bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptions of three new diatom species in the genus Eunotia (Eunotiaceae, Bacillariophyta) from the Eocene Arctic
Authors: SIVER PETER A. , ODDSUND ERIK , LOTT ANNE M.
Published: September 2022

Eunotia is the largest and most diverse genus within the family Eunotiaceae, a primarily freshwater group of diatoms often found in dilute, acidic and humic-stained environments. Species in this genus are characterized by being asymmetric along their apical axis, symmetric about the transapical axis, and with a simple and reduced raphe system situated largely on the mantle and restricted to the apical ends of the valve. In addition, Eunotia taxa have one or more rimoportula per valve, usually close to the apex. Because of their reduced raphe system, coupled with the presence of rimoportulae, Eunotia and its relatives are often viewed as the oldest lineage of raphe-bearing diatoms. To date, the oldest remains of Eunotia species have been reported from the early to middle Eocene, including from the Giraffe Pipe locality, an ancient Eocene fossil site located in northern Canada near the Arctic Circle. Rocks from this site contain a large and diverse assemblage of Eunotia taxa. The purpose of this study is to begin to characterize this assemblage with descriptions of three new species, Eunotia giraffensis sp. nov., E. petasum sp. nov. and E. pseudonaegelii sp. nov. The new species, representing the longest specimens found at the Giraffe Pipe locality, each possess characteristics common to Eunotia making them easily assigned to this genus. Because the Eunotia lineage was well established by the early part of the Eocene, it is likely to be significantly older.
The Worldwide C3S CORDEX Grand Ensemble: A Major Contribution to Assess Regional Climate Change in the IPCC AR6 Atlas
Authors: Diez-Sierra Javier , Iturbide Maialen , Gutiérrez José M. , Fernández Jesús , Milovac Josipa , Cofiño Antonio S. , Cimadevilla Ezequiel , Nikulin Grigory , Levavasseur Guillaume , Kjellström Erik , Bülow Katharina , Horányi András , Brookshaw Anca , García-Díez Markel , Pérez Antonio , Baño-Medina Jorge , Ahrens Bodo , Alias Antoinette , Ashfaq Moetasim , Bukovsky Melissa , Buonomo Erasmo , Caluwaerts Steven , Chou Sin Chan , Christensen Ole B. , Ciarlò James M. , Coppola Erika , Corre Lola , Demory Marie-Estelle , Djurdjevic Vladimir , Evans Jason P. , Fealy Rowan , Feldmann Hendrik , Jacob Daniela , Jayanarayanan Sanjay , Katzfey Jack , Keuler Klaus , Kittel Christoph , Kurnaz Mehmet Levent , Laprise René , Lionello Piero , McGinnis Seth , Mercogliano Paola , Nabat Pierre , Önol Barış , Ozturk Tugba , Panitz Hans-Jürgen , Paquin Dominique , Pieczka Ildikó , Raffaele Francesca , Remedio Armelle Reca , Scinocca John , Sevault Florence , Somot Samuel , Steger Christian , Tangang Fredolin , Teichmann Claas , Termonia Piet , Thatcher Marcus , Torma Csaba , van Meijgaard Erik , Vautard Robert , Warrach-Sagi Kirsten , Winger Katja , Zittis George
Published: September 2022

The collaboration between the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) and the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) provides open access to an unprecedented ensemble of regional climate model (RCM) simulations, across the 14 CORDEX continental-scale domains, with global coverage. These simulations have been used as a new line of evidence to assess regional climate projections in the latest contribution of the Working Group I (WGI) to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), particularly in the regional chapters and the Atlas. Here, we present the work done in the framework of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) to ­assemble a consistent worldwide CORDEX grand ensemble, aligned with the deadlines and ­activities of IPCC AR6. This work addressed the uneven and heterogeneous availability of CORDEX ESGF data by supporting publication in CORDEX domains with few archived simulations and performing quality control. It also addressed the lack of comprehensive documentation by compiling information from all contributing regional models, allowing for an informed use of data. In addition to presenting the worldwide CORDEX dataset, we assess here its consistency for precipitation and temperature by comparing climate change signals in regions with overlapping CORDEX domains, obtaining overall coincident regional climate change signals. The C3S CORDEX dataset has been used for the assessment of regional climate change in the IPCC AR6 (and for the interactive Atlas) and is available through the Copernicus Climate Data Store (CDS).
The Pitfall of Over-Sedation During Recovery From Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Hui Wun Fung , Lam Cheuk Yi , Cheung Wing Lum , Ku Shu Wing
Published: September 2022

A 14-year-old boy with movement disorder and epilepsy developed status dystonicus leading to rhabdomyolysis and subsequent acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). He was given multiple intravenous sedatives and analgesics to control his dystonia and dyskinesia. 8 days after admission, his condition had improved and a trial termination of CRRT was carried out. The sedatives and analgesics were switched to oral diazepam, morphine, clonidine, and chloral hydrate. However, his renal function did not recover fully. There was rising trend of serum creatinine level with evolving hyperphosphatemia and metabolic acidosis. He also gradually developed hypoventilation, hypercapnia and pinpoint pupils after weaning CRRT. The clinical impression was over-sedation resulting in hypoventilation and respiratory failure, contributed by the deteriorating renal function. Non-invasive ventilatory support was then started and CRRT was resumed. His condition improved over the next 24 hours. Dexmedetomidine infusion was used during CRRT and he slowly required stepping up of sedatives again. A separate set of dosage for all his oral sedative agents was prepared for his subsequent CRRT weaning challenge and no more over-sedative episode was then encountered. Our case illustrated that patients at recovery phase of AKI are susceptible to medication overdose, especially during the period of CRRT weaning. Sedatives and analgesics including morphine and benzodiazepines should be used with caution during this period and alternatives may need to be considered. Advanced planning of medication dosage adjustment is advised to reduce the risk of medication overdose.
Sugammadex Efficacy and Dosing for Rocuronium Reversal Outside of Perioperative Settings
Authors: Harlan Sarah S. , Philpott Carolyn D. , Foertsch Madeline J. , Takieddine Sheila C. , Harger Dykes Nicole J.
Published: September 2022

Background: Sugammadex is approved for postoperative recovery from rocuronium neuromuscular blockade with train-of-four (TOF) guided dosing. Data for non-perioperative sugammadex efficacy and dosing are limited when TOF is not available and reversal is not immediate. Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and dose of sugammadex when administered in the emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU) for delayed rocuronium reversal when TOF guidance was not consistently available. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients over a 6-year period who received sugammadex in the ED or ICU at least 30 minutes after rocuronium administration for rapid sequence intubation (RSI). Patients who received sugammadex for intra-operative neuromuscular blockade reversal were excluded. Efficacy was defined as successful reversal documented in progress notes, TOF assessment, or improvement in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Dose was evaluated in patients with successful reversal by correlating sugammadex and rocuronium dose with reversal time after paralysis. Results: Thirty-four patients were included with 19 (55.9%) patients receiving sugammadex in the ED. Sugammadex indication was acute neurologic assessment in 31 (91.1%) patients. Twenty-nine patients (85.2%) had successful reversal documented. The remaining 5 patients had fatal neurologic injuries with GCS 3 limiting non-TOF efficacy assessment. The median (IQR) sugammadex dose was 3.4 (2.5-4.1) mg/kg administered 89 (56.3-158) minutes after rocuronium. No correlation was identified between sugammadex dose, rocuronium dose, and administration time. No adverse events were noted. Conclusion: This pilot investigation demonstrated safe and effective rocuronium reversal with sugammadex 3 to 4 mg/kg administered in the non-operative setting 1 to 2 hours after RSI. Larger, prospective studies are necessary to determine the safety in patients outside of the operating room when TOF is not available.
RTV-SiR based composites aged in a multi-stressed environment under AC and bipolar DC voltages
Authors: Mahmood Atif , Alam Shahid
Published: September 2022

Silicone rubber-based polymers are gradually replacing traditional insulators in outdoor applications due to their numerous advantages, in particular high hydrophobicity that is important for suppressing leakage current and hence surface flashover. However, the main problem with polymeric composites is their aging when exposed to environmental stresses causing loss of their desired properties and expected lifetime. In this work, aging behavior of three types of room temperature vulcanized silicon rubber (RTV-SiR) loaded with nano-silica and micro-ATH is studied. Samples of the materials with different specifications were fabricated and exposed to various environmental stresses in two specially designed weather chambers under both AC and bipolar DC voltages for a time period of 9000 hours. Thereafter, diagnosis was performed for identifying the degree of deterioration using several techniques. These include hydrophobicity classification, measurements of leakage current and mechanical properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis. Results of the conducted experiments indicated stronger degradation of the desired properties under positive DC stress as compared to the AC and negative DC voltages. Moreover, silicone rubber doped with nano-sized particles of silica filler demonstrated better anti-aging performance as compared to its micro-ATH filled counterpart.
Empirical Priors in Polytomous Computerized Adaptive Tests: Risks and Rewards in Clinical Settings
Authors: Frans Niek , Braeken Johan , Veldkamp Bernard P. , Paap Muirne C. S.
Published: September 2022

The use of empirical prior information about participants has been shown to substantially improve the efficiency of computerized adaptive tests (CATs) in educational settings. However, it is unclear how these results translate to clinical settings, where small item banks with highly informative polytomous items often lead to very short CATs. We explored the risks and rewards of using prior information in CAT in two simulation studies, rooted in applied clinical examples. In the first simulation, prior precision and bias in the prior location were manipulated independently. Our results show that a precise personalized prior can meaningfully increase CAT efficiency. However, this reward comes with the potential risk of overconfidence in wrong empirical information (i.e., using a precise severely biased prior), which can lead to unnecessarily long tests, or severely biased estimates. The latter risk can be mitigated by setting a minimum number of items that are to be administered during the CAT, or by setting a less precise prior; be it at the expense of canceling out any efficiency gains. The second simulation, with more realistic bias and precision combinations in the empirical prior, places the prevalence of the potential risks in context. With similar estimation bias, an empirical prior reduced CAT test length, compared to a standard normal prior, in 68% of cases, by a median of 20%; while test length increased in only 3% of cases. The use of prior information in CAT seems to be a feasible and simple method to reduce test burden for patients and clinical practitioners alike.
The ‘Kim Jong-un Effect’ and the mainstreaming of North Korea coverage in UK Media
Authors: Seo Soomin , Choi Jungsik , Choi Hayoung
Published: September 2022

This article uses qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse the entire corpus of news articles published about North Korea by six major UK national newspapers from 2000 to 2020. It offers insights on how North Korea evolved from a relatively obscure subject to a mainstay in the world news section, particularly for the tabloids. Coverage grew exponentially, led by not only stories about nuclear development and missile programmes, but also by soft news items like football, and tourism. Notably, the tone of coverage shifted after Kim Jong-un came to power in 2011, leading to an explosion of stories focussed on the young leader and his family. Structural topic modelling reveals 12 key topic areas among elite and tabloid media. While elite media coverage spanned a wider range of subjects, tabloid media largely focussed on three topics: missiles, the Kim family, and football. Each theme was highly compatible with the traditions of tabloid coverage, supplying eye-catching images (missiles and Kim’s eccentric appearance), a ‘royal family’ of sorts, and sports (North Koreans’ feats during World Cup). Furthermore, qualitative analysis demonstrates that while tabloidization and sensationalistic reporting on the Kim family largely drove the increase in coverage, such stories also added colour and depth previously lacking in reportage on the enemy regime, thereby making the portrayal of North Korea more multidimensional.
Self-management of falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A scoping review
Authors: Tuvemo Johnson Susanna , Flink Maria , Peterson Elizabeth , Gottberg Kristina , Elf Marie , Johansson Sverker , Kierkegaard Marie , Ytterberg Charlotte
Published: September 2022

Objective

Falls are common in people with multiple sclerosis. There is rising interest in how the multifactorial and chronic nature of fall risk among people with multiple sclerosis can be addressed through self-management. Thus, the aims were to investigate the extent and the scope of publications on self-management of falls in people with multiple sclerosis, and to identify how the concept of self-management was defined and used.

Data sources

A systematic literature search in Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science and PsycInfo was conducted to identify publications until July 2022.

Review methods

Published methodological guidance was followed. Articles targeting: (1) people with multiple sclerosis, (2) falls, and (3) self-management were selected. Of 1656 records, 203 publications were assessed for eligibility, of which 173 did not meet the inclusion criteria, and 16 publications did not contain empirical data. The type of publication, study focus, and study design was extracted. If applicable, key findings, self-management tasks and skills, and the definition of self-management were extracted.

Results

Fourteen original articles met all inclusion criteria. Ten articles represented six different fall prevention interventions. Three publications were randomized controlled trials. Self-management content was variable and not comprehensive in nature. None of the 14 publications included a self-management definition.

Conclusion

The limited number of original articles and the even fewer intervention studies show that the research on self-management of falls in people with multiple sclerosis is in its infancy. To progress in the research area of self-management of falls, a more robust, consensus-based description of self-management frameworks and activities is needed.
Target temperature management versus normothermia without temperature feedback systems for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors
Authors: Lee Hui Jai , Shin Jonghwan , You Kyoung Min , Kwon Woon Yong , Kim Kyung Su , Jo You Hwan , Park Seung Min
Published: September 2022

Objective

The clinical benefit of automatic temperature control devices remains unclear. We investigated the outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors who had undergone either target temperature management (TTM) with a temperature feedback system (TFS) or maintenance of normothermia without a TFS during post-resuscitation care.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort of OHCA survivors who had received postcardiac arrest care from August 2014 to December 2018. The overlap propensity score weighting method was applied for adjustment between groups.

Results

A total of 405 OHCA survivors were included. TTM with a TFS and normothermia without a TFS were applied to 318 and 87 patients, respectively. Fever events were more common in patients with normothermia without a TFS. After propensity score matching, no statistically significant differences were observed in the 1-month good neurologic outcome (odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–1.25) or survival rate (odds ratio 1.25, 95% CI 0.88–1.78).

Conclusion

No significant differences in the 1-month neurologic outcome were observed between patients receiving TTM with a TFS and those undergoing normothermia without a TFS.
Effect of direct stenting on microvascular dysfunction during percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Kim Byung Gyu , Cho Sung Woo , Seo Jongkwon , Kim Gwang Sil , Jin Moo-Nyun , Lee Hye Young , Byun Young Sup , Kim Byung Ok
Published: September 2022

Objective

Whether direct stenting (DS) without predilatation during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) reduces microvascular dysfunction in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction is unclear. We performed a randomized study to assess the effect of DS on microvascular reperfusion.

Methods

Seventy-two patients undergoing PPCI were randomly assigned to the DS or conventional stenting (CS) with predilatation groups. The primary endpoint was the post-PPCI index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR). We compared thrombolysis in myocardial infarction myocardial perfusion (TMP) grades, ST-segment resolution, and long-term clinical outcomes between the groups.

Results

Microvascular reperfusion parameters immediately after PPCI (e.g., the IMR, TMP grade, and ST-segment resolution) were not different between the groups. However, significantly fewer patients in the DS group had the IMR measured because of no-reflow or cardiogenic shock during PPCI than those in the CS group. No differences were found in left ventricular functional recovery or clinical outcomes between the groups.

Conclusions

This trial showed no effect of DS on the IMR. However, our finding should be interpreted with caution because the number of patients who could not have the IMR measured was higher in the CS group than in the DS group. A larger randomized trial is required (Research Registry number: 8079).
Can Growth Be Planned? The Case of Melbourne’s Urban Periphery
Authors: Phelps Nicholas A. , Nichols David
Published: September 2022

Growth may have a logic of its own that results in the unplanned appearance of development at the urban fringe. We summarize the challenges of planning for growth at the urban periphery in terms of the uncertainty, irreversibility, interrelatedness, and indivisibilities surrounding development decisions. Drawing on original research, we illustrate the growing pains of metropolitan Melbourne. We underline the challenges to public planning’s spatial logic of placemaking and sequencing but also the innovation apparent in the face of contemporary growth of new speed and spatial extent.
Characterizing the inherent activity of urinary bladder matrix for adhesion, migration, and activation of fibroblasts as compared with collagen-based synthetic scaffold
Authors: Tang Xiaoyu , Yang Fengbo , Chu Guoping , Li Xiaoxiao , Fu Qiuyan , Zou Mingli , Zhao Peng , Lu Guozhong
Published: September 2022

The mechanism of action underlying the intriguing prominent bioactivity of urinary bladder matrix (UBM) for in situ tissue regeneration of soft tissue defects remains to be elucidated. It is speculated that the activity of UBM for cell adhesion, migration, and activation is inherent. The bioactivity of UBM for in situ tissue regeneration and its relation with the structure and intact soluble components of UBM were investigated in comparison to a collagen-based scaffold, PELNAC (PEL). We isolated the soluble component of the two materials with urea buffer, and evaluated the respective effect of these soluble components on the in vitro adhesion and migration of L929 fibroblasts. The spatiotemporal pattern of endogenous-cell ingrowth into the scaffolds and cell activation were investigated using a model of murine subcutaneous implantation. UBM is more capable of promoting the adhesion, migration, and proliferation of fibroblasts than PEL in a serum-independent manner. In vivo, as compared with PEL, UBM exhibits significantly enhanced activity for fast endogenous cell ingrowth and produces a more prominent pro-regenerative and pro-remodeling microenvironment by inducing the expression of TGF-β1, VEGF, MMP-9, and murine type I collagen. Overall, our results suggest the prominent bioactivity of UBM for in situ tissue regeneration is inherent.
Approach and Interfragmentary Stabilization of Caudal Mandibular Fracture in the Cat
Authors: Kling Katherine , Marretta Sandra Manfra
Published: September 2022

An approach to caudal mandibular fracture stabilization is described along with three cases wherein the approach was applied in relatively young cats with traumatic mandibular fractures caudal to or involving the mandibular first molar. This approach was well-tolerated and facilitated a quick return to function as supported by minimal or no reliance on esophageal feeding tubes.
The use of conformal lattice metamaterials for relieving stress in lower limb sockets: A numerical and exploratory study
Authors: Barreto Marco A , Cuan-Urquizo Enrique , Perez-Gonzalez Jorge , Huegel Joel C
Published: September 2022

Selecting the correct material for each application has always been important. Now, with lattice metamaterials engineers can take advantage of the properties of these metamaterials to best suit a specific application. This paper investigates transtibial lower limb socket stress reduction through the implementation of conformal lattice metamaterials. In this work, a model was obtained with a 3D scanner from a plaster cast taken from a participant with a trans-tibial amputation. Then a 3D socket model was created and two conformal patterns were added to the surface of the socket using nTopology®. Parametric studies to relate the lattice metamaterials constituent elements to their effective structural properties, when such are loaded in-plane and out-of-plane were also included. Pressure test simulations were performed to determine the stresses produced in the sockets. This study concludes with discussion of the results and provides information on how surface conformal patterns can improve socket performance, showing that surface-vertex-centroid patterns increase stiffness and relieve stresses.
Smart face shield for the monitoring of COVID-19 physiological parameters: Personal protective equipment (PPE) for health-care workers (HCW’s) and COVID-19 patients
Authors: Syed Sidra Abid , Mushtaq Taha , Umar Neha , Baig Warisha , Shakeel Choudhary Sobhan , Zahid Hira
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered instabilities in various aspects of daily life. This includes economic, social, financial, and health crisis. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic with the evolution of different virus strains such as delta and omicron has led to frequent global lockdowns. These lockdowns have caused disruption of trade activities that in turn have led to the shortage of medical supplies, especially personal protective equipment’s (PPE’s). Health-care workers (HCW’s) have been at the forefront of the fight against this pandemic and are responsible for saving millions of lives worldwide. However, the PPE’s available to HCW’s in the form of face shields and face masks only provide face and eye protection without encapsulating the ability to continuously monitor vital COVID-19 parameters including body temperature, heart rate, and SpO2. Hence, in this study, we propose the design and utilization of a PPE in the form of smart face shield. The device has been integrated with the MAX30102 sensor for measuring the heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the DS18B20 body temperature measuring sensor. The readings of these sensors are analyzed by a NodeMCU ESP8266 and measurements are displayed on a laptop screen. Also, the Wi-Fi module of NodeMCU ESP8266 enables compatibility with the ThingSpeak mobile application and permits HCW’s and patients recovering from COVID-19 to keep a track of their physiological parameters. Overall, this PPE has been observed to provide reliable readings and the results indicate that the designed prototype can be used for monitoring COVID-19 essential parameters.
Does the low-carbon city pilot policy achieve the synergistic effect of pollution and carbon reduction?
Authors: Wang Hui , Gu Kuiying , Dong Feng , Sun Hui
Published: September 2022

A scientific assessment of the synergistic effect of the low-carbon city pilot policy in reducing air pollution and carbon emissions is needed to promote carbon peak and carbon neutrality. This study applied the Spatial Durbin Model-Difference in Difference technique to investigate the synergistic effect of air pollution and carbon emission reduction through the implementation of the low-carbon city pilot policy. The main results are as follows. (1) A spatial phenomenon was observed, in which there was a coexistence of urban carbon emissions and air pollution agglomerations. The spatial characteristics of the “symbiotic” carbon emissions and air pollution agglomerations were revealed. (2) The low-carbon city policy significantly reduced CO2, SO2, and PM2.5 concentrations, and the effect of the “co-governance” of air pollution and carbon emission reduction was obvious. (3) There was a clear regional heterogeneity in the synergistic effect of air pollution and carbon emission reduction in low-carbon cities. A stronger incentive effect was apparent in central and western cities, resource-based cities, and key environmental protection cities. (4) To achieve a synergistic governance “sharing” situation, the transmission mechanism of the low-carbon city pilot policy was the reduction of total energy consumption, the promotion of industrial restructuring, the optimization of the factor endowment structure, and the continuous improvement of the urban transport structure and green innovation. Our results not only help advance the research on synergistic reduction of air pollution and carbon emissions, but also can be of interest to low-carbon city policy makers in China.
Curcumin treatment attenuates cisplatin-induced gastric mucosal inflammation and apoptosis through the NF- κ B and MAPKs signaling pathway
Authors: Gao Jinping , Liu Yunen , Chen Juan , Tong Changci , Wang Qian , Piao Ying
Published: September 2022

To investigate the protective effects of curcumin (Cur) on gastric mucosal injury induced by cisplatin (DDP), and explore possible molecular mechanisms. A mouse of gastric mucosal injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of DDP (27 mg/kg). Thirty mice were randomly divided into control group, DDP group and DDP + Cur group. Serum and gastric mucosal samples were collected on the 7th day after Cur treatment. The index of gastric mucosa injury was calculated, and the expression levels of inflammation, apoptosis and signaling pathway proteins were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, ELISA and western blotting analysis. These data showed that Cur treatment significantly attenuated DDP-induced decrease in body weight, food intake, fat and muscle ratios, and improved the gross gastric injury, scores of ulcer index, and histopathology changes triggered by DDP ( p < .05). Meanwhile, Cur significantly decreased serum IL-23 and IL-17 proteins, reduced the expression levels of gastric mucosal IL-1β, TNF- α and MPO, and restored the level of IL-10 protein ( p < .05). Moreover, Cur treatment significantly inhibited the expression levels of Caspase-3, PARP and Bax, and increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein. Furthermore, Cur treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of IL-1R, MyD88 and TAK1, and also repressed the activation of NF-κB and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. And more importantly, Cur treatment significantly inhibited DDP-induced gastric mucosal JNK1/2, ASK1, P38 and JUN phosphorylation, and promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and C-Myc proteins. Our data suggest that Cur treatment alleviates DDP-induced gastric mucosal inflammation and apoptosis, which may be mediated through the NF- κ B and MAPKs signaling pathway.
A screening method for ultra-high dimensional features with overlapped partition structures
Authors: He Jie , Song Jiali , Zhou Xiao-hua , Hou Yan
Published: September 2022

Ultra-high dimensional data, such as gene and neuroimaging data, are becoming increasingly important in biomedical science. Identifying important biomarkers from the huge number of features can help us gain better insights into further researches. Variable screening is an efficient tool to achieve this goal under the large scale cases, which reduces the dimension of features into a moderate size by removing the major part of inactive ones. Developing novel variable screening methods for high-dimensional features with group structures is challenging, especially under the overlapped cases. For example, the huge-scaled genes usually can be partitioned into hundreds of pathways according to background knowledge. One primary characteristic for this type of data is that many genes may appear across more than one pathway, which means that different pathways are overlapped. However, existing variable screening methods only could deal with disjoint group structure cases. To fill this gap, we propose a novel variable screening method for the generalized linear model by incorporating overlapped partition structures with theoretical guarantee. Besides the sure screening property, we also test the performance of the proposed method through a series of numerical studies and apply it to statistical analysis of a breast cancer data.
Dexamethasone-Loaded Injectable In-situ Thermal Crosslinking Magnetic Responsive Hydrogel for the Physiochemical Stimulation of Acupoint to Suppress Pain in Sciatica Rats
Authors: Wei Wan , Yang Qiuhong , Hu Jing , Yao Yong , Yang Huayuan
Published: September 2022

The physicochemical stimulation of acupoints is a widespread treatment strategy for different diseases, such as sciatica. Its efficacy is mainly based on the temporal and spatial modulation of the physicochemical properties of the acupoints. The existing therapies based on the stimulation of acupoints have certain disadvantages. Therefore, in this study, injectable dexamethasone (DXM)- and magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles-loaded chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS/GP) thermal crosslinking hydrogels were prepared, thereby improving the performance of embedding materials. The sciatica rat models were established to compare the therapeutic effects of hydrogels and catgut. The DXM or Fe3O4-loaded CS/GP hydrogels were compared in terms of their gelation kinetics, release kinetics, magnetic responsiveness in-vitro, and biocompatibility as well as their analgesic effects on the chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI) rats in-vivo. The CS/GP/Fe3O4/DXM hydrogel showed comparable gelation kinetics and good magnetic responsiveness in-vitro. This hydrogel could relieve sciatica by reducing the expression levels of inflammatory factors in serum, inhibiting the p38MAPK (p38, mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphorylation, and decreasing the expression level of the P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) in the spinal dorsal horn. In conclusion, the DXM or Fe3O4-loaded CS/GP hydrogels can be considered as a treatment option for the physiochemical stimulation therapy of acupoints to improve sciatica.
Functions of dialogue in (television) drama: A case study of Indigenous-authored television narratives
Authors: Bednarek Monika , Syron Liza-Mare
Published: September 2022

While stylistics has successfully integrated the study of language use in film and television, relatively little research has tried to systematically classify the functions of television or film dialogue – i.e. to taxonomise its range of potential stylistic functions such as characterisation or the creation of consistency. Most stylistic research has also focussed on traditional US (Hollywood) or European narrative mass media, rather than culturally-diverse or Indigenous-authored film and television. This article aims to make a contribution to both of these under-examined fields by offering a case study of the stylistic functions of Australian Aboriginal English lexis in three successful Indigenous-authored television series. The three series ( Redfern Now, Cleverman and Mystery Road) are all important for the television canon and were broadcast in Australia as well as exported internationally. Using an existing corpus with dialogue from these series as repository, this article illustrates the different functions of Australian Aboriginal English lexis in its surrounding text by critically examining multiple dialogue extracts from the three narratives. Quotations from Indigenous screen creatives are interwoven with the analysis where relevant. We argue that such lexis fulfils many functions beyond characterisation and demonstrate the significance of communicating culture and identity in Indigenous-authored drama. The study has implications both for the stylistic analysis of the multiple functions of television/film dialogue and for the study of narratives that feature significant creative involvement by marginalised, subjugated, colonised, or otherwise historically excluded communities – including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander people(s) in Australia.
Management of talar lesions with cement augmentation and autologous bone graft
Authors: Kim Do Hun , Kim Wanlim , Choi Youngrak
Published: September 2022

Background

Treatment of bone lesions involved with the articular cartilage at the talus is challenging. We report the management of talus lesions, particularly tumors and avascular necrosis (AVN), at the articular surface through treatment with cement augmentation and autologous bone graft.

Methods

Eight benign bone tumors and three cases of AVN were reviewed retrospectively at a mean follow-up of 56 months (range, 12–162). The mean age of all patients was 36.1 years old (range, 15–73) when assessed between February 2005 and November 2021. Curettage of tumorous and necrotic lesions resulted in significant bone defects filled with bone cement augmentation. Cartilage defects of the talar dome were supported with autologous cancellous bone graft. Tolerable weight-bearing ambulation was permitted immediately after surgery. Radiological and functional evaluations were recorded.

Results

We observed an increase in the average The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) ( p = .003) and a decrease in the average Visual Analogue Scale pain score ( p = .003). There was no statistically significant decrease in ROM before or after surgery ( p = .114). Additionally, no talus collapse of the ankle joint occurred. Talar dome status did not aggravate before or after surgery, except for one patient. Despite no radiographic osteoarthritis exacerbation before or after surgery in six patients, five patients had osteoarthritic change.

Conclusion

Cement implantation and autologous bone graft performed simultaneously for benign bone tumors with joint cartilage damage and AVN are technically simple, have good outcomes, and may be a suitable alternative to standard treatments.
Using Multiverse Analysis to Highlight Differences in Convergent Correlation Outcomes Due to Data Analytical and Study Design Choices
Authors: Webb Sam S. , Demeyere Nele
Published: September 2022

In neuropsychological research, there are a near limitless number of different approaches researchers can choose when designing studies. Here we showcase the multiverse/specification curve technique to establish the robustness of analytical pathways choices within classic psychometric test validation in an example test of executive function. We examined the impact of choices regarding sample groups, sample sizes, test metrics, and covariate inclusions on convergent validation correlations between tests of executive function. Data were available for 87 neurologically healthy adults and 117 stroke survivors, and a total of 2,220 different analyses were run in a multiverse analysis. We found that the type of sample group, sample size, and test metric used for analyses affected validation outcomes. Covariate inclusion choices did not affect the observed coefficients in our analyses. The present analysis demonstrates the importance of carefully justifying every aspect of a psychometric test validation study a priori with theoretical and statistical factors in mind. It is essential to thoroughly consider the purpose and use of a new tool when designing validation studies.
Responsible Behavior With Younger Children: Results From a Pilot Randomized Evaluation of a School-Based Child Sexual Abuse Perpetration Prevention Program
Authors: Letourneau Elizabeth J. , Schaeffer Cindy M. , Bradshaw Catherine P. , Ruzicka Amanda E. , Assini-Meytin Luciana C. , Nair Reshmi , Thorne Evelyn
Published: September 2022

Many efforts to prevent child sexual abuse (CSA) aim to teach children strategies for recognizing, resisting, and reporting victimization. There is limited evidence that victimization-focused efforts actually prevent CSA. Moreover, these efforts often overlook the fact that many children and adolescents engage in problem sexual behavior against younger children. Responsible Behavior with Younger Children (RBYC) is a novel universal school-based perpetration-focused intervention that aims to prevent the onset of inappropriate, harmful, or illegal sexual behavior by adolescents against younger children. 1 Responsible behavior with younger children was designed to provide adolescents and their parents with the knowledge and tools to help adolescents interact appropriately with younger children and avoid CSA behaviors. In this paper we describe intervention development, summarize lessons learned from implementing RBYC in four urban schools, and report results from our pilot randomized waitlist-controlled trial (RCT) with 160 6th and 7th grade students. Results indicate RBYC was associated with increased accuracy in youth knowledge about CSA and CSA-related laws, and with increased behavioral intention to avoid or prevent CSA with younger children and peer sexual harassment. Although the sample was small and the effects were relatively modest, the findings do suggest that RBYC holds promise for preventing the onset of problem sexual behavior.
Types of Economic Abuse in Postseparation Lives of Women Experiencing IPV: A Qualitative Study from Finland
Authors: Kaittila Anniina , Hakovirta Mia , Kainulainen Heini
Published: September 2022

There is growing interest in economic abuse as a form of violence against women, but the research has largely addressed cohabiting couples thus far, with few detailed explorations of women's experiences of economic abuse in postseparation life. Using interviews with 11 women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), this study investigates the types of economic abuse in the lives of these women. Inductive thematic analysis revealed four types of postseparation economic abuse (PSEA): economic sabotage, withholding resources, financial harassment, and stealing. These results help better understand and recognize the different forms of PSEA. Recommendations are provided for incorporating PSEA as a central component of IPV research, practice, and policy.
Creative Placemaking and Empowered Participatory Governance
Authors: Wichowsky Amber , Gaul-Stout Jennifer , McNew-Birren Jill
Published: September 2022

Creative placemaking has become a popular strategy to revitalize distressed neighborhoods. Who is empowered to participate in these projects and in what capacity? Do such efforts reduce or reinforce existing race-class inequities in community development? Drawing on three years of participant observations, interviews with stakeholders, and analyses of project reports, we use Archon Fung's “Democracy Cube” framework to evaluate a creative placemaking initiative in one of the most segregated cities in the United States. We find that over the course of the project, participation patterns shifted from highly diffuse across many individuals with varied roles to highly concentrated, such that only a few individuals maintained knowledge of ongoing developments in the project. We argue that this shift was not inevitable and discuss strategies that funders and organizations can use to increase equity in placemaking and community development endeavors.
Recurrent disability progression endpoints in multiple sclerosis clinical trials
Authors: Bühler Alexandra , Wolbers Marcel , Model Fabian , Wang Qing , Belachew Shibeshih , Manfrini Marianna , Lorscheider Johannes , Kappos Ludwig , Beyersmann Jan
Published: September 2022

Background:

The current standard endpoint to assess disability accumulation in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials is the time to the first confirmed disability progression, which excludes subsequent progression events. Including recurrent progression events may permit a more comprehensive assessment of treatment effects on disability progression.

Objective:

To propose a definition of recurrent disability progression events and to compare time-to-first and recurrent event analysis.

Methods:

Recurrent disability progression events were defined by expanding the recommended first event definition. Marginal recurrent event methods (negative binomial model, Lin–Wei–Yang–Ying model) were compared with Cox regression in data from three randomized controlled trials in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), and in simulated randomized controlled trial data.

Results:

The recurrent event analyses included a substantially larger number of progression events compared with the time-to-first-event analyses (+7.5% and +9.9% in the RMS trials and +22.7% in the PPMS trial). The increase in the number of events resulted in more precise treatment effect estimates and a corresponding gain in statistical power.

Conclusion:

Our results support the use of recurrent event data analysis, especially in progressive MS trials, to improve estimates of treatment effects, increase statistical power, and better capture the clinically meaningful long-term disability progression experience.
Walking for well-being. Exploring the phenomenology of modern pilgrimage
Authors: Sørensen Anna , Høgh-Olesen Henrik
Published: September 2022

Modern pilgrimages are gaining popularity in Western culture despite increased secularization. Historically, pilgrimages were a religious ritual with the goal of personal transformation. This study explores the phenomenology of modern pilgrimage: the motivations to go on a pilgrimage, the experience and the subsequent changes. An explorative study was conducted on 142 pilgrims. The results indicate that 74% of the participants were motivated by psycho-existential motives to go on the Camino to Santiago. In addition, 75% of the participants experienced changes in life after walking the Camino. The findings indicate that modern pilgrimage still has transformative potential. Furthermore, six major themes regarding the phenomenology of the Camino emerge from the data: (1) authentic experience, (2) walking in nature, (3) self-transformation, (4) community, (5) simplicity and (6) spirituality, indicating that modern pilgrimage is a multidimensional psycho-existential phenomenon.
Playing with history in World of Tanks: Negotiated readings, historical realism and cultural memory
Authors: Jonckheere Natalie , Persaud Christopher , Liu Calvin , Williams Dmitri
Published: September 2022

This study focuses on United States-based players of World of Tanks, a historical battle arena game that features many playable tanks based on their actual historical origins, mostly from the World War II and postwar eras. Through a partnership with the game’s developer Wargaming.net, we conducted interviews with 20 players of World of Tanks who indicated that they are interested in history generally or military history specifically. Our findings indicate that playing World of Tanks is one dimension of a broader spectrum of interacting with history as a kind of leisure activity. Players put history in service of their own interests and recreational enjoyment, while acknowledging that historical accuracy is a moving target that must be balanced with elements that shape gameplay structure, competitive potential, and player agency. This study contributes to scholarship on the experiences and motivations of people who play historical games, situates interest in historical games within a broader array of history-related leisure, offers insights for historical game developers interested in players’ cultural and social context, and notes the limitations of games to teach about the past.
Understanding the drive experience of motor vehicle club members in the Philippines
Authors: Perez Maria Elyza , Maniego Katrina Ysabel , Capistrano Robert Charles , Delayco Maria Luisa
Published: September 2022

This study aims to understand drive tourism by exploring the experience of drive tourists and the role and function of motor vehicle clubs (MVCs) concerning their motivations, drive experience, and route choices. The growing demand for transportation and car ownership has popularized drive tourism in recent years. MVCs have started to explore this form of travel to expand membership. In the Philippines, there has been a dearth of literature on drive tourism despite road transport being the most dominant mode of travel. A qualitative inquiry through the case study approach was used to explore the drive tourism experience of MVC members. Data collection includes individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Four major themes emerged from the study: immersing with the motor vehicle; engaging with the MVC members; a sense of belongingness; and considerations in route choices. Being in a group plays an integral part in motivating a member to travel to determine destination choice and develop an attitude toward travelling itself. Though recent studies on positive emotions, engagement, relationship, meanings, and accomplishment or the PERMA model were utilized in exploring festival experiences, this study provides a novel contribution in using the model to interpret the experiences occurring in drive tourism in the context of MVCs. The study contributes by using the Philippines as a case given its archipelagic configuration, current infrastructure, and road development that could open opportunities while posing tourism and transport challenges where the function and role of MVCs can be critical in facilitating the growth of drive tourism.