bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular and humoral cytomegalovirus immunity changes in one-year combined prophylaxis after lung transplantation: suggestions from and for clinical practice
Authors: Solidoro Paolo , Patrucco Filippo , Boffini Massimo , Rinaldi Mauro , Airoldi Chiara , Costa Cristina , Cavallo Rossana , Albera Carlo
Published: December 2020

Background:

Immune responses, both cellular and humoral, against cytomegalovirus (CMV) are used to predict CMV manifestations in solid organ recipients. The aim of this study is to evaluate CMV enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay and serology during CMV infections, their concordance and variations after lung transplantation (LTx).

Methods:

We retrospectively analysed in one year the follow-up data of 43 patients receiving combined CMV prophylaxis with antiviral agents and CMV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). CMV infections were investigated by using molecular analyses on both 167 bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy specimens and 1134 blood samples. Cellular CMV immunity was assessed with specific ELISPOT whereas the humoral one was assessed by quantifying specific immunoglobulins.

Results:

At the first month after LTx the majority of patients were ELISPOT responders (52.3%) and 30.9% were non-responders. ELISPOT responders had a lower incidence of CMV viremia ( p = 0.047), whereas neither effects on CMV pulmonary asymptomatic infection nor on acute rejection were observed. Responders had a higher CMV IgG titre ( p < 0.0001) in particular at the first month after LTx ( p = 0.0001). Concordance among CMV ELISPOT assay and IgG levels was moderate (Cohen’s K 0.524), with an agreement of 89.8%. All ELISPOT responders maintained their status and almost all non-responders became responders during follow-up (92.3%); the percentage of IgG seropositive subjects increased from 74.4% at the first month of follow-up to 97.4% after 1 year.

Conclusions:

Despite a moderate concordance with serology, ELISPOT response predicted a lower incidence of CMV viremia in LTx patients; no effects were reported on pulmonary clinical manifestations nor on acute rejection. The ELISPOT response as well as serology changed during the follow-up, not only after first CMV contact. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
HbA1c and clinical outcomes after endovascular treatment in patients with posterior circulation large vessel occlusion: a subgroup analysis of a nationwide registry (BASILAR)
Authors: Yue Feixue , Wang Zhongxiu , Pu Jie , Zhang Min , Liu Yong , Han Hongxing , Liu Wenhua , Wang Xianjun , Li Rongzong , Xue Dongzhang , Cao Jiaming , Yan Zhizhong , Niu Guozhong , Zhang Hao , Guan Haitao , Zeng Hongliang , You Feng , Yang Qian , Zi Wenjie , Zhang Yi , Shao Zetao , Liu Jincheng , Sun Jun , Wang Shouchun
Published: December 2020

Background and aims:

Recently, several clinical trials have shown that increased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level is correlated with poor clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients after thrombolysis and possibly after mechanical thrombectomy. However, the effect of HbA1c on posterior circulation large vessel occlusion (PCLVO) patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remains unclear. This multicenter study assessed the association between the HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients with PCLVO after EVT.

Methods:

We studied 385 PCLVO ischemic stroke patients included in the EVT for acute basilar artery occlusion study (BASILAR). Patients were divided into a high HbA1c level group (HbA1c >6.5%) and a low HbA1c level group (HbA1c ⩽6.5%). The efficacy outcome was a 90-day favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–3). The safety outcomes included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and mortality at 90 days after EVT.

Results:

The frequency of a favorable outcome in patients with an HbA1c ⩽6.5% was significantly higher than that in the HbA1c >6.5% group (41.2% versus 26.2%, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis with adjusted confounders, high HbA1c levels and favorable outcomes were significantly negatively correlated. There was also a significant association between high HbA1c levels and mortality after 3 months. The negative effects of high HbA1c levels on functional status after 3 months were exacerbated in patients aged ⩾65 years.

Conclusion:

Our multicenter study suggests that a higher serum HbA1c level (HbA1c >6.5%) is an independent predictor of a 90-day poor outcome and mortality in patients with PCLVO after EVT, particularly in those aged ⩾65 years. Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR1800014759.
Stress and Peer Support among Nonprofit Workers
Authors: McClure April , Moore Mel
Published: December 2020

Stress among nonprofit workers is well documented. Methods for reducing that stress are not well understood. Specifically, little research examines the value of peer support in reducing stress among those engaged in compassionate care work. In this study, 93 workers from 15 nonprofit organizations completed a Qualtrics survey about their work-related stress, personal relationships with coworkers, perceptions about the value of coworker relationships in mitigating work stress, and efforts by their workplaces to promote positive relationships among their employees. Results indicate that most experience work-related stress, have close and important relationships with coworkers, are likely to confide in coworkers about work stressors, and believe that feeling close to coworkers helps to relieve stress at work. The implications of these findings are explored.
Castaño avoids a clash between the ECtHR and the CJEU, but erodes Soering. Thinking human rights transnationally
Authors: Top Sibel , De Hert Paul
Published: December 2020

This article examines the changing balance established by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) between human rights filters to extradition and the obligation to cooperate and how this shift of rationale brought the Court closer to the position of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in that respect. The article argues that the ECtHR initially adopted a position whereby it prioritised human rights concerns over extraditions, but that it later nuanced that approach by establishing, in some cases, an obligation to cooperate to ensure proper respect of human rights. This refinement of its position brought the ECtHR closer to the approach adopted by the CJEU that traditionally put the obligation to cooperate above human rights concerns. In recent years, however, the CJEU also backtracked to some extent from its uncompromising attitude on the obligation to cooperate, which enabled a convergence of the rationales of the two Courts. Although this alignment of the Courts was necessary to mitigate the conflicting obligations of European Union Member States towards both Courts, this article warns against the danger of making too many human rights concessions to cooperation in criminal matters.
Influence of milling systems and marginal configurations on the fit of yttrium stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP)’ copings
Authors: Al-Aali Khulud A , Bin-Shuwaish Mohammed S. , Alhenaki Aasem M , Al Ahdal Khold , Al Deeb Laila , Maawadh Ahmed M , AlHelal Abdulaziz , Alshehri Hiba , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate marginal fit of yttrium tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP)’ copings with different finish line designs fabricated with various digital scanners and milling systems.

Methods:

Three model plastic teeth were prepared with three finish line designs: Design-1, continuous chamfer; Design-2, chamfer with shallow depression; Design-3, chamfer with deep depression. The “master models” were replicated using elastomeric polyvinyl siloxane impression material and poured in type IV stone generating 90 dies, 30 dies for each design. Dies were scanned and copings were milled utilizing three digital scanners and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems: System-1, InEos Red Scan (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany), Vitablocks® Mark II (VITA, Germany) copings milled by Cerec® inLab (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany); System-2, Cerec® AC Connect with BlueCam (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany), Vitablocks® Mark II (VITA, Germany) copings milled by Cerec® inLab (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany); and System-3, NobleProcera™ Optical Scanner (NobleBiocare™), procera zirconia coping milled by a Noble Procera™ milling machine (NobleBiocare™). Copings were seated on their respective “master models” and secured with uniform force. Eight measurements per coping were performed at pre-established points, with a metallurgical microscope (Zeiss, Germany) connected to a high precision digital video-micrometer (Javelin JV6000, California, USA) at 200 × magnification.

Results:

The tested systems demonstrated marginal gaps ranging from 12.4 to 26.6 µm. Results for marginal fit of milled copings fabricated using three systems with different finish line designs differed significantly ( p < 0.05). Procera zirconia copings scanned and milled with NobleProcera™ exhibited significantly lower marginal gaps compared to other specimen groups. However, InEos Red Scan/Vitablocks® Mark II/Cerec® inLab showed maximum marginal gaps among the study specimens.

Conclusions:

CAD-CAM manufactured Y-TZP’ copings exhibited marginal gaps ranging from 12.49 to 26.6 µm. The CAD-CAM fabrication system was a significant factor influencing the marginal misfit of Y-TZP’ copings. Margin design exhibited system dependent influence on the marginal misfit. Marginal misfit observed for all systems were within clinically acceptable parameters.
Comparing Standard Setting Methods for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations in a Caribbean Medical School
Authors: Dwivedi Neelam Rekha , Vijayashankar Narasimha Prasad , Hansda Manisha , Dubey Arun Kumar , Nwachukwu Fidelis , Curran Vernon , Jillwin Joseph
Published: December 2020

Background:

OSCE are widely used for assessing clinical skills training in medical schools. Use of traditional pass fail cut off yields wide variations in the results of different cohorts of students. This has led to a growing emphasis on the application of standard setting procedures in OSCEs.

Purpose/aim:

The purpose of the study was comparing the utility, feasibility and appropriateness of 4 different standard setting methods with OSCEs at XUSOM.

Methods:

A 15-station OSCE was administered to 173 students over 6 months. Five stations were conducted for each organ system (Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular). Students were assessed for their clinical skills in 15 stations. Four different standard setting methods were applied and compared with a control (Traditional method) to establish cut off scores for pass/fail decisions.

Results:

OSCE checklist scores revealed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.711, demonstrating acceptable level of internal consistency. About 13 of 15 OSCE stations performed well with “Alpha if deleted values” lower that 0.711 emphasizing the reliability of OSCE stations. The traditional standard setting method (cut off score of 70) resulted in highest failure rate. The Modified Angoff Method and Relative methods yielded the lowest failure rates, which were typically less than 10% for each system. Failure rates for the Borderline methods ranged from 28% to 57% across systems.

Conclusions:

In our study, Modified Angoff method and Borderline regression method have shown to be consistently reliable and practically suitable to provide acceptable cut-off score across different organ system. Therefore, an average of Modified Angoff Method and Borderline Regression Method appeared to provide an acceptable cutoff score in OSCE. Further studies, in high-stake clinical examinations, utilizing larger number of judges and OSCE stations are recommended to reinforce the validity of combining multiple methods for standard setting.
Is Vortioxetine an Advantageous Choice for Erectile Dysfunction? A Case Report
Authors: Sutar Roshan , Siddiqui Faisal , Rajan Abin
Published: December 2020

Commonly prescribed antidepressants are associated with sexual adverse effects predominantly reported as erectile dysfunction by men. The clinical dilemma of choosing the right antidepressant while not compromising the sexual functioning is an area of recent research. Few antidepressants, namely dapoxetine, bupropion, trazodone, and mirtazapine, have been reported to have minimal sexual adverse effects. Vortioxetine is a relatively newer antidepressant with clinical profile having minimal sexual and cognitive adverse effects. However, improvement in sexual dysfunction after treatment with vortioxetine has not been reported so far. We highlight the unique benefit of vortioxetine in improving sexual dysfunction in a case of major depressive disorder.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites with different volume fractions of surface-oxidized nanodiamonds
Authors: Yan Wei , Ma Mingchen , Kang Heyi , Li Qian , Tang Hongqun , Zhang Fenglin , Xie Junhao , Ou Xingcheng
Published: December 2020

Nanodiamonds (NDs) have the characteristics of both diamonds and nanomaterials. However, it is difficult to disperse NDs, and this is why there is less research regarding NDs in the field of aluminum matrix composites. In the present work, NDs were modified via surface oxidation, and ND/Al matrix composites were successfully prepared via mechanical ball milling and vacuum sintering. The effects of different volume fraction of NDs (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%) after surface oxidation on the ND/Al matrix composite were analyzed using a metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, microhardness tester, and universal testing machine. The results show that the optimal temperature of surface oxidation treatment is 673 K, which effectively purifies the surface of ND and introduces appropriate C=O functional groups. NDs are uniformly distributed in the aluminum matrix, and no harmful Al4C3 phase is formed. With an increase in the volume fraction of NDs, the grain size of the matrix first decreases and then increases, and the ultimate compressive strength first increases and then decreases. The volume fraction of ND with better comprehensive performance is 3% and the yield strength increased by 19%.
A pan-kidney cancer study identifies subtype specific perturbations on pathways with potential drivers in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhan Xiaohui , Liu Yusong , Yu Christina Y. , Wang Tian-Fu , Zhang Jie , Ni Dong , Huang Kun
Published: December 2020

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a complex disease and is comprised of several histological subtypes, the most frequent of which are clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC). While lots of studies have been performed to investigate the molecular characterizations of different subtypes of RCC, our knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms are still incomplete. As molecular alterations are eventually reflected on the pathway level to execute certain biological functions, characterizing the pathway perturbations is crucial for understanding tumorigenesis and development of RCC.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the pathway perturbations of various RCC subtype against normal tissue based on differential expressed genes within a certain pathway. We explored the potential upstream regulators of subtype-specific pathways with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). We also evaluated the relationships between subtype-specific pathways and clinical outcome with survival analysis.

Results

In this study, we carried out a pathway-based analysis to explore the mechanisms of various RCC subtypes with TCGA RNA-seq data. Both commonly altered pathways and subtype-specific pathways were detected. To identify the distinctive characteristics of each subtype, we focused on subtype-specific perturbed pathways. Specifically, we observed that some of the altered pathways were regulated by several recurrent upstream regulators which presenting different expression patterns among distinct RCC subtypes. We also noticed that a large number of perturbed pathways were controlled by the subtype-specific upstream regulators. Moreover, we also evaluated the relationships between perturbed pathways and clinical outcome. Prognostic pathways were identified and their roles in tumor development and progression were inferred.

Conclusions

In summary, we evaluated the relationships among pathway perturbations, upstream regulators and clinical outcome for differential subtypes in RCC. We hypothesized that the alterations of common upstream regulators as well as subtype-specific upstream regulators work together to affect the downstream pathway perturbations and drive cancer initialization and prognosis. Our findings not only increase our understanding of the mechanisms of various RCC subtypes, but also provide targets for personalized therapeutic intervention.
Differential alternative splicing between hepatocellular carcinoma with normal and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Jin Young-Joo , Aycheh Habtamu Minassie , Han Seonggyun , Chamberlin John , Shin Jaehang , Byun Seyoun , Lee Younghee
Published: December 2020

Background

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the approved serum marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening. However, not all HCC patients show high (≥ 20 ng/mL) serum AFP, and the molecular mechanisms of HCCs with normal (< 20 ng/mL) serum AFP remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to identify biological features of HCCs with normal serum AFP by investigating differential alternative splicing (AS) between HCCs with normal and high serum AFP.

Methods

We performed a genome-wide survey of AS events in 249 HCCs with normal (n = 131) and high (n = 118) serum AFP levels using RNA-sequencing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas.

Results

In group comparisons of RNA-seq profiles from HCCs with normal and high serum AFP levels, 161 differential AS events (125 genes; ΔPSI > 0.05, FDR < 0.05) were identified to be alternatively spliced between the two groups. Those genes were enriched in cell migration or proliferation terms such as “the cell migration and growth-cone collapse” and “regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) transport and uptake by IGF binding proteins”. Most of all, two AS genes (FN1andFAM20A) directly interact with AFP; these relate to the regulation of IGF transport and post-translational protein phosphorylation. Interestingly, 42 genes and 27 genes were associated with gender and vascular invasion (VI), respectively, but only eighteen genes were significant in survival analysis. We especially highlight thatFN1exhibited increased differential expression of AS events (ΔPSI > 0.05), in which exons 25 and 33 were more frequently skipped in HCCs with normal (low) serum AFP compared to those with high serum AFP. Moreover, these events were gender and VI dependent.

Conclusion

We found that AS may influence the regulation of transcriptional differences inherent in the occurrence of HCC maintaining normal rather than elevated serum AFP levels.
Outdoor air pollution from industrial chemicals causing new onset of asthma or COPD: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Lux Harald , Baur Xaver , Budnik Lygia Therese , Heutelbeck Astrid , Teixeira João Paulo , Neumann Emeri , Adliene Diana , Puišo Judita , Lucas David , Löndahl Jakob , Damialis Athanasios , Goksel Ozlem , Orru Hans
Published: December 2020

Background

Until today, industrial sources contribute to the multifaceted contamination of environmental air. Exposure to air pollutants has the potential to initiate and promote asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At global scale, both entities cause the majority of about 4 million annual deaths by respiratory disease. However, we identified industrial contamination as a subgroup of air pollution that may be associated with this burden and is underinvestigated in research. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate associations between substances industrially released into environmental air and the occurrence of asthma and COPD in the human population. Here we present the protocol for our systematic review of the current evidence.

Methods

The following determinations will be applied during the systematic review process and are specified in the protocol that complies with the PRISMA-P statement. Populations of children and adults, as well as outdoor workers, exposed to industrially released air pollutants are of interest. Eligible studies may include subjects as controls who are non- or less exposed to the investigated air pollutants. The outcomes new-onset asthma and/or COPD investigated with risk ratio, odds ratio, hazard ratio, incidence rate ratio, cumulative incidence, and incidence rate are eligible. We will search the electronic literature databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed reports of incidence studies and incidence case-control studies. After systematic sorting of initial records, included studies will be subjected to quality assessment. Data will be synthesized qualitatively and, if appropriate, quantitatively for risk ratio and odds ratio. We will maintain and provide a PRISMA report.

Discussion

Results of this systematic review may indicate alterations of incidence and risk of asthma and/or COPD in populations within industrial exposure radiuses including outdoor workplaces. Specific causal substances and compositions will be identified, but results will depend on the exposure assessment of the eligible studies. Our approach covers effects of industrial contributions to overall air pollution if studies reportedly attribute investigated emissions to industry. Results of this study may raise the question wether the available higher-level evidence sufficiently covers the current scale of industrial exposure scenarios and their potential harm to respiratory health.

Trial registration

This protocol was registered in PROSPERO, registration numberCRD42020151573.
Accuracy and precision of zero-echo-time, single- and multi-atlas attenuation correction for dynamic [11C]PE2I PET-MR brain imaging
Authors: Sousa João M. , Appel Lieuwe , Merida Inés , Heckemann Rolf A. , Costes Nicolas , Engström Mathias , Papadimitriou Stergios , Nyholm Dag , Ahlström Håkan , Hammers Alexander , Lubberink Mark
Published: December 2020

Background

A valid photon attenuation correction (AC) method is instrumental for obtaining quantitatively correct PET images. Integrated PET/MR systems provide no direct information on attenuation, and novel methods for MR-based AC (MRAC) are still under investigation. Evaluations of various AC methods have mainly focused on static brain PET acquisitions. In this study, we determined the validity of three MRAC methods in a dynamic PET/MR study of the brain.

Methods

Nine participants underwent dynamic brain PET/MR scanning using the dopamine transporter radioligand [11C]PE2I. Three MRAC methods were evaluated: single-atlas (Atlas), multi-atlas (MaxProb) and zero-echo-time (ZTE). The 68Ge-transmission data from a previous stand-alone PET scan was used as reference method. Parametric relative delivery (R1) images and binding potential (BPND) maps were generated using cerebellar grey matter as reference region. Evaluation was based on bias in MRAC maps, accuracy and precision of [11C]PE2I BPND and R1 estimates, and [11C]PE2I time-activity curves. BPND was examined for striatal regions and R1 in clusters of regions across the brain.

Results

For BPND, ZTE-MRAC showed the highest accuracy (bias < 2%) in striatal regions. Atlas-MRAC exhibited a significant bias in caudate nucleus (− 12%) while MaxProb-MRAC revealed a substantial, non-significant bias in the putamen (9%). R1 estimates had a marginal bias for all MRAC methods (− 1.0–3.2%). MaxProb-MRAC showed the largest intersubject variability for both R1 and BPND. Standardized uptake values (SUV) of striatal regions displayed the strongest average bias for ZTE-MRAC (~ 10%), although constant over time and with the smallest intersubject variability. Atlas-MRAC had highest variation in bias over time (+10 to − 10%), followed by MaxProb-MRAC (+5 to − 5%), but MaxProb showed the lowest mean bias. For the cerebellum, MaxProb-MRAC showed the highest variability while bias was constant over time for Atlas- and ZTE-MRAC.

Conclusions

Both Maxprob- and ZTE-MRAC performed better than Atlas-MRAC when using a 68Ge transmission scan as reference method. Overall, ZTE-MRAC showed the highest precision and accuracy in outcome parameters of dynamic [11C]PE2I PET analysis with use of kinetic modelling.
Sentience and transcendence: personal reflections on physical and mental adaptation from a near-death event and life-limiting surgery
Authors: Ramsay James
Published: December 2020

In this article I reflect on my experience of adapting physically, mentally and spiritually to a medical trauma that had life-changing consequences. I consider how, over 7 years to the time of writing, mental difficulties were inseparable from the physical; and how, for me, both are aspects of a form of understanding knowable only as mystery. Writing from a position of religious faith, I try to convey my experiences in a way that will be of interest to others regardless of their views. At the end, I reflect on aspects of my care that might be particularly relevant for a holistic, person-centred therapeutic approach.
Psychiatry and neurodevelopmental disorders: experts by experience, clinical care and research
Authors: Alexander Regi T. , Langdon Peter E. , O'Hara Jean , Howell Andreana , Lane Tadhgh , Tharian Reena , Shankar Rohit
Published: December 2020

People with neurodevelopmental disorders often present with challenging behaviours and psychiatric illnesses. Diagnosis and treatment require patients, families and healthcare professionals to work closely together in partnership, acknowledging their respective areas of expertise. Good treatment outcomes should also be underpinned by robust research evidence. Key research priorities are highlighted.
Spinach and Chive for Kidney Tubule Engineering: the Limitations of Decellularized Plant Scaffolds and Vasculature
Authors: Jansen Katja , Evangelopoulou Marianna , Pou Casellas Carla , Abrishamcar Sarina , Jansen Jitske , Vermonden Tina , Masereeuw Rosalinde
Published: December 2020

Tissue decellularization yields complex scaffolds with retained composition and structure, and plants offer an inexhaustible natural source of numerous shapes. Plant tissue could be a solution for regenerative organ replacement strategies and advanced in vitro modeling, as biofunctionalization of decellularized tissue allows adhesion of various kinds of human cells that can grow into functional tissue. Here, we investigated the potential of spinach leaf vasculature and chive stems for kidney tubule engineering to apply in tubular transport studies. We successfully decellularized both plant tissues and confirmed general scaffold suitability for topical recellularization with renal cells. However, due to anatomical restrictions, we believe that spinach and chive vasculature themselves cannot be recellularized by current methods. Moreover, gradual tissue disintegration and deficient diffusion capacity make decellularized plant scaffolds unsuitable for kidney tubule engineering, which relies on transepithelial solute exchange between two compartments. We conclude that plant-derived structures and biomaterials need to be carefully considered and possibly integrated with other tissue engineering technologies for enhanced capabilities.
Chimalpahin’s Nahua Authority: Modifying a Spanish Account of the Conquest of Mexico
Authors: Rodriguez Veronica
Published: December 2020

This article provides an analysis of Chimalpahin’s additions to Francisco López de Gómara’s Historia de la conquista de México. In his account, Chimalpahin draws attention to the plurality of ethnic states, their cultural practices, and political conflicts. In this article, the author argues that Chimalpahin’s modifications depict a Nahua version of the conquest in which the emphasis on the native’s active participation reflects its effect in the outcome of the war even though such contributions are often unseen in the most representative narratives of the event. It shows that Chimalpahin participates in the production of an indigenous collective memory and that he had the agency to create an account that clarifies, and even challenges, Spanish-centered narratives such as López de Gómara’s work.
Fitness Trends From Around the Globe
Authors: Kercher Vanessa Marie , Kercher Kyle , Bennion Trevor , Yates Brandon A. , Feito Yuri , Alexander Chris , Amaral Paulo Costa , Soares Waldyr , Li Yong-Ming , Han Jia , Liu Yang , Wang Ran , Huang Hai-Yan , Gao Bing-Hong , Batrakoulis Alexios , Chávez Francisco Gómez , Haro Jorge López , Zavalza Adrián Ricardo Pelayo , Rodríguez Luis Eduardo Aguirre , Veiga Oscar L. , Valcarce-Torrente Manel , De la Cámara Miguel Á.
Published: December 2020

Apply It!

From this article, the reader should be able to do the following:

• Identify top 20 fitness trends for Australia, Brazil, China, Europe, Mexico, Spain, and the United States

• Recognize individual and unique fitness trends represented within Australia, Brazil, China, Europe, Mexico, Spain, and the United States
The Distributional Consequences of Public School Choice
Authors: Avery Christopher , Pathak Parag A.
Published: December 2020

School choice systems aspire to delink residential location and school assignments by allowing children to apply to schools outside of their neighborhood. However, choice programs also affect incentives to live in certain neighborhoods, and this feedback may undermine the goals of choice. We investigate this possibility by developing a model of public school and residential choice. School choice narrows the range between the highest and lowest quality schools compared to neighborhood assignment rules, and these changes in school quality are capitalized into equilibrium housing prices. This compressed distribution generates an ends-against-the-middle trade-off with school choice compared to neighborhood assignment. Paradoxically, even when choice results in improvement in the lowest-performing schools, the lowest type residents need not benefit. (JEL H75, I21, I28, R23, R31)
Lumpy Investment, Business Cycles, and Stimulus Policy
Authors: Winberry Thomas
Published: December 2020

I study the aggregate implications of micro-level lumpy investment in a model consistent with the empirical dynamics of the real interest rate. The elasticity of aggregate investment with respect to shocks is procyclical because more firms are likely to make an extensive margin investment in expansions than in recessions. Matching the dynamics of the real interest rate is key to generating this result because it disciplines the interest-elasticity of investment and avoids counterfactual behavior of the model that would otherwise eliminate most of the procyclical responsiveness. Therefore, data on interest rates place important discipline in aggregating micro-level investment behavior. (JEL D25, E13, E22, E23, E43, G31, H25)
Job Seekers’ Perceptions and Employment Prospects: Heterogeneity, Duration Dependence, and Bias
Authors: Mueller Andreas I. , Spinnewijn Johannes , Topa Giorgio
Published: December 2020

This paper uses job seekers’ elicited beliefs about job finding to disentangle the sources of the decline in job-finding rates by duration of unemployment. We document that beliefs have strong predictive power for job finding, but are not revised downward when remaining unemployed and are subject to optimistic bias, especially for the long-term unemployed. Leveraging the predictive power of beliefs, we find substantial heterogeneity in job finding with the resulting dynamic selection explaining most of the observed negative duration dependence in job finding. Moreover, job seekers’ beliefs underreact to heterogeneity in job finding, distorting search behavior and increasing long-term unemployment. (JEL D83, E24, J22, J64, J65)
Autoeficacia y autoestima en la asignatura de Ciencias de la Naturaleza en Educación Primaria.
Authors: del Rosal Sánchez Irene , Dávila Acedo María Antonia , Cañada Cañada Florentina
Published: December 2020

Son cuantiosos los contextos en los que las actitudes, creencias, emociones y su uso inteligente, son fundamentales para el desarrollo integral del sujeto. En el ámbito educativo, el interés hacia las ciencias va deteriorándose a medida que avanza la escolaridad. Despertar emociones y actitudes positivas hacia las mismas es fundamental para garantizar un nivel adecuado de autoeficacia y autoestima en el alumnado. Por ello, esta investigación, tiene como objetivo conocer la percepción y utilidad que posee el alumnado de Educación Primaria sobre la asignatura de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, así como analizar el nivel de autoeficacia y autoestima en dicha asignatura, comprobando si existe relación entre ambas variables. La muestra está compuesta por 327 alumnos/as de 5º y 6º curso de Educación Primaria de diferentes colegios públicos de Extremadura. En cuanto a la metodología, se ha utilizado un diseño no experimental, ya que no se ha trabajado con ninguna variable independiente, además de transversal, ya que se pretende analizar el nivel de distintas variables de estudio en un punto determinado del tiempo. Entre los resultados más notables destacan niveles adecuados de autoeficacia y autoestima en el alumnado de Educación Primaria en la asignatura de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, además de una relación positiva y estadísticamente significativa entre ambas variables de estudio.
Emociones en tareas de escritura comunitaria en Educación Secundaria.
Authors: Mariel Martinenco Rebeca , Belén Martín Rocío , García Romano Leticia
Published: December 2020

La dinámica emocional en los aprendizajes y las comunidades son temas recurrentes en la bibliografía actual disponible. Sin embargo aún son más limitados los estudios que, desde una metodología de diseño, pretenden promover emociones positivas en los estudiantes. De allí deriva el propósito del presente escrito, el cual radica en comprender las emociones experimentadas por un grupo de estudiantes de sexto año de Educación Secundaria frente a tareas de escritura comunitaria que fueron diseñadas para fomentar el despliegue de emociones positivas, reconociendo que éstas son dinámicas y fluctúan en diferentes momentos. Para alcanzar este objetivo, el escrito se estructura de la siguiente manera. En primer lugar, se brindan contextualizaciones teóricas acerca de las emociones y las comunidades de escritores. Luego, el apartado Material y Métodos recoge las principales características de la metodología de diseño, además de especificaciones referidas a los participantes del estudio, las estrategias de recolección de datos empleadas y los procedimientos desarrollados. Los resultados de la investigación destacan las emociones experimentadas frente a la escritura libre, la escritura grupal y la escritura con TIC. A modo de discusión, se plantea un énfasis en las emociones positivas experimentadas por los estudiantes respecto a escrituras grupales y autorreguladas por ellos mismos; también se destacan las limitaciones encontradas y las potenciales líneas de investigación a futuro.
Arte, patrimonio y conciencia emocional en Educación Infantil. Un estudio de caso.
Authors: Duarte Piña Olga María , Díaz de Mayorga Ramos Irene
Published: December 2020

. Entendiendo que las artes visuales, el patrimonio cultural y el desarrollo de la competencia emocional deben estar presentes desde los primeros niveles educativos, se realiza un estudio en torno a estos campos de conocimiento y la posibilidad de integrarlos en una propuesta de enseñanza. A partir del análisis se diseña una unidad didáctica, se investiga su aplicación y las concepciones del alumnado de Educación Infantil antes y después de la experiencia. Para ello se elaboran tres instrumentos: un cuestionario pre-post para conocer las ideas de los niños y niñas, una rúbrica de evaluación para valorar los resultados de aprendizaje y una escala de estimación sobre la intervención docente. Ha sido elegida la obra del pintor Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1618-1682) como centro de interés y los resultados del estudio muestran el desarrollo de competencias y sensibilidades estéticas y patrimoniales, la expresión de la conciencia emocional y el aumento de la creatividad a través del trabajo con las obras del pintor elegidas por los escolares. Concluimos con una reflexión sobre la potencialidad educativa de esta experiencia integradora, cuya finalidad es ofrecerla como ejemplo de proyecto para los docentes de esta etapa formativa.
Una experiencia de revisión de productos escritos entre estudiantes de Formación Profesional.
Authors: Reigosa Castro Carlos Emilio
Published: December 2020

En este trabajo se presenta una experiencia de investigación-acción en torno a la redacción y revisión de un informe de laboratorio escrito en un formato técnico específico llamado «Procedimiento Normalizado de Laboratorio» por estudiantes del ciclo formativo de formación profesional (FP) de grado medio «Laboratorio», perteneciente a la familia profesional química, siendo el profesor participante el autor de este artículo. Tras escribir el informe, los estudiantes realizaron un proceso de revisión entre pares, leyendo los de sus compañeros y dándoles a continuación retroalimentación para mejorarlos. Como se explica más adelante, los propósitos de la intervención eran tanto aumentar la competencia técnica del alumnado como permitirles progresar en términos de su alfabetización científica y de avanzar en su desarrollo como ciudadanos activos y responsables. En cuanto al análisis que se muestra en este trabajo, se orientó a estudiar la evolución de las características de dichos informes, en particular si aumentan su coherencia y la calidad de la información plasmada en ellos. Como resultados, se hallan mejoras en algunas dimensiones de los informes de los estudiantes después de haber participado en el proceso de revisión entre pares, así como una percepción positiva entre los estudiantes del proceso. Finalmente, los resultados son discutidos proponiéndose algunas implicaciones educativas.
Estimating the Critical Parameter in Almost Stochastic Dominance from Insurance Deductibles
Authors: Huang Yi-Chieh , Kan Kamhon , Tzeng Larry Y. , Wang Kili C.
Published: December 2020

Knowing how small a violation of stochastic dominance rules would be accepted by most individuals is a prerequisite to applying almost stochastic dominance criteria. Unlike previous laboratory-experimental studies, this paper estimates an acceptable violation of stochastic dominance rules with 939,690 real world data observations on a choice of deductibles in automobile theft insurance. We find that, for all policyholders in the sample who optimally chose a low deductible, the upper bound estimate of the acceptable violation ratio is 0.0014, which is close to zero. On the other hand, considering that most decision makers, such as 99% (95%) of the policyholders in the sample, optimally chose the low deductible, the upper bound estimate of the acceptable violation ratio is 0.0405 (0.0732). Our results provide reference values for the acceptable violation ratio for applying almost stochastic dominance rules.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
Competitive Equilibrium and Trading Networks: A Network Flow Approach
Authors: Candogan Ozan , Epitropou Markos , Vohra Rakesh V.
Published: December 2020

This paper considers a network of agents who trade indivisible goods or services via bilateral contracts. Under a substitutability assumption on preferences, it is known that a competitive equilibrium exists. In “Competitive Equilibrium and Trading Networks: A Network Flow Approach,” Candogan, Epitropou, and Vohra show how to determine equilibrium outcomes as a generalized submodular flow problem. Existence of a competitive equilibrium and its equivalence to seemingly weaker notions of stability follow directly from the optimality conditions of the flow problem. The formulation enables the authors to perform comparative statics with respect to the number of buyers, sellers, and trades. In particular, they are able to shed light on the impact of new trading opportunities on the equilibrium trades, prices, and surpluses. In addition, they present algorithms for finding competitive equilibria in trading networks and testing stability.
Addressing and acting on individual ideas on continence care
Authors: Kelly Anne Marie
Published: December 2020

Continence care should be individually delivered with dignity, decorum, distinction in all diverse contexts and circumstances. From the dependency of childhood to ultimately the end of life, continence care is essential for all, no matter what the setting is: at home, sheltered structures, community care, residential settings and nursing homes. Person-centred care is central to healthcare policies, procedures to the provision of personalised consultation, developing a collaborative partnership approach to continence assessment, promotion, and management.
On the dense subsets of matrices with distinct eigenvalues and distinct singular values
Authors: Das Himadri Lal , Kannan M. Rajesh
Published: December 2020

It is well known that the set of all $n \times n$ matrices with distinct eigenvalues is a dense subset of the set of all real or complex $n \times n$ matrices. In [D.J. Hartfiel. Dense sets of diagonalizable matrices. {\em Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society}, 123(6):1669--1672, 1995.], the author established a necessary and sufficient condition for a subspace of the set of all $n \times n$ matrices to have a dense subset of matrices with distinct eigenvalues. The objective of this article is to identify necessary and sufficient conditions for a subset of the set of all $n \times n$ real or complex matrices to have a dense subset of matrices with distinct eigenvalues. Some results of Hartfiel are extended, and the existence of dense subsets of matrices with distinct singular values in the subsets of the set of all real or complex matrices is studied. Furthermore, for a matrix function $F(x)$, defined on a closed and bounded interval whose entries are analytic functions, it is proved that the set of all points for which the matrix $F(x)$ has repeated analytic eigenvalues/analytic singular values is either a finite set or the whole domain of the function $F$.
Macro-social marketing for health: the case of Cuba
Authors: Grier Sonya A. , Pousa Luis Alberto Barreiro , Fernández Ileana Díaz
Published: December 2020

The macro-environment in which social marketing is practised is an important factor in how it is structured and practiced, as well as its effectiveness. This paper analyses Cuban practices aimed at encouraging health behaviour change from a social marketing perspective. We utilise the case study method to assess the key social marketing dimensions of three health promotion programmes (tobacco, tuberculosis and AIDS) in Cuba. Each case is assessed against social marketing benchmark criteria used in prior research. Analysis of the cases is used to explicate the Cuban government use of macrosocial marketing approaches to address health challenges. Results demonstrate: (1) how Cuba uses a unique organisational approach to address population health needs and challenges and (2) the role of particularities of the Cuban context in the theory and practice of social marketing in Cuba. An examination of Cuban social marketing activities can broaden our understanding of the way social marketing is conceptualised and practised and may help increase the effectiveness of social marketing to improve health.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children With Down Syndrome and Williams Syndrome
Authors: Kirchner Rebecca M. , Walton Katherine M.
Published: December 2020

Research suggests that people with a Williams syndrome (WS) or Down syndrome (DS) diagnosis display an increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when compared to the general population. This study aimed to examine characteristics of ASD in a group of children with DS or WS. Results suggest that children with DS and WS exhibit higher levels of autism symptoms than the general population, particularly in the area of unusual behaviors, and that these elevations are not solely due to deficits in adaptive behavior. There are many possible explanations for these elevations, such as issues with measurement, etiological overlap, or similar behavioral phenotypes. More research is needed to further our understanding of the overlap of ASD symptoms in these populations.
Pseudo-random modulation continuous-wave lidar for the measurements of mesopause region sodium density
Authors: Li Feng , Li Tao , Fang Xin , Tian Baogang , Dou Xiankang
Published: December 2020

The sodium fluorescence lidar utilizes a 589 nm narrowband pulse laser system to measure mesopause region atomic sodium density, atmospheric temperature, and wind. However, this system is complicated and unstable. The continuous-wave (CW) sodium laser system can achieve ultra-narrow bandwidth, all-solid-state, and small compact size, as such it is extremely valuable for mobile, aircraft, and space-borne applications. In this study, we developed the first pseudo-random modulated CW (PMCW) sodium lidar by using an electro-optic modulated narrowband 589 nm CW laser with an output power of ∼1.2W. A pseudorandom M-sequence-code with a length of 127 is used to achieve altitude information by modulating laser and then decoding photon signals. Also, a biaxial structure with 9 m separation between the optical axes of the transmitter and receiver is designed to suppress the strong near-ground signals, which are crucial for improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the PMCW lidar system. Nighttime measurements on December 2-4, 2019 show that the SNR at sodium layer peak is more than 10, corresponding to a statistical uncertainty of less than 10% in sodium density with temporal and spatial resolutions of 5 min and 1.05 km respectively. The comparison of vertical profiles of sodium density simultaneously observed by PMCW lidar and collocated pulse lidar shows good agreement.
Localized gap modes of coherently trapped atoms in an optical lattice
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Zeng Jianhua
Published: December 2020

We theoretically investigate one-dimensional localized gap modes in a coherent atomic gas where an optical lattice is formed by a pair of counterpropagating far-detuned Stark laser fields. The atomic ensembles under study emerge as Λ-type three-level configuration accompanying the effect of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). Based on Maxwell-Bloch equations and the multiple scales method, we derive a nonlinear equation governing the spatial-temporal evolution of the probe-field envelope. We then uncover the formation and properties of optical localized gap modes of two kinds, such as the fundamental gap solitons and dipole gap modes. Furthermore, we confirm the (in)stability regions of both localized gap modes in the respective band-gap spectrum with systematic numerical simulations relying on linear-stability analysis and direct perturbed propagation. The predicted results may enrich the nonlinear horizon to the realm of coherent atomic gases and open up a new door for optical communication and information processing.
High-throughput terahertz spectral line imaging using an echelon mirror
Authors: Asai Gaku , Hata Daiki , Harada Shintaro , Kasai Tatsuki , Arashida Yusuke , Katayama Ikufumi
Published: December 2020

This work demonstrates terahertz (THz) line imaging that acquires broadband spectral information by combining echelon-based single-shot THz spectroscopy with high-sensitivity phase-offset electrooptic detection. An approximately 40 dB signal-to-noise ratio is obtained for a THz spectrum from a single line of the camera, with a detection bandwidth up to 2 THz at the peak electric-field strength of 1.2 kV/cm. The spatial resolution of the image is confirmed to be diffraction limited for each spectral component of the THz wave. We use the system to image sugar tablets by quickly scanning the sample, which illustrates the capacity of the proposed spectral line imaging system for high-throughput applications.