bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summer Camp: Enhancing Empathy Through Positive Behavior and Social and Emotional Learning
Authors: Carpio de los Pinos Carmen , Soto Antonio Gobea , Martín Conty José Luis , Serrano Rosa Conty
Published: June 2020

Background:

Summer camp is proposed as a context to enhance prosocial behavior. This context could be used to apply intervention programs, in addition to being a time of fun and conviviality. A camp-based intervention program to increase empathy was administered for adolescents at risk.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to apply and evaluate a positive behavior and social and emotional learning (SEL) intervention on empathy.

Methodology/Approach:

This exploratory study was carried out with pre–post quantitative design, based on a single-group intervention, with 113 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Change in empathy was measured by means of a standardized test and participant observation. We used evidence-based interventions, drawing on the principles of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and SEL approach.

Findings/Conclusions:

An intervention in positive behavior and SEL was useful in improving empathy in at-risk adolescents. The enhancement was noticeable in both cognitive and emotional empathy, more specifically in the constructs of perspective taking and empathic concern.

Implications:

Summer camps might be considered an appropriate setting for interventions with at-risk adolescents.
Generating a Vocabulary of Mourning: Supporting Families Through the Process of Grief
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: June 2020

While grief and loss are common and universal life transitions, the language and customs of grieving differ based on the intersection of family practice and spiritual/religious affiliation. One aspect of cultural awareness and sensitivity to differing mourning processes may be the counselor’s awareness of meaningful verbiage and practice. This literature-based article will introduce family counselors to the differing nomenclature and practices of bereavement and offer implications for culturally relevant and sensitive counseling practice to support the family members’ mourning processes ( n = 80).
Thyroid-Like Follicular Carcinoma of the Kidney With Oncocytic Cells: A Case Report and Review of Metastatic and Non-metastatic Tumors
Authors: Agrawal Vinita , Neyaz Zafar , Kapoor Rakesh
Published: June 2020

Thyroid-like follicular carcinoma of kidney (TLFCK) is a morphological subtype of renal cell carcinoma, which is included as an emerging/provisional entity in the classification of renal tumors, with only about 40 cases reported in literature. It has a distinct histological appearance and immunohistochemical profile as compared with other renal cell cancers. However, these tumors, while appearing distinctive, have not been characterized fully either morphologically or by ancillary techniques. The reported cases show variable demographical and clinical features. Most are indolent, while some present with metastasis. The histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of a case of TLFCK with clusters of oncocytic cells and pseudosarcomatous stroma are presented. Follow-up of 5 years was uneventful. A review of literature to analyze features in metastatic as compared with non-metastatic TLFCK is discussed. We report a patient of TLFCK and compare the clinicopathological features of metastatic and non-metastatic tumors.
Online Journalism Teaching and Learning Processes Beyond the Classroom and the University: Experiences in International Virtual Collaboration on Multimedia Projects
Authors: Larrondo Ureta Ainara , Peña Fernández Simón , Fernandes Teixeira Juliana
Published: June 2020

The current media need for employees capable of producing multiplatform content and thriving in collaborative environments. This has made digital journalism one of the fields considered to have the greatest potential today for promoting professional, research, and teaching innovation. In fact, online journalism has played a major role in the renovation of communications curricula over the past two decades. This article examines a case study on a teaching innovation project in online journalism based on the Internationalization at Home (IaH) transversal perspective. It can be considered as the first project examining this perspective in the journalism-teaching field. The examined project was carried out by teachers and researchers of five Ibero-American universities with the aim that virtual international students of the five universities collaborated for the production of multimedia in-depth news reports. The article thus analyses the teaching innovation experience and discusses it in terms of advantages and disadvantages.
Zimbabwean Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Causes of and Solutions to Gender-Based Violence in Their Community: Findings From a Focus Group
Authors: Waterman Emily A. , Edwards Katie M. , Makoni Evans Irvine , Siller Laura , Murphy Sharon B. , Wagman Jennifer A.
Published: June 2020

Gender-based violence (GBV) rates are high in Zimbabwe. Looking toward a partnership to prevent GBV in the Victoria Falls region, which lacks GBV prevention initiatives, the current study’s aim was to learn about stakeholders’ perceptions of GBV causes and their ideas for GBV prevention, and to gauge potential community reactions to GBV prevention. Focus group participants emphasized lack of women’s empowerment, alcohol, violence normalization, and tourism as GBV causes, and ideas for prevention included school-based curricular, social marketing campaigns, involving men in prevention, and home visiting programs. Consistent with community-based models, participants emphasized involving all community stakeholders in prevention.
The Effects of Polymer Coating of Gold Nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage
Authors: Sen Gamze Tilbe , Ozkemahli Gizem , Shahbazi Reza , Erkekoglu Pınar , Ulubayram Kezban , Kocer-Gumusel Belma
Published: June 2020

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely used in many biological and biomedical applications. In this regard, their surface modification is of paramount importance in order to increase their cellular uptake, delivery capability, and optimize their distribution inside the body. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of AuNPs on cytotoxicity, oxidant/antioxidant parameters, and DNA damage in HepG2 cells and investigate the potential toxic effects of different surface modifications such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyethyleneimine (PEI; molecular weights of 2,000 (low molecular weight [LMW]) and 25,000 (high molecular weight [HMW]). The study groups were determined as AuNPs, PEG-coated AuNPs (AuNPs/PEG), low-molecular weight polyethyleneimine-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/PEI LMW), and high-molecular weight polyethyleneimine-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/PEI HMW). After incubating HepG2 cells with different concentrations of nanoparticles for 24 hours, half maximal inhibitory concentrations (the concentration that kills 50% of the cells) were determined as 166.77, 257.73, and 198.44 µg/mL for AuNPs, AuNPs/PEG, and AuNPs/PEI LMW groups, respectively. Later, inhibitory concentration 30 (IC30, the concentration that kills 30% of the cells) doses were calculated, and further experiments were performed on cells that were exposed to IC30 doses. Although intracellular reactive oxygen species levels significantly increased in all nanoparticles, AuNPs as well as AuNPs/PEG did not cause any changes in oxidant/antioxidant parameters. However, AuNPs/PEI HMW particularly induced oxidative stress as evidence of alterations in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. These results suggest that at IC30 doses, AuNPs do not affect oxidative stress and DNA damage significantly. Polyethylene glycol coating does not have an impact on toxicity, however PEI coating (particularly HMW) can induce oxidative stress.
Catheter-related obstruction of the right brachiocephalic vein following hemodialysis in a patient with lupus nephritis
Authors: Shindo Mitsutoshi , Oguchi Kenichi , Kimikawa Chihiro , Ito Kiyonori , Morino Jyunki , Minato Saori , Miyazawa Haruhisa , Hirai Keiji , Ookawara Susumu , Morishita Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2020

Vascular access is necessary for hemodialysis, and in some cases where it is difficult to establish an arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft, a permanent hemodialysis catheter may be used. However, serious catheter-related complications, such as central vein stenosis or thrombosis, can occur. We herein present a case of complete brachiocephalic vein obstruction in a patient with lupus nephritis receiving hemodialysis using a tunneled hemodialysis catheter. A 64-year-old patient underwent maintenance hemodialysis while taking an anticoagulant, with a tunneled hemodialysis catheter in the right internal jugular vein, because of arteriovenous fistula failure when hemodialysis was introduced. However, the catheter was removed because of a catheter-related bloodstream infection. Following the administration of antibiotics, an arteriovenous graft was implanted between the brachial artery and axillary vein in the right arm. Surprisingly, arteriovenous graft failure and complete obstruction of the right brachiocephalic vein were observed 3 days after arteriovenous graft creation. In conclusion, we report the case of tunneled hemodialysis catheter-related complete obstruction of the right brachiocephalic vein in a lupus nephritis patient undergoing hemodialysis. Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication when tunneled hemodialysis catheters are used and consider the next vascular access type before a tunneled hemodialysis catheter has been indwelled for the long term.
Policing and social media: A mixed-method investigation of social media use by a small-town police department
Authors: Boateng Francis D , Chenane Joselyne
Published: June 2020

In recent times, police departments across all social contexts have undergone tremendous changes, and a major catalyst of these changes has been the emergence of social media. This technological innovation has provided departments with a platform to communicate effectively and share information with the public. Social media have impacted policing and transformed the way the police do their job. The current analysis focused on understanding social media usage by small college-town police departments. Twitter and interview data were collected from the Oxford Police Department and were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively to achieve the study’s objective. Results of these analyses revealed six main types of information that the department shared with the public on Twitter. Recommendations for improving the police’s use of social media are offered.
Issue stance and perceived journalistic motives explain divergent audience perceptions of fake news
Authors: Tsang Stephanie Jean
Published: June 2020

Issue stances have always been an important factor in audiences’ news processing, and this study found that audiences’ attributions of motives to journalists can also affect news evaluations, particularly regarding whether a story is fake news. By exposing participants in Hong Kong to a news post (N = 215) via an online experiment, the findings suggest participants with opposing issue stances on the extradition bill controversy are likely to perceive the exact same new story as inaccurate and fake to significantly different degrees, consistent with the line of hostile media perceptions research. More notably, the phenomenon can be explained by the motives participants attribute to journalists. Among bill supporters, perceiving the journalists to be advocating mediates the relationship between perceived news inaccuracy and news fakeness; whereas perceiving journalists to be defending the authorities mediates the same relationship among bill opponents. Overall, the importance of motive attributions should not be ignored in journalism studies.
Filtration efficiency and pressure drop modelling of particulate filters with rear plug damage
Authors: Haralampous Onoufrios , Mastrokalos Marios , Tzorbatzoglou Fotini , Dritselis Chris
Published: June 2020

A model suitable for wall-flow particulate filters with partial rear plug damage is developed and experimentally validated in this work. A ceramic filter with 16% of the rear plugs mechanically removed is tested at steady-state conditions on the engine bench and transient driving cycle conditions on the chassis dynamometer. After decanning of the monolith, destructive analysis is conducted to identify deposit loading variations and scanning electron microscopy is used to study the deposit structures in the channels. It is shown that channels without rear plugs develop distinct deposit structures in the entry zone. Hence, a local pressure loss coefficient is applied to model the effect of entrance flow constrictions, taking also into account deposit restructuring phenomena at higher flow rates. In addition, a deep-bed filtration submodel is used to capture the effect of non-uniform wall velocities on deposit accumulation in the wall. The modified model is first fitted to the engine bench data and then validated in a wider range of conditions using the driving cycle tests. With the exception of prolonged steady-state loading conditions, good pressure drop and filtration efficiency predictions are obtained throughout the tests in conjunction with correct deposit property profiles. Notably, the cold-start worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle shows that the current European on-board diagnosis threshold limit for particulate mass is too relaxed to trigger a malfunction indication for moderate filter faults. In conclusion, the model can be applied in damaged particulate filter studies for the assessment of leaked particulate mass, the specification of more effective legislation limits and the development of rigorous on-board diagnosis systems and algorithms.
Post-processing algorithms for distributed optical fiber sensing in structural health monitoring applications
Authors: Bado Mattia Francesco , Casas Joan Ramon , Gómez Judit
Published: June 2020

Distributed optical fiber sensors are measuring tools whose potential related to the civil engineering field has been discovered in the latest years only (reduced dimensions, easy installation process, lower installation costs, elevated reading accuracy, and distributed monitoring). Yet, what appears clear from numerous in situ distributed optical fiber sensors monitoring campaigns (bridges and historical structures among others) and laboratory confined experiments is that optical fiber sensors monitorings have a tendency of including in their outputs a certain amount of anomalistic readings (out of scale and unreliable measurements). These can be both punctual in nature and spread over all the monitoring duration. Their presence strongly affects the results both altering the data in its affected sections and distorting the overall trend of the strain evolution profiles, thus the importance of detecting, eliminating, and substituting them with correct values. Being this issue intrinsic in the raw output data of the monitoring tool itself, its only solution is computer-aided post-processing of the strain data. This article discusses different simple algorithms for getting rid of such disruptive anomalies using two methods previously used in the literature and a novel polynomial-based one with different levels of sophistication and accuracy. The viability and performance of each are tested on two study case scenarios: an experimental laboratory test on two reinforced concrete tensile elements and an in situ tunnel monitoring campaign. The outcome of such analysis will provide the reader with both clear indications on how to purge a distributed optical fiber sensors-extracted data set of all anomalies and on which is the best-suited method according to their needs. This marriage of computer technology and cutting edge structural health monitoring tool not only elevates the distributed optical fiber sensors viability but also provides civil and infrastructures engineers a reliable tool to perform previously unreachable levels of accuracy and extension monitoring coverage.
How State Responses to Economic Crisis Shape Income Inequality and Financial Well-Being
Authors: Franko William W.
Published: June 2020

This study examines how state government responses to economic crisis, in the form of unexpected changes in state fiscal policy, influence income inequality. State governments are vital actors in times of fiscal stress as nearly every state must make difficult policy decisions related to taxes and spending to address budget deficits, both of which are policies that shape the income gap. Focusing on periods of fiscal stress is important for the study of state inequality as those with fewer resources are the most likely to experience the consequences of their state’s fiscal response during these times. Using time-series cross-sectional data, this research demonstrates that income inequality increases when states respond to economic crisis by relying on unexpected spending cuts. These effects tend to persist even after initial economic downturns. In addition, one individual-level implication of the aggregate relationship between state policy responses and inequality—that people will be worse off financially when their states emphasize budget cuts in response to economic decline—is assessed using several post–Great Recession surveys. The findings have implications for the future of inequality in the United States and provide potential paths for state fiscal reform.
A review on integration of lightweight gradient lattice structures in additive manufacturing parts
Authors: Seharing Asliah , Azman Abdul Hadi , Abdullah Shahrum
Published: June 2020

This review analyses the design, mechanical behaviors, manufacturability, and application of gradient lattice structures manufactured via metallic additive manufacturing technology. By varying the design parameters such as cell size, strut length, and strut diameter of the unit cells in lattice structures, a gradient property is obtained to achieve different levels of functionalities and optimize strength-to-weight ratio characteristics. Gradient lattice structures offer variable densification and porosities; and can combine more than one type of unit cells with different topologies which results in different performances in mechanical behavior layer-by-layer compared to non-gradient lattice structures. Additive manufacturing techniques are capable of manufacturing complex lightweight parts such as uniform and gradient lattice structures and hence offer design freedom for engineers. Despite these advantages, additive manufacturing has its own unique drawbacks in manufacturing lattice structures. The rules and strategies in overcoming the constraints are discussed and recommendations for future work were proposed.
Nonlinear robust wheel slip rate tracking control for autonomous vehicle with actuator dynamics
Authors: Zhang Jiaxu , Zhou Shiying , Zhao Jian
Published: June 2020

This article presents a novel nonlinear robust wheel slip rate tracking control strategy for autonomous vehicle with actuator dynamics. First, a simple yet effective wheel slip rate dynamic model with the lumped uncertainty is established as the basis of the nonlinear robust wheel slip rate tracking control strategy design. Second, a nonlinear robust wheel slip rate tracking control law with lumped uncertainty observer is derived via the Lyapunov-based method. The lumped uncertainty observer is used to estimate and compensate the lumped uncertainty of the system by combining the radial basis function neural network with the adaptive laws for the unknown optimal weight vector of the radial basis function neural network. Then, a novel tracking differentiator is designed to calculate the derivative of the desired wheel slip rate, which is an essential aspect of the proposed nonlinear robust wheel slip rate tracking control law. Finally, the performance of the proposed control strategy is verified based on straight line braking maneuvers with three typical signals.
Smoke recognition network based on dynamic characteristics
Authors: Wang Dahan , Luo Sheng , Zhao Li , Pan Xiaoming , Wang Muchou , Zhu Shunzhi
Published: June 2020

Fire is a fierce disaster, and smoke is the early signal of fire. Since such features as chrominance, texture, and shape of smoke are very special, a lot of methods based on these features have been developed. But these static characteristics vary widely, so there are some exceptions leading to low detection accuracy. On the other side, the motion of smoke is much more discriminating than the aforementioned features, so a time-domain neural network is proposed to extract its dynamic characteristics. This smoke recognition network has these advantages:(1) extract the spatiotemporal with the 3D filters which work on dynamic and static characteristics synchronously; (2) high accuracy, 87.31% samples being classified rightly, which is the state of the art even in a chaotic environments, and the fuzzy objects for other methods, such as haze, fog, and climbing cars, are distinguished distinctly; (3) high sensitiveness, smoke being detected averagely at the 23rd frame, which is also the state of the art, which is meaningful to alarm early fire as soon as possible; and (4) it is not been based on any hypothesis, which guarantee the method compatible. Finally, a new metric, the difference between the first frame in which smoke is detected and the first frame in which smoke happens, is proposed to compare the algorithms sensitivity in videos. The experiments confirm that the dynamic characteristics are more discriminating than the aforementioned static characteristics, and smoke recognition network is a good tool to extract compound feature.
Design and control of a novel magnetic resonance imaging-compatible breast intervention robot
Authors: Lu Mingyue , Zhang Yongde , Du Haiyan
Published: June 2020

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent cancers and a major cause of cancer death in women. In this article, the design and control of a novel magnetic resonance imaging-compatible breast intervention robot are proposed. The dimensions and tolerance of the robot system are considered, and a novel pitching mechanism is designed to achieve a dexterous operation in the limited space. The magnetic resonance imaging compatibility of the robot materials is tested. The nonmagnetic structure and compact Cartesian mechanism of the robot allow it to operate safely in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. According to the robot’s structure, a kinematics analysis based on a coupled motions model is established. The workspace simulation analysis of the robot proves that it is suitable for the whole breast surgery. To control the needle insertion tasks, the overall control system in the form of “personal computer (PC) + single-chip micyoco (SCM)” is designed. Finally, the motion control experiment is carried out, and the robot positioning error is 0.37 mm, which proves that the breast intervention robot and its control system designed in this article can meet the requirements of breast intervention.
Advances in immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: a review
Authors: Golshani Gol , Zhang Yue
Published: June 2020

Immunotherapy is a new and exciting modality of cancer treatments. Its role in gastrointestinal malignancies has been promising, especially in advanced disease. Although various therapies are available for treatment of advanced colorectal cancer, survival rates for these patients remain very poor. The application of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer has shown remarkable results for a subset of patients with mismatch-repair-deficient mutations or microsatellite instability in their tumors. This literature review evaluates the current role of immunotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer, potential challenges clinicians face with immunotherapy-based regimens, and the possible future approach of combined modality immunotherapy.
Bony increased-offset reverse shoulder arthroplasty: A meta-analysis of the available evidence
Authors: Dimock Richard , Fathi Elabd Mohamed , Imam Mohamed , Middleton Mark , Godenèche Arnaud , Ali Narvani A
Published: June 2020

Background

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has revolutionized the management of many shoulder pathologies. Lateralization has become favourable to combat complications (e.g. notching, compromised external rotation), using a metallic, or autogenous bone-graft baseplates – bony increased-offset reverse shoulder arthroplasty (BIO-RSA). We systematically reviewed the literature to determine: Does BIO-RSA improve range of motion and outcome scores? Are notching rates decreased? Does the graft heal?

Methods

All available prospective studies, trials and case series reporting on BIO-RSA were included. Outcomes were grouped into outcome scores, range of motion and radiographic outcomes. Data were pooled and statistical analysis performed.

Results

Eight studies reported on 385 RSA – 235 BIO-RSA and 150 standard-RSA (STD-RSA). Follow-up was 20–36 months; average age 74 years. Outcome scores: Constant-Murley and SSV scores showed statistically significant post-operative benefit of BIO-RSA (mean-difference 4.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79,7.1) and 6.8 (95% CI: 3.8, 9.9)). No Minimal Clinically Importance Difference was surpassed. Range of motion: No difference was found in any direction. Notching: Notching was less likely with BIO-RSA (odds ratio 0.19 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.38)). Healing and loosening: 92% grafts fully healed/incorporated. Loosening rate was 2.4%.

Conclusions

Literature on BIO-RSA is limited with only one randomised controlled trial (RCT). Weak evidence exists for improved outcome scores. Range of motion is equivocal. Notching rates are significantly lower in BIO-RSA. The graft usually heals.
Induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of different risk locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Li-Ting , Liang Yu-Jing , Guo Shan-Shan , Mo Hao-Yuan , Guo Ling , Wen Yue-Feng , Xie Hao-Jun , Tang Qing-Nan , Sun Xue-Song , Liu Sai-Lan , Li Xiao-Yun , Yang Jin-Hao , Yang Zhen-Chong , Tang Lin-Quan , Chen Qiu-Yan , Mai Hai-Qiang
Published: June 2020

Background:

This study aimed to investigate the efficiency and toxicities of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by radiotherapy (RT) in different risk locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods:

A total of 1814 eligible patients with stage II–IVB disease treated with CCRT or IC plus RT were included. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the differences were compared using the log-rank test.

Results:

Nomograms were developed to predict OS, PFS and DMFS (C-index: 0.71, 0.70 and 0.71, respectively). Patients were then divided into three different risk groups based on the scores calculated by the nomogram for OS. In the low and intermediate-risk group, no significant survival differences were observed between patients treated with IC plus RT alone and CCRT (5-year OS, 97.3% versus 95.6%, p = 0.642 and 87.6% versus 89.7%, p = 0.381, respectively; PFS, 95.9% versus 95.6%, p = 0.325 and 87.6% versus 89.0%, p = 0.160, respectively; DMFS, 97.2% versus 94.8%, p = 0.339 and 87.2% versus 89.3%, p = 0.628, respectively). However, in the high-risk group, IC plus RT displayed an unfavorable 5-year OS (71.0% versus 77.2%, p = 0.022) and PFS (69.4.0% versus 75.4%, p = 0.019) compared with CCRT. A significantly higher incidence of grade 3 and 4 adverse events was documented in patients treated with CCRT than in those treated with IC plus RT in all risk groups ( p = 0.040).

Conclusion:

IC followed by RT represents an alternative treatment strategy to CCRT for patients with low and intermediate-risk NPC, but it is not recommended for patients with high-risk NPC.
PET-adapted approaches to primary therapy for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Lang Noemie , Crump Michael
Published: June 2020

Recent results of randomized phase III studies of FDG-PET-adapted therapy for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have clearly demonstrated benefit to alteration of treatment according to interim response, in particular regarding reducing toxicity while maintaining efficacy. However, these studies have differences in design including initial chemotherapy regimen, PET response criteria, patient populations enrolled, and inclusion of radiation, and report different results regarding efficacy and toxicities, which makes cross-trial comparisons difficult. Practitioners are presented with deciding which of these approaches will provide the optimum outcome, balancing toxicity and efficacy, and for which patient with advanced-stage HL. This review summarizes the observations reported from these trials and provides context to help guide physicians and patients in treatment decisions for advanced HL.
Personalized therapy in pediatric high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Karol Seth E. , Pui Ching-Hon
Published: June 2020

Although cure rates for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have now risen to more than 90%, subsets of patients with high-risk features continue to experience high rates of treatment failure and relapse. Recent work in minimal residual disease stratification and leukemia genomics have increased the ability to identify and classify these high-risk patients. In this review, we discuss this work to identify and classify patients with high-risk ALL. Novel therapeutics, which may have the potential to improve outcomes for these patients, are also discussed.
A multimodal assessment framework for higher education
Authors: Ross Jen , Curwood Jen Scott , Bell Amani
Published: June 2020

Higher education institutions increasingly expect students to work effectively and critically with multiple modes, semiotic resources and digital tools. However, assessment practices are often insufficient to capture how multimodal artefacts represent disciplinary knowledge in complex ways. This study explores and theorises the design and assessment of students’ digitally mediated multimodal work, and it offers insight into how to effectively communicate expectations and evaluate student learning in a digital age. We propose a framework for multimodal assessment that takes account of criticality, creativity, the holistic nature of these assignments and the importance of valuing multimodality.
A COVID-19 panacea in digital technologies? Challenges for democracy and higher education
Authors: Burns Ryan
Published: June 2020

Universities have transitioned to online education in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. This transition mobilizes the technological utopian imaginary that digital technologies can rescue populations from the disease. It also raises the risk of deepening neoliberal educational reforms and, by extension, poses a threat to democracy itself. This commentary explores this risk and suggests ways to resist the resulting neoliberalization of education that it could entail.
Survival and liveability in #COVIDtimes: Queer women’s transnational witnessing of COVID-19
Authors: Browne Kath , Banerjea Niharika , Bakshi Leela
Published: June 2020

Exploring liveabilities as more than survival, this commentary underscores how survival remains important in these #COVIDtimes. Discussing our privileges and resistances as queer women with various intersectionalities, we offer transnational notes on negotiating, surviving, and living in these non-normative times.
Susceptibility to ischaemic heart disease: Focusing on genetic variants for ATP-sensitive potassium channel beyond traditional risk factors
Authors: Severino Paolo , D’Amato Andrea , Netti Lucrezia , Pucci Mariateresa , Mariani Marco V , Cimino Sara , Birtolo Lucia I , Infusino Fabio , De Orchi Paolo , Palmirotta Raffaele , Lovero Domenica , Silvestris Franco , Caputo Viviana , Pizzuti Antonio , Miraldi Fabio , Maestrini Viviana , Mancone Massimo , Fedele Francesco
Published: June 2020

Aims

Ischaemic heart disease is classically associated with coronary artery disease. Recent evidences showed the correlation between coronary microvascular dysfunction and ischaemic heart disease, even independently of coronary artery disease. Ion channels represent the final effectors of blood flow regulation mechanisms and their genetic variants, in particular of Kir6.2 subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP), are reported to be involved in ischaemic heart disease susceptibility. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of KATP channel and its genetic variants in patients with ischaemic heart disease and evaluate whether differences exist between coronary artery disease and coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 603 consecutive patients with indication for coronary angiography due to suspected myocardial ischaemia were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups: coronary artery disease (G1), coronary microvascular dysfunction (G2) and normal coronary arteries (G3). Analysis of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs5215, rs5216, rs5218 and rs5219) of the KCNJ11 gene encoding for Kir6.2 subunit of the KATP channel was performed.

Results

rs5215 A/A and G/A were significantly more represented in G1, while rs5215 G/G was significantly more represented in G3, rs5216 G/G and C/C were both more represented in G3, rs5218 C/C was more represented in G1 and rs5219 G/A was more represented in G1, while rs5219 G/G was significantly more represented in G2. At multivariate analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism rs5215_G/G seems to represent an ischaemic heart disease independent protective factor.

Conclusions

These results suggest the potential role of KATP genetic variants in ischaemic heart disease susceptibility, as an independent protective factor. They may lead to a future perspective for gene therapy against ischaemic heart disease.
Clinical correlates and outcome of the patterns of premature ventricular beats in Olympic athletes: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Pelliccia Antonio , De Martino Lorena , Borrazzo Cristian , Serdoz Andrea , Lemme Erika , Zorzi Alessandro , Corrado Domenico
Published: June 2020

Background

The pattern of premature ventricular beats, as a clue to site of origin, may help identify underlying cardiac diseases.

Aim

To assess the value of premature ventricular beat patterns in managing athletes with ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods

Athletes with 50 or more isolated premature ventricular beats/24 hours, and/or multifocal and/or repetitive premature ventricular beats at baseline, and/or exercise, and/or 24-hour electrocardiograms were selected for this analysis. Premature ventricular beats were defined as ‘common’ (outflow tract or fascicular origin), or ‘uncommon’ (other morphologies and/or multifocal or repetitive).

Results

From 4595 athletes consecutively examined, 205 (4%, 24.6 ± 6.9 years, 67% men) were included, 118 (58%) with uncommon and 87 (42%) with common premature ventricular beats. In particular, 81 (39%) showed complex patterns; 63 (31%) right/left ventricular outflow tract origin; 24 (12%) fascicular origin; 20 (10%) right bundle branch block pattern, intermediate/superior axis, wide QRS; and 17 (8%) left bundle branch block pattern, intermediate/superior axis. Uncommon premature ventricular beat patterns were predominant among men (62% vs. 38%; P < 0.001) but not among women. Uncommon premature ventricular beats were equally prevalent in endurance, mixed and skill disciplines, but lower in power sports. Cardiac diseases were detected in 11 (5%), 10 with uncommon patterns. Over a 6-year follow-up, cardiac diseases occurred in four (0.6%/year), all with uncommon patterns. Overall, cardiac diseases at baseline and during follow-up were detected in 14/118 athletes with uncommon versus one/87 with common premature ventricular beats (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Evaluation of premature ventricular beat patterns in Olympic athletes identified cardiac diseases, requiring disqualification and/or follow-up, in 12% with uncommon versus 1% with common patterns. This result suggests that athletes with uncommon premature ventricular beat patterns should undergo comprehensive cardiac evaluation and/or serial follow-up, irrespective of gender or sporting discipline.
Complete spinal cord injury following computed tomography–guided biopsy of the thoracic spine: A case report
Authors: Kesler Kyle , Shamrock Alan , Hendrickson Nathan , Igram Cassim
Published: June 2020

Computed tomography–guided spine biopsy is a routine procedure in diagnosing vertebral infection or tumor. Following a thoracic intervertebral disc biopsy for presumed osteodiscitis, a patient immediately presented with flaccid paralysis and loss of temperature and pinprick sensation below biopsy level, followed rapidly by complete sensation loss. There was no evidence of direct injury during the biopsy, and emergent post-biopsy magnetic resonance imaging revealed no cord signal abnormality or compression. Later magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated corresponding-level cord edema, presumed secondary to transient cord ischemia during the procedures. Despite frequent utility, authors recommend caution in utilization of computed tomography–guided spine biopsy.
Cops, Firefighters, and Scapegoats: Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Professionals in an Era of Regulatory Bulimia
Authors: Eren Colleen P.
Published: June 2020

U.S. criminologists have overlooked the phenomenon of the expansion of the AML (anti-money laundering) industry. This article contributes to the literature on AML professionals in major US banks and their occupational culture through semi-structured interviews with 22 senior AML specialists. It investigates their understanding of their ambiguous role at the intersection of regulation, law enforcement and profit-making, and their perception of what effectiveness and success within their role means given competing objectives. Also probed are the interviewees' value-orientations and location amid political, economic and regulatory/legal changes and employment pressures.
Verbal Behaviors of Instrumental Music Teachers in Secondary Classrooms: A Review of Literature
Authors: Warnet Victoria
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this article was to review and synthesize research literature on the verbal behaviors of secondary school band and orchestra teachers in their classrooms. A comprehensive search of four journal indices was conducted, which resulted in 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria and were therefore included in this review. A wide range of results were found with regard to teacher talk. A comparison of rates of teacher talk suggests that teachers used more verbal instruction when working with younger and more inexperienced ensembles. Additionally, novice teachers used more teacher talk than experienced teachers. Effective teachers gave more specific feedback and had a greater percentage of completed rehearsal frames. However, teachers varied in the amount of positive and negative feedback they gave. Vocal modeling and questioning seem to be areas of verbal instruction that were underused by teachers of all experience levels in previous research.
Two-stage nonlinear site amplification modeling for Japan with VS30 and fundamental frequency dependency
Authors: Kwak Dong Youp , Seyhan Emel
Published: June 2020

We describe a two-stage nonlinear site amplification model that considers both the sediment depth and the fundamental frequency of the soil. Adopting a non-reference site approach, empirical site amplification ratios for 1591 Kyoshin and Kiban Kyoshin network sites are developed. This process involves analyzing 92,025 surface ground motion recordings from 305 earthquakes between 1997 and 2012. The model is developed in two stages: first, we regress the total empirical site effects in terms of VS30; second, we fit a functional form to the residuals from the first stage using the fundamental period of the site. We validate the model through residual analyses and statistical methods. This study shows that the peak soil period increases with the equivalent shear strain ( Iγ), while the peak amplitude decreases with Iγ. The first-stage site term reduces the error at mid-to-long period ranges (>0.1 s) by 0.11 from the error of the initial site term without any constraints. The second-stage site term reduces the error further as 0.06. Finally, we discuss the model limitations and the applicability range of the predictor variables.
Household adjustment to seismicity in Oklahoma
Authors: Greer Alex , Wu Hao-Che , Murphy Haley
Published: June 2020

Earthquakes have manifested as a slow-onset hazard for the state of Oklahoma. While this shaking is resulting in considerable damage, we know little about how residents understand or are adjusting to this new hazard. To explore this issue, we deployed a survey in two Oklahoma communities with varying levels of earthquake exposure and experience to better understand the adjustments, such as purchasing earthquake insurance or installing earthquake latches, residents are intending to undertake within these communities. In line with the protection motivation theory, we found that hazard adjustment intentions were related to both threat appraisals (TAs), or an individual’s perceived probability of a hazard occurring and severity of a given threat, and coping appraisals (CAs), which captures the perceived efficacy and cost of an adjustment, with variations between the two sites. We also found that CAs had more explanatory power for adjustments than TAs.
Preclinical efficacy of humanized, non–FcγR-binding anti-CD3 antibodies in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Tran Quang Christine , Zaniboni Benedetta , Humeau Romain , Lengliné Etienne , Dourthe Marie Emilie , Ganesan Rajkumar , Singh Sanjaya , Scheer Justin M. , Asnafi Vahid , Ghysdael Jacques
Published: June 2020

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy that accounts for ∼20% of ALL cases. Intensive chemotherapy regimens result in cure rates >85% in children and <50% in adults, warranting a search of novel therapeutic strategies. Although immune-based therapies have tremendously improved the treatment of B-ALL and other B-cell malignancies, they are not yet available for T-ALL. We report here that humanized, non–Fcγ receptor (FcγR)–binding monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to CD3 have antileukemic properties in xenograft (PDX) models of CD3+ T-ALL, resulting in prolonged host survival. We also report that these antibodies cooperate with chemotherapy to enhance antileukemic effects and host survival. Because these antibodies show only minor, manageable adverse effects in humans, they offer a new therapeutic option for the treatment of T-ALL. Our results also show that the antileukemic properties of anti-CD3 mAbs are largely independent of FcγR-mediated pathways in T-ALL PDXs.
HLA-B Leader and Survivorship after HLA-Mismatched Unrelated Donor Transplantation
Authors: Petersdorf Effie W , Stevenson Philip , Bengtsson Mats , De Santis Dianne , Dubois Valerie , Gooley Ted , Horowitz Mary M , Hsu Katharine C. , Madrigal Alejandro J , Malkki Mari , McKallor Caroline , Morishima Yasuo , Oudshoorn Machteld , Spellman Stephen , Villard Jean , Carrington Mary
Published: June 2020

Hematopoietic-cell transplantation (HCT) from HLA-mismatched unrelated donors can cure life-threatening blood disorders but its success is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). HLA-B leaders encode methionine (M) or threonine (T) at position 2 and give rise to TT, MT or MM genotypes. The dimorphic HLA-B leader informs GVHD risk in HLA-B-mismatched HCT. If the leader influences outcome in other HLA-mismatched transplant settings, the success of HCT could be improved for future patients. We determined leader genotypes for 11872 patients transplanted between 1988 and 2016 from unrelated donors with one HLA-A -B,-C,-DRB1 or -DQB1 mismatch. Multivariate regression methods were used to evaluate risks associated with patient leader genotype according to the mismatched HLA locus and with HLA-A,-B,-C,-DRB1 or -DQB1 mismatching according to patient leader genotype. The impact of the patient leader genotype on acute GVHD and mortality varied across different mismatched HLA loci. Non-relapse mortality was higher among HLA-DQB1-mismatched MM patients compared to HLA-DQB1-mismatched TT patients (hazard ratio 1.35; P = .01). Grades III-IV GVHD risk was higher among HLA-DRB1-mismatched MM or MT patients compared to HLA-DRB1-mismatched TT patients (odds ratio 2.52 and 1.51, respectively). Patients tolerated a single HLA-DQB1 mismatch better than mismatches at other loci. Outcome after HLA-mismatched transplantation depends on the HLA-B leader dimorphism and the mismatched HLA locus. The patient's leader variant provides new information on the limits of HLA mismatching. The success of HLA-mismatched unrelated transplantation might be enhanced through the judicious selection of mismatched donors for a patient's given leader genotype.
Endometrial stromal sarcoma presented as endometrial polyp: a rare case
Authors: Angelos Daniilidis , Anastasios Liberis , Dimosthenis Miliaras , Roxani Dampali , Alexis Papanikolaou , Konstantinos Dinas
Published: June 2020

Endometrial stromal sarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal tumors, occurring in the age group of 45–55 years. We report a case of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma in a 39-year-old woman, whose ultrasound examination suggested a large endometrial polyp. Polypectomy followed by laparoscopic total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The final histological examination showed no residual disease, implying that the tumor was totally resected during hysteroscopy. This case report highlights that endometrial stromal sarcoma is to be included in the differential diagnosis of endometrial polyp though rare.
Diversity of endogenous avian leukosis virus subgroup E (ALVE) insertions in indigenous chickens
Authors: Mason Andrew S. , Miedzinska Katarzyna , Kebede Adebabay , Bamidele Oladeji , Al-Jumaili Ahmed S. , Dessie Tadelle , Hanotte Olivier , Smith Jacqueline
Published: June 2020

Background

Avian leukosis virus subgroup E (ALVE) insertions are endogenous retroviruses (ERV) that are restricted to the domestic chicken and its wild progenitor. In commercial chickens, ALVE are known to have a detrimental effect on productivity and provide a source for recombination with exogenous retroviruses. The wider diversity of ALVE in non-commercial chickens and the role of these elements in ERV-derived immunity (EDI) are yet to be investigated.

Results

In total, 974 different ALVE were identified from 407 chickens sampled from village populations in Ethiopia, Iraq, and Nigeria, using the recently developed obsERVer bioinformatics identification pipeline. Eighty-eight percent of all identified ALVE were novel, bringing the known number of ALVE integrations to more than 1300 across all analysed chickens. ALVE content was highly lineage-specific and populations generally exhibited a large diversity of ALVE at low frequencies, which is typical for ERV involved in EDI. A significantly larger number of ALVE was found within or near coding regions than expected by chance, although a relative depletion of ALVE was observed within coding regions, which likely reflects selection against deleterious integrations. These effects were less pronounced than in previous analyses of chickens from commercial lines.

Conclusions

Identification of more than 850 novel ALVE has trebled the known diversity of these retroviral elements. This work provides the basis for future studies to fully quantify the role of ALVE in immunity against exogenous ALV, and development of programmes to improve the productivity and welfare of chickens in developing economies.