bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of functional disability and behavioural risk factors with social participation of older adults: a cross-sectional analysis from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Raina Parminder , Ali Muhammad Usman , Joshi Divya , Gilsing Anne , Mayhew Alexandra , Thompson Mary , Griffith Lauren E
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To examine: (1) the associations of functional disability and behavioural risk factors with social participation; and (2) whether the association between functional disability and social participation is modified by co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Setting

A national stratified sample of 51 388 individuals living in the 10 Canadian provinces at the time of baseline data collection (2011–2015).

Participants

Participants included men and women aged 45–85 years and residing in the communities in the 10 Canadian provinces.

Outcome measures

Social participation was assessed using frequency of participant involvement in eight different social activities in the past 12 months. Responses for each category were converted into number of days per month. Total social participation score (range: 0–180) was based on summing frequencies over all eight activities representing number of social activities per month.

Results

Functional disability was associated with participating in fewer social activities (difference in mean total social participation score, b=−1.1, 95% CI −1.5 to –0.7). In comparison to no behavioural risk factors, presence of any one (b=−2.7, 95% CI −3.1 to –2.3), any two (b=−4.6, 95% CI −5.0 to –4.2), any three (b=−6.3, 95% CI −6.8 to –5.9) and all four (b=−7.8, 95% CI −9.0 to –6.6) behavioural risk factors was associated with lower social participation. The association between functional disability and social participation was modified by the presence of behavioural risk factors with the lowest social participation observed for adults with disability and all four behavioural risk factors (b=−4.3, 95% CI −7.5 to –1.2).

Conclusions

Individuals with functional disabilities and behavioural risk factors are more likely to experience restrictions in social participation. Public health interventions that encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours may help mitigate the impact of functional disabilities on social participation in the ageing population.
Effect of physical exercise cessation on strength, functional, metabolic and structural outcomes in older adults: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Buendía-Romero Ángel , Vetrovsky Tomas , Estévez-López Fernando , Courel-Ibáñez Javier
Published: January 2022

Introduction

There is not a doubt that tailored exercise is an effective non-pharmacological approach for preventing, mitigating and even reversing ageing-related alterations. However, older adults are likely to experience prolonged periods of inactivity and training cessation periods as a consequence of falls or hospitalisation. Although recent evidence supports that exercise could have a protective effect and help in recovering, there is to date a lack of consensus about what kind of physical exercise prescription and training duration would produce better outcomes after training cessation periods. The current study will determine the effects that available exercise prescriptions produced in older adults in preserving physical conditioning following inactivity periods.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in three databases, namely PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, from inception to 1 February 2021. Only randomised controlled trials written in English or Spanish will be eligible. No year of publication restriction will be applied. Eligible studies will contain information on population (older adults over 60 years old), intervention (inactivity period, exercise programme their duration), comparator (treatment as usual or waiting list) and outcomes (strength, functional capacity, metabolic health and skeletal muscle structure). Two independent reviewers will (1) search, screen and select studies, (2) extract data about their main characteristics and (3) evaluate their methodological and reporting quality. When disagreements emerge, the reviewers will discuss to reach a consensus. We plan to conduct meta-analysis to quantitatively synthesise the effects under study.

Ethics and dissemination

As systematic reviews use publicly available data, no formal ethical review and approval are needed. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal(s) and presented at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021235092.
Characteristics and management of adolescents attending the ED with fever: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Borensztajn Dorine , Hagedoorn Nienke N , Carrol Enitan , von Both Ulrich , Dewez Juan Emmanuel , Emonts Marieke , van der Flier Michiel , de Groot Ronald , Herberg Jethro , Kohlmaier Benno , Levin Michael , Lim Emma , Maconochie Ian , Martinon Torres Federico , Nijman Ruud , Pokorn Marko , Rivero-Calle Irene , Tsolia Maria , Vermont Clementien , Zavadska Dace , Zenz Werner , Zachariasse Joany , Moll Henriette A
Published: January 2022

Objective

Most studies on febrile children have focused on infants and young children with serious bacterial infection (SBI). Although population studies have described an increased risk of sepsis in adolescents, little is known about febrile adolescents attending the emergency department (ED). We aimed to describe patient characteristics and management of febrile adolescents attending the ED.

Design and setting

The MOFICHE/PERFORM study (Management and Outcome of Febrile Children in Europe/Personalised Risk assessment in Febrile illness to Optimise Real-life Management across the European Union), a prospective multicentre study, took place at 12 European EDs. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were performed, comparing febrile adolescents (12–18 years) with younger children in terms of patient characteristics, markers of disease severity (vital signs, clinical alarming signs), management (diagnostic tests, therapy, admission) and diagnosis (focus, viral/bacterial infection).

Results

37 420 encounters were included, of which 2577 (6.9%) were adolescents. Adolescents were more often triaged as highly urgent (38.9% vs 34.5%) and described as ill appearing (23.1% vs 15.6%) than younger children. Increased work of breathing and a non-blanching rash were present less often in adolescents, while neurological signs were present more often (1% vs 0%). C reactive protein tests were performed more frequently in adolescents and were more often abnormal (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 1.9). Adolescents were more often diagnosed with SBI (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.0) and sepsis/meningitis (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.0) and were more frequently admitted (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4) and treated with intravenous antibiotics (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.0).

Conclusions

Although younger children presented to the ED more frequently, adolescents were more often diagnosed with SBI and sepsis/meningitis. Our data emphasise the importance of awareness of severe infections in adolescents.
Randomised trial estimating length of endotracheal tube insertion using gestational age or nasal-tragus length in newborns: a study protocol
Authors: Razak Abdul , Faden Maheer , Alghamdi Jameel , Binmanee Abdulaziz , Alonazi Abdullah Hawash , Hamdoun Anas , Almugaiteeb Saud , Patel Waseemoddin , Katar Hamdi , Lora Fabian , Alismail Abdullah , Lavery Adrian , Hamama Ibrahim , Alsaleem Noura , Alshaikh Manal , Alrasheed Lama , Aldibasi Omar
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion depth estimation is important for optimal placement of ETT tip and balanced ventilation of the lungs. Various methods are available to determine the ETT insertion depth. The Neonatal Resuscitation Programme recommends the gestational age and nasal-tragus length (NTL) methods for estimating ETT insertion depth during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, the prospective data comparing these two methods is lacking.

Methods and analysis

This is an open-label multi-centre randomised controlled trial, where gestational age and NTL methods will be used to determine the initial ETT insertion depth in term and preterm infants that are less than 28 days old, requiring oral intubation in the delivery room or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Sites and sample size

The trial is aimed to recruit 454 infants over 3 years across tertiary level NICUs.

Outcomes

The primary outcome includes an optimally positioned ETT, defined as an ETT tip between the upper border of the first thoracic vertebra and the lower border of the second thoracic vertebra. The outcome is assessed by a paediatric radiologist, who will be masked to the group assignment. Secondary outcomes are malpositioned ETT tips, pneumothorax, ETT repositioning, chronic lung disease, invasive ventilation days, and death.

Analysis

Data will be analysed using the intention-to-treat principle. The primary and categorical secondary outcomes will be compared using the χ2 test. Adjusted risk ratios of outcomes will be calculated along with 95% CIs through multivariable logistic regression analysis, including covariates deemed biologically to influence the outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the PNU Research Ethics Board (20-0148) and the respective ethical review boards of the participating centres. The results will be disseminated through conference meetings, social media platforms, and publications in scientific journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04393337.
Sacrifice and solidarity: a qualitative study of family experiences of death and bereavement in critical care settings during the pandemic
Authors: Dennis Brittany , Vanstone Meredith , Swinton Marilyn , Brandt Vegas Daniel , Dionne Joanna C , Cheung Andrew , Clarke France J , Hoad Neala , Boyle Anne , Huynh Jessica , Toledo Feli , Soth Mark , Neville Thanh H , Fiest Kirsten , Cook Deborah J
Published: January 2022

Background

Pandemic-related restrictions are expected to continue to shape end-of-life care and impact the experiences of dying hospitalised patients and their families.

Objective

To understand families’ experiences of loss and bereavement during and after the death of their loved one amidst the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Setting

Three acute care units in a Canadian tertiary care hospital.

Participants

Family members of 28 hospitalised patients who died from March–July 2020.

Main outcome measures

Qualitative semistructured interviews conducted 6–16 months after patient death inquired about family experiences before and beyond the death of their loved one and garnered suggestions to improve end-of-life care.

Results

Pandemic restrictions had consequences for families of dying hospitalised patients. Most family members described an attitude of acquiescence, some framing their experience as a sacrifice made for the public good. Families appreciated how clinicians engendered trust in the name of social solidarity while trying to mitigate the negative impact of family separation. However, fears about the patient’s experience of isolation and changes to postmortem rituals also created despair and contributed to long-lasting grief.

Conclusion

Profound loss and enduring grief were described by family members whose final connections to their loved one were constrained by pandemic circumstances. Families observed solidarity among clinical staff and experienced a sense of unity with staff, which alleviated some distress. Their suggestions to improve end-of-life care given pandemic restrictions included frequent, flexible communication, exceptions for family presence when safe, and targeted efforts to connect patients whose isolation is intensified by functional impairment or limited technological access.

Trial registration number

NCT04602520; Results.
Oral water-soluble contrast for malignant bowel obstruction: open label pilot study
Authors: Wan Bahrum Wan Fadzrul Izuan Bin , Hardy Janet , Foster Karyn , Good Phillip
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common, challenging condition in advanced cancer. Oral water-soluble contrast medium (Gastrografin) has been used in the management of MBO without quality studies of its effectiveness and safety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and adverse effects of Gastrografin in patients with MBO and to assess feasibility of the study protocol.

Methods

A prospective, interventional, single-arm, open label study of Gastrografin across two centres. Patients with unresolved inoperable MBO after 24 hours of conservative medical management were given a single dose of 100 mL of oral Gastrografin.

Results

Over 33 months, 69 individual patients were screened. Of the 20 recruited, 17 completed study assessments (85%). MBO resolved in 10 of 17 patients (59%). Gastrografin passed through to the rectum in 14 patients (78%). The most common adverse effects were diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.

Conclusions

Patient recruitment took longer than anticipated, but the study protocol is feasible. Gastrografin was found to be a relatively effective option for the treatment of MBO. An adeqautely powered randomised controlled trial is needed to formally assess the efficacy and safety of Gastrografin© in MBO.
Early dietitian referral in lung cancer: use of machine learning
Authors: Chung Michael , Phillips Iain , Allan Lindsey , Westran Naomi , Hug Adele , Evans Philip M
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The Dietetic Assessment and Intervention in Lung Cancer (DAIL) study was an observational cohort study. It triaged the need for dietetic input in patients with lung cancer, using questionnaires with 137 responses. This substudy tested if machine learning could predict need to see a dietitian (NTSD) using 5 or 10 measures.

Methods

76 cases from DAIL were included (Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust; RSH: 56, Frimley Park Hospital; FPH 20). Univariate analysis was used to find the strongest correlates with NTSD and ‘critical need to see a dietitian’ CNTSD. Those with a Spearman correlation above ±0.4 were selected to train a support vector machine (SVM) to predict NTSD and CNTSD. The 10 and 5 best correlates were evaluated.

Results

18 and 13 measures had a correlation above ±0.4 for NTSD and CNTSD, respectively, producing SVMs with 3% and 7% misclassification error. 10 measures yielded errors of 7% (NTSD) and 9% (CNTSD). 5 measures yielded between 7% and 11% errors. SVM trained on the RSH data and tested on the FPH data resulted in errors of 20%.

Conclusions

Machine learning can predict NTSD producing misclassification errors <10%. With further work, this methodology allows integrated early referral to a dietitian independently of a healthcare professional.
Late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency mimicking a focal opercular syndrome
Authors: Donlon Eoghan , McGettigan Jamie , Gaffney Christine , Ahmad Marzuki Wan , Boers Peter , Treacy Eileen , Chaila Elijah
Published: January 2022

A previously healthy 27-year-old man was brought to hospital after been found late at night confused, agitated and talking incoherently. He represented 12 days later with focal seizures, progressing to anarthria and encephalopathy. MR scan of brain showed diffuse cerebral oedema and his plasma ammonia was >2000 µmol/L (12–55 µmol/L). He developed refractory status epilepticus and subsequently died. Genetic analysis identified an ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) gene mutation on the X chromosome. We discuss this atypical presentation of OTC deficiency as a rare but treatable cause of hyperammonaemic encephalopathy.
Spatial analysis of tobacco outlet density on secondhand smoke exposure and asthma health among children in Baltimore City
Authors: Kaviany Parisa , Senter James Paul , Collaco Joseph Michael , Corrigan Anne E , Brigham Emily , Wood Megan , Woo Han , Liu Chen , Koehl Rachelle , Galiatsatos Panagis , Koehler Kirsten , Hansel Nadia , McCormack Meredith
Published: January 2022

Rationale

Tobacco outlets are concentrated in low-income neighbourhoods; higher tobacco outlet density is associated with increased smoking prevalence. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure has significant detrimental effects on childhood asthma. We hypothesised there was an association between higher tobacco outlet density, indoor air pollution and worse childhood asthma.

Methods

Baseline data from a home intervention study of 139 children (8–17 years) with asthma in Baltimore City included residential air nicotine monitoring, paired with serum cotinine and asthma control assessment. Participant addresses and tobacco outlets were geocoded and mapped. Multivariable regression modelling was used to describe the relationships between tobacco outlet density, SHS exposure and asthma control.

Results

Within a 500 m radius of each participant home, there were on average six tobacco outlets. Each additional tobacco outlet in a 500 m radius was associated with a 12% increase in air nicotine (p<0.01) and an 8% increase in serum cotinine (p=0.01). For every 10-fold increase in air nicotine levels, there was a 0.25-point increase in Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ATAQ) score (p=0.01), and for every 10-fold increase in serum cotinine levels, there was a 0.54-point increase in ATAQ score (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Increased tobacco outlet density is associated with higher levels of bedroom air nicotine and serum cotinine. Increasing levels of SHS exposure (air nicotine and serum cotinine) are associated with less controlled childhood asthma. In Baltimore City, the health of children with asthma is adversely impacted in neighbourhoods where tobacco outlets are concentrated. The implications of our findings can inform community-level interventions to address these health disparities.
Harm reduction for smokers with little to no quit interest: can tobacco policies encourage switching to e-cigarettes?
Authors: Buckell John , Fucito Lisa M , Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra , O'Malley Stephanie , Sindelar Jody L
Published: January 2022

Objective

A pressing tobacco policy concern is how to help smokers who have little interest in quitting cigarettes, a group that often suffers severe health consequences. By switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, they could obtain nicotine, potentially with less harm. We examined if policy-relevant attributes of cigarettes/e-cigarettes might encourage these smokers to switch to e-cigarettes.

Methods

An online survey and discrete choice experiment on a nationally-representative sample of adult smokers in the US who reported low interest in quitting (n=2000). We modelled preference heterogeneity using a latent class, latent variable model. We simulated policies that could encourage switching to e-cigarettes.

Results

Participants formed two latent classes: (1) those with very strong preferences for their own cigarettes; and (2) those whose choices were more responsive to policies. The latter group’s choices were only somewhat responsive to menthol cigarette bans and taxes; the former group’s choices were unresponsive.

Conclusions

The policies studied seem unlikely to encourage harm reduction for individuals with little interest in quitting smoking.
Singlet channel scattering in a composite Higgs model on the lattice
Authors: Drach Vincent , Fritzsch Patrick , Rago Antonio , Romero-López Fernando
Published: January 2022

We present the first calculation of the scattering amplitude in the singlet channel beyond QCD. The calculation is performed in SU(2) gauge theory with $$N_f=2$$

N
f

=
2

fundamental Dirac fermions and based on a finite-volume scattering formalism. The theory exhibits a $$SU(4) \rightarrow Sp(4)$$

S
U
(
4
)
→
S
p
(
4
)

chiral symmetry breaking pattern that is used to design minimal composite Higgs models currently tested at the LHC. Our results show that, for the range of underlying fermion mass considered, the lowest flavour singlet state is stable.
DYNAMIC UTILITY AND RELATED NONLINEAR SPDES DRIVEN BY LÉVY NOISE
Authors: MATOUSSI ANIS , MRAD MOHAMED
Published: January 2022

In this work, we study a class of consistent dynamic utilities in a incomplete financial market including jumps. First, we show that the dynamic utility is solution of a non-linear second-order stochastic partial integro-differential equation (SPIDE). Second, a complete study of the primal and the dual problems, allows us, firstly, to establish a connection between the utility-SPIDE and two SDEs satisfied by the optimal processes. Based on this connection, stochastic flow technics for SDEs and characteristic method, the SPIDE is completely solved and monotony and concavity properties of the solution are proved.
A MEAN-FIELD EXTENSION OF THE LIBOR MARKET MODEL
Authors: DESMETTRE SASCHA , HOCHGERNER SIMON , OMEROVIC SANELA , THONHAUSER STEFAN
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we introduce a mean-field extension of the LIBOR market model (LMM) which preserves the basic features of the original model. Among others, these features are the martingale property, a directly implementable calibration and an economically reasonable parametrization of the classical LMM. At the same time, the mean-field LIBOR market model (MF-LMM) is designed to reduce the probability of exploding scenarios, arising in particular in the market-consistent valuation of long-term guarantees. To this end, we prove existence and uniqueness of the corresponding MF-LMM and investigate its practical aspects, including Black’s formula. Moreover, we present an extensive numerical analysis of the MF-LMM. The corresponding Monte Carlo method is based on a suitable interacting particle system which approximates the underlying mean-field equation.
Reducing Anthropomorphic Hand Degrees of Actuation with Grasp-Function-Dependent and Joint-Element-Sparse Hand Synergies
Authors: Liu Bingchen , Jiang Li , Fan Shaowei
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a set of grasp-function-dependent and joint-element-sparse hand synergies was proposed. First, hand synergies were extracted from five basic categories of movements by principal component analysis (PCA). Then, varimax rotation was applied on these synergies, so each sparse synergy only represented a limited number of joints. Next, according to the contribution to these sparse synergies, finger joints were clustered into different joint modules. Finally, integrating the joint modules in different categories of hand movements, the minimum number of actuators and joint synergic modules for anthropomorphic hands were determined. The results showed that using 5 groups of joint modules and 7–9 actuators we can achieve the best performance of grasp function and motion flexibility. Furthermore, through the reasonable design of adaptive and hyperextension functional joint modules, anthropomorphic hands can better meet the requirements of different tasks like power grasping and precision pinching. Comparing with traditional finger-based actuation strategy, the joint coupling scheme achieved better anthropomorphic performance and larger workspace. These above findings will benefit the development of mechanical structure design and control method of anthropomorphic hands.
Promoting Radical Innovation Through Performance-Based Rewards: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Acquisition and Innovative Work Behavior
Authors: Thneibat Motasem M. , Obeidat Ahmad M. , Obeidat Zaid Mohammad , Al-dweeri Rami , Thneibat Mujahed
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of performance-based rewards on radical innovation. In doing so, it explores the role of knowledge acquisition and innovative work behavior (IWB) as possible mechanisms that underlie the relationship between performance-based rewards and radical innovation. The subsequent effect of IWB on promoting radical innovation is explored. The study employs data from 235 unit managers in manufacturing and technology firms in Jordan. Structural equation modeling was used to test for reliability, validity, and the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that performance-based rewards positively affect knowledge acquisition. In addition, knowledge acquisition mediates the link between performance-based rewards and IWB. IWB is also significant and positive in promoting radical innovation. This paper is one of the first to examine how radical innovation can be promoted through IWB. It offers insights into and contributions to the literature on the role of performance-based rewards in driving radical innovation through the mediating effect of knowledge acquisition and the subsequent impact of IWB on radical innovation.
Optimal prediction of user mobility based on spatio-temporal matching
Authors: Ajinu A. , Maheswaran C. P.
Published: January 2022

Position tracking has become a critical key component for a huge variety of devices, ranging from mobile telephone location tracking to biodiversity monitoring. The majority of location-based services rely mostly on the user’s ongoing and prospective position, indicating a growing need of forecasting the user’s future location. Together with position prediction, forecasting the trajectories between two terminals is beneficial, because it enables to optimize the travel direction between them. This study tackles the problem of increasing prediction accuracy to its maximum level. The proposed work undergoes two major phases: feature extraction and prediction. Initially, antecedent and consequent features, spatio-temporal matching based features, and matching users based features can all be generated from the raw input data. For more precise prediction the most relevant features are extracted. The features will then be fed into the prediction algorithm, which will forecast user mobility. The prediction phase is constructed with an optimized convolutional neural network (CNN). Moreover, the weight of CNN is fine-tuned via a new improved butterfly optimization algorithm (IBOA), which is a conceptual improvement of standard BOA. At last, the supremacy of the presented approach is proved over other models with respect to varied measures. The accuracy of the proposed work is 18.33%, 26.67%, 33.33%, 55.2%, and 61.67% better than the existing models like HS–EH, GAF-WO, CNN, and GSTF.
Review by "Literacy and pedagogy in an age of misinformation and disinformation," Edited by Tara Lockhart, Brenda Glascott, Chris Warnick, Juli Parrish, and Justin Lewis; Lockhart, T., Glascott, B., Warnick, C., Parrish, J., & Lewis, J. (Eds.) (2021). Parlor Press
Authors: Hernández Jess Vázquez
Published: January 2022

Literacy and Pedagogy in an Age of Misinformation And Disinformation
(2021) joins ongoing engagement with the topics of post-truth rhetorics (Carillo, 2018; McComiskey 2017; McIntyre 2018), evolving technologies in composition (Laquintano and Vee, 2017; Craig, 2017), and literacies pedagogies for our current moment (Colton and Holmes, 2018; Vee, 2017). Stemming from renewed interest in fake news after the 2016 election, the effects of the Trump presidency and its impacts in literacy education are represented throughout. This collection of 18 essays edited by
Literacy in Composition
(LiCS) journal editors Tara Lockhart, Brenda Glascott, Chris Warnick, Juli Parrish, and Justin Lewis continues the work of their 2017 special issue, "Literacy, Democracy, and Fake News." By bringing together "a range of perspectives---from literacy professionals in higher education, K-12, journalism, information technology, and other fields" (p. 2), the collection models a central condition for teaching within this context: to combat misinformation and disinformation, it is necessary to take a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that expands outside of academic settings and brings together a wide range of expertise. Supporting this goal, the collection features six interviews moderated by Tara Lockhart. Each interview engages with a professional and/or educational staff, including social media strategists/curators/editors and curriculum/program coordinators, to explore how misinformation and disinformation is affecting all of us. Thus,
Literacy and Pedagogy in an Age Of Misinformation and Disinformation
"creates a polyphonous interrogation" (p. 6) to open up spaces and "opportunities for different kinds of literacy workers to hear and learn from each other---a networked approach that echoes the patterns of information ecologies themselves" (p. 6). Readers are invited to engage with the collection through "four essential threats that emerge most urgently from the collection's contributions" (p. 8). These include: 1) keywords and definitions; 2) contextualized praxis and pedagogy; 3) rhetorical analysis; and 4) "citizenship and civic literacies" (p. 13) based on people's different positionalities relating to misinformation and disinformation---as students, professors, journalists, social media specialists, etc. However, as readers will find, other organic pathways emerge based on format (curricular/course design, interviews, etc.) and context (higher education, K-12, online environments, etc.). Ultimately, it is within this complex web that we find a sustained engagement with practical and tangible strategies, pedagogies, and processes to think critically about how we combat misinformation and disinformation inside and outside of the classroom.
Text-to-Speech Synthesis: Literature Review with an Emphasis on Malayalam Language
Authors: P Jasir M. , Balakrishnan Kannan
Published: January 2022

Text-to-Speech Synthesis (TTS) is an active area of research to generate synthetic speech from underlying text. The identified syllables are uttered with proper duration and prosody characteristics to emulate natural speech. It falls under the category of Natural Language Processing (NLP), which aims to bridge the gap in communication between human and machine. So far as Western languages like English are concerned, the research to produce intelligent and natural synthetic speech has advanced considerably. But in a multilingual state like India, many regional languages viz. Malayalam is underexplored when it comes to NLP. In this article, we try to amalgamate the major research works performed in the area of TTS in English and the prominent Indian languages, with a special emphasis on the South Indian language, Malayalam. This review intends to provide right direction to the research activities in the language, in the area of TTS.
Probing the Nature of the Transition-Metal-Boron Bonds and Novel Aromaticity in Small Metal-Doped Boron Clusters Using Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Teng-Teng , Cheung Ling Fung , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: January 2022

Photoelectron spectroscopy combined with quantum chemistry has been a powerful approach to elucidate the structures and bonding of size-selected boron clusters (B n−), revealing a prevalent planar world that laid the foundation for borophenes. Investigations of metal-doped boron clusters not only lead to novel structures but also provide important information about the metal-boron bonds that are critical to understanding the properties of boride materials. The current review focuses on recent advances in transition-metal-doped boron clusters, including the discoveries of metal-boron multiple bonds and metal-doped novel aromatic boron clusters. The study of the RhB− and RhB2O− clusters led to the discovery of the first quadruple bond between boron and a transition-metal atom, whereas a metal-boron triplebond was found in ReB2O− and IrB2O−. The ReB4− cluster was shown to be the first metallaborocycle with Möbius aromaticity, and the planar ReB6− cluster was found to exhibit aromaticity analogous to metallabenzenes.
Preparation of Bi-Bi2S3 Catalyst to Promote Electron Transfer for CO2
Authors: Shao Xiaolin , Liu Yuyu
Published: January 2022

The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to low carbon products by metal sulfide catalyst is a promising research topic in recent years. However, its performance is still insufficient for industrial application because of its low selectivity and conductivity. In this work, to enhance the performance of metal sulfide, we obtained Bi2S3, Bi-Bi2S3 and Bi catalysts by simple hydrothermal method through adjusting the solvent component ratio of DI water and N, N-Dimethylformamide. The results of electrochemical test and product analysis show that the formate Faradaic efficiency of Bi-Bi2S3 catalyst reached 85% at −1.0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode and the maximum current density reached 17 mA cm−2, while the current density of Bi2S3 was 12.9 mA cm−2, and a stability for 12 h without obvious deactivation in the CO2-saturated 0.1 M KHCO3 was achieved. Through comparative experiments, it can be concluded that while Bi0 in Bi-Bi2S3 effectively improves the conductivity of sulfide materials, the better selectivity can be attributed to the introduction of sulfur and the synergistic effect of Bi2S3 and Bi0.
Insights from Lithium Stripping Dynamics on Fast Charging
Authors: Rangarajan Sobana Perumaram , Mukherjee Partha P , Barsukov Yevgen , Fear Conner , Adhikary Tanay
Published: January 2022

Safe and reliable fast charging of lithium-ion batteries is contingent upon the development of facile methods of detection and quantification of lithium plating. Among the leading candidates for online lithium plating detection is analysis of the voltage plateau observed during the rest or discharge phase ensuing a charge. In this work, an operando metric, ‘S-factor,’ is developed from electrochemical data to quantitatively analyze the severity of lithium plating over a range of charge rates and temperatures. An in-situ visualization method is employed to study the physical mechanisms and phase transitions occurring at the graphite electrode during the voltage plateau.
Role of SERCA and sarcolipin in adaptive muscle remodeling
Authors: Chambers Paige J. , Juracic Emma S. , Fajardo Val A. , Tupling A. Russell
Published: January 2022

Sarcolipin (SLN) is a small regulatory protein that inhibits the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pump. When bound to SERCA, SLN reduces the apparent Ca2+ affinity of SERCA and uncouples SERCA Ca2+ transport from its ATP consumption. As such, SLN plays a direct role in altering skeletal muscle relaxation and energy expenditure. Interestingly, the expression of SLN is dynamic during times of muscle adaptation, in that large increases in SLN content are found in response to development, atrophy, overload, and disease. Several groups have suggested that increases in SLN, especially in dystrophic muscle, are deleterious as it may reduce muscle function and exacerbate already abhorrent intracellular Ca2+ levels. However, there is also significant evidence to show that increased SLN content is a beneficial adaptive mechanism that protects the SERCA pump and activates Ca2+ signaling and adaptive remodeling during times of cell stress. In this review, we first discuss the role for SLN in healthy muscle during both development and overload, where SLN has been shown to activate Ca2+ signaling to promote mitochondrial biogenesis, fiber-type shifts, and muscle hypertrophy. Then, with respect to muscle disease, we summarize the discrepancies in the literature as to whether SLN upregulation is adaptive or maladaptive in nature. This review is the first to offer the concept of SLN hormesis in muscle disease, wherein both too much and too little SLN are detrimental to muscle health. Finally, the underlying mechanisms which activate SLN upregulation are discussed, specifically acknowledging a potential positive feedback loop between SLN and Ca2+ signaling molecules.
A murine model of hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis caused by homozygous Csf2ra gene disruption
Authors: Shima Kenjiro , Arumugam Paritha , Sallese Anthony , Horio Yuko , Ma Yan , Trapnell Cole , Wessendarp Matthew , Chalk Claudia , McCarthy Cormac , Carey Brenna C. , Trapnell Bruce C. , Suzuki Takuji
Published: January 2022

Hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (hPAP) is a rare disorder caused by recessive mutations in GM-CSF receptor subunit α/β genes ( CSF2RA/ CSF2RB, respectively) characterized by impaired GM-CSF-dependent surfactant clearance by alveolar macrophages (AMs) resulting in alveolar surfactant accumulation and hypoxemic respiratory failure. Because hPAP is caused by CSF2RA mutations in most patients, we created an animal model of hPAP caused by Csf2ra gene disruption ( Csf2ra–/– mice) and evaluated the effects on AMs and lungs. Macrophages from Csf2ra–/– mice were unable to bind and clear GM-CSF, did not exhibit GM-CSF signaling, and had functional defects in phagocytosis, cholesterol clearance, and surfactant clearance. Csf2ra–/– mice developed a time-dependent, progressive lung disease similar to hPAP in children caused by CSF2RA mutations with respect to the clinical, physiological, histopathological, biochemical abnormalities, biomarkers of PAP lung disease, and clinical course. In contrast, Csf2ra+/– mice had functionally normal AMs and no lung disease. Pulmonary macrophage transplantation (PMT) without myeloablation resulted in long-term engraftment, restoration of GM-CSF responsiveness to AMs, and a safe and durable treatment effect that lasted for the duration of the experiment (6 mo). Results demonstrate that homozygous (but not heterozygous) Csf2ra gene ablation caused hPAP identical to hPAP in children with CSF2RA mutations, identified AMs as the cellular site of hPAP pathogenesis in Csf2ra–/– mice, and have implications for preclinical studies supporting the translation of PMT as therapy of hPAP in humans.
Oromotor and somatic taste reactivity during sucrose meals reveals internal state and stimulus palatability after gastric bypass in rats
Authors: Blonde Ginger D. , Mathes Clare M. , Inui Tadashi , Hamel Elizabeth A. , Price Ruth K. , Livingstone M. Barbara E. , Le Roux Carel W. , Spector Alan C.
Published: January 2022

After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), rats consume less high-energy foods and fluids, though whether this reflects a concomitant change in palatability remains unclear. By measuring behavior during intraorally delivered liquid meals across days (1 water, 8 sucrose sessions), we showed that RYGB rats (RYGB, n = 8/sex) consumed less 1.0 M sucrose than their sham surgery counterparts (SHAM, n = 8 males, n = 11 females) but displayed similarly high levels of ingestive taste reactivity responses at the start of infusions. Relative to water, both groups increased intake of sucrose, and ingestive responses were dominated by tongue protrusions rather than mouth movements. Thus, RYGB animals still found sucrose palatable despite consuming less than the SHAM group. As the intraoral infusion progressed but before meal termination, aversive behavior remained low and both RYGB and SHAM animals showed fewer ingestive responses, predominantly mouth movements as opposed to tongue protrusions. This shift in responsiveness unrelated to surgical manipulation suggests negative alliesthesia, or a decreased palatability, as rats approach satiation. Notably, only in RYGB rats, across sessions, there was a striking emergence of aversive behavior immediately after the sucrose meal. Thus, although lower intake in RYGB rats seems independent of the hedonic taste properties of sucrose, taste reactivity behavior in these animals immediately after termination of a liquid meal appears to be influenced by postoral events and reflects a state of nimiety or excessive consumption. Measurement of taste reactivity behaviors during an intraorally delivered meal represents a promising way to make inferences about internal state in nonverbal preclinical models.
Reproducibility of Rolandic beta rhythm modulation in MEG and EEG
Authors: Illman Mia , Laaksonen Kristina , Jousmäki Veikko , Forss Nina , Piitulainen Harri
Published: January 2022

The present study demonstrates that beta rhythm modulation is highly reproducible in a group of healthy subjects within a year. Hence, it can be reliably used as a biomarker in longitudinal follow-up studies in different neurological patient groups to reflect changes in the functional state of the sensorimotor cortex.
Residual errors in visuomotor adaptation persist despite extended motor preparation periods
Authors: Weightman Matthew , Brittain John-Stuart , Miall R. Chris , Jenkinson Ned
Published: January 2022

Residual errors in sensorimotor adaptation are commonly attributed to an equilibrium between trial-by-trial learning and forgetting. Recent research suggested that allowing sufficient time for mental rotation eliminates these errors. In a number of experimental conditions, we show that although restricted motor preparation time does limit adaptation—consistent with mental rotation—extending preparation time fails to eliminate the residual errors in motor adaptation.
Simulation of Ionizing/Displacement Synergistic Effects on NPN Bipolar Transistors Irradiated by Mixed Neutrons and Gamma Rays
Authors: Shan Yuhao , Liu Yanfei , Zheng Hao , Peng Zheng
Published: January 2022

Transistors working in complex radiation environments such as space are simultaneously irradiated by neutrons and gamma rays. But the mechanism of the synergistic radiation effect between the two rays is still unclear. Based on TCAD, the synergistic radiation effects of ionizing/displacement damage caused by mixed neutrons and gamma rays are simulated. The results demonstrate that the synergistic effects are more serious than the simple sum of the two radiation effects due to their mutual enhancement. The change of the carrier recombination rate in the device at different positions shows that the displacement effects increase the peak value of surface recombination rate; meanwhile, the ionizing dose effects enhance the recombination process in bulk silicon. The mechanism of this phenomenon is that positive charges from the oxide layer and interface enhance the recombination of carriers in bulk, and the reduced carrier lifetime caused by defects from bulk makes carriers more likely to be trapped by the interface traps. In addition, the simulation result which shows the influence of temperature on the synergistic effects indicates that the synergistic effects are more sensitive to the lower temperature.
Dysregulation of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Expression as a Biomarker of Keratoconus
Authors: Navel Valentin , Malecaze Jean , Belville Corinne , Choltus Héléna , Henrioux Fanny , Dutheil Frédéric , Malecaze François , Chiambaretta Frédéric , Blanchon Loïc , Sapin Vincent
Published: January 2022

Background. Because of the implications of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) in keratoconus (KC), we describe a differential expression of RAGE transcripts and proteins in corneal tissues and tears of KC and healthy patients. Methods. Using a case-controlled study, corneal epitheliums and tears of KC and healthy subjects were obtained during corneal collagen cross-linking and photorefractive keratectomy (PKR) and during usual consultations. Quantitative reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) and Western-Blot were performed to analyze RAGE transcripts and proteins’ expression in corneal tissues and tears. Results. One hundred and six patients were included in this study. The characteristics of the patients were as follows: 56 KC (25 corneal epithelium and 31 tears) and 50 control subjects (25 corneal epithelium and 25 tears). Transcripts of RAGE, HMGB1, and S100 family ligands were quantified by RT-qPCR, identifying a significantly higher expression of RAGE and HMGB1 in the healthy group than in the KC group (

p
=
0.03

and 0.04, respectively). Western Blot showed a significantly higher fl-RAGE expression in KC corneal epithelium than control (

p
<
0.001

) and lower s-RAGE expression in KC tears than control (

p
=
0.04

). Conclusions. Linked with the inflammatory process occurring in KC pathophysiology, we propose for the first time that the RAGE expression (total and truncated forms of receptor and ligands) in KC corneal tissues and tear samples provides viable biomarkers.
Application Value of Combined Diagnosis of Ultrasound, MRI, and X‐Ray in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children
Authors: Li Jian , Zhao Bo , Ji Honghua , Ding Wei
Published: January 2022

Objective. To explore the application value of the combined diagnosis of ultrasound, MRI, and X‐ray in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children. Methods. Ninety children with suspected DDH admitted to our hospital from June 2017 to June 2020 were selected as the research objects to conduct a retrospective study. According to the age of the children, they were divided into a group with 0–6 months (group X), a group with 7–12 months (group Y), and a group older than 12 months (group Z), with 30 cases in each group. X‐ray and high‐frequency ultrasound were performed in all groups, and MRI examination was added to the children in groups Y and Z to compare the diagnostic value of the three imaging examinations in DDH children. Results. No obvious differences in the general data and maternal risk factors were observed among the three groups (P < 0.05). The final comprehensive diagnostic results were taken as the gold standard, including 23 cases with acetabular dysplasia, 28 cases with subluxation of the femoral head, 31 cases with complete dislocation of the femoral head, and 8 non‐DDH cases. The diagnostic accuracy of the three methods from high to low was MRI, high‐frequency ultrasound, and X‐ray, with obviously higher diagnostic accuracy of MRI than that of X‐ray (P < 0.05). The ROC curves showed that the diagnostic efficacy from high to low was MRI + high‐frequency ultrasound + X‐ray, high‐frequency ultrasound + X‐ray, MRI, high‐frequency ultrasound, and X‐ray. Conclusion. Ultrasound combined with X‐ray has obvious advantages in the diagnosis of children at low months of age, while MRI has outstanding advantages in the diagnosis of children at high months of age. MRI combined with ultrasound and X‐ray can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of DDH and provide objective data support for the clinical treatment of children.
DNA Repair Genes Are Associated with Subtype Classification, Prognosis, and Immune Infiltration in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Dingwei , Wang Lin , Liu Mengfan , Duan Wenwen , Yi Jinlin , Yi Yunmin
Published: January 2022

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. DNA repair genes play a vital role in cancer development. However, there has been very little research about DNA repair genes in UM. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of DNA repair genes and established a signature for predicting prognosis and immune features of UM. In this study, we mined TCGA database through bioinformatics analysis, and the intersect was taken between DNA repair genes and prognosis related genes and yielded 52 genes. We divided 80 UM patients into C1 and C2 subtypes. GSEA results indicated that abundant cancer-promoting functions and signaling pathways were activated in C2 subtype and the proportion of SNVs was higher in C2 than in C1 which suggested a worse prognosis. We built a six DNA repair genes model including ITPA, CETN2, CCNO, POLR2J, POLD1, and POLA1 by LASSO regression to predict prognosis of UM patients and utilized the median value of risk scores as the cutoff point to differentiate high risk and low risk group. The survival analyses and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in the validation group and entire data set confirmed the accuracy of this model. We also constructed a nomogram based on age and risk scores to evaluate the relationship between risk scores and clinical outcome. The calibration curve of the overall survival (OS) indicated that the performance of this model is steady and robust. Finally, the enrichment analysis showed that there were complex regulatory mechanisms in UM patients. The immune infiltration analysis indicated that the immune infiltration in C2 in the high risk group was different from that in the low risk group. Our findings indicated that the DNA repair genes may be related to UM prognosis and provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms.