bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Information and Monitoring of Sexually Transmitted Infections (SIM study): a single-center, parallel, three-arm randomized controlled trial protocol for enhancing adherence to syphilis treatment and follow-up
Authors: Wendland Eliana M. , de Oliveira Vanessa M. , Pedrotti Luana Giongo , Souza Flavia M. A. , Pereira Gerson F. M. , Gerbase Antonio
Published: May 2022

Background

Syphilis has recently resurfaced as a significant public health problem. Since the 2000s, isolated syphilis outbreaks have increasingly occurred in North America, Europe, and Australia; in Brazil, there have been progressive increases in both congenital and acquired syphilis. There are several possible explanations, such as misdiagnosis of acquired syphilis, which could increase the number of untreated transmitters in the population; failure to initiate or complete treatment; and nontreatment of sexual partners (leading to reinfection). Mobile technologies have been successfully used to promote behavior changes and can positively impact treatment and follow-up adherence in patients with infectious diseases. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate treatment and monitoring methods in patients with syphilis, including follow-up by telephone, via a game in a smartphone app, and at public health centers.

Methods

The SIM study is a single-center, randomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up period. The aim is to identify the most effective method of follow-up regarding patient compliance with treatment. The tests will be performed in a mobile unit in easily accessible locations. The goal is to perform 10,000 rapid tests for syphilis. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis according to VDRL tests will be randomized to one of three arms: telephone, smartphone game, or conventional in-person follow-up. All analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle.

Conclusion

If we find differences in effectiveness, a major change in the conventional approach for this patient population may be needed, potentially affecting current Brazilian health policy strategies.

Trial registration

NTC04753125. Version 1 of protocol 1/09/2020.
Knockdown of the stem cell marker Musashi-1 inhibits endometrial cancer growth and sensitizes cells to radiation
Authors: Falke Isabel , Troschel Fabian M. , Palenta Heike , Löblein Maria T. , Brüggemann Kathrin , Borrmann Katrin , Eich Hans Theodor , Götte Martin , Greve Burkhard
Published: May 2022

Background

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological cancer in Europe. Musashi-1 is known to be a key regulator of endometrial cancer stem cells and a negative prognostic marker. In the present study, we aimed to understand growth and gene expression patterns in endometrial carcinoma after Musashi-1 knockdown in vitro and in vivo. Changes in therapeutic resistance were also assessed.

Methods

First, we performed analyses to understand Musashi-1 expression patterns using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We then proceeded to assess effects of small interfering RNA-based Musashi-1 targeting in two endometrial carcinoma cell lines, Ishikawa and KLE. After quantifying baseline changes in cell metabolism, we used MTT tests to assess chemotherapy effects and colony formation assays to understand changes in radioresistance. For mechanistic study, we used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting of key Musashi-1 target genes and compared results to primary tissue database studies. Finally, xenograft experiments in a mouse model helped understand in vivo effects of Musashi-1 knockdown.

Results

Musashi-1 is aberrantly expressed in primary tumor tissues. In vitro, silencing of Musashi-1 resulted in a strong decline in cell proliferation and radioresistance, while chemoresistance remained unchanged. Loss of Musashi-1 led to downregulation of telomerase, DNA-dependent protein kinase, the Notch pathway and overexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, the latter of which we identified as a key mediator of Msi-1 knockdown-related anti-proliferative signaling. In vivo, the anti-proliferative effect was confirmed, with Msi-1 knockdown tumors being about 40% reduced in size.

Conclusions

Musashi-1 knockdown resulted in a strong decrease in endometrial cancer proliferation and a loss of radioresistance, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Fibronectin extra domain A (FN-EDA) causes glaucomatous trabecular meshwork, retina, and optic nerve damage in mice
Authors: Mavlyutov Timur A. , Myrah Justin J. , Chauhan Anil K. , Liu Yang , McDowell Colleen M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for the development and progression of primary open angle glaucoma and is due to trabecular meshwork (TM) damage. Here, we investigate the role of an endogenous Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligand, FN-EDA, in the development of glaucoma utilizing a transgenic mouse strain (B6.EDA+/+) that constitutively expresses only FN containing the EDA isoform.

Methods

Eyes from C57BL6/J (wild-type), B6.EDA+/+ (constitutively active EDA), B6.EDA-/- (EDA null) mice were processed for electron microscopy and consecutive images of the entire length of the TM and Schlemm’s canal (SC) from anterior to posterior were collected and montaged into a single image. ECM accumulation, basement membrane length, and size and number of giant vacuoles were quantified by ImageJ analysis. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression in the TM and ONH cells was conducted using RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry protocols. IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer, ON damage assessed by PPD stain, and RGC loss quantified in RBPMS labeled retina flat mounts.

Results

Ultrastructure analyses show the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice have significantly increased accumulation of ECM between TM beams with few empty spaces compared to C57BL/6 J mice (p < 0.05). SC basement membrane is thicker and more continuous in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J. No significant structural differences are detected in the TM of EDA null mice. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression is increased in the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.05). IOP is significantly higher in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.001), and significant ON damage (p < 0.001) and RGC loss (p < 0.05) detected at 1 year of age. Tlr4 mRNA is expressed in mouse ONH cells, and is present in ganglion cell axons, microglia, and astrocytes. There is a significant increase in the area occupied by Iba-1 positive microglia cells in the ONH of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J control eyes (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

B6.EDA+/+ mice have increased ECM accumulation in the TM, elevated IOP, enhanced proinflammatory changes in the ONH, loss of RGCs, and ONH damage. These data suggest B6.EDA+/+ mice recapitulate many aspects of glaucomatous damage.
Assessment of echinococcosis control in Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Wang Liying , Gongsang Quzhen , Pang Huasheng , Qin Min , Wang Ying , Li Jingzhong , Frutos Roger , Gavotte Laurent
Published: May 2022

Background

In China the highest prevalence of echinococcosis is in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). The government has issued documents and implemented comprehensive prevention and control measures focusing on controlling the source of infection of echinococcosis. It was very important to understand the implementation and effect of infectious source control measures. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of measures to control infectious source (domestic and stray dogs) in TAR and to assess their effectiveness.

Methods

We collected data on domestic dog registration and deworming and stray dog sheltering in 74 counties/districts in the TAR from 2017 to 2019. Fecal samples from domestic dogs were collected from randomly selected towns to determine Echinococcus infection in dogs using coproantigen ELISA. We analyzed the data to compare the canine rate of infection between 2016 and 2019. The data analysis was performed by SPSS statistical to compare dog infection rate in 2016 and 2019 by chi-square test, and ArcGIS was used for mapping.

Results

From 2017 to 2019, 84 stray dog shelters were built in TAR, and accumulatively 446,660 stray or infected dogs were arrested, sheltered, or disposed of. The number of domestic dogs went downward, with an increased registration management rate of 78.4% (2017), 88.8% (2018), and 99.0% (2019). Dogs were dewormed 5 times in 2017, 12 times in 2018, and 12 times in 2019. The dog infection rate was 1.7% (252/14,584) in 2019, significantly lower than 7.3% (552/7564) from the survey of echinococcosis prevalence in Tibet in 2016 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Between 2017 and 2019, the number of stray dogs and infection rate of Echinococcus spp. in domestic dogs decreased significantly, indicating that dogs were effectively controlled as a source of infection in TAR and reflecting a significant decrease in the risk of echinococcosis transmission.

Graphical Abstract
Methylprednisolone in the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Dale Ventour , Thannoo Geosanne , Ramlakhan Shammi
Published: May 2022

This case report proposes the use of pulsed methylprednisolone in a patient with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) who was invasively ventilated. A 38-year-old, East Indian gravida 4, para 1+2, patient with worsening respiratory function with spontaneous pneumothoraxes and hypoxemia was pulsed with methylprednisolone leading to rapid resolution of respiratory failure.

The author proposes pulsed methylprednisolone in ventilated LAM patients, which gives another option to patients which resulted in alleviation of hypoxemia and maintaining foetal viability.
Economic Cost and Sustainability of Oral Therapies in Precision Oncology
Authors: Desai Aakash P. , Scheckel Caleb J. , Soderberg Leah C. , Jensen Chelsee J. , Orme Jacob J. , Tella Sri H. , Kommalapati Anuhya , Pritchett Joshua C. , Khera Nandita , Mahipal Amit , Go Ronald S. ,   on behalf of the Mayo Clinic Hematology and ONcology Outcomes Research (HONOR) Group
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE:

Precision oncology promises improved outcomes but the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of targeted therapies is debatable. We report price change patterns from 2015 to 2019 for several oral anticancer medications for common solid tumor malignancies.

METHODS:

We collected provider utilization and payment data from the public Medicare Part D database and extracted drug price information for commonly prescribed targeted oral anticancer agents for lung, breast, and prostate cancer. We then calculated median Pearson correlation coefficient values for various drugs (containing more than two data points) within each therapeutic class. We also calculated compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) for medication costs within each class and compared them with the consumer price index (CPI).

RESULTS:

Our study included six epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRi; one generic), five anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors (ALKi), two B-Raf inhibitors (BRAFi), three hormonal agents (one generic), three cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), two poly-ADP-ribose inhibitors (PARPi), and seven antiandrogen agents (two generic). The median (range) Pearson correlation coefficient values for cost of drugs within each therapeutic class were 0.967 (0.915-0.978) for EGFRi, 0.981 (0.966-0.989) for ALKi, 0.996 for BRAFi, 0.994 (0.992-0.999) for CDK4/6i, 0.855 for PARPi, and 0.442 (–0.522 to 0.962) for antiandrogens. Therapies with two or fewer data points (generic erlotinib, dacomitinib, abiraterone, apalutamide, and darolutamide) were excluded. The median CAGRs in costs over the 5-year period were 4.56% (EGFRi), 6.40% (ALKi), 2.58% (BRAFi), 5.48% (hormonal agents), 5.21% (CDK4/6i), 27.29% (PARPi), and 34.8% (antiandrogens). The CPI over 5 years was 2.26%/year, and the average inflation rate was 1.90%/year.

CONCLUSION:

The median CAGR in costs for modern oral precision-driven cancer therapeutic classes mostly outpaced CPI and the average inflation. Increase in cost within the same class should be weighed against incremental clinical benefit for the patients to ensure that rising costs do not limit access to targeted therapies.
Pinch2 regulates myelination in the mouse central nervous system
Authors: Paes de Faria Joana , Vale-Silva Raquel S. , Fässler Reinhard , Werner Hauke B. , Relvas João B.
Published: May 2022

The extensive morphological changes of oligodendrocytes during axon ensheathment and myelination involve assembly of the Ilk-Parvin-Pinch (IPP) heterotrimeric complex of proteins to relay essential mechanical and biochemical signals between integrins and the actin cytoskeleton. Binding of Pinch1 and Pinch2 isoforms to Ilk is mutually exclusive and allows the formation of distinct IPP complexes with specific signaling properties. Using tissue-specific conditional gene ablation in mice, we reveal an essential role for Pinch2 during central nervous system myelination. Unlike Pinch1 gene ablation, loss of Pinch2 in oligodendrocytes results in hypermyelination and in the formation of pathological myelin outfoldings in white matter regions. These structural changes concur with inhibition of Rho GTPase RhoA and Cdc42 activities and phenocopy aspects of myelin pathology observed in corresponding mouse mutants. We propose a dual role for Pinch2 in preventing an excess of myelin wraps through RhoA-dependent control of membrane growth and in fostering myelin stability via Cdc42-dependent organization of cytoskeletal septins. Together, these findings indicate that IPP complexes containing Pinch2 act as a crucial cell-autonomous molecular hub ensuring synchronous control of key signaling networks during developmental myelination.
Influence of caste and subcaste characteristics on locomotion in the ant Camponotus fellah
Authors: Tross Johanna , Wolf Harald , Pfeffer Sarah Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

Worker polymorphism in ants has evolved repeatedly, with considerable differences in the morphometry of worker subcastes. Such body size differences and especially caste- and subcaste-specific characteristics might significantly influence locomotion. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive locomotion analysis along gradients in both body size and walking speed of Camponotus fellah worker subcastes, and of males, which have rarely been studied to date because of their short life spans associated with mating flights. We provide a detailed description of the morphometry and size differences of C. fellah castes and subcastes and analyse locomotion in the different polymorphic groups in terms of absolute and relative walking speeds (mesosoma lengths per second). Our results reveal that body size and shape affect locomotion behaviour to different extents in the worker subcastes (minor workers, medias, major workers) and in males. Nevertheless, C. fellah ants use the same overall locomotion strategy, with males and major workers reaching considerably lower walking speeds than minors and medias. Body size thus mainly affects walking speed. Minor workers reach the highest relative velocities by high relative stride lengths in combination with large vertical and lateral centre of mass oscillations and clearly higher stride frequencies of up to 25 Hz. Locomotion of males was characterised by clearly lower walking speeds, wider footprint positions, significant phase shifts and a notable dragging of the shorter hind legs. However, general walking parameters of males differed less from those of the female workers than expected as a result of division of labour in the colony.
Siberian hamsters nonresponding to short photoperiod use fasting-induced torpor
Authors: Przybylska-Piech Anna S. , Jefimow Małgorzata
Published: May 2022

Nonresponding Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) do not develop the winter phenotype of white fur, low body mass (Mb) and spontaneous torpor in response to short photoperiod. However, their thermoregulatory response to fasting remains unknown. We measured body temperature and Mb of 12 nonresponders acclimated to short photoperiod and then to cold and fasted four times for 24 h. Four individuals used torpor, and in total, we recorded 19 torpor bouts, which were shallow, short and occurred at night. Moreover, fasting increased the heterothermy index in all hamsters. Low Mb was not a prerequisite for torpor use and Mb loss did not correlate with either heterothermy index or torpor use. This is the first evidence that individuals which do not develop the winter phenotype can use torpor or increase body temperature variability to face unpredictable, adverse environmental conditions. Despite the lack of seasonal changes, thermoregulatory adjustments may increase the probability of winter survival in nonresponders.
Direct Photoexcitable Iodomethylborate Enabling Cyclopropanation of Reactive Alkenes
Authors: Nakamura Rikako , Sumida Yuto , Ohmiya Hirohisa
Published: May 2022

A radical-mediated cyclopropanation tool for reactive alkenes including dehydroamino acids (DHAAs) has been developed based on directly photoexcitable borate generating iodomethyl radical under visible light irradiation. The borate at the excited state serves as a strong single electron reductant. Therefore, this photoexcitable borate offers a simple protocol for cyclopropanation of DHAAs to forge medicinally-important cyclopropane amino acids.
Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT): a review of clinical outcomes—what is the clinical evidence for the most effective implementation?
Authors: Hunte Sherisse Ornella , Clark Catharine H , Zyuzikov Nikolay , Nisbet Andrew
Published: May 2022

Modern conformal radiation therapy using techniques such as modulation, image guidance and motion management have changed the face of radiotherapy today offering superior conformity, efficiency, and reproducibility to clinics worldwide. This review assesses the impact of these advanced radiotherapy techniques on patient toxicity and survival rates reported from January 2017 to September 2020. The main aims are to establish if dosimetric and efficiency gains correlate with improved survival and reduced toxicities and to answer the question ‘What is the clinical evidence for the most effective implementation of VMAT?’. Compared with 3DCRT, improvements have been reported with VMAT in prostate, locally advanced cervical carcinoma and various head and neck applications, leading to the shift in technology to VMAT. Other sites such as thoracic neoplasms and nasopharyngeal carcinomas have observed some improvement with VMAT although not in line with improved dosimetric measures, and the burden of toxicity and the incidence of cancer related deaths remain high, signaling the need to further mitigate toxicity and increase survival. As technological advancement continues, large randomised long-term clinical trials are required to determine the way-forward and offer site-specific recommendations. These studies are usually expensive and time consuming, therefore utilising pooled real-world data in a prospective nature can be an alternative solution to comprehensively assess the efficacy of modern radiotherapy techniques.
Can ultrasound be the diagnostic modality to diagnosis anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis?
Authors: Alaya Andrew , van Dunné Frédérique
Published: May 2022

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is an auto-immune paraneoplastic disease of the limbic system. This syndrome may present itself as a range of psychiatric, neurological and autonomic features. It is associated with long-term morbidity and mortality. The syndrome is associated with ovarian teratoma affecting mainly young females. If the syndrome is identified at an early stage, then a good prognosis is expected. In this case report, the ultrasound performed by an experienced and competent operator was more sensitive than MRI in diagnosing a small ovarian teratoma. Following the removal of the teratoma and with appropriate immunotherapy the patient’s condition improved. In the clinical suspicion of anti-A-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, the first modality of choice should be an ultrasound of the ovaria performed by an experienced and competent operator.
Prospective multicentre analysis of the therapeutic approach and prognostic factors determining overall survival in elderly patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma treated with curative intent.
Authors: Cacicedo Jon , Casquero Francisco , Navarro Arturo , Martinez-Indart Lorea , del Hoyo Olga , Frías Andere , de Zarate Roberto Ortiz , Büchser David , Gómez-Iturriaga Alfonso , San Miguel Iñigo , Suarez Fernan , Barcena Adrian , López-Guerra Jose Luis
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To analyse patterns of treatment with curative intent commonly used in elderly patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and predictive factors of overall survival in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

This multicentre prospective study included consecutive patients aged ≥65 years old diagnosed with NSCLC between February 2014 and January 2018. Inclusion criteria: age ≥65 years, stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC. Treatment decisions were taken by a multidisciplinary committee. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test were used to identify which clinical/treatment-associated variables, or pre-treatment quality of life (QOL) considering EORTC QLQ-C30 (and LC13 module) were predictive of overall survival.

Results:

A total of 139 patients were recruited. Median follow-up was 9.9 months (1.18-57.36 months) with a median survival of 14 months (range 11-17 months). In the group>75-year-old patients, the committee recommended chemotherapy and sequential radiotherapy (55.6%) or radiotherapy alone (22.2%), rather than surgery (3.7%) or concomitant radiochemotherapy (16.5%). However, in 65- to 75-year-old patients, surgery and concomitant radiochemotherapy were recommended in half of cases (p=0.003). Regarding multivariate analysis, the risk of death was higher in patients with pre-existing heart disease (p=0.002), low score for physical functioning (p=0.0001), symptoms of dysphagia (p=0,01), chest pain (p=0.001), and those not undergoing surgical treatment (p=0.024).

Conclusions

Patients >75 years received more conservative treatments. Surgery improved survival and should be carefully considered, regardless of patient age. Comorbidities and poor baseline QOL are predictive of shorter survival.

Advances in knowledge:

Measuring these parameters before treatment may help us to define a population of frail patients with a poorer prognosis to facilitate decision making in clinical practice.
Usefulness of vaccine boosters for Covid-19 in Italy and in UK and comparison between in intensive care admissions and deaths of vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Surprises and implications
Authors: Alessandria Marco , Simion Claudio , Donzelli Alberto
Published: May 2022

Background: There is insufficient clarity about the different outcomes between unvaccinated and vaccinated people hospitalized with Covid-19, with reference to the variables “Intensive Care Unit” and “Deaths”. Moreover, it is unclear the real effectiveness of the vaccine boosters on the risks of infection and Covid-19 deaths, beyond the first few months after the booster. To verify the hypotheses that repeated vaccinations might expose to a progressively greater risk of severe Covid-19, and of a growing weakening of the immune response, primarily against infection, as the distance from the booster dose increases.

Methods: Through an analysis of the official Italian data we calculated significant differences, percentage variations and trends in the variables “Intensive Care Units” and “Deaths” in hospitalized patients among four groups with different vaccination status, and between the Unvaccinated and Vaccinated groups.

Through analyses of the UK Security Agency data in the weekly COVID-19 vaccine surveillance reports we explored the vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infections and against COVID-19 deaths in relation to the time elapsed from the booster doses.

Results: Repeated vaccinations seem to expose the recipients to a growing risk of severe Covid-19, and fewer vaccinations might be enough to protect persons at greater risk.

The vaccine effectiveness against infection vanished and reversed in the medium term, and vaccinated persons with three doses become increasingly more infected versus unvaccinated persons.

Conclusions: The starting hypotheses have been supported, together with the need to combine carefully rethought vaccination campaigns with the implementation of other strategies, with the achievement of a healthy living and working environment, healthy lifestyles, and effective, safe and sustainable care.
The art of Patient and Public Involvement: exploring ways to research and reduce air pollution through art-based community workshops – a reflective paper
Authors: Islam Shahid , Rashid Rukhsana , Bryant Maria , Schofield Holly , McEachan Rosemary R.C.
Published: May 2022

In this reflective paper we outline and discuss our art-based Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) approach.  This exercise held two broad objectives. Firstly, to assist policy makers in understanding the types of interventions communities will find acceptable to address the problem of poor air quality, and secondly, to ascertain community views about our research plans to explore the impact of the planned interventions on neighbourhoods.  We reflect on both our approach and the emergent conversations from the PPI activity. 

Attendees contributed to the process and stressed the importance of not burdening poor neighbourhoods with costly charges as that would ameliorate one health problem but generate others as a consequence of additional financial burden.  Equally, they stressed the need to conduct research on matters which they could connect with such as the impact of clean air plans on young children and how information about air pollution is disseminated in their neighbourhoods as and when research findings emerge. 

This paper offers a conceptual analysis of the art-based PPI method and uniquely draws a connection to the philosophical traditions of Ludwig Wittgenstein.  Specifically, we demonstrate how art is conducive to creating a dialogue which is specifically helpful for PPI purposes for both researchers and implementers, and conversely, why traditional conversational approaches may have fallen short of the adequacy mark in this regard.
Mistakes and complications in the treatment of patients with distal humerus fractures
Authors: Bodnya A. , Dubovik S.
Published: May 2022

Risks of complications in the treatment of humerus distal fractures are rather high.  This gives rise to a lot of controversy and, as a result, the need for research and development aimed at preventing errors and complications. Purpose: to study the structure of errors and complications being arisen in the treatment of patients with distal fractures of the humerus, and outline ways to eliminate them. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes was performed in 72 patients (52 men and 20 women, mean age 39.7 years) with distal humerus fractures. During treatment with the use of external osteosynthesis the errors and complications were identified in 43 patients (group I), 29 patients (group II) had error and complications after transosseous osteosynthesis. Results: Analysis of adverse treatment outcomes showed that in group I, diagnostic errors amounted to 2.3%, tactical errors - 11.6%, technical errors - 20.4%. In group II, only technical errors were noted and they accounts for 10.8%. Surgical treatment errors of this localization injuries led to the development of 23.3% of failures with external osteosynthesis, and 13.8% with transosseous osteosynthesis. Conclusions: a surgeon’s qualification is the most important factor in distal humerus fractures patients treatment. This should include experience, application of optimal treatment tactics in each specific case, and anticipation of various complications development.
Incentive Misalignments in Programmatic Advertising: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Frick Thomas W. , Belo Rodrigo , Telang Rahul
Published: May 2022

In programmatic advertising, firms outsource the bidding for ad impressions to ad platforms. Although firms are interested in targeting consumers that respond positively to advertising, ad platforms are usually rewarded for targeting consumers with high overall purchase probability. We develop a theoretical model that shows if consumers with high baseline purchase probability respond more positively to advertising, then firms and ad platforms agree on which consumers to target. If, conversely, consumers with low baseline purchase probability are the ones for which ads work best, then ad platforms target consumers that firms do not want to target—the incentives are misaligned. We conduct a large-scale randomized field experiment, targeting 208,538 individual consumers, in a display retargeting campaign. Our unique data set allows us to both causally identify advertising effectiveness and estimate the degree of incentive misalignments between the firm and ad platform. In accordance with the contracted incentives, the ad platform targets consumers that are more likely to purchase. Importantly, we find no evidence that ads are more effective for consumers with higher baseline purchase probability, rendering the ad platform’s bidding suboptimal for the firm. A welfare analysis suggests that the ad platform’s bidding optimization leads to a loss in profit for the firm and an overall decline in welfare. To remedy the incentive misalignment, we propose a solution in which the firm restricts the ad platform to target only consumers that are profitable based on individual consumer-level estimates for baseline purchase probability and ad effectiveness.

This paper was accepted by Anandhi Bharadwaj, information systems.

Funding: This work was funded by Vereniging Trustfonds Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam [Grant 97090/17.16/741/oe], Fundacão para a Ciência e a Tecnologia [UID/ECO/00124/2019, UIDB/00124/2020, UIDP/00124/2020, and Social Sciences DataLab - PINFRA/22209/2016], POR Lisboa, and POR Norte [Social Sciences DataLab, PINFRA/22209/2016].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4438 .
Protein-Losing Enteropathy Resolved by Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Sousa Bruno , Alves Rosa , Pestana Santos Catarina , Judas Matos Tiago
Published: May 2022

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLGE) is an uncommon condition with a multifactorial origin, that is characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in hypoproteinaemia and oedema.  The authors present the case of a 24-year-old man admitted to hospital for a 2-month history of lower extremity oedema and diarrhoea with a secretory pattern. Blood analysis revealed hypoalbuminaemia and iron deficiency anaemia. Liver disease and severe proteinuria were excluded as possible aetiologies. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed signs of chronic Helicobacter pylori gastritis. After completion of H. pylori eradication, the patient had complete resolution of clinical and laboratory abnormalities. The results suggest the need to consider less frequent aetiologies for peripheral oedema and hypoproteinaemia, such as PLGE, especially those caused by prevalent bacterial agents like H. pylori.
Control and Power Management Strategy for Shunt DC Electric Spring Integrated DC Microgrid
Authors: Anu A. G. , Harikumar R. , Ushakumari S.
Published: May 2022

Incorporation of intermittent renewable sources and nonlinear loads to DC microgrid (DCMG) has increased its vulnerability to voltage instability and flicker. An innovative Demand Side Management (DSM) program that can help in mitigating these voltage disruptions is the deployment of DC Electric Spring (DCES) technology. In this regard, this paper focuses on small signal modeling and controller design of shunt DCES (ShDCES) in DCMG. The test system comprises of an MPPT controlled Solar Photo-Voltaic (SPV) system, battery-operated DCES and various loads. The MATLAB / Simulink performance analysis of the system indicates that, with the incorporation of power management strategy, the ShDCES configuration has enhanced the power quality of SPV-fed DCMG with fast dynamic response in comparison with its “series” counterpart. The effective utilization of battery operated DCES on the load side, instead of the source side, makes it less battery dependent, resulting in enhancement of battery life and lesser environmental hazards. The simulation results are also validated using real-time simulator OP4510 RTS.
The democratic transformation of public policy through community activism in Brazil
Authors: Boullosa Rosana de Freitas , Peres Janaína Lopes Pereira
Published: May 2022

This article explores transformational change in public policy through community-based governance and the collective design of experience-oriented policy and action. Using a critical-interpretive theoretical perspective, we derived three key lessons in achieving this change from the experience of Paraisópolis, a Brazilian favela made famous for its COVID-19 successful response plan, despite historical state abandonment and overlapping vulnerabilities. The three lessons were (i) proximity coordination, (ii) collective learning, and (iii) affectionate relationality. All three underpinned the principle of ‘community activism’ and ‘deliberative empowerment’, which in turn were both crucial in effecting democratic transformations. Through our case study of Paraisópolis, we argue that transformational change crucially involved civil society engagement alongside inclusive deliberative forums. This reinforces the need to pursue a policy research agenda attentive to sociocentric experiences, ordinary actors and the emotions and values underlying public action.
Long-term commitment to voluntary social work – the role of an autonomy-supportive work environment
Authors: Arka Trude , Ellingsen-Dalskau Lina H. , Ihlebæk Camilla
Published: May 2022

Across Europe, welfare systems are being challenged by demographic changes and increasing socioeconomic differences. Voluntary work has been suggested as part of the solution, but the retention of volunteers within non-profit organisations is increasingly problematic. For the study on which this article is based, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 volunteers at a cafe with a socially oriented profile, aimed at marginalised people in Oslo, Norway. The aim was to gain in-depth knowledge of long-term volunteers’ experiences at the organisation to better understand retention. Four main themes were identified through the analysis: fulfilment, the mastering of tasks, influence and belonging. These themes can be interpreted as being associated with the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy and relatedness, postulated by self-determination theory. The study therefore provides insights into what factors are important in creating an autonomy-supportive work context to encourage volunteers’ longlasting commitment.
Challenges and adaptations of an intermediary: an exploration of support coordination in the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Hummell Eloise , Foster Michele , Fisher Karen R. , Needham Catherine , Borg Samantha J. , Venning Alyssa
Published: May 2022

Support coordination for people with disability and complex needs should assist in personalising and implementing individualised funded supports in a coordinated manner. Yet, this also relies on policy and organisational arrangements being conducive to good practice. Designed according to street-level policy research, this study sought to explore challenges and adaptations associated with the implementation of support coordination in Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme through interviews with 20 support coordinators and front-line personnel. Findings suggest that more explicit oversight of, and attention to, norms of practice and capacity to work collaboratively with choice and control are warranted to enhance support coordination.
Radical women? Explaining the gender gap in radical right voting in the Nordic countries
Authors: Finnsdottir Maria Sigridur
Published: May 2022

Recent decades have seen an electoral resurgence of radical right parties in Europe. Despite their international reputations as gender-egalitarian welfare paradises, the Nordic nations are no exception to this trend. While Nordic radical right movements have appropriated gender-egalitarian language, the leadership and voting bases of these parties remains overwhelmingly male. The gender gap is generally understood as a reflection of gender differences in structural location and in values. This article examines the importance of attitudinal and structural influences on voting behaviour for men and women. I highlight the role of anti-immigrant sentiment, while also arguing that gender differences in voter demand for radical right politics are intimately linked to differences in party supply. In short, I endeavour to provide a nuanced view of the gender gap in radical right voting, while nonetheless highlighting the importance of anti-immigrant sentiment in radical right politics.
Les biblioteques escolars a Catalunya (2018-2019): sense avenços
Authors: Baena Júlia , Mañà Teresa
Published: May 2022

El balanç de les accions en biblioteca escolar els anys 2018 i 2019 no presenta diferències essencials amb el publicat anteriorment sobre el bienni 2016 i 2017. Malgrat la contribució que va significar la traducció, edició i difusió de la segona edició de les Directrius IFLA per a la biblioteca escolar per part del Departament d’Educació manca una política per millorar i impulsar les biblioteques escolars. L’article, a més del repàs a les activitats habituals, incorpora un breu panorama sobre la presència digital de les biblioteques escolars. Destaca per la seva escassesa l’apartat de publicacions sobre el tema, conseqüència segurament de la manca de perspectives davant la situació.
Polishing performance of a magnetic nanoparticle-based nanoabrasive for superfinish optical surfaces
Authors: Amir Md , Mishra Vinod , Sharma Rohit , Ali Syed Wazed , Khan Gufran Sayeed
Published: May 2022

Superfine optical components are necessary for advanced engineering applications such as x-ray optics, high-power lasers, lithography, synchrotron optics, laser-based sensors, etc. Fabrication of such superfine surfaces is one of the major challenges for optical and semiconductor industries. This research focuses on the development of a magnetic nanoparticle-based nanoabrasive for superfine optical polishing. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-based nanoabrasive is synthesized via a hydrothermal route by employing cost-effective precursors. Detailed characterizations of the prepared nanoabrasive are presented. Transmission electron microscopy results confirm the irregular cubic and spherical shaped morphology of the SPION nanoabrasive along with particle size distribution varying from 10–60 nm, enabling the homogenous cutting effect of the aqueous slurry for polishing. Furthermore, the high surface area and pore size are determined by Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis and found to be

30.98

m

2

/

g

and 6.13 nm, respectively, providing homogenous distribution of the nanoabrasive on the surface of a BK7 substrate for material removal. Application of the developed SPION abrasive is demonstrated for superfinish optical polishing on a BK7 optical disc. The experimental polishing results show superfine surface finishing with an average roughness value of 3.5 Å. The superparamagnetic property of the developed nanoabrasive is confirmed by alternative gradient magnetometry, and it helps in recovering the used nanoabrasive after polishing. Moreover, the polishing performance of the SPION nanoabrasives is compared with a cerium nanoabrasive, which is also synthesized in this study.
Fast time-evolving random polarization beam smoothing for laser-driven inertial confinement fusion
Authors: Li Fujian , Ji Lailin , Zhao Xiaohui , Xia Lan , Liu Dong , Shi Haitao , Feng Wei , Rao Daxing , Cui Yong , He Ruijing , Xie Qingnan , Li Xiaoli , Ma Weixin , Sui Zhan , Gao Yanqi
Published: May 2022

We propose a random polarization smoothing method for low-coherence laser to obtain focal spot with random polarization that evolves rapidly in sub-picosecond timescales. Random polarization smoothing is realized by a half-aperture wave plate with sufficient thickness. The degree of polarization and polarization evolution of the focal spot are studied theoretically. The calculation results show that random polarization smoothing can make the polarization of focal spot evolve rapidly and randomly in time and space. Experimentally, the polarization of the focal spot of low-coherence laser with random polarization smoothing is measured by a single-shot polarimeter. The measurement results show that the degree of polarization of the focal spot is reduced to 0.22 on average, which proves the effectiveness of random polarization smoothing. The random polarization smoothing technique on low-coherence laser is expected to reduce the laser plasmas instability through its multi-dimensional random evolution properties.
Liquid crystal lens set in augmented reality systems and virtual reality systems for rapidly varifocal images and vision correction
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsin , Huang Ting-Wei , Huang Hao-Hsin , Wang Yu-Jen
Published: May 2022

The major challenges of augmented reality (AR) systems and virtual reality (VR) systems are varifocal images for vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC) and vision corrections. In this paper, we design a liquid crystal (LC) lens set consisting of three LC lenses for varifocal images and vision corrections in AR and VR. Four operating modes of such a LC lens set present three electrically tunable lens powers: 0, -0.79 diopters, -2 diopters, and -3.06 diopters by means of manipulation of polarization of incident light using electrically tunable half-wave-plates. The response time is fast(< 50 ms). We also demonstrate AR and VR systems by adopting the LC lens set to exhibit functions of varifocal images and vision corrections which enable to solve VAC as well as vision problem in AR and VR.
Active Fano resonance switch using dual-layer graphene in an embedded dielectric metasurface
Authors: Seo Dongjun , Lee Joon Ki , Park Gyeong Cheol
Published: May 2022

We propose an active optical Fano switch (OFS) based on an embedded dielectric metasurface (EDM) including dual-layer graphene (DLG). An EDM is a dielectric grating overlapped by two cladding layers, and it excites a Fano resonance. DLG is positioned inside the upper cladding layer to maximize light-graphene interaction. Thus, with a small change of the chemical potential (µc) of graphene, a resonance wavelength is tuned to switch the OFS on and off. First, a red-parity asymmetric Fano resonance is realized, and a sharp asymmetric lineshape is achieved by controlling the structural parameters of the EDM and the interaction between the Fano resonance and additional weak Fabry–Perot interference for efficient switching. The distance of a peak-to-dip wavelength (Δλp-d) and the change of chemical potential (Δµc) for switching is analyzed by varying the duty cycle (DC) and grating thickness (tg) of the EDM. Furthermore, switching contrast as a figure of merit (FoM) is analyzed. With DC of 0.5 and tg of 70 nm, the OFS requires Δλp-d of 7.3 nm and Δµc of 0.25 eV. The FoM of 0.97 is achieved. By adjusting the two parameters, the switching condition is tuned. In the case of a blue parity, the effect of the two parameters exhibits a similar trend to that of the red parity. The FoM, however, is lower due to the reversed parity.
Linearity of a silicon-based graphene electro-absorption modulator
Authors: Jin Ming , Tao Yuansheng , Gao Xin , Wei Ziyi , Shu Haowen , Yin Jianbo , Peng Hailin , Wang Xingjun
Published: May 2022

A silicon-based graphene modulator, holding the advantages of high modulation efficiency, high speed, and being ultra-compact, is regarded as a promising candidate for next-generation communication networks. Although the properties involved for optical communications have been widely studied, very few works evaluate the performance required for the microwave scenarios. Here, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the linearity of silicon-based graphene electro-absorption modulator (EAM) is analyzed and experimentally characterized through spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) with 82.5 dB·Hz1/2 and 100.3 dB·Hz2/3. Further calculations reveal that a higher SFDR value could be achieved through optimizing the bias voltage. Variations of capacitor structural parameters have little influence on the linearity. Such performance leads to the first, to the best of our knowledge, demonstration of a Gbps-level pulse-amplitude 4-level modulation scheme (PAM-4) eye diagram in a silicon-based graphene modulator.
Frozen spatial coherence
Authors: Pinto M. A. , Brandão P. A.
Published: May 2022

Inspired by the concept of coherent frozen waves, this paper introduces one possible theoretical framework of its partially coherent version, a frozen spatial coherence, in which a desired two-point correlation structure of an optical field is created on the propagation axis by superposing partially coherent zero-order Bessel beams. It is shown that the cross-spectral density can be given a description in terms of a two-dimensional Fourier series, analogous to the one-dimensional approach of coherent frozen waves. The formalism is applied to the design of a partially coherent field which is highly coherent only if the pair of points in the propagation axis belong to a predetermined and finite range and highly incoherent outside that range.
THz-over-fiber transmission with a net rate of 5.12 Tbps in an 80 channel WDM system
Authors: Ding Junjie , Zhang Long , Liu Jiaxuan , Li Weiping , Wang Yanyi , Wang Kaihui , Zhao Li , Zhou Wen , Zhang Jiao , Zhu Min , Yu Jianjun
Published: May 2022

An experimental demonstration of the ultra-large-capacity terahertz (THz)-wave signal transmission over a 20-km wired and 54-m wireless distance in an 80-channel wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system is successfully realized for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Based on optical asymmetric single-sideband (ASSB) modulation and advanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms, we achieve a record line rate of 6.4 Tbit/s (net rate of 5.12 Tbit/s) in a THz-over-fiber communication system. This experimental demonstration can provide an effective solution for ultra-large-capacity THz-over-fiber communication in future 6G networks.