between ground and air transportation; the efficient processing of ground transportation arrivals and departures is, therefore, an important part of airport operations. At many airports, the current pickup and dropoff locations for taxis and other passenger cars are along the terminal curb or in existing parking facilities, and many of these pickup and dropoff facilities suffer from excessive congestion. In addition, in recent years there has been growth in the use of on-demand ground transportation to and from airports, with the increased adoption of ride-hailing services, resulting in increased congestion. Since most airports are severely space constrained, there is a need to consider pickup and dropoff facilities that are more efficient (in vehicle throughput per unit space) than terminal curbs. In this paper we compare the throughput capacities of different pickup and dropoff facility layouts. We take into account the effect of the facility layout and operational rules on conflicts between the movements of different vehicles, the resulting delays in the movements of vehicles, as well as the spatial requirements of different layouts. We demonstrate the impact of mean service times, variability in service times and vehicle movement times, and operational rules on the relative throughput capacities of different facility layouts.
Quadriceps Tendon Versus Hamstring Tendon Autografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Tze Khiang , Subramaniam Arjun Gopal , Ebert Jay R. , Radic Ross
Published: September 2021

Background:

Autograft choice in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains controversial, with increasing interest in the usage of quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft versus traditional hamstring tendon (HT) use. The current study undertakes an in-depth review and comparison of the clinical and functional outcomes of QT and HT autografts in ACLR.

Hypothesis:

The QT autograft is equivalent to the HT autograft and there will be little or no significant difference in the outcomes between these 2 autografts.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PUBMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from their inception until November 2020. All observational studies comparing ACLR QT and HT autografts were assessed for their methodological quality. Patient outcomes were compared according to patient-reported outcome measures (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Cincinnati, Lysholm, Tegner, and visual analog scale [VAS] measures), knee extensor and flexor torque limb symmetry indices (LSIs), hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) ratios, functional hop capacity, knee laxity, ipsilateral graft failure, and contralateral injury.

Results:

A total of 20 observational studies comprising 28,621 patients (QT = 2550; HT = 26,071) were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. In comparison with patients who received an HT autograft, those who received a QT autograft had similar postoperative Lysholm (mean difference [MD], 0.67; P = .630), IKDC (MD, 0.48; P = .480), VAS pain (MD, 0.04; P = .710), and Cincinnati (MD, -0.85; P = .660) scores; LSI for knee flexor strength (MD, 6.06; P = .120); H/Q ratio (MD, 3.22; P = .160); hop test LSI (MD, -1.62; P = .230); pivot-shift test grade 0 (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; P = .180); Lachman test grade 0 (OR, 2.38; P = .320), side-to-side laxity (MD, 0.09; P = .650); incidence of graft failure (OR, 1.07; P = .830) or contralateral knee injury (OR, 1.22; P = .610); and Tegner scores (MD, 0.11; P = .060). HT autografts were associated with a higher (better) side-to-side LSI for knee extensor strength (MD, -6.31; P = .0002).

Conclusion:

In this meta-analysis, the use of the QT autograft was equivalent to the HT autograft in ACLR, with comparable graft failure and clinical and functional outcomes observed. However, HT autografts were associated with better LSI knee extensor strength.
Impact of different hemodiafiltration solutions on ionemia in long-term CRRT
Authors: Nalesso Federico , Garzotto Francesco , Cattarin Leda , Innico Georgie , Gobbi Laura , Calò Lorenzo A
Published: September 2021

Critical patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy are in most cases eligible only for continuous modalities where the electrolyte balance control is a critical issue. The standard solutions used for hemodiafiltration, containing potassium at 2 mmol/L and no phosphorus, determines during the extended renal replacement therapy hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia. Therefore, solutions containing potassium and phosphate in physiological concentrations were formulated to avoid electrolyte imbalances and reduce ion alterations in prolonged treatments, these solutions are not routinely used in the standard clinical practice. To avoid electrolyte imbalances, we have first introduced in our practice two different solutions and then we have retrospectively analyzed the electrolyte balance upon these two solutions in order to identity the impact of these solutions on potassium and phosphate according to our clinical practice. We retrospectively analyzed 96 patients treated with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) in the intensive care units (ICU) at Padua’s University Hospital to evaluate the role on electrolyte balance of Phoxilium® and Prismasol 2® that differ in their composition and the need for electrolytes infusions. In the Phoxilium group the frequency of hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and the need of potassium and phosphate replacement were significantly reduced resulting in a reduction in complications, workload, and clinical risk associated with infusions of electrolytes. Our data demonstrated that the use of these two different hemodiafiltration solutions can reduce the occurrence of hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia during CRRT performing personalized treatments without the use of potassium and phosphate infusions.
Computerized Working Memory Training for Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1): A Pilot Study
Authors: Hardy Kristina K. , Berger Carly , Griffin Danielle , Walsh Karin S. , Sharkey Christina M. , Weisman Hannah , Gioia Anthony , Packer Roger J. , Acosta Maria T.
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of CogmedRM, a computerized, home-based working memory (WM) training program, in children with NF1.

Method:

A pre-post design was used to evaluate changes in performance-based measures of attention and WM, and parent-completed ratings of executive functioning. Children meeting eligibility criteria completed CogmedRM over 9 weeks. Primary outcomes included compliance statistics and change in attention and WM scores.

Results:

Thirty-one children (52% male; M age = 10.97 ± 2.51), aged 8-15, were screened for participation; 27 children (87%) evidenced WM difficulties and participated in CogmedRM training. On average, participants completed 19.7 out of 25 prescribed sessions, with an adherence rate of 69%. Participants demonstrated improvements in short-term memory, attention, and executive functioning (all Ps < .05).

Conclusion:

Results suggest that computerized, home-based WM training programs may be both feasible and efficacious for children with NF1 and cognitive deficits.
Measurement of moment coupling in fretting fatigue experiments
Authors: Truelove JPJ , Hills DA , Blades L
Published: September 2021

Moment coupling in fretting fatigue experiments refers to the generation of moments when a shear force is applied, caused by the difficulty in designing fretting fatigue experiments where the shear is reacted out on the same plane as the contact. Digital Image Correlation is used to measure the effect of moment coupling, and a model is created to calculate the effect of the applied moment at any point during a loading cycle on near-edge contact properties. The effects of the changing contact pressure on the slip zone sizes are considered. Finally, the model derived is used to find a load cycle including the effect of normal contact force that creates a truly constant near-edge contact pressure distribution at one edge of the flat and rounded pad. Although the calibrations found in this paper are valid only for the specific rig and specimen geometry used in this paper, the method could be readily applied to other experiments.
A comparison between rotating squares and anti-tetrachiral systems: Influence of ligaments on the multi-axial mechanical response
Authors: Mizzi Luke , Sorrentino Andrea , Spaggiari Andrea , Castagnetti Davide
Published: September 2021

Rotating unit systems are one of the most important and well-known classes of auxetic mechanical metamaterials. As their name implies, when loaded, these systems deform primarily via rotation of blocks of material, which may be connected together either directly through joints (or ‘joint-like’ connections made by overlapping vertices of the rotating units) as in the case of rotating rigid polygonal-unit systems or by ligaments/ribs as in the case of chiral honeycombs. In this work, we used Finite Element Analysis to investigate the effect which the presence/absence of ligaments has on the on-axis and off-axis mechanical properties of these systems by analysing two of the most well-known structures which characterise these two cases: the rotating square system and the anti-tetrachiral honeycomb. It was found that while the presence of ligaments has a negligible effect on the on-axis Poisson’s ratio of these systems, it has a profound influence on nearly all other mechanical properties as well as on the off-axis loading behaviour. Systems with ligaments were found to exhibit a high level of anisotropy and also a severely reduced level of stiffness in comparison to their non-ligamented counterparts. On the other hand, the rotating square system suffers from high localized stress-intensities and has a very low strain-tolerance threshold. In addition, an optimized ‘hybrid’ geometry which is specifically designed to capture the best features of both the anti-tetrachiral and rotating square system, was also analysed. This work shows the main differences between ligament-based and non-ligament-based auxetic structures and also highlights the importance of considering the off-axis mechanical response in addition to the on-axis properties when investigating such systems.
Pupil-Linked Arousal Biases Evidence Accumulation Toward Desirable Percepts During Perceptual Decision-Making
Authors: Leong Yuan Chang , Dziembaj Roma , D’Esposito Mark
Published: September 2021

People’s perceptual reports are biased toward percepts they are motivated to see. The arousal system coordinates the body’s response to motivationally significant events and is well positioned to regulate motivational effects on perceptual judgments. However, it remains unclear whether arousal would enhance or reduce motivational biases. Here, we measured pupil dilation as a measure of arousal while participants ( N = 38) performed a visual categorization task. We used monetary bonuses to motivate participants to perceive one category over another. Even though the reward-maximizing strategy was to perform the task accurately, participants were more likely to report seeing the desirable category. Furthermore, higher arousal levels were associated with making motivationally biased responses. Analyses using computational models suggested that arousal enhanced motivational effects by biasing evidence accumulation in favor of desirable percepts. These results suggest that heightened arousal biases people toward what they want to see and away from an objective representation of the environment.
Effect of curcumin on the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages
Authors: Tong Cong , Wu Hongfei , Gu Da , Li Yanian , Fan Yuhan , Zeng Jiahui , Ding Wei
Published: September 2021

Background

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a global medical problem and macrophages’ activation is closely related to the pathogenesis of NASH. Curcumin is a polyphenol from turmeric with significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Objective

The objective of present study was to observe the effect of curcumin on macrophages’ activation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in NASH.

Methods

Hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining were used to observe the hepatic function. RT-PCR was conducted to evaluate the hepatic mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Flow cytometry was adopted to detect the M1 polarization of macrophages. The RAW264.7 macrophage was pretreated with different doses of curcumin, and then lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were given to activate the M1 macrophage. The activation ratio of M1 macrophage was observed by flow cytometry, and IL-1β and TNF-α expression was detected by RT-PCR and ELISA.

Results

After treatment with curcumin, the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, and M1 polarization of macrophages were significantly decreased. Hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining showed that inflammation and apoptosis in the liver were improved. What is more, curcumin can effectively inhibit M1 macrophage activation induced by lipopolysaccharide and IFN-γ and reduce the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α.

Conclusion

Curcumin can effectively improve NASH and reduce hepatic cell necrosis by inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages and the secretion of inflammatory factors.
A study of emerging trends in digital preservation literature: An analysis of journal articles presented in course syllabi
Authors: Murillo Angela P. , Yoon Ayoung
Published: September 2021

The field of digital preservation education is evolving due to the rapid developments in the digital preservation field, and as educators and researchers respond to these developments. One way to understand trends in education is through the examination of course syllabi and through the assigned course readings, as instructors often utilize and integrate core and seminal literature in these courses. This study aims to understand the emerging topics and trends in digital preservation education through the examination of these course readings. This study examines these topics and trends through an analysis of the literature assigned digital preservation courses at North American ALA (American Library Association)-accredited Master’s in Library and Information Science programs through bibliometric analysis, topic modeling, and visual analysis of the citation data.
The Predictive Brain Must Have a Limitation in Short-Term Memory Capacity
Authors: Trapp Sabrina , Parr Thomas , Friston Karl , Schröger Erich
Published: September 2021

Traditionally, short-term memory (STM) has been assessed by asking participants to remember words, visual objects, or numbers for a short amount of time before their recall or recognition of those items is tested. However, this focus on memory for past sensory input might have obscured potential theoretical insights into the function of this cognitive faculty. Here, we suggest that STM may have an important role in predicting future sensory input. This reconceptualization of STM may provide a functional explanation for its capacity limitation.
Individual Differences in the Intensity and Consistency of Attention
Authors: Unsworth Nash , Miller Ashley L.
Published: September 2021

Individual differences in attention abilities predict performance in a number of domains. We suggest that two aspects of attention are especially important for variation in attention abilities: intensity and consistency. We review evidence suggesting that individual differences in the amount of attention allocated to a task (intensity) and how consistently attention is allocated to a task (consistency) are related to each other and to overall task performance. We suggest that a number of factors (e.g., capacity, arousal, regulation, motivation) drive variation in intensity and consistency and demonstrate that these two aspects of attention are important in accounting for variation in working memory, learning, and preparatory control. Examining individual differences in both intensity and consistency will be important in order to understand variation in attention abilities in and out of the laboratory.
Spatial Distribution of SDGs Accomplished Under MGNREGA Beyond SDG1
Authors: Gupta Stutee , Anand Shikha , Thanmai P. Lakshmi , Reddy K. M. , Ravisankar T.
Published: September 2021

Nations across the world share common responsibility towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To monitor the progress of individual goals and their global-level comparisons, a set of targets and indicators are developed by the experts. However, systematic methods for assessing spatio-temporal progress towards achieving the SDGs are lacking. This study demonstrates the use of geographically referenced information (GIS) analysis in mapping the SDGs as achieved under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Act (MGNREGA) programme in India, taking Uttarakhand state as a case study. Geotagged data of assets representing various work categories permissible under MGNREGA are linked to the targets and indicators of various SDGs. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) function is used to derive spatially explicit maps. Sub-national-level composite analysis of overall contribution of the MGNREGA to SDGs is carried out district wise for better understanding. Results obtained show significant spatial variation in the distribution of works across the districts, reflecting their varying priorities as MGNREGA is a demand-driven scheme. The future implication of the study is a vastly improved ability to derive latent information based on geographical indicators for targeting interventions and developing informed strategies towards SDGs.
The Impact of Cognitive impairment on Clinical Symptoms, Physical Activity and Care Interactions among Residents in Assisted Living Settings
Authors: Resnick Barbara , Boltz Marie , Galik Elizabeth , Zhu Shijun
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe differences in pain, behavioral symptoms, quality of staff-resident interactions, participation in function focused care and physical activity among residents with and without cognitive impairment in assisted living. This was a secondary data analysis using baseline data from an ongoing trial testing Function Focused Care for Assisted Living using the Evidence Integration Triangle (FFC-AL-EIT). A total of 550 residents were recruited from 59 communities. The average age of participants was 89.30 ( SD = 7.63), the majority were white (98%), female (69%), had evidence of cognitive impairment (75%), and 5.16 ( SD = 1.86) comorbidities. Those with cognitive impairment had more pain, were more sedentary and less likely to engage in function focused care activities. Addressing pain and implementing interventions for those with cognitive impairment to participate in function focused care may help optimize function and physical activity in assisted living residents.
Legacies of Stalin or Putin? Public Opinion and Historical Memory in Ukraine
Authors: Shkliarov Vitali , Mironova Vera , Whitt Sam
Published: September 2021

Our research considers the relationship between historical memory and political evaluations of the past and present. We first examine how historical reflection on the Soviet Union under Stalin is influenced by memories of familial suffering during World War II and victimization under the widespread Soviet gulag prison system. Based on a 2019 representative survey of Ukraine, we show that respondents who recall family members being injured or killed fighting during World War II and those who recount families being imprisoned in Soviet gulags have increased positive and negative appraisals of the Soviet Union under Stalin respectively. However, we also find that favorable opinions of Stalin are strongly predicted by approval of Vladimir Putin, who has actively promoted rehabilitation of Stalin’s legacy to bolster personalist rule at home and justify revisionist agendas abroad, including in Ukraine. Our results underscore interactions between the present and past in shaping historical memory such that what appears as enduring legacies of the past could also be a function of present political circumstances.
Microglial TREM2 at the Intersection of Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Qu Wenhui , Li Ling
Published: September 2021

As resident immune cells of the brain, microglia serve pivotal roles in regulating neuronal function under both physiological and pathological conditions, including aging and the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Instructed by neurons, microglia regulate synaptic function and guard brain homeostasis throughout life. Dysregulation of microglial function, however, can lead to dire consequences, including aggravated cognitive decline during aging and exacerbated neuropathology in diseases. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a key regulator of microglial function. Loss-of-function variants of TREM2 are associated with an increased risk of AD. TREM2 orchestrates the switch of microglial transcriptome programming that modulates microglial chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and inflammatory responses, as well as microglial regulation of synaptic function in health and disease. Intriguingly, the outcome of microglial/TREM2 function is influenced by age and the context of neuropathology. This review summarizes the rapidly growing research on TREM2 under physiological conditions and in AD, particularly highlighting the impact of TREM2 on neuronal function.
Deleuze on Francis Bacon’s Paintings: A Performative Witnessing of Coloring Sensation Among Schoolchildren
Authors: Deegan James G.
Published: September 2021

Inspired by the work of the Irish-born British figurative painter, Francis Bacon, Gilles Deleuze, one of the most influential French philosophers of the 20th century, wrote a book titled, Francis Bacon: The Logic of Sensation. In this book, Deleuze creates novel concepts of coloring sensation that rely on relations between colors or the juxtaposition of tints and hues in relation to feelings or perceptions, resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body. Deleuze illuminates how Bacon uses the figure, colors, contours, and broken tones to show raw and dark motifs such as horror, vulnerability, and brutality. Using loosely connected scenes, narrative interruptions, storyline turns, recitations, and pedagogical moments, I show a tissue of coloring sensations among children in a primary school that will not be stilled, calmed, or dimmed. In this way, I pursue a desiring, political aesthetics of pedagogical, scholarly, and life-wide meanings.
Critical Walking Methodologies and Oblique Agitations of Place
Authors: Springgay Stephanie , Truman Sarah E.
Published: September 2021

In this Editorial, we discuss WalkingLab’s approach to critical walking methodologies grounded in queer-feminist, anti-racist praxis, and argue for the need to critically account for understandings of place in times of ongoing crises. We then introduce the articles featured in this special issue. Authored by international scholars, each article in the special issue engages critically with walking methodologies and the concept place from oblique angles.
Corticosteroid Administration and Impaired Glycemic Control in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Douin David J. , Krause Martin , Williams Cynthia , Tanabe Kenji , Fernandez-Bustamante Ana , Quaye Aurora N. , Ginde Adit A. , Bartels Karsten
Published: September 2021

Objective

Recent clinical trials confirmed the corticosteroid dexamethasone as an effective treatment for patients with COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. However, limited attention has been given to potential adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the association between corticosteroid administration and impaired glycemic control among COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation and/or veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Design

Multicenter retrospective cohort study between March 9 and May 17, 2020. The primary outcome was days spent with at least 1 episode of blood glucose either >180 mg/dL or <80 mg/dL within the first 28 days of admission.

Setting

Twelve hospitals in a United States health system.

Patients

Adults diagnosed with COVID-19 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and/or veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

We included 292 mechanically ventilated patients. We fitted a quantile regression model to assess the association between steroid administration ≥320 mg methylprednisolone (equivalent to 60 mg dexamethasone) and impaired glycemic control. Sixty-six patients (22.6%) died within 28 days of intensive care unit admission. Seventy-one patients (24.3%) received a cumulative dose of least 320 mg methylprednisolone equivalents. After adjustment for gender, history of diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, sequential organ failure assessment score on intensive care unit day 1, and length of stay, administration of ≥320 mg methylprednisolone equivalent was associated with 4 additional days spent with glucose either <80 mg/dL or >180 mg/dL (B = 4.00, 95% CI = 2.15-5.85, P < .001).

Conclusions

In this cohort study of 292 mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, we found an association between corticosteroid administration and higher incidence of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Comparison between different tonometers following intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation
Authors: Elfwwal Mennatullah M , Elbasty Mohamed K , Khattab Mohamed F , ElShazly Malak I
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

To compare different intraocular pressure (IOP) readings in corneas with intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) taken by three different tonometers; Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), air puff tonometer, and ocular response analyzer (ORA) corneal-compensated IOP (ORA-IOPcc) and determine the relation of these measurements to different corneal parameters taken by Pentacam.

Methods:

An observational cross-sectional analytic study included patients who underwent ICRS keraring implantation at 3 months. In each eye, the two rings were placed using the femtosecond laser assisted technique 5.5 or 6 mm from the center. IOP was measured using three different tonometers; GAT, air puff tonometer, and ocular response analyzer (ORA) corneal-compensated IOP (ORA-IOPcc).

Results:

Fifty eyes of 30 patients (20 males and 10 females) aged 27.56 ± 6.38 years were included. IOP measurements by GAT, air puff tonometer, and ORA-IOPcc were 13.28 ± 2.13 mmHg, 10.47 ± 2.55 mmHg, and 13.19 ± 2.78 mmHg, respectively. Comparisons between air puff and each of GAT and ORA-IOPcc were statistically highly significant ( p-value <0.001).

Conclusion:

IOP measurements taken by air puff tonometer were significantly lower than those taken by GAT and ORA-IOPcc. These differences were not constant across the pressure range but increased as the pressure values determined using GAT and ORA increased. ORA-IOPcc and GAT showed similar readings. No correlation was found between any of the IOP readings taken by the three tonometers and the central corneal thickness.