bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Access Behavior Detection of Ideological and Political MOOCs in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Hong Ni , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Zhonghua
Published: April 2021

In many colleges and universities, MOOCs have been applied in many courses, including ideological and political course, which is very important for college students’ ideological and moral education. Ideological and political MOOCs break the limitations of time and space, and students can conveniently and quickly learn ideological and political courses through the network. However, due to the openness of MOOCs, there may be some abnormal access behaviors, affecting the normal process of MOOCs. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a detection method of abnormal access behavior of ideological and political MOOCs in colleges and universities. Based on deep learning, the network behavior detection model is established to distinguish whether the network behavior is normal, so as to detect the abnormal access network behavior. In order to prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm, the algorithm is compared with the other two network abnormal behavior detection methods, and the results prove that the proposed method can effectively detect the abnormal access behavior in ideological and political MOOCs.
Evaluation of Different Coronal Sealing Materials in the Endodontically Treated Teeth: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Hajaj Tareq , Perdiou Antonis , Sinescu Cosmin , Rominu Mihai , Negrutiu Meda Lavinia , Talpos Roxana , Neagu Adrian , Talpos Serban
Published: April 2021

In vitro studies have shown that rapid penetration of bacteria in the entire root canal system may occur after endodontic treatment without a coronal seal. A proper restorative technique is necessary to ensure a coronal seal and protection of the residual dental structure. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the coronal sealing ability of the most relevant clinical materials by means of dye penetration (neutral red dye, Sigma‐Aldrich, Germany), through a light spectrometric device, and to establish which one of the tested dental materials possesses the best sealing ability. Forty‐two extracted teeth were prepared and used for this experiment; they were sealed with 5 different cements. The flow composite had the best absorbance value with 0.00675 ± 0.00096 (mean ± standard deviation) for monoradicular samples and 0.025 ± 0.00129 for pluriradicular samples. Under the constraints of the present study, both flowable and packable composite materials can be recommended as orifice sealing materials to prevent microleakage in an endodontically treated tooth. To assess the clinical superiority of any material, further in vivo studies are required.
[Retracted] Multivisual Animation Character 3D Model Design Method Based on VR Technology
Authors: Li Leiming , Zhu Wenyao , Hu Hongwei
Published: April 2021

For VR systems, one of its core parts is to present people with a real and immersive 3D simulation environment. This paper uses real‐time computer graphics technology, three‐dimensional modeling technology, and binocular stereo vision technology to study the multivisual animation character objects in virtual reality technology; designs a binocular stereo vision animation system; designs and produces a three‐dimensional model; and develops a virtual multivisual animation scene application. The main research content and work performed in the text include the research of the basic graphics rendering pipeline process and the analysis and research of each stage of the rendering pipeline. It mainly analyzes the 3D graphics algorithm used in the three‐dimensional geometric transformation of computer graphics and studies the basic texture technology, basic lighting model, and other image output processes used in the fragment processing stage. Combined with the development needs of the subject, the principles of 3D animation rendering production software and 3D graphics modeling are studied, and the solid 3D model displayed in the virtual reality scene is designed and produced. This article also reflects the application of virtual reality in multivisual animation character design from the side, so it has realistic value and application prospects.
The Role of Renal Pathology in the Prognosis and Recovery of Community-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Xu Jing , Ruan Mengna , Wu Jun , Huang Linxi , Xue Cheng , Chen Sixiu , Mei Changlin , Mao Zhiguo
Published: April 2021

Objectives: The determinants leading to different renal outcomes in community-acquired acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and the influence of renal histological damage on the prognosis and recovery of CA-AKI are scarcely reported. Methods: Adult patients with CA-AKI admitted to Shanghai Changzheng Hospital with renal biopsy profiles from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018, were enrolled in our cohort. After 3 months of follow-up, clinical outcomes, including patient survival, dialysis requirement during hospitalization and at 3 months, CKD stage 3–5, and renal functional recovery at 3 months, were analyzed, and risk factors were identified. Results: A total of 294 patients with CA-AKI with renal pathology were identified for this cohort. Among 282 patients who survived 3 months after AKI, 59.6% completely recovered, 21.3% partially recovered, 21.3% progressed to stage 3–5 CKD without dialysis, and 17.7% maintained dialysis. Moreover, 70.4% of patients in the cohort presented with de novo intrinsic renal disease, except acute tubular necrosis or acute interstitial nephritis, on renal biopsy. In the multivariate analyses, clinical factors were more related to short-term outcomes and severity of CA-AKI, represented by mortality, in-hospital dialysis, and CRRT requirement, while pathological elements were more involved with CKD progression, including dialysis-dependent or stage 3–5 CKD, and renal function recovery at the 3-month follow-up. The detrimental influence of glomerular and arterial lesions on renal prognosis of CA-AKI was as critical as tubular and interstitial lesions. Conclusions: Clinical and pathological parameters both contribute to patient and renal outcomes after CA-AKI. The value of renal biopsy should be recognized in prognostic prediction.
Nuclear Factor Kappa-B/Homeobox A9-Mediated Modulation of Leucine-Rich Repeat Flightless-Interacting Protein 1 Is Involved in Advanced Glycation End Product-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Zhu Qianqian , Hu Songjie , He Yunjun , Qiu Chenyang , Chen Tianchi , He Yangyan , Wu Ziheng , Tian Lu , Shang Tao , Xiang Yilang , Zhang Hongkun , Li Donglin
Published: April 2021

Background: Pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases begins with endothelial dysfunction. Our previous study has shown that advanced glycation end products (AGE) could inhibit the expression of homeobox A9 (Hoxa9), thereby inducing endothelial dysfunction. Leucine-rich repeat flightless-interacting protein 1 (LRRFIP1) has been found to participate in a variety of pathological processes, but reports of its role in endothelial dysfunction are rare. Objectives: This study aims to investigate whether LRRFIP1 is involved in AGE-induced endothelial dysfunction through Hoxa9-mediated transcriptional activation. Methods: Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to detect the transcriptional regulation of Hoxa9 on LRRFIP1 promoters. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with AGE or pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (nuclear factor kappa-B [NF-κB] inhibitor). Moreover, changes in apoptosis, proliferation, migration, release of nitric oxide, and angiogenesis were detected. Results: Hoxa9 promotes LRRFIP1 expression by binding to the ­LRRFIP1 promoter. Meanwhile, overexpression of LRRFIP1 inhibited phosphorylation of P65 and elevated expression of Hoxa9. Overexpression of LRRFIP1 or/and Hoxa9 reversed the effects of AGE on HUVEC. AGE-induced inhibition on the expression of LRRFIP1 and Hoxa9 could be reversed by the NF-κB inhibitor. Conclusion: LRRFIP1 is involved in AGE-induced endothelial dysfunction via being regulated by the NF-κB/Hoxa9 axis.
Visceral Mycoses as a Cause of Severe HIV Infection and Death
Authors: Azovtseva Olga V. , Viktorova Elena A.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of systemic fungal infections among HIV-infected individuals. The article aimed to examine the frequency of invasive mycoses among the HIV-infected patients at the time of their urgent and/or planned admission to a specialized hospital. Methods: The diagnostic methods used in this study involved physical examination, laboratory testing, bacteriological examination, immunological examination, molecular genetic testing, and radiological imaging. The study was conducted under the ethical guidelines for retrospective studies and does not disclose data on individual patients. Results: Between 2016 and 2018, 85 HIV patients who died with HIV history underwent a series of clinical and pathomorphological examinations at the Novgorod Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital. Systemic mycoses frequently occur in the respiratory system and less often in the brain. Their incidence is severe and the mortality rates associated with it are high. In this study, PCP was the most common cause of death provoked by mycoses. Discussion/Conclusion: Systemic fungal disease can be diagnosed through a combination of diagnostic methods. A crucial factor in the reduction of mortality rates for systemic mycosis is the early diagnosis and intensive antimicrobial therapy.
Effect of Active Cancer on the Cardiac Phenotype: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Based Study of Myocardial Tissue Health and Deformation in Patients With Chemotherapy‐Naïve Cancer
Authors: Labib Dina , Satriano Alessandro , Dykstra Steven , Hansen Reis , Mikami Yoko , Guzzardi David G. , Slavikova Zdenka , Feuchter Patricia , Flewitt Jacqueline , Rivest Sandra , Sandonato Rosa , Lydell Carmen P. , Howarth Andrew G. , Kolman Louis , Clarke Brian , Paterson D. Ian , Oudit Gavin Y. , Pituskin Edith , Cheung Winson Y. , Lee Joon , White James A.
Published: April 2021

Background

The overlap between cancer and cardiovascular care continues to expand, with intersections emerging before, during, and following cancer therapies. To date, emphasis has been placed on how cancer therapeutics influence downstream cardiac health. However, whether active malignancy itself influences chamber volumes, function, or overall myocardial tissue health remains uncertain. We sought to perform a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance‐based evaluation of cardiac health in patients with chemotherapy‐naïve cancer with comparison with a healthy volunteer population.

Methods and Results

Three‐hundred and eighty‐one patients with active breast cancer or lymphoma before cardiotoxic chemotherapy exposure were recruited in addition to 102 healthy volunteers. Both cohorts underwent standardized cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging with quantification of chamber volumes, ejection fraction, and native myocardial T1. Left ventricular mechanics were incrementally assessed using three‐dimensional myocardial deformation analysis, providing global longitudinal, circumferential, radial, and principal peak‐systolic strain amplitude and systolic strain rate. The mean age of patients with cancer was 53.8±13.4 years; 79% being women. Despite similar left ventricular ejection fraction, patients with cancer showed smaller chambers, increased strain amplitude, and systolic strain rate in both conventional and principal directions, and elevated native T1 versus sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, the presence of cancer remained associated with these cardiovascular magnetic resonance parameters.

Conclusions

The presence of cancer is independently associated with alterations in cardiac chamber size, function, and objective markers of tissue health. Dedicated research is warranted to elucidate pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these findings and to explore their relevance to the management of patients with cancer referred for cardiotoxic therapies.
Attraction and penetration of Musa by the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, in an autotrophic bipartite culture system
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Suganthagunthalam , Galon Erwin J. , Elsen Annemie , De Waele Dirk
Published: April 2021

Our objective was to discover the stages (pre- or post-infection) in which the resistance to burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis) occurs in two resistant banana (Musa spp.) cultivars. An autotrophic in vitro culture system was used to compare R. similis migration towards, and penetration into, the banana roots. A new two-compartment autotrophic in vitro model system was developed using agar-based medium to examine the migration of R. similis to either the susceptible ‘Grande Naine’ or the resistant ‘Yangambi km5’ (‘Ykm5’), when both the Musa genotypes were present at equal distance. The autotrophic in vitro model system was advantageous, because it supported continuous root growth due to the actively photosynthesising shoots growing in the open air, while the in vitro root conditions make it possible to observe and assess the nematode chemotaxis in the transparent medium. Significantly fewer nematodes migrated towards the resistant ‘Ykm5’ plants when compared to both the susceptible ‘Grande Naine’, and another resistant cultivar, ‘Saba’, at 1 h after infection. This signals a possibility of a lower concentration or different composition of nematode attractants in ‘Ykm5’ root exudates. No significant differences were observed in the percentage of R. similis that migrated towards the roots of the susceptible and resistant banana plants at 3, 4 and 6 h after inoculation. No significant differences were observed in the percentages of female penetration in the resistant and susceptible plant roots at 1 and 2 days after inoculation. The results of the two-compartment system confirmed that when a choice is given to migrate towards the resistant and susceptible genotypes, no differences were observed in the percentage of female migration towards both the genotypes.
Alignment and Alienation: The Ambivalent Modernisations of Uyghur Marriage in the 21st Century
Authors: Steenberg Rune , Musapir
Published: April 2021

Uyghur marriages in Xinjiang in the 2010s have been characterised by various, sometimes seemingly contradictory trends of modernisation, such as monetisation, simplification, emphasis on ethnic symbolism, displays of piety and the active integration of both Turkish, Western and Chinese elements. This article views these trends as complex, inter-related reactions to the region’s socio-economic transformations and political campaigns. It analyses how these transformations and campaigns affect everyday decisions at the local level. The study of marriage provides a good insight into the effects of economic and political transformations on the ground. In such studies, we argue for a distinction between trends on the level of symbolic positioning and identity display from trends on a deeper structural level pertaining to social relations, economic integration and household strategies. In the case of Uyghurs in southern Xinjiang these two levels have shown opposite trends. On a surface level of symbolic display, the relatively open years of 2010-2014 allowed for the flourishing of trends that did not follow the Party-State line, such as Islamic piety and a strengthened Uyghur ethno-national identity. Yet, on a deeper structural level these trends signified improved integration into modern Chinese society. In contrast, the increased state violence of 2015-2020 enforced a strong symbolic alignment with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ideology but at the same time alienated the Uyghur population from this society effectively necessitating the development of forms of organisation that the CCP deems backwards and undesirable.
Neotypification of Solanum chrysotrichum (Solanaceae)
Authors: SAINI LALITA , MALIK VIJAI
Published: April 2021

A neotype is designated for Solanum chrysotrichum Schlechtendal.
The flattie spiders of the Selenops isopodus species group (Araneae: Selenopidae) with a review of Selenops records from Colombia
Authors: CREWS SARAH C. , GALVIS WILLIAM , TORRES RICHARD A. , GUTIÉRREZ-ESTRADA MIGUEL A. , SARMIENTO JESSICA , ESPOSITO LAUREN A.
Published: April 2021

Here we examine the species of the Selenops isopodus species group: S. isopodus Mello-Leitão, 1941, S. arikok Crews, 2011, and S. curazao Alayón, 2001. We describe the female and male of S. bullerengue sp. nov. from Colombia and synonymize S. marilus Corronca, 1998a with S. isopodus, providing diagnoses and complete descriptions of both sexes of S. isopodus. Detailed images and a key to species in the group are provided. The distribution of all selenopid species in Colombia is reviewed using published records, museum specimens, and citizen science data from inaturalist.org.
A new, enigmatic species of black-eyed gecko (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae: Mokopirirakau) from North Otago, New Zealand
Authors: KNOX CAREY , HITCHMOUGH RODNEY A. , NIELSEN STUART V. , JEWELL TONY , BELL TRENT
Published: April 2021

The New Zealand endemic gecko genus, Mokopirirakau, is notable for its ecology, with some species inhabiting extreme alpine environments, as well as for the large number of geographically circumscribed, species-level lineages awaiting formal description. In, 2018, a population superficially similar in colour and morphology to the black-eyed gecko (M. kahutarae) was discovered in alpine greywacke rock outcrops in the Oteake Conservation Park, North Otago, ~400 km south of the nearest M. kahutarae populations in the upper South Island. Genetic and morphological data indicate that this population is distinct, sister to a clade comprising M. granulatus and M. kahutarae. It can be distinguished from all but one Mokopirirakau species by colour pattern, and from M. kahutarae by smaller adult body size, eye and supraciliary characters, mouth and throat colour, ventral scale row count, tail length, toe shape, and lamellar count. Using an integrated taxonomic approach, we here formally describe this form as a new species, M. galaxias sp. nov., as well as discuss its ecology, likely distribution (particularly with respect to M. kahutarae), and potential conservation issues and requirements. Mokopirirakau galaxias sp. nov. should be considered “Threatened—Nationally Endangered” (qualifiers Data Poor) in the New Zealand Threat Classification System due to the low abundance and restricted known distribution, with potential threats from invasive predatory mammals and climate change. It should be considered Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List system.
Childhood in urban China: A three-generation portrait
Authors: Liu Jieyu
Published: April 2021

This article examines how the experience of childhood has changed in urban China against the backdrop of the wider political, social and economic transformations in the 20th century. Drawing on 95 life history interviews in three urban sites in China, it explores the nature, origins and impact of continuities and changes in childhood experiences across three generations. While expressive intimacy between the only-child generation and their parents increased, the three-generational comparison disputes previous theorizing about the modernization of childhood and the value of children based upon a Euro-American empirical reality. Rather than being trapped in a linear progression model, this article reveals that while the economic value of children as family helpers has dramatically reduced across three generations, the economic prospect of children as old age security goes hand in hand with the emotional value of children, which is shaped by the cultural tradition of filial piety, social welfare context and demographic structure. As a consequence, in contrast with the existing argument of an individualization of childhood in China, this article indicates that the youngest generation – the only-child generation – experienced an increasing regimentalization of childhood, exercised by their parents and driven by both neoliberal market and post-socialist state forces. This article also draws attention to the gender difference in childhood experience across three generations and reveals how the one-child policy has contributed to the increasing value of girls in urban China.
Comparison of the ratio of placental territory discordance to birthweight discordance in placentas of monochorionic diamniotic twins
Authors: Xueju Wang , Luyao Li , Pengbo Yuan , Huifeng Shi , Yangyu Zhao , Yuan Wei
Published: April 2021

The ratio of placental territory discordance to birthweight discordance was calculated in monochorionic diamniotic twin placentas. We then determined whether the ratio: (1) correlated with the overall diameter of the placental superficial vascular anastomoses and (2) was different in normal monochorionic diamniotic twin (normal MCDA), twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) pregnancies. A prospective study of MCDA placentas was conducted from April 1, 2016, to April 1, 2019, including three groups, normal MCDA ( N = 49), TTTS ( N = 38), and sIUGR ( N = 52). Placentas were studied via dye injection. In the normal MCDA, sIUGR, and TTTS groups, the ratio positively correlated with the overall diameter of the placental superficial vascular anastomoses (Spearman’s = 0.295, 0.619, and 0.530; p = 0.040, <0.001, and 0.001, respectively) and gradually decreased from normal MCDA to sIUGR and to TTTS (2.88 (0.34, 64.25), 1.70 (0.27, 4.52), and 1.03 (0.12, 15.17); p < 0.001, p = 0.016/<0.001/0.005, respectively). The placental territory discordance to birthweight discordance ratio is an effective index reflecting the overall vascular anastomoses in MCDA placentas.
Exploring the Link of Psycho-social Factors and Job Environment Taking Mutual Trust as Mediator
Authors: Sharma Manoj K. , Sharma Poonam
Published: April 2021

This study aims to investigate the psycho-social factors responsible for the formation of perception about the job environment. The descriptive research design is used to carry out this study. The study’s independent variables include ‘Communication with superiors’, ‘Group or collective tasks’ and ‘Informal groups at workplace’. The study established that psycho-social factors positively affect the trust environment of the workplace. Also, mutual trust level mediates between three independent variables (psycho-social factors) and perceived job environment. The implication of this study is primarily for the management of the business process outsourcing (BPO) and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) sectors. The study highlights that an environment of trust with frequent and informal communication helps to build positivity in the minds of employees. Management can work on these fronts to improve employee retention strategies. Efforts should be made to embrace the activities, which strengthen the trust environment at the workplace.
Risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Chunyu , Liu Zhina , Bai Yanping
Published: April 2021

Objective

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to analyze the potential risk factors for CIN in patients undergoing PCI.

Methods

Patients with ACS who underwent PCI treatment from January 2017 to January 2020 were selected. The patients’ characteristics and medical information were collected and compared.

Results

A total of 1331 patients undergoing PCI were included. The incidence of CIN was 15.33%. Logistic regression analyses showed that a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% (odds ratio [OR] 4.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–7.36), serum creatinine levels ≤60 μmol/L (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.21–5.57), age ≥65 years (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.32–4.60), log N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels ≥2.5 pg/mL (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.18–5.13), uric acid levels ≥350 μmol/L (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.30), emergency percutaneous intervention (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.34–3.12), and triglyceride levels ≤1.30 mmol/L (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.01–2.27) were independent risk factors for CIN in patients who underwent PCI.

Conclusions

Early prevention is required to reduce the occurrence of CIN in patients who undergo PCI and have risk factors for CIN.
Modeling Capacity of Through Movement at Signalized Intersection Affected by Short Left-Turn Bay under Different Signal Settings
Authors: Wei Zihang , Zhang Yunlong , Guo Xiaoyu , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2021

Through movement capacity is an essential factor used to reflect intersection performance, especially for signalized intersections, where a large proportion of vehicle demand is making through movements. Generally, left-turn spillback is considered a key contributor to affect through movement capacity, and blockage to the left-turn bay is known to decrease left-turn capacity. Previous studies have focused primarily on estimating the through movement capacity under a lagging protected only left-turn (lagging POLT) signal setting, as a left-turn spillback is more likely to happen under such a condition. However, previous studies contained assumptions (e.g., omit spillback), or were dedicated to one specific signal setting. Therefore, in this study, through movement capacity models based on probabilistic modeling of spillback and blockage scenarios are established under four different signal settings (i.e., leading protected only left-turn [leading POLT], lagging left-turn, protected plus permitted left-turn, and permitted plus protected left-turn). Through microscopic simulations, the proposed models are validated, and compared with existing capacity models and the one in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). The results of the comparisons demonstrate that the proposed models achieved significant advantages over all the other models and obtained high accuracies in all signal settings. Each proposed model for a given signal setting maintains consistent accuracy across various left-turn bay lengths. The proposed models of this study have the potential to serve as useful tools, for practicing transportation engineers, when determining the appropriate length of a left-turn bay with the consideration of spillback and blockage, and the adequate cycle length with a given bay length.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology and Substance Use in an Outpatient Concurrent Disorders Sample
Authors: Patel Herry , Holshausen Katherine , Oshri Assaf , Andrews Krysta , Penta Stephanie , Raymond Holly , McKinnon Margaret , Brasch Jennifer , MacKillop James , Amlung Michael
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) present a complex and often severe clinical presentation within a concurrent disorders context. The objective of this study was to examine associations between PTSD symptoms and SUD outcomes to better understand the clinical phenomenon of comorbid PTSD and SUD. Multivariate statistical methods were used to test the hypothesis that elevated PTSD symptoms, both at the level of global severity and specific PTSD symptom clusters, are associated with greater substance use and related problems.

Methods:

Data were collected from an intake assessment battery within a specialized concurrent disorders outpatient service in Hamilton, ON. The sample comprised 326 participants (mean age = 37.19, 45.4% female). Structural equation models examined associations between PTSD and alcohol, cannabis, and substance use frequency and problems, controlling for age and sex. Alcohol was ultimately dropped from the model due to non-significant bivariate associations.

Results:

Higher global PTSD symptomatology was significantly associated with higher cannabis and other substance use frequency and related problems. Analyses using PTSD cluster scores showed higher scores for alterations in arousal were positively associated with cannabis-related problems, drug-related problems, and cannabis and other substance use frequency. Avoidance was significantly associated with cannabis frequency and cannabis-related problems. In general, effect sizes were small in magnitude, accounting for between 9% and 25% of variance.

Conclusion:

Significant cluster-level associations indicate the importance of specific PTSD symptoms (hyperarousal, avoidance) in relation to substance use when identifying therapeutic targets among individuals presenting with comorbid PTSD-SUD. This multivariate approach provides a higher resolution and potentially more clinically informative representation of the complex clinical presentation of PTSD and SUD in a concurrent disorder population and could guide the development of more effective treatment paths.
Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of the Authoritative School Climate Survey
Authors: Konold Tim R. , Edwards Kelly D. , Cornell Dewey G.
Published: April 2021

This study evaluated the longitudinal psychometric properties of the Authoritative School Climate Survey (ASCS) using a statewide sample of middle and high schools across 8 years. Multilevel confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test the longitudinal measurement invariance of three scales on the ASCS: disciplinary structure, teacher respect for students, and students’ willingness to seek help. These scales demonstrated strong factorial invariance across all time points for both middle and high schools. Results support the use of these scales in evaluating longitudinal change in school climate.
Contextual Behavioral Approaches to Understanding Body Image Threats and Coping in Youth: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Brichacek Anna L. , Murray Kristen , Neill James T. , Rieger Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Adolescence involves significant developmental changes and challenges including heightened body image concerns. However, there is limited research on adaptive ways of responding to perceived threats to body image. This study uses body image flexibility, derived from contextual behavioral perspectives, and coping theories to explore young people’s responses to body image threats. High school and university students (12 male, 15 female) aged 12 to 24 years were recruited from educational institutions in a metropolitan area of Australia. Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews identified themes related to body image threats from internal and external sources. In response to these threats, young people reported coping by changing the content of, and how they related to, perceived threats, and seeking social support. In addition, young people viewed coping as a dynamic process that changed over time and across situations. Reported processes of attending to, and allowing, momentary negative experiences and connecting with other important life domains were consistent with body image flexibility. The coping context affected the selection of coping strategies, with body image flexibility facilitating more adaptive coping for some participants. Further investigation of contextual behavioral approaches, such as body image flexibility, could help to better understand and promote adaptive body image coping in youth.
Maternal exposure to low doses of bisphenol A affects learning and memory in male rat offspring with abnormal N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in the hippocampus
Authors: Wang Chong , Shu Yao , Xu Li , Liu Qiling , Zhang Bei , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA), a component of polycarbonate and epoxy resins, has been reported to induce learning and memory deficits. However, the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Growing evidence has suggested that N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are involved in cognitive impairments. In this study, BPA was administered to female Sprague–Dawley rats (six per dose group) at concentrations of 0 (control), 4, 40, and 400 μg/kg·body weight/day from gestation day 1 through lactation day 21. Spatial learning was evaluated using the Morris water maze on postnatal day 22. Expression levels of NMDARs were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The results showed that male offspring exposed to BPA exhibited increased latency in reaching the platform and reduced time in the target quadrant, and the number of crossing the platform was less, as compared with the control group. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NMDARs in the hippocampus were significantly downregulated when compared with the control group of male offspring. The data showed that maternal exposure to BPA at low dosage can cause cognitive deficits in male rat offspring, probably due to a decrease in NMDARs in the hippocampus.
Adherence, Persistence, and Effectiveness in Real Life. Multicenter Long-Term Study on the Use of Pirfenidone and Nintedanib in the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Santoleri Fiorenzo , Auriemma Luigia , Spacone Antonella , Marinari Stefano , Esposito Fabio , De Vita Francesco , Petragnani Giovanni , Di Fabio Caterina , Di Fabio Letizia , Costantini Alberto
Published: April 2021

Background:

In the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), nintedanib and pirfenidone, with their different mechanisms of action, lead to a reduction in the rate of progression of the fibrosis process measured by the reduction of functional decline, and, in particular, the decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) and of the diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO). The objective of this study was to analyze real-life adherence, persistence and efficacy in the use of pirfenidone and nintedanib in the treatment of IPF.

Methods:

A non-interventional multicenter retrospective observational pharmacological study in real-life treat-ment at 1 and 2 years was conducted. Furthermore, we analyzed the levels of FVC and DLCO at 6 and 12 months, respectively, from the start of treatment.

Results:

We identified 144 patients in the period between January 2013 and April 2019. From the point of view of adherence, there is no difference between the two drugs, even though patients who used pirfenidone had increasingly higher values: 0.90 vs 0.89, in the first year, and 0.91 vs 0.84, in the second year. In the first year of treatment, the percentage of persistent patients was 67% and 76%, while in the second year, it dropped to 47% and 53% for pirfenidone and nintedanib, respectively.

Conclusion:

The stratification of the adherence values as a function of the response to treatment in terms of FVC at 12 months for both study drugs showed that patients with optimal response scored adherence of more than 90%.
Design and analysis of the mandrel structure for a composite S-shaped inlet
Authors: Li Hao , Jiang Junxia , Ke Yinglin
Published: April 2021

Automated fiber placement (AFP) combining with the autoclave curing process is the main manufacturing method for large-scale rotary composite parts. During the forming process, the mandrel plays an important role that affects the forming quality of the part directly. In this study, design and analysis of the mandrel structure for a composite S-shaped inlet are carried out. The preforming process of the rotary composite part using the AFP technique is introduced first. Then, design principles of the shaft are presented and applied to the shaft design for the mandrel of the S-shaped inlet, which then is transformed into an optimization problem. The internal penalty function method is adopted to solve this optimization problem in order to obtain the optimal axis position and axle diameter. Moreover, detailed structure design of the mandrel is proposed which takes the demolding into consideration, and the wall thickness is designed considering the total weight and the stiffness. The static analysis and modal analysis are also carried out by the finite element method to verify the feasibility of the proposed mandrel structure.
Estimation of required sample size for external validation of risk models for binary outcomes
Authors: Pavlou Menelaos , Qu Chen , Omar Rumana Z , Seaman Shaun R , Steyerberg Ewout W , White Ian R , Ambler Gareth
Published: April 2021

Risk-prediction models for health outcomes are used in practice as part of clinical decision-making, and it is essential that their performance be externally validated. An important aspect in the design of a validation study is choosing an adequate sample size. In this paper, we investigate the sample size requirements for validation studies with binary outcomes to estimate measures of predictive performance (C-statistic for discrimination and calibration slope and calibration in the large). We aim for sufficient precision in the estimated measures. In addition, we investigate the sample size to achieve sufficient power to detect a difference from a target value. Under normality assumptions on the distribution of the linear predictor, we obtain simple estimators for sample size calculations based on the measures above. Simulation studies show that the estimators perform well for common values of the C-statistic and outcome prevalence when the linear predictor is marginally Normal. Their performance deteriorates only slightly when the normality assumptions are violated. We also propose estimators which do not require normality assumptions but require specification of the marginal distribution of the linear predictor and require the use of numerical integration. These estimators were also seen to perform very well under marginal normality. Our sample size equations require a specified standard error (SE) and the anticipated C-statistic and outcome prevalence. The sample size requirement varies according to the prognostic strength of the model, outcome prevalence, choice of the performance measure and study objective. For example, to achieve an SE < 0.025 for the C-statistic, 60–170 events are required if the true C-statistic and outcome prevalence are between 0.64–0.85 and 0.05–0.3, respectively. For the calibration slope and calibration in the large, achieving SE < 0.15[Formula: see text]would require 40–280 and 50–100 events, respectively. Our estimators may also be used for survival outcomes when the proportion of censored observations is high.
Banking Governance Parameters Differentiated by size: Impact on Agency Cost
Authors: Baral Riyanka , Patnaik Debasis
Published: April 2021

Large banks and small banks can impact agency costs differently. The current study considers a panel data of 30 Indian banks before the merger to reveal the relationship between agency cost and board composition using panel regression models. The agency cost is reflected in three measures: Asset turnover ratio, free cash flow and leverage ratio. Board composition is sub-divided into three groups: board structure, board independence and board diversity. The finding of the study for large banks shows that former CEO, number of employee representatives on board, independent chairperson, CEO duality, bank age and size impacts agency cost. On the other hand, for small banks, results prove that bank age, employee representative on board and CEO duality significantly affects agency cost. Therefore, in the current Indian context of banking merger and governmental directives to increase lending to micro, small and medium enterprises, the focus should be shifted more on increasing managerial productivity and increasing leverage. Hence, the emphasis should not be on increasing governmental representatives on the banking board but to enhance bank governance quality and its monitoring. To this end, the current article can potentially provide valuable insights for sustainable and real economic outcomes.
Health Care and Community-Based Organization Partnerships to Address Social Needs: Medicare Advantage Plan Representatives’ Perspectives
Authors: Durfey Shayla N. M. , Gadbois Emily A. , Meyers David J. , Brazier Joan F. , Wetle Terrie , Thomas Kali S.
Published: April 2021

Payers and providers are increasingly being held accountable for the overall health of their populations and may choose to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) to address members’ social needs. This study examines the opportunities and challenges that health care entities, using Medicare Advantage (MA) plans as an example, encounter when forming these relationships. We conducted interviews with 38 representatives of 17 MA organizations, representing 65% of MA members nationally. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to understand overarching themes. Participants described qualities they look for in community partners, including an alignment of organizational missions and evidence of improved outcomes. Participants also described challenges in working with CBOs, including needing an evidence base for CBOs’ services and an absence of organizational infrastructure. Results demonstrate areas where CBOs may target their efforts to appeal to payers and providers and reveal a need for health care entities to assist CBOs in acquiring skills necessary for partnerships.
Global Neurotoxicity: Quantitative Analysis of Rat Brain Toxicity Following Exposure to Trimethyltin
Authors: Srivastava Anshul , Liachenko Serguei , Sarkar Sumit , Paule Merle , Sadovova Natalya , Hanig Joseph P.
Published: April 2021

The organotin, trimethyltin (TMT), is a highly toxic compound. In this study, silver-stained rat brain sections were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated for degeneration after systemic treatment with TMT. Degenerated neurons were counted using image analysis methods available in the HALO image analysis software. Specific brain areas including the cortex, inferior and superior colliculus, and thalamus were quantitatively analyzed. Our results indicate extensive and widespread damage to the rat brain after systemic administration of TMT. Qualitative results suggest severe TMT-induced toxicity 3 and 7 days after the administration of TMT. Trimethyltin toxicity was greatest in the hippocampus, olfactory area, cerebellum, pons, mammillary nucleus, inferior and superior colliculus, hypoglossal nucleus, thalamus, and cerebellar Purkinje cells. Quantification showed that the optic layer of the superior colliculus exhibited significantly more degeneration compared to layers above and below. The inferior colliculus showed greater degeneration in the dorsal area relative to the central area. Similarly, in cortical layers, there was greater neurodegeneration in deeper layers compared to superficial layers. Quantification of damage in various thalamic nuclei showed that the greatest degeneration occurred in midline and intralaminar nuclei. These results suggest selective neuronal network vulnerability to TMT-related toxicity in the rat brain.
‘I’m not sick!…Are you?’ Groupthink in police services as a barrier to collecting mental health data
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , Czarnuch Stephen M. , Kuzmochka Nic , Martin Krystle
Published: April 2021

Despite the high prevalence of mental disorders among Canadian police officers, treatment-seeking is lower than expected. Toward understanding how mental health services can be tailored for higher utilization by police, we aim to uncover factors that contribute to stigma and barriers to use, specifically within the context of group dynamics between officers. Nine semi-structured focus groups and one interview were conducted with civilian and non-civilian police service employees in Ontario, Canada. Data were coded to allow for themes to emerge from the transcripts. Participant voices ( n=33) revealed the presence of three characteristics of Janis’ groupthink: high group cohesion, conditions that create high stress and low self-esteem, and operating under directive leadership; each creating pressures that serve as barriers to treatment-seeking [Janis IL (1972) Victims of Groupthink: A Psychological Study of Foreign-Policy Decisions And Fiascoes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin]. Groupthink offers a potential explanation about why police, despite a high prevalence of mental disorders and access to mental health services, do not seek treatment as expected. Janis’s theory of groupthink is supported by police officer dialogue in focus groups. Understanding police group interactions can better inform prevention and treatment programs, ultimately leading to better access and use of existing mental health services, a reduction in stigma associated with treatment-seeking, and a healthier police workforce.
Building bridges: A co-creation intervention preparatory project based on female Syrian refugees’ experiences with physical activity
Authors: Simonsen Camilla Bakkær , Ryom Knud
Published: April 2021

Participation in sports and physical activities is perceived as a means of increasing well-being and foster social inclusion of refugees in their new host societies. However, researchers criticize the existing approaches in sports-related integration-programs for not taking into account the specific needs and interests of refugees. The purpose of this study was to investigate how female Syrian refugees in collaboration with the municipality and sport and exercise providers could tailor PA to female refugees’ wishes and needs. Based on community-based participatory research (CBPR), the study was inspired by a two-phase preparatory intervention model. The initial results indicated that the involved refugees had a broad understanding of PA, awareness of its beneficial effects, a desire to be physical active in a variety of ways and with others, and had experiences with PA from both Syria and Denmark (primarily related to daily routines, recreational activities, and activities with their families). Furthermore, an “expectation gap” between the sports/exercise providers and the refugees concurrently identified the need for preparing providers to work with refugees. Co-creation has demonstrated that collaboration between the refugees and local actors could prove a vital approach when utilizing PA in refugee groups.
Adherence to street code and violent victimization and delinquent offending of youth in Turkey: An analysis of mediation and moderation effects
Authors: Duru Haci , Deryol Rustu , Cam Taner
Published: April 2021

In this study, we estimated a model of youth violent victimization and delinquent offending in Turkey using the subculture of violence thesis. Specifically, we employed adherence to street code and risky lifestyle measures to understand the relationship between these factors and the odds of youth violent victimization and the incidence rate ratio of delinquent offending, controlling for social ties such as family and peer-related measures and demographics, in a sample of 2627 students from 18 schools in Bagcilar county of Istanbul, Turkey. Moreover, we also explored the mediation and moderation effects among adherence to street culture and lifestyle measures. We found that risky lifestyle corresponds with higher odds of victimization and a higher incidence rate ratio of offending. Moreover, we found that adherence to street code has direct and indirect effects on offending, but it has only an indirect effect on victimization. In other words, lifestyle measures fully mediated the effect of street culture on victimization. Finally, we also found moderation effects of adherence to street culture on the relationship between lifestyle, victimization, and delinquent offending. Implications of our findings are discussed.