bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency-domain seismic data transformation from point source to line source for 2D viscoelastic anisotropic media
Authors: Yang Qingjie , Zhou Bing , Riahi Mohamed Kamel , Al-Khaleel Mohammad
Published: December 2021

We have developed a simple yet effective transform function to convert 3D point-source seismic data to equivalent 2D line-source data, which is required when applying efficient 2D migration and full-waveform inversion to field data collected along a line. By numerically comparing the 3D and corresponding 2D Green’s tensors in various media, the phase shift approximately 45° and the offset amplitude compensation factor, as well as small fluctuations of the amplitude ratios, are observed in all nonzero components of the wave-equation solutions. Based on these observations, we derive a transform function consisting of (1) a simple filter for compensating amplitude and phase shift and (2) stretching scalars for scaling amplitude differences for different components. We use the 3D and 2D analytical wave solutions in various homogeneous media to demonstrate the accuracy of our transform function, and then apply it to a heterogeneous viscoelastic anisotropic model and a modified Marmousi model. All of these results indicate that our transform function is applicable for the conversion of point-source data to equivalent line-source data for imaging 2D subsurface structure.
Systemic Therapy Decision Making in Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Analysis of Patient-Oncologist Encounters
Authors: Wasp Garrett T. , Knutzen Kristin E. , Murray Genevra F. , Brody-Bizar Olivia C. , Liu Matthew A. , Pollak Kathryn I. , Tulsky James A. , Schenker Yael , Barnato Amber E.
Published: December 2021

PURPOSE:

We sought to characterize patient-oncologist communication and decision making about continuing or limiting systemic therapy in encounters after an initial consultation, with a particular focus on whether and how oncologists foster shared decision making (SDM).

METHODS:

We performed content analysis of outpatient oncology encounters at two US National Cancer Institute–designated cancer centers audio recorded between November 2010 and September 2014. A multidisciplinary team used a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development. We used a combination of random and purposive sampling. We restricted quantitative frequency counts to the coded random sample but included all sampled encounters in qualitative thematic analysis.

RESULTS:

Among 31 randomly sampled dyads with three encounters each, systemic therapy decision making was discussed in 90% (84 of 93) encounters. Thirty-four (37%) broached limiting therapy, which 27 (79%) framed as temporary, nine (26%) as completion of a standard regimen, and five (15%) as permanent discontinuation. Thematic analysis of these 93 encounters, plus five encounters purposively sampled for permanent discontinuation, found that (1) patients and oncologists framed continuing therapy as the default, (2) deficiencies in the SDM process (facilitating choice awareness, discussing options, and incorporating patient preferences) contributed to this default, and (3) oncologists use persuasion rather than deliberation when broaching discontinuation.

CONCLUSION:

In this study of outpatient encounters between patients with advanced cancer and their oncologists, when discussing systemic therapy, there exists a default to continue systemic therapy, and deficiencies in SDM contribute to this default.
Modeling the Metabolic Costs of Heavy Military Backpacking
Authors: LOONEY DAVID P. , LAVOIE ELIZABETH M. , VANGALA SAI V. , HOLDEN LUCAS D. , FIGUEIREDO PETER S. , FRIEDL KARL E. , FRYKMAN PETER N. , HANCOCK JASON W. , MONTAIN SCOTT J. , PRYOR J. LUKE , SANTEE WILLIAM R. , POTTER ADAM W.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Existing predictive equations underestimate the metabolic costs of heavy military load carriage. Metabolic costs are specific to each type of military equipment, and backpack loads often impose the most sustained burden on the dismounted warfighter.

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and validate an equation for estimating metabolic rates during heavy backpacking for the US Army Load Carriage Decision Aid (LCDA), an integrated software mission planning tool.

Methods

Thirty healthy, active military-age adults (3 women, 27 men; age, 25 ± 7 yr; height, 1.74 ± 0.07 m; body mass, 77 ± 15 kg) walked for 6–21 min while carrying backpacks loaded up to 66% body mass at speeds between 0.45 and 1.97 m·s−1. A new predictive model, the LCDA backpacking equation, was developed on metabolic rate data calculated from indirect calorimetry. Model estimation performance was evaluated internally by k-fold cross-validation and externally against seven historical reference data sets. We tested if the 90% confidence interval of the mean paired difference was within equivalence limits equal to 10% of the measured metabolic rate. Estimation accuracy and level of agreement were also evaluated by the bias and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), respectively.

Results

Estimates from the LCDA backpacking equation were statistically equivalent (P < 0.01) to metabolic rates measured in the current study (bias, −0.01 ± 0.62 W·kg−1; CCC, 0.965) and from the seven independent data sets (bias, −0.08 ± 0.59 W·kg−1; CCC, 0.926).

Conclusions

The newly derived LCDA backpacking equation provides close estimates of steady-state metabolic energy expenditure during heavy load carriage. These advances enable further optimization of thermal-work strain monitoring, sports nutrition, and hydration strategies.
Behavioural responses to SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing in England: REACT-2 study
Authors: Redd Rozlyn , Cooper Emily , Atchison Christina , Pereira Isabella , Hollings Polly , Cooper Tom , Millar Catriona , Ashby Deborah , Riley Steven , Darzi Ara , Barclay Wendy S. , Cooke Graham S , Elliott Paul , Donnelly Christl A. , Ward Helen
Published: December 2021

Background:  This study assesses the behavioural responses to SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results as part of the REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-2 (REACT-2) research programme, a large community-based surveillance study of antibody prevalence in England.

Methods: A follow-up survey was conducted six weeks after the SARS-CoV-2 antibody test. The follow-up survey included 4500 people with a positive result and 4039 with a negative result. Reported changes in behaviour were assessed using difference-in-differences models. A nested interview study was conducted with 40 people to explore how they thought through their behavioural decisions.

Results: While respondents reduced their protective behaviours over the six weeks, we did not find evidence that positive test results changed participant behaviour trajectories in relation to the number of contacts the respondents had, for leaving the house to go to work, or for leaving the house to socialise in a personal place. The qualitative findings supported these results. Most people did not think that they had changed their behaviours because of their test results, however they did allude to some changes in their attitudes and perceptions around risk, susceptibility, and potential severity of symptoms.

Conclusions: We found limited evidence that knowing your antibody status leads to behaviour change in the context of a research study. While this finding should not be generalised to widespread self-testing in other contexts, it is reassuring given the importance of large prevalence studies, and the practicalities of doing these at scale using self-testing with lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA).
Fast Global Convergence of Natural Policy Gradient Methods with Entropy Regularization
Authors: Cen Shicong , Cheng Chen , Chen Yuxin , Wei Yuting , Chi Yuejie
Published: December 2021

Preconditioning and Regularization Enable Faster Reinforcement Learning

Natural policy gradient (NPG) methods, in conjunction with entropy regularization to encourage exploration, are among the most popular policy optimization algorithms in contemporary reinforcement learning. Despite the empirical success, the theoretical underpinnings for NPG methods remain severely limited. In “Fast Global Convergence of Natural Policy Gradient Methods with Entropy Regularization”, Cen, Cheng, Chen, Wei, and Chi develop nonasymptotic convergence guarantees for entropy-regularized NPG methods under softmax parameterization, focusing on tabular discounted Markov decision processes. Assuming access to exact policy evaluation, the authors demonstrate that the algorithm converges linearly at an astonishing rate that is independent of the dimension of the state-action space. Moreover, the algorithm is provably stable vis-à-vis inexactness of policy evaluation. Accommodating a wide range of learning rates, this convergence result highlights the role of preconditioning and regularization in enabling fast convergence.
Hierarchical Inconsistency: A Monitoring Mechanism to Reduce Securities Fraud in Emerging Markets
Authors: Guo Yidi , Luo Xiaowei Rose , Li Danyang
Published: December 2021

Research has indicated limited effects of formal governance measures on securities fraud prevention in emerging markets due to the weak rule of law. We propose that hierarchical inconsistency, misaligned rank ordering in formal organizational and informal social hierarchies of the corporate elite, can provide a novel monitoring mechanism to reduce securities fraud. Leaders at the top of the two inconsistent hierarchies can feel distressed and motivated to engage in contestation and challenge each other’s authority, thus providing checks and balances and preventing groupthink. This monitoring effect is likely to be stronger when either of the two heads has dominant and unequivocal superiority in their respective hierarchy, making them particularly distressed by the hierarchical inconsistency and prone to contest. We test our argument in the context of publicly listed family-controlled firms in China, where business and family hierarchies may confer superiority to different individuals. Our study contributes to the corporate securities fraud literature by understanding how formal organizational structures and informal social relationships interact and jointly influence governance effectiveness in emerging markets.

Funding: This work was supported by the Strategic Management Society [2015 SRF Dissertation Research Grant], Rudolf and Valeria Maag research funds, and INSEAD alumni funds.
Peasant movement in the Donbass in March – November 1917 and its impact on the economic and internal political situation in the region
Authors:   Novomoskovsk College of the Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University, Datsenko Artem
Published: December 2021

The article studies the events in the countryside of Donbass from March to November 1917. The author reflects the peculiarities of the peasant movement in Donbass, aimed at solving the land issue in order to redistribute land and property in their favor. The events geographically described in the article cover the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions within the boundaries of 2013. The article examines the main events associated with peasant uprisings. The author emphasizes that the peasant movement took place throughout the region, but it was most developed in the poorest counties; he aimed to redistribute land in favor of land-poor and landless peasants at the expense of not only landlords, industrial enterprises, church lands, but also rich peasants. developing in most cases spontaneously, and in the conditions of spring-autumn 1917 could not be suppressed by the then power. The author concludes that the situation in the rural areas of Donbass seriously affected the food supply of cities and the army, the rise in prices for essential goods, and even the investment attractiveness of the region. The peasantry of Donbass has already resisted the policy of the Provisional Government in predominantly passive and sometimes active forms. Any political forces planning to extend their power to Donbass already had to reckon with the position of the region's peasantry.
Kissinger's „shuttle diplomacy” as an active implementation of S. Cohen's concept
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Mikhalskiy Igor , Toroptsev Bohdan ,   Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Slovenia
Published: December 2021

Foreign policy of the USA is one of the topical areas in contemporary historical and geopolitical research. The interest of scientists in this topic is due to the fact that the United States is the leader of the world community at the present stage, both in economic and geopolitical aspects. The state continues to actively develop economically and technologically, increases its military potential, actively spreads its culture all over the world, that determines its global role. The phenomenon of the world leadership of the USA, as well as the historical factors that have determined this status, are the subject of research of scientists in the historical, geopolitical, politological, sociological, cultural, and other scientific fields. A particularly topical issue in the history of the United States in the second half of the twentieth century is the concept and specificity of American „shuttle diplomacy” and its effectiveness in the foreign policy of the state. The purpose of the study is to analyze the concept of the American geographer S. Cohen, as well as the peculiarities of its implementation in the political activities of R. Nixon and H. Kissinger. It has been proved that S. Cohen's geostrategic concept played an important role in the foreign policy of the United States in the 1970s. Its principles were implemented in the policy of H. Kissinger and R. Nixon, the important results of which were the establishment of United States-China relations and the softening of relations with the Soviet Union.
Historiography of industrial monopolization in the Russian Empire in the late XIX – early XX century
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Zabudkova Olha
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the coverage in the historical literature of the problem of industry’s monopolization in the Russian Empire in the late XIX – early XX century. There are three periods in the development of the historiography have been identified. During the imperial period (late XIX – early XX century.) works were not only theoretical but also practical. Despite the fact that most of these works are descriptive and have a relatively weak source base, they laid the foundation for further study of the problem. In the second, Soviet period, there are three stages. During the first (1920s – mid-1950s) there is an evolution of approaches to the study of monopolies from pre-Soviet traditions to their understanding as one of the means of external management of the Russian Empire’s economy with foreign capital. At the next stage (mid-1950s – mid-1970s) the idea of ​​the weakness of monopoly and the dependent nature of the empire is replaced by the idea of ​​forming the highest stage of capitalism – imperialism, one of the main features of which was the domination of monopolies. During the third stage (mid-1970s – 1980s), research became complex, and the thesis of the high development of monopoly capitalism as a precondition for the socialist revolution was defended. Modern historiography, which represents the third stage, is marked by the desire of historians to objectively cover the role of monopolies, but the problems of monopolization in the Russian Empire are covered mainly in single explorations or in complex works on the history of late XIX – early XX centuries. It is concluded that the analysis of historiography of industrial monopolization’s history in the Russian Empire showed the fragmentary study of the problem, which determines the importance of its further study.
Triangular metallic ring-shaped broadband polarization-insensitive and wide-angle metamaterial absorber for visible regime
Authors: Bilal Rana Muhammad Hasan , Baqir Muhammad Abuzar , Hameed Musab , Naqvi Syed Aftab , Ali Muhammad Mahmood
Published: December 2021

The inherent bandwidth limitations make it quite challenging to achieve the wideband response of metamaterial absorbers. In this paper, a metamaterial absorber based on triangular metallic rings has been proposed to attain wideband absorption (

>

90

%

) in the wavelength span of 400–750 nm. The absorber is constituted of periodically placed unit cells, where each unit cell contains three concentric triangular chromium metal rings. The absorption of the design remains stable (above 70%) over a wide range of incidence obliquity (0°–60°) under transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarization. Further, the absorber shows polarization-insensitive behavior over different polarization states. The low-cost and thermally endurable chromium metal, wide absorption, and wide-angle stability make the proposed absorber a suitable candidate for applications like solar energy harvesting, solar detectors, solar thermal photovoltaics, and photonic devices.
Ultrawideband fractal metamaterial absorber made of nickel operating in the UV to IR spectrum
Authors: Naveed Muhammad Ashar , Bilal Rana Muhammad Hasan , Baqir Muhammad Abuzar , Bashir Muhammad Mehran , Ali Muhammad Mahmood , Rahim Arbab Abdur
Published: December 2021

Nano-structure based metamaterial absorbers have been getting enormous interest owing to their widespread applications in solar cells, thermal emitters and integrated photonic devices. This paper presents a novel and ultrathin broadband metamaterial absorber comprised of a hexagonal nano-ring shaped fractal structure. The designed fractal metamaterial absorber (FMA) is composed of a three-layer device having a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) configuration. Based on the numerical simulations, the proposed FMA manifests more than 97% absorptivity for the operating wavelength from 820 to 2520 nm. However, it shows above 80% absorption value for the entire operating wavelength from 200 to 4000 nm. To predict the angular stability of this broadband absorption device, the absorptivity was investigated under different oblique incident angles of the exciting wave by considering both transverse electric (TE)- and transverse magnetic (TM)-polarization. Further, multiple reflection theory was employed to calculate the absorption value of FMA, and it shows appreciable agreement with the simulation results. It is also anticipated that this kind of FMA has not been investigated yet with these ultrabroadband absorption characteristics. Large operating bandwidth, angular robustness, ultra-compact thickness and inclusion of low-cost and temperature-endurable nickel metal (Ni) make this nanostructure-based absorber an attractive candidate for solar photovoltaics, thermal emission, and infrared spectroscopic applications.
Tolerance of Pseudomonas strain to the 2,4-D herbicide through a peroxidase system
Authors: de Oliveira Elizangela Paz , Rovida Amanda Flávia da Silva , Martins Juliane Gabriele , Pileggi Sônia Alvim Veiga , Schemczssen-Graeff Zelinda , Pileggi Marcos
Published: December 2021

Herbicides are widely used in agricultural practices for preventing the proliferation of weeds. Upon reaching soil and water, herbicides can harm nontarget organisms, such as bacteria, which need an efficient defense mechanism to tolerate stress induced by herbicides. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a herbicide that exerts increased oxidative stress among bacterial communities. Bacterial isolates were obtained from the biofilm of tanks containing washing water from the packaging of different pesticides, including 2,4-D. The Pseudomonas sp. CMA-7.3 was selected because of its tolerance against 2,4-D toxicity, among several sensitive isolates from the biofilm collection. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidative response system of the selected strain to 2,4-D. It was analyzed the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase GPX enzymes, that are poorly known in the literature for bacterial systems. The Pseudomonas sp. CMA-7.3 presented an efficient response system in balancing the production of hydrogen peroxide, even at 25x the dose of 2,4-D used in agriculture. The antioxidative system was composed of Fe–SOD enzymes, less common than Mn–SOD in bacteria, and through the activities of KatA and KatB isoforms, working together with APX and GPX, having their activities coordinated possibly by quorum sensing molecules. The peroxide control is poorly documented for bacteria, and this work is unprecedented for Pseudomonas and 2,4-D. Not all bacteria harbor efficient response system to herbicides, therefore they could affect the diversity and functionality of microbiome in contaminated soils, thereby impacting agricultural production, environment sustainability and human health.
Understanding the usability issues in contact management of illiterate and semi-literate users
Authors: Hayat Shamaila , Rextin Aimal , Bilal Anas
Published: December 2021

The effective utilization of a communication channel like calling a person involves two steps. The first step is storing the contact information of another user, and the second step is finding contact information to initiate a voice or text communication. However, the current smartphone interfaces for contact management are mainly textual; which leaves many emergent users at a severe disadvantage in using this most basic functionality to the fullest. Previous studies indicated that less-educated users adopt various coping strategies to store and identify contacts. However, all of these studies investigated the contact management issues of these users from a qualitative angle. Although qualitative or subjective investigations are very useful, they generally need to be augmented by a quantitative investigation for a comprehensive problem understanding. This work presents an exploratory study to identify the usability issues and coping strategies in contact management by emergent users; by using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches. We identified coping strategies of the Pakistani population and the effectiveness of these strategies through a semi-structured qualitative study of 15 participants and a usability study of 9 participants, respectively. We then obtained logged data of 30 emergent and 30 traditional users, including contact-books and dual-channel (call and text messages) logs to infer a more detailed understanding; and to analyse the differences in the composition of contact-books of both user groups. The analysis of the log data confirmed problems that affect the emergent users’ communication behaviour due to the various difficulties they face in storing and searching contacts. Our findings revealed serious usability issues in current communication interfaces over smartphones. The emergent users were found to have smaller contact-books and preferred voice communication due to reading/writing difficulties. They also reported taking help from others for contact saving and text reading. The alternative contact management strategies adopted by our participants include: memorizing whole number or last few digits to recall important contacts; adding special character sequence with contact numbers for better recall; writing a contact from scratch rather than searching it in the phone-book; voice search; and use of recent call logs to redial a contact. The identified coping strategies of emergent users could aid the developers and designers to come up with solutions according to emergent users’ mental models and needs.
Sub-lethal doses of Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus and synthetic ınsecticides alter the biological parameters of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Abid Allah Dita , Zaka Syed Muhammad , Saeed Shafqat , Iqbal Naeem , Naqqash Muhammad Nadir , Shahzad Muhammad Sohail
Published: December 2021

Resistance management is very important for devising control strategies of polyphagous insect-pests likeHelicoverpa armigeraHübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Considering the importance of resistance management, demographic features of selected and unselected populations ofH.armigerawere studied in 6 different treatments viz. emamectin benzoate,Helicoverpa armigeraNucleopolyhedrosis Virus (HaNPV), emamectin benzoate+HaNPV, spinetoram, spinetoram+HaNPV and control. Higher values for fecundity, intrinsic rate, the finite rate of increase (λ) were recorded in the control of selected as compared to the rest of treatment. Similarly, higher values for these population parameters viz. oviposition days, fecundity, intrinsic rate, the finite rate of increase were calculated in the unselected control. Similarly, net reproductive rate (R0) for selected and unselected control was higher as compared to the rest of the treatments. It may happen because these kinds of selection pressures can result in decreased fitness of the test insect thus decreased fitness ofH.armigerain different treatments was observed as compared to the control. Additionally, quicker development of susceptible insects was observed because susceptible insects were growing without any stressor (xenobiotics) as compared to the rest which contributed to their faster development.
The role of OCT- angiography in predicting anatomical and functional recovery after endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery: A 1-year longitudinal study
Authors: Cennamo G. , Solari D. , Montorio D. , Scala M. R. , D’Andrea L. , Tranfa F. , Cavallo L. M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in structural spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), OCT Angiography (OCTA) parameters, and visual acuity, 1 year after endoscopic endonasal approach for the removal of an intra-suprasellar pituitary adenoma compressing optic chiasm and compare outcomes with 48 hours postoperative data.

Methods

Sixteen eyes of eight patients (4 males, 4 females, mean age 52 ± 11 years) were enrolled in this prospective study. The primary outcome was to evaluate the changes over time before and after surgery, analyzing the Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC), Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thicknesses, the retinal vessel density (VD) of Superficial Capillary Plexus (SCP), Deep Capillary Plexus (DCP), Radial Peripapillary Capillary (RPC) and the Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ). The secondary outcome was to identify potential biomarkers that could predict visual acuity changes after 1-year follow-up.

Results

When comparing SD-OCT and OCTA measurements obtained after 1 year with those observed 48 hours after surgery, GCC and RNFL were significantly improved. After a significant reduction at 48 hours, GCC thickness showed a significant increase at 1 year after surgery (p = 0.007), while a significant restoration of RNFL thickness was found at 1 year (p = 0.005), as well as the VD of SCP, DCP, and RPC values. FAZ area did not change over time. BCVA significantly improved at each time after surgery (p = 0.037, p = 0.013). A statistically significant correlation was found between the preoperative BCVA, VD of SCP, DCP, RPC, and the postoperative BCVA at 1 year (p = 0.017, p = 0.029, p = 0.031, p = 0.023).

Conclusion

SD-OCT and OCTA provide helpful information to identify the retinal structural and vascular improvements 1 year after surgery. OCTA parameters could serve as potential predictive markers for visual acuity recovery at long-term follow-up.
A scalable high-throughput targeted next-generation sequencing assay for comprehensive genomic profiling of solid tumors
Authors: Conroy Jeffrey M. , Pabla Sarabjot , Glenn Sean T. , Seager R. J. , Van Roey Erik , Gao Shuang , Burgher Blake , Andreas Jonathan , Giamo Vincent , Mallon Melissa , Lee Yong Hee , DePietro Paul , Nesline Mary , Wang Yirong , Lenzo Felicia L. , Klein Roger , Zhang Shengle
Published: December 2021

Timely and accurate identification of molecular alterations in solid tumors is essential for proper management of patients with advanced cancers. This has created a need for rapid, scalable comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) systems that detect an increasing number of therapeutically-relevant variant types and molecular signatures. In this study, we assessed the analytical performance of the TruSight Oncology 500 High-Throughput assay for detection of somatic alterations from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. In parallel, we developed supporting software and automated sample preparation systems designed to process up to 70 clinical samples in a single NovaSeq 6000TMsequencing run with a turnaround time of <7 days from specimen receipt to report. The results demonstrate that the scalable assay accurately and reproducibly detects small variants, copy number alterations, microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) from 40ng DNA, and multiple gene fusions, including known and unknown partners and splice variants from 20ng RNA. 717 tumor samples and reference materials with previously known alterations in 96 cancer-related genes were sequenced to evaluate assay performance. All variant classes were reliably detected at consistent and reportable variant allele percentages with >99% overall accuracy and precision. Our results demonstrate that the high-throughput CGP assay is a reliable method for accurate detection of molecular alterations in support of precision therapeutics in oncology. The supporting systems and scalable workflow allow for efficient interpretation and prompt reporting of hundreds of patient cancer genomes per week with excellent analytical performance.
Promoting social distancing in a pandemic: Beyond good intentions
Authors: Falco Paolo , Zaccagni Sarah
Published: December 2021

Do reminders to promote social distancing achieve the desired effects on behavior? Much of the existing literature analyses impacts on people’s intentions to comply. We run a randomised controlled trial in Denmark to test different versions of a reminder to stay home at the beginning of the crisis. Using a two-stage design, we follow up with recipients and analyse their subsequent self-reported behaviour. We find that the reminder increases ex-ante intentions to comply when it emphasises the consequences of non-compliance for the subjects themselves and their families, while it has no effect when the emphasis is on other people or the country as a whole. We also find, however, that impacts on intentions do not translate into equivalent impacts on actions. Only people in poor health react to the reminder by staying home significantly more. Our results shed light on important gaps between people’s intentions and their actions in responding to the recommendations of health authorities.
The inflammatory biomarkers profile of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and its association with patient’s outcome: A single centered study
Authors: Hachim Ibrahim Y. , Hachim Mahmood Y. , Hannawi Haifa , Naeem Kashif Bin , Salah Abdulla , Hannawi Suad
Published: December 2021

Several reports highlighted the central role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) disease. Also, the hyper-inflammatory response that is triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrom-Covid-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was believed to play an essential role in disease severity and adverse clinical course. For that reason, the classical inflammatory markers were proposed as a possible indicator for COVID-19 severity. However, an extensive analysis of the predictive value of inflammatory biomarkers in large patients’ cohorts is still limited and critically needed. In this study we investigated the predictive value of the classical inflammatory biomarkers in a patient cohort consists of 541 COVID-19 patients admitted to Al Kuwait Hospital, Dubai, UAE. A detailed analysis of the association between the essential inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics as well as clinical outcome of the patients were made. In addition, the correlation between those markers and a wide range of laboratory biomarkers and incidence of acute organs injury were investigated. Our results showed a significant elevation of many inflammatory markers including white cell count (WBC) count, neutrophils count, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-Dimer, ferritin, procalcitonin (PCT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in patients with more severe illness. Also, our results highlighted that higher levels of those markers can predict worse patient outcome including the need of ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, multiple organs dysfunction as well as death. In addition, Our results showed that the presence of lymphopenia and lower absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at the time of admission were associated with severe to critical COVID-19 illness (P<0.0001), presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (P<0.0001) and the need for ventilation and ICU admission., Moreover, our results showed a strong association between lower ALC count and multiple organs dysfunction and patient’s death (P<0.0001). In conclusion, our results highlighted the possible use of classical inflammatory biomarkers at time of admission as a potential predictive marker for more severe clinical course in COVID-19 patients that might need more aggressive therapeutic approach including the need of ventilators and ICU admission. The presence of such predictive markers might improve patient’s stratification and help in the direction of the available resources to patients in need, which in turn help in improving our response to the disease pandemic.
Mentalized affectivity in a nutshell: Validation of the Italian version of the Brief-Mentalized Affectivity Scale (B-MAS)
Authors: Liotti Marianna , Spitoni Grazia Fernanda , Lingiardi Vittorio , Marchetti Antonella , Speranza Anna Maria , Valle Annalisa , Jurist Elliot , Giovanardi Guido
Published: December 2021

The term “mentalized affectivity” describes the ability to reflect on, process, modulate and express emotions through the prism of autobiographical memory. It represents a bridge concept that integrates previous contributions on emotion regulation and mentalization, offering a quite unique perspective on affective and reflective functioning. The overall aim of this study was to validate the Brief-Mentalized Affectivity Scale (B-MAS), a 12-items self-report instrument, on the Italian population. We tested both the factorial validity of the instrument and its reliability and convergent validity with other similar constructs. We also obtained normative data for the Italian population, broken down by gender. Participants (n = 389) were recruited through snowball sampling. Data was collected through an online survey. Besides the Brief-Mentalized Affectivity Scale, the survey included an ad hoc schedule with questions investigating socio-demographic characteristics, and self-report measures of empathy and reflective functioning. Statistical analysis has shown a three-component (Identifying, Processing, and Expressing emotions) hierarchical structure underlying mentalized affectivity, mirroring the model already proposed in the original validation of the instrument. Moreover, the B-MAS showed good psychometric properties for what regards both reliability and convergent validity. The results of our study highlight the good operationalization and robust empirical foundation of the construct, revealing that the B-MAS is a promising instrument to assess mentalized affectivity. Its brevity makes it particularly valuable both in clinical and research contexts, and the normative data provided in this study will allow an easy comparison with the scores obtained by other samples (clinical and non-clinical).
A specific structure and high richness characterize intestinal microbiota of HIV-exposed seronegative individuals
Authors: Lopera Tulio J. , Lujan Jorge A. , Zurek Eduardo , Zapata Wildeman , Hernandez Juan C. , Toro Miguel A. , Alzate Juan F. , Taborda Natalia A. , Rugeles Maria T. , Aguilar-Jimenez Wbeimar
Published: December 2021

Intestinal microbiota facilitates food breakdown for energy metabolism and influences the immune response, maintaining mucosal homeostasis. Overall, HIV infection is associated with intestinal dysbiosis and immune activation, which has been related to seroconversion in HIV-exposed individuals. However, it is unclear whether microbiota dysbiosis is the cause or the effect of immune alterations and disease progression or if it could modulate the risk of acquiring the HIV infection. We characterize the intestinal microbiota and determine its association with immune regulation in HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN), HIV-infected progressors (HIV+), and healthy control (HC) subjects. For this, feces and blood were collected. The microbiota composition of HESN showed a significantly higher alpha (p = 0.040) and beta diversity (p = 0.006) compared to HC, but no differences were found compared to HIV+. A lower Treg percentage was observed in HESN (1.77%) than HC (2.98%) and HIV+ (4.02%), with enrichment of the genus Butyrivibrio (p = 0.029) being characteristic of this profile. Moreover, we found that Megasphaera (p = 0.017) and Victivallis (p = 0.0029) also are enriched in the microbiota composition in HESN compared to HC and HIV+ subjects. Interestingly, an increase in Succinivibrio and Prevotella, and a reduction in Bacteroides genus, which is typical of HIV-infected individuals, were observed in both HESN and HIV+, compared to HC. Thus, HESNs have a microbiota profile, similar to that observed in HIV+, most likely because HESN are cohabiting with their HIV+ partners.
Role of tissue factor in delayed bone repair induced by diabetic state in mice
Authors: Ehara Hiroki , Tatsumi Kohei , Takafuji Yoshimasa , Kawao Naoyuki , Ishida Masayoshi , Okada Kiyotaka , Mackman Nigel , Kaji Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

Background

Tissue factor (TF) is the primary activator of the extrinsic coagulation protease cascade. Although TF plays roles in various pathological states, such as thrombosis, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and atherosclerosis, its involvement in bone metabolism remains unknown.

Materials and methods

The present study examined the roles of TF in delayed bone repair induced by a diabetic state in mice using wild-type (WT) and low TF-expressing (LTF) male mice. A diabetic state was induced by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ).

Results

A prolonged diabetic state significantly reduced total and trabecular bone mineral densities (BMD) as well as cortical bone thickness in WT and LTF mice; these BMD parameters were similar between WT and LTF mice treated with or without STZ. The diabetic state induced in WT mice delayed the repair of the femur following injury. The diabetic state induced in LTF mice was associated with further delays in bone repair. In in vitro experiments, TF significantly decreased receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclast formation and osteoclastogenic gene expression in RAW264.7 cells. However, it did not affect the gene expression levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osterix as well as alkaline phosphatase activity in mouse primary osteoblasts.

Conclusion

Low TF state was associated with enhanced bone repair delay induced by diabetic state in mice. The TF-induced suppression of bone remodeling may be a contributing factor to the protective effects of TF against delayed bone repair in a diabetic state.
Treatment, recurrence rates and follow-up of Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor (TGCT) of the foot and ankle—A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Siegel M. , Bode L. , Südkamp N. , Kühle J. , Zwingmann J. , Schmal H. , Herget G. W.
Published: December 2021

Background

The tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a usually benign lesion which arises from the synovium. It affects joints, tendon sheaths and bursae. The clinical course is often unpredictable, and local recurrences frequently occur. The aim of this study was to describe different treatment options, surgical complications, and to develop a follow-up regime based on a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of foot and ankle lesions.

Methods and results

1284 studies published between 01/1966 and 06/2021 were identified. 25 met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 382 patients. Of these, 212 patients had a diffuse (dTGCT) and 170 a localized (lTGCT) TGCT. Patients with a dTGCT had a mean age of 36.6±8.2 years, and 55% were female. The overall complication rate was 24% in dTGCT, irrespective of the therapeutic procedure; the mean follow-up was 37.9±27.4 months with a recurrence rate of 21%, and recurrences occurred between 3 and 144 months, the vast majority (86%) within the first 5 years following intervention. Patients with a lTGCT had a mean age of 31.2±5.7 years, and 53% were female. Complications occurred in 12%. The mean follow-up was 51.1±24.6 months, the recurrence rate was 7%, and recurrence occurred between 1 and 244 months after intervention.

Conclusion

Diffuse TGCTs of the foot and ankle region have a remarkable recurrence rate irrespective of therapeutic procedures, and most lesions reoccurred within 5, with more than half of these in the first 2 years. The lTGCTs are well treatable lesions, with a low recurrence and a moderate complication rate. Based on these findings, we propose a follow-up regime for the dTGCT including a clinical survey and MR imaging 3 months after surgical intervention (baseline), followed by twice-yearly intervals for the first 2 years, yearly intervals up to the fifth year, and further individual follow-up due to the fact that recurrences can even occur for years later. For the lTGCT a clinical survey and MRT is proposed after 3–6 months after intervention (baseline), followed by annual clinical examination for 3 years, and in case of symptoms MR-imaging. Larger prospective multi-center studies are necessary to confirm these results and recommendations.
ThinPrep cytology combined with HPV detection in the diagnosis of cervical lesions in 1622 patients
Authors: Husaiyin Sulaiya , Jiao Zhen , Yimamu Kailibinuer , Maisaidi Reyilanmu , Han Lili , Niyazi Mayinuer
Published: December 2021

The timely detection of precancerous lesions and early intervention can greatly reduce cervical cancer occurrence. The current study aimed to assess the diagnostic value and accuracy of different methods of cervical lesion screening. A total of 1622 females who visited the Outpatient Department of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region People’s Hospital between January and December 2018 were consecutively enrolled. All participants underwent separate high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) DNA detection, ThinPrep cytology testing (TCT) and colposcopic biopsy. Their medical records were retrospectively analyzed. While considering biopsy outcomes as the gold standard, the diagnostic values of TCT, HR-HPV testing, and TCT+HR-HPV testing for cervical cancer screening were compared. The sensitivity, specificity and Youden index of each method were calculated. Among the different methods, TCT+HR-HPV testing had the highest sensitivity (89.8%), followed by TCT (79.9%) and HR-HPV testing (49.2%). The combined method also had the highest Youden value, and its screening outcomes exhibited the highest consistency with those of biopsy. In addition, the combined method had the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which was 0.673 (0.647, 0.699), compared with any other screening method. Compared with TCT or HR-HPV testing alone, TCT+HR-HPV testing serves as a better screening method for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions.
Low frequency weak electric fields can induce structural changes in water
Authors: Rad Iman , Stahlberg Rainer , Kung Kurt , Pollack Gerald H.
Published: December 2021

Low frequency electric fields were exposed to various water samples using platinum electrodes mounted near the water surface. Responses were monitored using a spectro-radiometer and a contact-angle goniometer. Treatment of DI (deionized), EZ (Exclusion Zone), and bulk water with certain electromagnetic frequencies resulted in a drop of radiance persisting for at least half an hour. Compared to DI water, however, samples of EZ and bulk water showed lesser radiance drop. Contact-angle goniometric results confirmed that when treated with alternating electric fields (E = 600 ± 150 V/m, f = 7.8 and 1000 Hz), droplets of EZ and bulk water acquired different charges. The applied electric field interacted with EZ water only when electrodes were installed above the chamber, but not beneath. Further, when DI water interacted with an electric field applied from above (E = 600 ± 150 V/m, f = 75 Hz), its radiance profile became similar to that of EZ water. Putting these last two findings together, one can say that application of an electric field on DI water from above (E = 600 ± 150 V/m, f = 7.8 to 75 Hz) may induce a molecular ordering in DI water similar to that of EZ water.
Effect of homophily and correlation of beliefs on COVID-19 and general infectious disease outbreaks
Authors: Kadelka Claus , McCombs Audrey
Published: December 2021

Contact between people with similar opinions and characteristics occurs at a higher rate than among other people, a phenomenon known as homophily. The presence of clusters of unvaccinated people has been associated with increased incidence of infectious disease outbreaks despite high population-wide vaccination rates. The epidemiological consequences of homophily regarding other beliefs as well as correlations among beliefs or circumstances are poorly understood, however. Here, we use a simple compartmental disease model as well as a more complex COVID-19 model to study how homophily and correlation of beliefs and circumstances in a social interaction network affect the probability of disease outbreak and COVID-19-related mortality. We find that the current social context, characterized by the presence of homophily and correlations between who vaccinates, who engages in risk reduction, and individual risk status, corresponds to a situation with substantially worse disease burden than in the absence of heterogeneities. In the presence of an effective vaccine, the effects of homophily and correlation of beliefs and circumstances become stronger. Further, the optimal vaccination strategy depends on the degree of homophily regarding vaccination status as well as the relative level of risk mitigation high- and low-risk individuals practice. The developed methods are broadly applicable to any investigation in which node attributes in a graph might reasonably be expected to cluster or exhibit correlations.
Membangun Kawasan Timur Indonesia Melalui Kerja Sama Ekonomi Subregional: Segitiga Pertumbuhan Timor Leste, Indonesia, dan Australia
Authors:   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Raharjo Sandy Nur Ikfal , Rahman Agus Rubianto ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Luhulima CPF ,   University Of Indonesia, Dewi Rosita ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Kartini Indriana ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Irewati Awani ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Pudjiastuti Tri Nuke ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences
Published: December 2021

Indonesia memiliki kepentingan untuk mewujudkan konektivitas I lintas batas yang tidak hanya berfokus pada pembangunan infrastruktur fisik, tetapi juga konektivitas kelembagaan dan antarmasyarakat. Sebagai negara yang sedang mempercepat pembangunan, Indonesia masih dihadapkan pada masalah ketimpangan antara kawasan Indonesia bagian barat dan bagian timur, kawasan timur Indonesia hanya memberikan kontribusi sebesar 20% terhadap produk domestik bruto, sementara 80% sisanya disumbang oleh kawasan barat Indonesia. Salah satu wadah yang dapat digunakan dalam pembangunan konektivitas lintas batas di kawasan timur Indonesia adalah kerja sama ekonomi subregional Timor Leste-Indonesia-Austalia Growth Triangle (TIA-GT). Dalam konteks regional, kerja sama ini diakui berpotensi mengatasi kesenjangan konektivitas di wilayah Asia Tenggara. Buku ini selain menghadirkan sebuah analisis yang mendalam mengenai beragam capaian yang telah diraih dari kerja sama TIA-GT selama ini, juga memperlihatkan pengaruh dan peran TIA-GT dalam membangun konektivitas lintas batas Indonesia. Dengan hadirnya buku ini, diharapkan dapat menjadi referensi bagi pemerintah yang memiliki kepentingan besar untuk menciptakan akselerasi pembangunan demi kesejahteraan masyarakat, khususnya di bagian timur Indonesia