bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for well log data generation based on a spatio-temporal neural network
Authors: Wang Jun , Cao Junxing , You Jiachun , Cheng Ming , Zhou Peng
Published: September 2021

Well logging helps geologists find hidden oil, natural gas and other resources. However, well log data are systematically insufficient because they can only be obtained by drilling, which involves costly and time-consuming field trials. Additionally, missing or distorted well log data are common in old oilfields owing to shutdowns, poor borehole conditions, damaged instruments and so on. As a workaround, pseudo-data can be generated from actual field data. In this study, we propose a spatio-temporal neural network (STNN) algorithm, which is built by leveraging the combined strengths of a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory network (LSTM). The STNN exploits the ability of the CNN to effectively extract features related to pseudo-well log data and the ability of the LSTM to extract the key features from well log data along the depth direction. The STNN method allows full consideration of the well log data trend with depth, the correlation across different log series and the actual depth accumulation effect. The method proved successful in predicting acoustic sonic log data from gamma-ray, density, compensated neutron, formation resistivity and borehole diameter logs. Results show that the proposed method achieves higher prediction accuracy because it takes into account the spatio-temporal information of well logs.
Temporal Analysis of Effective Population Size and Mating System in a Social Wasp
Authors: Dyson Carl J , Piscano Olivia L , Durham Rebecca M , Thompson Veronica J , Johnson Catherine H , Goodisman Michael A D
Published: September 2021

Highly social species are successful because they cooperate in obligately integrated societies. We examined temporal genetic variation in the eusocial wasp Vespula maculifrons to gain a greater understanding of evolution in highly social taxa. First, we wished to test if effective population sizes of eusocial species were relatively low due to the reproductive division of labor that characterizes eusocial taxa. We thus estimated the effective population size of V. maculifrons by examining temporal changes in population allele frequencies. We sampled the genetic composition of a V. maculifrons population at 3 separate timepoints spanning a 13-year period. We found that effective population size ranged in the hundreds of individuals, which is similar to estimates in other, non-eusocial taxa. Second, we estimated levels of polyandry in V. maculifrons in different years to determine if queen mating system varied over time. We found no significant change in the number or skew of males mated to queens. In addition, mating skew was not significant within V. maculifrons colonies. Therefore, our data suggest that queen mate number may be subject to stabilizing selection in this taxon. Overall, our study provides novel insight into the selective processes operating in eusocial species by analyzing temporal genetic changes within populations.
Study protocol for NCCH1908 (UPFRONT-trial): a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility and utility of comprehensive genomic profiling prior to the initial systemic treatment in advanced solid tumour patients
Authors: Mizuno Takaaki , Yoshida Tatsuya , Sunami Kuniko , Koyama Takafumi , Okita Natsuko , Kubo Takashi , Sudo Kazuki , Shimoi Tatsunori , Ueno Hideki , Saito Eiko , Katanoda Kota , Shibata Taro , Yonemori Kan , Okusaka Takuji , Boku Narikazu , Ohe Yuichiro , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Ueno Makoto , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Doi Toshihiko , Nakamura Kenichi , Kohno Takashi , Yatabe Yasushi , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: September 2021

Comprehensive genomic profiling has been approved for use in patients with advanced solid tumours; however, it is only indicated in advanced solid tumour patients without available standard chemotherapeutic treatment or those who have completed standard treatments in Japan, and there are no available data on the clinical feasibility and utility of comprehensive genomic profiling in treatment-naive patients. This multicentre, single-arm, prospective study aims to evaluate the feasibility and utility of the OncoGuide NCC Oncopanel System in treatment-naive patients with six advanced major malignancies: non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and biliary tract cancer (NCCH1908). This study (study cohort) will be compared with the other prospective observational study (control cohort), which enrols patients not receiving comprehensive genomic profiling prior to initial systemic treatment. A total of 200 patients will be enrolled in the study over 21 months. This study has been registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/) (UMIN000040743).

Clinical trial registration

This study, initiated in June 2020, has been registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/) (registration number: UMIN000040743). We plan to enrol a total of 200 patients over a period of 21 months.
Diagnostic Value of Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing for Ureaplasma urealyticum Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Ruan Xuelian , Li Meng , Qin Xue
Published: September 2021

Ureaplasma urealyticum has high nutritional requirements for culture, and it requires special tools for identification. Theoretically, metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) can be used to detect many pathogens in clinical specimens, especially for complex infectious diseases with rare and atypical causes. Here, our patient developed severe pneumonia caused by U. urealyticum infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the etiology is unclear. After continuous negative culture, U. urealyticum was detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by mNGS, and azithromycin was used. Because of the difficulty in its diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment of extragenital U. urealyticum infection is challenging. In addition, many broad-spectrum antibiotics are ineffective against this pathogen because it lacks a cell wall. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing further complications and deaths.
Excursion set peaks in energy as a model for haloes
Authors: Musso Marcello , Sheth Ravi K
Published: September 2021

The simplest models of dark matter halo formation rely on the heuristic assumption, motivated by spherical collapse, that virialized haloes originate from initial regions that are maxima of the smoothed matter density field. Here, we replace this notion with the dynamical requirement that protohaloes be regions where the local gravitational flow converges to a point. For this purpose, we look for spheres whose acceleration at the boundary – relative to their centre of mass – points towards their geometric centre: that is, spheres with null dipole moment. We show that these configurations are minima of the energy, corresponding to the most energetically bound spheres. Therefore, we study peaks of the smoothed energy overdensity field. This significant conceptual change is technically trivial to implement: to change from density to energy one need only modify the standard top-hat smoothing filter. However, this comes with the important benefit that, for power spectra of cosmological interest, the model is no longer plagued by divergences: improving the physics mends the mathematics. In addition, the ‘excursion set’ requirement that the smoothed matter density crosses a critical value can be naturally replaced by a threshold in energy. Measurements in simulations of haloes more massive than 1013h−1M⊙ show very good agreement with a number of generic predictions of our model.
Bolometric light curves of aspherical shock breakout
Authors: Irwin Christopher M , Linial Itai , Nakar Ehud , Piran Tsvi , Sari Re’em
Published: September 2021

The shock breakout emission is the first light that emerges from a supernova. In the spherical case, it is characterized by a brief UV flash. In an axisymmetric, non-spherical prolate explosion, the shock first breaches the surface along the symmetry axis, then peels around to larger angles, producing a breakout light curve which may differ substantially from the spherically symmetric case. We study the emergence of a non-relativistic, bipolar shock from a spherical star, and estimate the basic properties of the associated bolometric shock breakout signal. We identify four possible classes of breakout light curves, depending on the degree of asphericity. Compared to spherical breakouts, we find that the main distinguishing features of significantly aspherical breakouts are (1) a longer and fainter initial breakout flash and (2) an extended phase of slowly declining, or even rising, emission which is produced as ejecta flung out by the oblique breakout expand and cool. We find that the breakout flash has a maximum duration of roughly ∼R*/vbo, where R* is the stellar radius and vbo is the velocity of the fastest moving ejecta. For a standard Wolf−Rayet progenitor, the duration of the X-ray flash seen in SN 2008D exceeds this limit, and the same holds true for the prompt X-ray emission of low-luminosity GRBs such as GRB 060218. This suggests that these events cannot be explained by an aspherical explosion within a typical Wolf−Rayet star, implying that they originate from non-standard progenitors with larger breakout radii.
The relative supernovae contribution to the chemical enrichment history of Abell 1837
Authors: Erdim M K , Ezer C , Ünver O , Hazar F , Hudaverdi M
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we report the relative supernovae (SNe) contribution to the metal budget of the intracluster medium (ICM) of the Abell 1837 galaxy cluster at redshift z = 0.069. For this purpose, we analysed the hot ICM of the cluster and obtained radial metal distributions using XMM–Newton archival data with a total exposure of ∼100 ks. These metal measurements consist of Mg, Si, S, Fe and Ni within a radius of 0.7 R500, which is divided into three concentric annuli. In order to explain the observed metal abundance pattern in terms of relative supernova contributions, we used our newly developed code SNeRatio, which utilizes theoretical nucleosynthesis models. This study covers the most recent 3D Type Ia SN and core-collapse SN yield tables. All combinations of these theoretical yields were fitted with our measured abundance ratios, and statistically acceptable ones were selected. Each of these models was found to predict a uniform SNIa percentage contribution to the total SNe from the cluster centre to the outskirts and to form an SNIa ratio distribution with a mean of 39 ± 14${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. This uniformity is consistent with the early enrichment scenario, which assumes that metal production processes begin in the early phase of cluster formation, namely the proto-cluster phase at epoch z ≥ 2.
Transcriptional Profile of the Industrial Hybrid Saccharomyces pastorianus Reveals Temperature-Dependent Allele Expression Bias and Preferential Orthologous Protein Assemblies
Authors: Timouma Soukaina , Balarezo-Cisneros Laura Natalia , Pinto Javier , De La Cerda Roberto , Bond Ursula , Schwartz Jean-Marc , Delneri Daniela
Published: September 2021

Saccharomyces pastorianus is a natural yeast evolved from different hybridization events between the mesophilic S. cerevisiae and the cold-tolerant S. eubayanus. This complex aneuploid hybrid carries multiple copies of the parental alleles alongside specific hybrid genes and encodes for multiple protein isoforms which impart novel phenotypes, such as the strong ability to ferment at low temperature. These characteristics lead to agonistic competition for substrates and a plethora of biochemical activities, resulting in a unique cellular metabolism. Here, we investigated the transcriptional signature of the different orthologous alleles in S. pastorianus during temperature shifts. We identified temperature-dependent media-independent genes and showed that 35% has their regulation dependent on extracellular leucine uptake, suggesting an interplay between leucine metabolism and temperature response. The analysis of the expression of ortholog parental alleles unveiled that the majority of the genes expresses preferentially one parental allele over the other and that S. eubayanus-like alleles are significantly over-represented among the genes involved in the cold acclimatization. The presence of functionally redundant parental alleles may impact on the nature of protein complexes established in the hybrid, where both parental alleles are competing. Our expression data indicate that the majority of the protein complexes investigated in the hybrid are likely to be either exclusively chimeric or unispecific and that the redundancy is discouraged, a scenario that fits well with the gene balance hypothesis. This study offers the first overview of the transcriptional pattern of S. pastorianus and provides a rationalization for its unique industrial traits at the expression level.
Simultaneous Expression of UV and Violet SWS1 Opsins Expands the Visual Palette in a Group of Freshwater Snakes
Authors: Hauzman Einat , Pierotti Michele E R , Bhattacharyya Nihar , Tashiro Juliana H , Yovanovich Carola A M , Campos Pollyanna F , Ventura Dora F , Chang Belinda S W
Published: September 2021

Snakes are known to express a rod visual opsin and two cone opsins, only (SWS1, LWS), a reduced palette resulting from their supposedly fossorial origins. Dipsadid snakes in the genus Helicops are highly visual predators that successfully invaded freshwater habitats from ancestral terrestrial-only habitats. Here, we report the first case of multiple SWS1 visual pigments in a vertebrate, simultaneously expressed in different photoreceptors and conferring both UV and violet sensitivity to Helicops snakes. Molecular analysis and in vitro expression confirmed the presence of two functional SWS1 opsins, likely the result of recent gene duplication. Evolutionary analyses indicate that each sws1 variant has undergone different evolutionary paths with strong purifying selection acting on the UV-sensitive copy and dN/dS ∼1 on the violet-sensitive copy. Site-directed mutagenesis points to the functional role of a single amino acid substitution, Phe86Val, in the large spectral shift between UV and violet opsins. In addition, higher densities of photoreceptors and SWS1 cones in the ventral retina suggest improved acuity in the upper visual field possibly correlated with visually guided behaviors. The expanded visual opsin repertoire and specialized retinal architecture are likely to improve photon uptake in underwater and terrestrial environments, and provide the neural substrate for a gain in chromatic discrimination, potentially conferring unique color vision in the UV–violet range. Our findings highlight the innovative solutions undertaken by a highly specialized lineage to tackle the challenges imposed by the invasion of novel photic environments and the extraordinary diversity of evolutionary trajectories taken by visual opsin-based perception in vertebrates.
Cooperative methylation of human tRNA3Lys at positions A58 and U54 drives the early and late steps of HIV-1 replication
Authors: Fukuda Hiroyuki , Chujo Takeshi , Wei Fan-Yan , Shi Sheng-Lan , Hirayama Mayumi , Kaitsuka Taku , Yamamoto Takahiro , Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Tomizawa Kazuhito
Published: September 2021

Retroviral infection requires reverse transcription, and the reverse transcriptase (RT) uses cellular tRNA as its primer. In humans, the TRMT6-TRMT61A methyltransferase complex incorporates N1-methyladenosine modification at tRNA position 58 (m1A58); however, the role of m1A58 as an RT-stop site during retroviral infection has remained questionable. Here, we constructed TRMT6 mutant cells to determine the roles of m1A in HIV-1 infection. We confirmed that tRNA3Lys m1A58 was required for in vitro plus-strand strong-stop by RT. Accordingly, infectivity of VSV-G pseudotyped HIV-1 decreased when the virus contained m1A58-deficient tRNA3Lys instead of m1A58-modified tRNA3Lys. In TRMT6 mutant cells, the global protein synthesis rate was equivalent to that of wild-type cells. However, unexpectedly, plasmid-derived HIV-1 expression showed that TRMT6 mutant cells decreased accumulation of HIV-1 capsid, integrase, Tat, Gag, and GagPol proteins without reduction of HIV-1 RNAs in cells, and fewer viruses were produced. Moreover, the importance of 5,2′-O-dimethyluridine at U54 of tRNA3Lys as a second RT-stop site was supported by conservation of retroviral genome-tRNALys sequence-complementarity, and TRMT6 was required for efficient 5-methylation of U54. These findings illuminate the fundamental importance of tRNA m1A58 modification in both the early and late steps of HIV-1 replication, as well as in the cellular tRNA modification network.
CLRM-12. HYBRID DESIGNS FOR USING EXTERNAL CONTROLS IN PHASE 3 GLIOBLASTOMA TRIALS
Authors: Polley Mei-Yin , Schwartz Daniel , Dignam James
Published: September 2021

While recent Phase 3 glioblastoma (GBM) trials have failed to establish novel therapies, they potentially provide a high-quality source of external control patients treated with temozolomide. We consider hybrid two-stage adaptive designs that leverage these external controls to safely accelerate Phase 3 GBM trials. The basic strategy is that first patients are randomized 1:1 between the control and experimental arms, then an interim check measures similarity between the trial's control patients and potential external controls, and finally if this interim similarity is high the randomization ratio is changed accordingly and the external controls are used in the final analysis. An extensive simulation study is conducted to assess operating characteristics and we discuss when these hybrid designs can accelerate GBM therapy development while maintaining strict error control.
CLRM-13. INTRAOPERATIVE MICRODIALYSIS: GLIOMA INTELLIGENCE FROM BEHIND ENEMY LINES
Authors: Riviere-Cazaux Cecile , Burns Terry
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION

Gliomas present a formidable challenge for translational progress. Heterogeneity within and between tumors may demand empirically individualized and adaptive paradigms requiring rapid mechanistic feedback. We asked if tumor-associated metabolic biomarkers from glioma extracellular fluid could impart mechanistic “intelligence” reflecting intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity.

METHODS

Five live human gliomas (2 oligos; 2 IDH-WT GBMs; 1 IDH-mutant GBM), were evaluated in situ with high molecular weight (100kDA) intraoperative microdialysis using 3 disparately placed catheters. Isotonic 3% dextran perfusate was collected in 20 min (40mL) aliquots. CSF samples (n=21) were additionally evaluated from these and other patients with diverse brain tumors. The IDH-mutant glioma-associated oncometabolite D2-hydroxyglutarate (D2-HG) was quantified with targeted Liquid Chromotography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Over 200 metabolites were further evaluated via untargeted LC-MS using the Metabolon platform. Correlation, clustering, ROC and enrichment analyses were employed to identify correlations within and between patient samples.

RESULTS

CSF samples from patients with IDH-mutant gliomas contained over twenty-fold higher levels of D2-HG (median 4.1 mM, range 1.6-13.2, n=7) compared to those from IDH-wild type tumors (median 0.19 mM; range 0.89-0.35, n=14). Microdialysate from IDH-mutant gliomas contained 10-953mM D2-HG, 9-63x higher than paired CSF samples. Interestingly, IDH status failed to predict the global metabolic signature of microdialysate. Microdialysate samples clustered into 2 major metabolic phenotype clusters with IDH-WT and IDH-mutant gliomas in each cluster. A superimposed metabolic signature distinguishing enhancing from non-enhancing tumor, was conserved in both patient clusters. Amino acid and carnitine metabolism predominated in microdialysate signatures. TCA cycle and Warburg-associated metabolites were differentially enriched in CSF samples after prior therapy independent of tumor burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-operative micro-dialysis may complement currently available “intelligence” regarding the phenotype, burden, and metabolism of live human gliomas and is feasible within standard-of-care surgical procedures. Future work will evaluate utility for pharmacodynamic feedback following novel early phase candidate therapies.
IMMU-04. VACCINATING AGAINST NOVEL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS ANTIGENS IN GLIOBLASTOMA USING A PEPTIDE VACCINE IN COMBINATION WITH TEMOZOLOMIDE
Authors: Hotchkiss Kelly , Singh Kirit , Batich Kristen , Archer Gerald , Norberg Pamela , Desjardins Annick , Friedman Henry , Johnson Margaret , Peters Katherine , Khasraw Mustafa , Ashley David , Reap Elizabeth , Sampson John
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens are excellent anti-tumor immunotherapeutic targets in glioblastoma (GBM). The PERFORMANCE trial (IRB-pro34208, IND-15846) assessed the feasibility, safety and optimal adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) regimen to be used with PEP-CMV vaccination in adults with newly-diagnosed GBM.

METHODS

Seropositive CMV patients (n=16) were randomized into two arms and treated with standard of care RT-TMZ (SOC) (150-200 mg/m2/day on days 1-5 per 28-day cycle) or dose-intensive TMZ (DI) (75-100 mg/m2/day on days 1-21 per 28-day cycle). Patients received intradermal PEP-CMV vaccines (500μg of CMVpp65 synthetic long peptide (SLP) mixed with Montanide ISA-51) on days 23, 37 and 51 following TMZ. All patients received tetanus/diphtheria toxoid (Td) preconditioning at the vaccination site on day 22. Serum cytokine levels were measured pre-vaccination, 1-hour and 2-hours post vaccination. PEP-CMV specific circulating PBMCs were quantified at baseline and after each vaccine.

RESULTS

Of the 16 trial patients, 7 experienced site-reactions, 4 had grade-II Immune Related Adverse Events (IRAEs), and 4 experienced flu-like grade-III IRAEs. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IFNγ, MIP-1a, IL-8, TNFα, and IL-10) were elevated in patients with grade-III responses 2-hours post vaccine 1. Td p2/p30 specific PBMC levels were similar between IRAEs. However, pp65 responsive PBMCs were elevated at baseline in patients with grade-III reactions compared to site-reaction suggesting pre-existing peptide specific responses may lead to increased vaccine immunogenicity. PBMCs specific for pp65 increased with number of consecutive vaccines. No difference in progression free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) was observed between TMZ regimens.

CONCLUSION

PEP-CMV vaccination with Td preconditioning is feasible and generates immune responses specific to pp65 in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Importantly, IRAEs were associated with antitumor efficacy. The mild IRAEs in PERFORMANCE are likely indicative of vaccine potency and can be managed through standard premedication as has been used in other trials with similar IRAEs.
SYST-03. A PHASE I/II STUDY TO EVALUATE SAFETY AND PRELIMINARY ACTIVITY OF THE TUMOR-TARGETING ANTIBODY-CYTOKINE FUSION PROTEIN L19TNF IN PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA AT FIRST RELAPSE
Authors: Weiss Tobias , Hemmerle Teresa , Roth Patrick , Neri Dario , Weller Michael
Published: September 2021

Treatment options for recurrent glioblastoma are limited and there is a need for novel effective therapies. We previously demonstrated encouraging anti-tumor activity with the targeted delivery of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF) in preclinical orthotopic glioma models. TNF- a is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine which may trigger strong anti-tumor immunity. However, its systemic administration at therapeutically active doses is hampered by toxic side effects. L19TNF is a fully human antibody-cytokine fusion protein, comprising TNF- a fused to the antibody L19 that binds a tumor-specific epitope of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. This allows a targeted delivery of therapeutically relevant doses of TNF to the tumor site upon intravenous administration while sparing healthy tissues. In this phase I/II open label, non-randomized, monocentric study, we investigated the safety and preliminary activity of L19TNF for patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wildtype World Health Organization (WHO) grade III / IV glioma at first relapse. Twenty patients were enrolled from 2019-2020 and treated with intravenous infusions of L19TNF. In the phase I part of the study, 6 patients were assigned to two different dose levels of L19TNF and a dose of 13 µg/kg was established as the recommended dose. In the phase II part 14 patients were treated at the recommended dose. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed and survival follow-up is ongoing. In almost all patients, we observed treatment-associated emerging tumor necrosis. For patients that had re-surgery at progression on or after treatment with L19TNF, we demonstrated increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes compared to the tumor tissue obtained at primary diagnosis. Translational studies to better understand the effects of L19TNF on a molecular and immunophenotypic level are ongoing. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 03779230
Shift rotation scheme, sleepiness and sleep quality in night-shift workers
Authors: Lecca R , Puligheddu M , Acar G M , Figorilli M , Congiu P , Gioi G , Loscerbo R , Meloni F , De Matteis S , Cocco P
Published: September 2021

Background

Shift rotation schemes can influence workers’ tolerance of night-shift work and its impact on health.

Aims

This study was aimed to assess the influence of shift work rotation schemes on sleepiness and sleep quality.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 145 male workers, 77 from a ceramic tile factory on a fixed, forward-rotating shift work scheme, and 68 from a dockyard company, working on-call night shifts. Participants self-administered the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires and provided data on demographic and lifestyle variables. We set two logistic regression models to predict the risk of daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality as a function of night-shift work and on-call night shifts, adjusting for personal and lifestyle covariates.

Results

Marital status, body mass index, smoking and alcohol intake did not affect ESS and PSQI scores, nor did they differ between the two cohorts. Night-shift workers from both cohorts were more likely to have a PSQI score ≥6, suggestive of poor sleep quality, with no variation between the two cohorts. ESS scores suggestive of daytime sleepiness were strongly associated with on-call night shifts among dockyard workers for (odds ratio = 13.4; 95% confidence interval 2.9–63.9), in respect the regular, forward-rotating night-shift work among ceramic tile factory workers.

Discussion

Daytime sleepiness occurred more frequently among dockyard workers working on-call night shifts. Poor sleep quality occurred more frequently among night-shift workers, but it did not differ between the two companies.
Bilateral peroneal nerve paralysis in agricultural workers: three case reports
Authors: Tuna M , Satis S
Published: September 2021

The peroneal nerve can be injured due to direct trauma or non-traumatic causes, with the injury mostly occurring between the fibular head and neck and mostly unilateral. This injury mostly results from prolonged squatting, cross-legged sitting or sitting with one foot tucked under the other leg. In this report, we present three agricultural workers with a history of prolonged squatting who developed bilateral foot drop due to bilateral peroneal nerve injury, two of whom recovered almost completely after physical therapy, and one remained disabled. Agricultural workers should be advised to avoid prolonged squatting for more than 2 h, to extend the knee and to strengthen the muscles around the knee in order to prevent neuropathy.
Bridging Hinges
Authors: Lyons Heidi A. , Sanders George
Published: September 2021

This chapter provides a theoretical and empirical overview of the sexual attitudes, beliefs, and values expressed by emerging adults. It highlights contemporary research that represents the changing patterns in this sociocultural arena. Furthermore, it is contended that because attitudes, beliefs, and values contribute to the makeup of sexual subjectivities, these subjectivities can best be understood within broader assemblages. Thus, the chapter is loosely organized around the following themes: peers, families, religion, and visual media. The chapter concludes by highlighting the absence of academic inquiries related to queer identified emerging adults and persons who are not enrolled in college, and it suggests areas for future research.
Brief Report
Authors: Mazur Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

In 2014, approximately 14.4% of Americans aged 18–24 years had some type of disability. Compared to their peers without disabilities, disabled emerging adults typically have more difficulty dating and finding romantic and sexual partners. One way that they may escape disability stigma and smaller dating pools is through online dating. However, little is known about their experiences seeking romantic and sexual relationships online, and even less is known about the experiences of emerging adults with disabilities who identify with sexual orientations that are not heterosexual or cisgender. In the current study, 43 emerging adults aged 18–30 years with various disabilities, genders, and sexual orientations completed surveys in which they explained the process by which they choose dating sites, create profiles or questionnaires, browse other user profiles, and initiate and reciprocate contact through dating sites. Participants also described their experiences going on dates with their online matches and sustaining relationships.
Method Tutorial
Authors: Cloutier Renee M , Dunham Kinsie J , Cochran Bryan , Blumenthal Heidemarie
Published: September 2021

Utilizing sensitive methodology for gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals is important across all psychological fields. This tutorial provides tangible recommendations for non-experts, offers a “real-world” example of issues that might arise, informs researchers how to make theoretically/methodologically rigorous decisions when (not if) they arise, and discusses the collective impact of GSM identities on the central research question. It presents exploratory comparisons on acute affective responding between community-recruited adolescent (aged 15–17 years) and emerging adult (aged 18–25 years) cisgender and gender minority (GM) participants exposed to simulated peer rejection. These data provide points of divergence (e.g., GM participants had higher negative affect at the first assessment) and convergence (e.g., all participants reported greater negative affect post-rejection) that have implications for future research.
The Role of Friends and Peers in Emerging Adults’ Sexual Behavior
Authors: DeLuca Bishop Haylee K.
Published: September 2021

Friends and peers play an important role in emerging adults’ sexual attitudes and sexual behaviors. This chapter highlights how friends and peers provide a context for interacting with sexual partners and engaging in activities, such as drinking alcohol, that make sexual behavior more likely. Furthermore, this chapter discusses how friends and peers help emerging adults interpret their sexual experiences through social norms and communication. In addition, the chapter provides recommendations for future research investigating how friends and peers impact emerging adults’ sexual attitudes and behaviors, including how peer influence differs across time, based on relationship context or based on individual characteristics, such as gender, sexual orientation, college status, and cultural background.
Diverse Trajectories at the Intersection of Religion and Sexuality During Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Willoughby Brian J. , Marks Loren D. , Dollahite David C.
Published: September 2021

This chapter explores the intersection of religion and sex among emerging adults. It first discusses the extant empirical literature related to how religion influences sexual behavioral decisions as well as the link between religion and sexual values and attitudes. It then acknowledges a general waning from religion during emerging adulthood but presents diverse trajectories related to the religious lives of emerging adults and their sexual decision making. Next, the chapter discusses a variety of pathways and trajectories through which emerging adults may travel as they navigate decisions involving relationships and sexual intimacy and how such decisions are, may be, or are not influenced by religion. The four presented trajectories are religious rejecters, religious remainers, religious returners, and religious innovators. The chapter concludes by addressing some additional complexities regarding emerging adults, religion, and sex and offers some concluding questions and directions for future research.
Brief Report
Authors: Stearns Melanie , Rogers Mary M , McKinney Cliff
Published: September 2021

Religiosity has been shown to be a protective factor against risky sexual behavior (RSB). The current study sought to identify which aspects of perceived significant other and personal religiosity (i.e., private, coping, conviction, social, and conservatism) predict RSB in emerging adults and how this might differ by gender. The sample (N = 275; 72% female, 28% male) consisted of adults aged 18–25 years (mean = 19.31, SD = 1.42) attending a large Southern university and used the Stearns–McKinney Assessment of Religious Traits scale and Student Sexual Risks Scale. For males, significant other private religiosity and personal conservatism predicted RSB. For females, significant other private religiosity and religious coping as well as personal conviction and conservative religiosity predicted RSB. Thus, religious traits and gender differed regarding the prediction of RSB of emerging adults.
Brief Report
Authors: Jovita Clara Alverina , Suleeman Julia
Published: September 2021

This study aims to discover what factors were behind a decision to self-disclose experiences of sexual violence. Six Indonesian women aged 18–27 years participated in in-depth interviews that focused on what made them self-disclose, how the process happened, how the person(s) they disclosed reacted, and how they evaluated the disclosure. Three of the participants were raped when they were younger than age 10 years, and the other three were raped when they were older than age 18 years. Results showed that participants chose close friends as trusted persons and that the process of disclosing reminded them of the terrible experience. Unfortunately, not all persons to whom they disclosed reacted positively, but after a while, participants reported feeling relieved because the disclosure allowed them to look toward a brighter future. Age when rape happened was influential toward how they signified this trauma and feelings of self-worth.
Unsafe at Any Time
Authors: Vermeulen Karla
Published: September 2021

The chapter “Unsafe at Any Time” examines Generation Disaster’s perceptions of safety, risk, fairness, and other consequences of their early environment, and it explores whether these concerns relate to the high rates of anxiety and depression reported by this generation relative to other cohorts. It also describes the methodological challenges that are inherent in trying to make valid comparisons to previous ages, given all of the dramatic societal changes of the past few decades, and the chapter discusses the impact of the belittling descriptions of this cohort by elders as being overly sensitive or generally inferior to previous generations, when in reality their often cautious worldview may be an adaptive response to a genuinely more dangerous world.
Questioning College
Authors: Vermeulen Karla
Published: September 2021

The chapter “Questioning College” considers the stressors (economic and otherwise) that surround decisions about pursuing and paying for higher education. While attending college is now the norm for American emerging adults, some believe that higher education is essential yet inadequate for launching a career. Many graduate with crippling student loans that drastically limit their career options, yet they believe they have no chance of finding decent work without a degree. Others don’t pursue college, which has different implications for the path the rest of their lives may take. It’s a decision with far greater consequences than for previous generations, when many decent jobs were available to those without a college education, and yet another source of intense stress for many members of Generation Disaster.
Tipping the Scale
Authors: Groll Daniel
Published: September 2021

In this chapter, the author argues that the weighty reason to use an open donor identified by the Significant Interest view is, normally, a decisive reason. The argument proceeds by first distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic reasons for using an anonymous donor and then showing that, generally speaking, there are no intrinsic reasons that outweigh the reason to use an open donor identified by the Significant Interest view. While there might be extrinsic reasons that give some people decisive reason to use an anonymous donor, the author argues that the lack of intrinsic reasons means that we should work to remove extrinsic reasons for using an anonymous donor.
Work
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: September 2021

Work gives people dignity, income, and political voice but it also puts people at risk of premature death, jeopardizes self-sufficiency, and dominates workers’ lives. How a person experiences work profoundly influences well-being and lifetime success. How a society organizes work opportunities shapes public health, fairness, and democracy. This chapter describes how changes in modern capitalism have expanded a workforce that is low paid with few benefits, inadequately protected against workplace hazards, and lacking in economic security. It explains how deregulation, low wages, weakened labor laws, and the rise of the gig economy have worsened the life circumstances of millions of U.S. workers, threatening their physical and mental health. The chapter also describes how new forms of labor organizing and new coalitions have promoted pro-worker policies such as living wages, sick and parental leave, laws against wage theft, and universal health care and childcare.
The Future of Transportation
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: September 2021

People travel for work, medical care, food, school, and to escape violence and poverty. How a society organizes transportation shapes opportunities for health and happiness. This chapter analyses how recent changes in capitalism have modified transport options in ways that increase pollution and climate change, encourage physical inactivity, make cities less liveable, and create “transport deserts” where affordable travel is hard to find. Car companies like General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen have failed to correct defects or cheat on air pollution devices; Uber and Lyft undermine mass transit to grow their businesses; and Big Tech and auto companies promote rapid deployment of inadequately tested autonomous vehicles. These examples show how globalization, deregulation, and the demand for immediate profits have constricted transport options and increased health risks. In response, transport equity advocates, car safety groups, some city officials, and transport workers have organized to create healthier, more equitable transport options.
From Now to Next
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: September 2021

The failure of political and business leaders to protect people against Covid-19 and its economic crisis, police violence and systemic racism, deaths of despair, climate change, and failing democracy has pushed millions into activism. This chapter suggests six broad goals that could unify the now often disparate movements seeking a better world: grow the public sector, strengthen democracy, confront the burdens that systemic racism and sexism impose, transform the conversation on taxes and regulation, focus on cities, and make science and technology public property. It also proposes practical strategies for building a more effective movement. These include making it easy to connect personal and social activism; talking about race, class and gender divisions in ways that highlight their role in weakening movements; and challenging capitalist ideas. Every generation has faced similar daunting challenges. Always some have found ways to organize for a safer future for humanity. Now it is our turn.
Encountering God
Authors: Wilson Brittany E.
Published: September 2021

This chapter explores how God encounters humans via intermediary figures and argues that such figures exemplify how God can appear in different forms. The chapter begins by problematizing the modern concept of monotheism and then discusses three main categories of mediator figures that appear in Jewish and Christian texts (divine attributes, angels, and exalted humans). It then turns to these figures in Luke’s narrative and reveals how Luke also overlaps Jesus with many of these mediator figures, blurring the boundaries between Jesus, angels, the Spirit, and even God. Thus, while the reader never explicitly sees God’s form in Luke’s narrative, intermediary figures demonstrate that God can appear in myriad ways, some of which are embodied.
What is dementia?
Authors: Budson Andrew E. , O’Connor Maureen K.
Published: September 2021

Dementia is the term used to describe progressive impairment of thinking and memory that interferes with daily function. Dementia is not a specific disorder; rather, it is a condition with many causes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other common causes of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, primary progressive aphasia which comes in the logopenic, semantic, and nonfluent/agrammatic variants, behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Primary care providers are able to diagnose most straightforward cases of dementia, whereas specialists such as neuropsychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and geriatricians may be needed when the diagnosis is not straightforward.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Budson Andrew E. , O’Connor Maureen K.
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s is a disease in which amyloid plaques build up in the brain. The plaques damage brain cells, the cells develop tangles, and the tangles destroy the cells. Alzheimer’s disease begins silently and progresses through very mild, mild, moderate, and severe stages. Age, being a woman, and family history are risk factors for the disease. Tests using a lumbar puncture or PET scan can help to confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, but they are only used in special circumstances. Lastly, you can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by eating a Mediterranean-style diet, engaging in aerobic exercise, and staying socially active.
How to approach problems in dementia
Authors: Budson Andrew E. , O’Connor Maureen K.
Published: September 2021

There are several general strategies for managing problems in individuals with dementia. The ABCs of Behavior Change method identifies the antecedents and consequences surrounding a behavior, which can help you discover its cause, track it, and try different interventions to change it. The 4Rs—reassure, reconsider, redirect, and relax—provide some rules of thumb that you can use even in middle of a difficult situation. Lastly, the Three Time Principles can help you improve communication by taking your time, asking for only one thing at a time, and offering timely praise. We recommend that you try the 4Rs first, then the Three Time Principles, and finally the ABCs of Behavior Change.
How to manage memory problems
Authors: Budson Andrew E. , O’Connor Maureen K.
Published: September 2021

There are many way to help manage your loved one’s memory problems. If their dementia is fairly mild, memory strategies and aids can often help. Using a pillbox or another method to ensure that medications are being taken correctly is critical. Pictures are more easily learned than words. Don’t tell a person with dementia what not to do; tell them what they should do. Habits and routines are generally preserved in dementia, and new ones can be learned. Use methods to make sure the stove is not left on and the water is not left running. Work to eliminate wandering and write a plan in case it occurs. Take advantage of technological solutions to memory problems. Use reminders of the past to make your loved one feel more at home. Don’t fight false memories. Lastly, reminding your loved one that they have memory problems is rarely helpful.
How to manage problems with bodily functions
Authors: Budson Andrew E. , O’Connor Maureen K.
Published: September 2021

Although dementia can disrupt many bodily functions, there are ways you can help your loved one and yourself. Determine the cause of any falls and work proactively to prevent future ones. If their walking is impaired, work with a physical therapist to improve it. To reduce incontinence, use a toileting schedule, decrease fluid intake before bed, and plan ahead when you go on outings. Make meals more enticing by increasing the flavor and spice of food. Use heavy silverware and mugs to dampen tremors. Improve swallowing and reduce choking by altering the consistency of solid foods and liquids and consider a swallowing evaluation. Reduce the difficulties inherent in activities requiring skilled or complicated movements to the extent possible. Lessen scratching and picking by treating medical problems and dry skin; cover the arms if needed.
Which medications can improve thinking, memory, behavior, or function?
Authors: Budson Andrew E. , O’Connor Maureen K.
Published: September 2021

Dementia disrupts a number of brain chemicals, and medications may be helpful to restore the balance of these neurotransmitters. When considering a new medication, it is important to set clear, measurable goals; start with a low dose; and track the effects over time. Cholinesterase inhibitors help with memory, mood, behavioral problems, and hallucinations; memantine helps with attention, alertness, mood, and behavioral problems; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help with mood, anxiety, and behavioral problems; dextromethorphan/quinidine helps with inappropriate laughing or crying as well as behavioral problems; melatonin and acetaminophen help with sleep; atypical neuroleptics help with agitation, aggression, delusions, hallucinations, and picking; carbidopa/levodopa helps with walking, movement, and parkinsonian tremors; and beta blockers help with essential tremor. Clinical trials of new medications being developed may be available for those who are looking for better treatments for their loved one and for the next generation.
How do you build your care team?
Authors: Budson Andrew E. , O’Connor Maureen K.
Published: September 2021

No one person can manage the demands of dementia alone. Building a strong care team early following a diagnosis is critical to your wellbeing and to providing your loved one with the best care. By reaching out to family, friends, neighbors, and professional caregivers, you can limit your burden, reduce your feelings of isolation, and create a healthier environment for you and your loved one. Your loved one’s doctor should be a source of help as well. Support groups can provide you with information and important skills in addition to emotional support. Whether as a day program or overnight stay, respite care may be an invaluable resource for you. National organizations dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can also be an invaluable resource.