bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability and change in autobiographical reasoning: A 4‐year longitudinal study of narrative identity development
Authors: McLean Kate C. , Dunlap David , Jennings Sarah C. , Litvitskiy Nicole S. , Lilgendahl Jennifer P.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Research on personality development has traditionally focused on rank‐order stability and mean‐level change in the context of personality traits. The present study expands this approach to the examination of change and stability at another level of personality—narrative identity—by focusing on autobiographical reasoning. Drawing from theory in personality and developmental science, we examine stability and change in exploratory processing and positive and negative self‐event connections.

Method

We take advantage of a longitudinal study of emerging adult personality and identity development, which includes four waves of data across 4 years, examining reasoning in two domains of identity, academics, and romance (n = 1520 narratives; n = 176–638 participants, depending on the analysis).

Results

We found moderate rank‐order stability in autobiographical reasoning, but more so for exploratory processing than self‐event connections. We found mean‐level increases for exploratory processing in the context of romance and stability in the context of academics. For self‐event connections, we saw a decrease for positive connections, and for negative connections about romance, with stability for negative connections about academics.

Conclusions

Implications include developmental differences in types of reasoning as well as the sensitivity of narrative identity to revealing the contextual nature of personality development.
#Grateful: Longitudinal Associations Between Adolescents’ Social Media Use and Gratitude During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Maheux Anne J. , Nesi Jacqueline , Galla Brian M. , Roberts Savannah R. , Choukas‐Bradley Sophia
Published: August 2021

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, some ways of using social media—such as directly communicating with friends—may have helped adolescents thrive. We examined longitudinal associations between high school adolescents’ social media use and gratitude across a 15‐month period before and during the pandemic (n = 704, Mage = 15.10; 52% girls). The trajectories of gratitude and the importance of social media for meaningful conversations with friends—but not frequency of social media use—were positively associated over time. At the within‐person level, gratitude predicted increased importance of social media for meaningful conversations, but not vice‐versa. Findings suggest that gratitude may be associated with and may motivate using social media to foster social connection, but may not increase overall social media use.
Benefits of Bullying? A Test of the Evolutionary Hypothesis in Three Cohorts
Authors: Kretschmer Tina , la Roi Chaïm , van der Ploeg Rozemarijn , Veenstra René
Published: August 2021

Recent work on bullying perpetration includes the hypothesis that bullying carries an evolutionary advantage for perpetrators in terms of health and reproductive success. We tested this hypothesis in the National Child Development Study (n = 4998 male, n = 4831 female), British Cohort Study 1970 (n = 4261 male, n = 4432 female), and TRacking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (n = 486 male, n = 521 female), where bullying was assessed in adolescence (NCDS, BCS70: age 16, TRAILS: age 14) and outcomes in adulthood. Partial support for the evolutionary hypothesis was found as bullies had more children in NCDS and engaged in sexual intercourse earlier in TRAILS. In contrast, bullies reported worse health in NCDS and BCS70.
Positive predictive value of sustained virologic response 4 weeks posttreatment for achieving sustained virologic response 12 weeks posttreatment in patients receiving glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials
Authors: Gane Edward , de Ledinghen Victor , Dylla Douglas E. , Rizzardini Giuliano , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Barclay Stephen T. , Calleja Jose Luis , Xue Zhenyi , Burroughs Margaret , Gutierrez Julio A.
Published: August 2021

Sustained virologic response at posttreatment Week 12 (SVR12) is the widely accepted efficacy endpoint for direct‐acting antiviral agents. Those with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are presenting younger with milder liver disease, potentially reducing need for long‐term liver posttreatment monitoring. This analysis aimed to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of SVR at posttreatment Week 4 (SVR4) for achieving SVR12 in patients with HCV, without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, receiving glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) in clinical trials. An integrated dataset from 20 Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of G/P was evaluated in patients with 8‐, 12‐ or 16‐week treatment duration consistent with the current label (label‐consistent group), and in all patients regardless of treatment duration consistency with the current label (overall group). Sensitivity analyses handled missing data either by backward imputation or were excluded. SVR4 PPV, negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity and specificity were calculated for achieving SVR12 in both groups, and by treatment duration in the label‐consistent group. SVR was defined as HCV ribonucleic acid 99% in both groups regardless of treatment duration. Not achieving SVR4 had 100% NPV and sensitivity for all groups. SVR4 measure had 79.5% specificity for identifying patients who did not achieve SVR12. Across 20 Phase 2/3 clinical trials of G/P, SVR4 was highly predictive of SVR12. Long‐term follow‐up to confirm SVR may not be necessary for certain populations of patients with HCV.
Communicative Effectiveness in BELF (English as a Business Lingua Franca) Meetings: ‘Explaining’ as a Pragmatic Strategy
Authors: KAUR JAGDISH , BIRLIK SEVAL
Published: August 2021

The study investigates business professionals of different language backgrounds using English as a business lingua franca (BELF) in formal internal meetings. In particular, it examines how these participants deploy ‘explaining’ as a pragmatic strategy to increase communicative effectiveness. The data comprise 6 internal business meetings, totaling 293 minutes of video recordings. A discourse analysis of the meeting data reveals that the participants move to explain even in the absence of a request for an explanation or following an implicit request for further information. The strategy of explaining allows the speaker to provide additional information or background details that contribute to increasing communicative clarity and enhancing shared knowledge. The findings offer insights into the pragmatic competence of BELF users that is crucial in the accomplishment of communicative goals in the business setting. The findings also have pedagogical implications in that they point to the relevance of incorporating the teaching of pragmatic strategies such as explaining in business communication courses to address the needs of future business practitioners in a globalized world.
The Negotiation of Meaning in Aviation English as a Lingua Franca: A Corpus‐Informed Discursive Approach
Authors: ISHIHARA NORIKO , PRADO MALILA CARVALHO DE ALMEIDA
Published: August 2021

This study explores the pragmatics of aviation English (AE) as a lingua franca in radiotelephony (R/T) communications primarily between aviators and air traffic controllers worldwide. AE is a crosslinguistic register used by aviation professionals who do not necessarily share their first languages and cultures. Accordingly, mutual intelligibility is the ultimate goal, as in English as a lingua franca (ELF) featuring message‐oriented accommodation. Simultaneously, AE is a highly restricted and relatively stable register, as its use is mandated to maximize accuracy, conciseness, and clarity of communication—factors all contributing to air safety. While instruction and testing in AE have been investigated in applied linguistics, its pragmatics‐focused aspects are underexplored. In this qualitative corpus‐informed study, we first relied on a small corpus of R/T communications in nonroutine situations to identify 3 cases of communication difficulty and then, investigate in depth the discursive construction of meaning, especially in terms of the pragmatic strategies the interactants used on the radio. Drawing exclusively on ELF‐speaker exchanges from the corpus, we illustrate the process of the negotiation of meaning within the constraints of the given aviation contexts. The findings of this study reveal similarities and differences between AE in R/T communications and general ELF discourses described in the literature. We conclude by offering pedagogical implications for enhanced aeronautical training addressing pragmatic and interactional competence.
Stance‐Taking in Heritage Language Writing
Authors: XIAO–DESAI YANG
Published: August 2021

This study explored stance‐taking in Chinese heritage language writing. Analysis focused on a prominent stance expression,wo juede‘I think.’ Frequency, function, and formulaic usage ofwo juedewere compared across 3 written Chinese corpora by heritage learners, second language (L2) learners, and native speakers (L1 writers). The analysis revealed distinctive linguistic features and collocational patterns of stance‐taking among the 3 groups. Overall, heritage writers’ stance performance was found to be self‐centered and text oriented. They exhibited a strong reliance onwo juedecombined with textual organizers such as contrastive or causal conjunctions. In contrast, L1 writers were more reader oriented, exhibiting a strong tendency to combinewo juedewith interpersonal devices including attitudinal markers, modal verbs, sentence‐final particles, and question forms. The study also found that heritage writers’ stance‐taking performance consistently fell between that of L1 and L2 writers. Findings and pedagogical implications are discussed in light of heritage learner pragmatics and learner agency.
Digital Game‐Based Learning of Formulaic Expressions in Second Language Chinese
Authors: TANG XIAOFEI , TAGUCHI NAOKO
Published: August 2021

Digital games offer a promising platform to engage second language (L2) learners in contextualized language practice, including pragmatics practice. Although scholars have made strong claims on the benefits of game‐based learning, empirical findings have not yet established strong support for the effectiveness of games. Existing studies are mostly descriptive rather than experimental; few studies have compared L2 learning outcomes between a game‐based learning group and a comparison control group. To fill this gap, this study investigated the instructional and motivational effects of a digital game on learning Chinese formulaic expressions. We developed two digital learning environments: a scenario‐based digital game (Questaurant) and an interactive online lesson. Forty‐nine learners of Chinese in two U.S. universities were randomly assigned to the game group (n = 25) or the online lesson group (n = 24). Both groups equally improved their knowledge of formulaic expressions after the respective learning session. However, the game group showed a significantly higher level of motivation compared to the online lesson group.
Interaction between BZR1 and EIN3 mediates signalling crosstalk between brassinosteroids and ethylene
Authors: Zhao Na , Zhao Min , Tian Yanchen , Wang Yichuan , Han Chao , Fan Min , Guo Hongwei , Bai Ming‐Yi
Published: August 2021

Plant growth and development are coordinated by multiple environmental and endogenous signals. Brassinosteroid (BR) and ethylene (ET) have overlapping functions in a wide range of developmental processes. However, the relationship between the BR and ET signalling pathways has remained unclear.

Here, we show that BR and ET interdependently promote apical hook development and cell elongation through a direct interaction between BR‐activated BRASSINOZALE‐RESISTANT1 (BZR1) and ET‐activated ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3).

Genetic analysis showed that BR signalling is required for ET promotion of apical hook development in the dark and cell elongation under light, and ET quantitatively enhances BR‐potentiated growth. BZR1 interacts with EIN3 to co‐operatively increase the expression of HOOKLESS1 and PACLOBUTRAZOL RESISTANCE FACTORs (PREs). Furthermore, we found that BR promotion of hook development requires gibberellin (GA), and GA restores the hookless phenotype of BR‐deficient materials by activating EIN3/EIL1.

Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of plant development by BR, ET and GA signals through the direct interaction of master transcriptional regulators.
Correlation and synergy analysis of urban economy–energy–environment system—A case study of Beijing
Authors: Mu Xianzhong , Kong Li , Tu Chuang , Chen Jian , Hu Guangwen
Published: August 2021

The coordination of economy, energy, and environment plays an important role for cities seeking green transformation and sustainable development. However, poor information and equivocal data are what often face the related analysis. In this paper, the correlation and synergy of the urban economy–energy–environment system are analyzed. First, the Grey relational analysis and entropy weight method are combined and introduced to analyze the correlation degree in the indicator level and the subsystem level of the 3E system. Then, the concepts of ordinal parameter and comprehensive correlation degree are introduced, to evaluate the ordering degree of subsystems and the synergy degree of compound systems. Finally, the data of Beijing from 2008 to 2017 are used for empirical study. Results suggest that a fluctuating tendency of low synergy or none synergy is observed in the Beijing 3E system. Furthermore, the improvement of the energy subsystem displays dominant effects on the coordinated development of compound systems, and the technological innovation and structural optimization in industries could help to improve the Beijing economy–energy–environment system.
Lateral augmentation of the posterior edentulous mandible: A retrospective single arm comparison of ridge split, block bone grafts and guided bone regeneration
Authors: Nath Bera Rathindra , Kumar Sharma Naresh , Bhattacharjee Bappaditya , Bhatnagar Atul , Gopalakrishna Naveen Kumar Puvvadi , Kusumakar Ananta
Published: August 2021

Background

A deficient hard and soft tissue at the surgical site is a definitive challenge for dental implant placement. Commonly used procedures for augmentation include block bone grafts, guided bone regeneration, distraction, ridge expansion, ridge split, sandwich osteotomy, etc. The current study evaluates three techniques employed for horizontal augmentation of the mandible.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients reconstructed with either block bone (A), guided bone regeneration (B), or ridge split (C) for lateral augmentation of posterior mandible. The primary outcome variables assessed were immediate postoperative bone width and bone width after 4 months, bone gain and resorption. Complications were evaluated as secondary outcomes. ANOVA and post hoc turkey tests were used for statistical analysis. A p‐value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

A total of 250 patient records were included in the study. Group C had a mean bone gain of 5.8649 ± 0.6520 mm statistically significant from others. Resorption was maximum in Group B 1.1612 ± 0.2821 mm. Iliac crest graft gave a mean 5.7285 ± 0.1823 mm bone gain. Overall no difference in bone gain between particulate or block interposition.

Discussion

Grafts from intraoral sites are comparable in terms of resorption. ARS considerably provides better augmentation compared to GBR and onlays.

Conclusion

Ridge split followed by onlay block bone grafting provides the best outcomes. Ramus and symphysis grafts are comparable. Iliac grafts are still the best for significant augmentations. Guided bone regeneration suffers maximum resorption.
Ludwig's angina in a COVID positive patient—An atypical case report
Authors: Poorna T Anish , J R Lokesh , EK Joshna , John Bobby
Published: August 2021

The management of odontogenic infections is established and several guidelines have been proposed for its effective treatment. Outbreak of COVID‐19 has posed serious challenge in the management of odontogenic infections, further complicated by immunocompromised status of the patient, where adequate evaluation and prompt attention is mandatory to avoid untoward consequences. Ludwig's angina being a life threatening infection by itself, association or simultaneous presentation with COVID‐19 infection can add further complexity in the management for a maxillofacial surgeon. Here we present a case report of Ludwig's angina in a patient who tested positive for Coronavirus infection and how we treated her successfully.
Higher prevalence but later age at onset of asthma in cross‐country skiers compared with general population
Authors: Mäki‐Heikkilä Rikhard , Karjalainen Jussi , Parkkari Jari , Huhtala Heini , Valtonen Maarit , Lehtimäki Lauri
Published: August 2021

Cross‐country skiing causes strain in the airways because skiers train and compete in cold air. The aim of this survey was to investigate the prevalence and age at onset of asthma, asthma control, and use of asthma medication in Finnish competitive cross‐country skiers. All cross‐country skiers who were enrolled in the largest national competitions in winter 2019 (n = 1282) were invited to the study via the Finnish Ski Association. A control group (n = 1733) was matched for the responding skiers by age, gender, and region. The response rate was 27.4% (n = 351) for skiers and 19.5% (n = 338) for the controls. The prevalence of asthma was 25.9% in skiers and 9.2% in the controls (p < 0.001). Median (IQR) age at first asthma‐related symptoms was higher in skiers than in the controls (13.0 (8.25–16.0) vs. 8.0 (2.25–11.75) years, p < 0.001), and the difference in asthma prevalence was evident only after the start of skiing career. Median (IQR) Asthma Control Test (ACT) score in skiers and controls with asthma was 22.0 (21–24) vs. 22.0 (19–24) (p = 0.611), and 89.0% of skiers and 77.4% of controls had well‐controlled asthma (ACT score ≥20). In skiers with asthma, 82.4% used regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and 80.2% used bronchodilators. A fixed combination of ICS +long‐acting β2‐agonist was regularly used by 47.3% of the skiers and 22.6% of the controls with asthma (p = 0.016). In conclusion, asthma prevalence is about 2.5 times higher, and age at onset of asthma is later in skiers compared with the controls. Asthma in cross‐country skiers is mostly well controlled and on regular maintenance treatment.
Pathogen‐reduced platelets in pediatric and neonatal patients: Demographics, transfusion rates, and transfusion reactions
Authors: Lasky Baia , Nolasco Joseph , Graff Jazmin , Ward Dawn C. , Ziman Alyssa , McGonigle Andrea M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Pathogen‐reduced platelets (PR PLT) are the emerging standard for proactive transfusion‐transmitted infection (TTI) mitigation. There is, however, continued hesitation to transfuse PR PLT in children due to limited published data. We report demographics, rates of transfusion, and transfusion reactions (TR) associated with FDA‐approved PR PLT in pediatric and neonatal patients at an academic medical center.

Methods

Retrospective review was performed for patients <18 years receiving at least one platelet over a 300‐day period at a large, tertiary care hospital. Patients were transfused PR or conventional (CONV) PLT, based on inventory availability. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher Exact Test.

Results

During the study period, 191 patients received 1010 platelet transfusions (892 units). Sixty‐eight patients received PR PLT only (1.3 units/patient, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.5; 1.8 transfusions/patient, 95% CI 1.4–2.2), and 56 patients received CONV PLT only (1.4 units/patient, 95% CI 1.1–1.7; 1.6 transfusions/patient, 95% CI 1.3–1.9). Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy/radiation and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant received the most platelet transfusions and more commonly received both platelet types. Of 506 PR PLT units, 5 TRs occurred; 386 CONV PLT resulted in two TRs (p = .7052). Of 51 neonates, 37 received PR PLT without adverse events, including 13 receiving phototherapy. No TTIs were identified in any group.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in rates of transfusion or TRs between PR and CONV PLT. Our study provides additional evidence that PR PLT can be transfused to pediatric and neonatal patients without increasing the risk of acute adverse events.
The use of a Foley balloon catheter to control junctional hemorrhage in a dog with severe vascular injury secondary to penetrating trauma
Authors: Wheeler Ryan T. , Kovacic Jan P.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Penetrating trauma is commonly seen in dogs. The severity depends on the site of injury and tissue involved. Junctional hemorrhage can be especially challenging to control given the inaccessibility of the damaged vasculature. Methods described to control life‐threatening hemorrhage in dogs include direct pressure, hemostatic gauze, hemostatic powder or granules, wound packing, tourniquets, and direct clamping of the vasculature. Foley balloon catheters (FBC) are commonly used to tamponade deep vascular hemorrhage in people, but the technique has not been previously described in the veterinary literature.

Objective

To present a case of penetrating trauma (bite wound) in a dog with a transected left femoral artery and vein in which the life‐threatening hemorrhage was initially controlled with tamponade using an FBC.

Case

A 7‐year‐old neutered male Terrier mix presented in hemorrhagic shock with an Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) of 7 and modifed Glasgow coma scale (MGCS) of 17 forty‐five minutes after being attacked by another dog. The dog had sustained a deep penetrating wound to the left groin. Direct pressure and gauze packing at the site of injury were not successful at slowing the hemorrhage. A 10‐Fr, 55‐cm Foley catheter with a 5‐mL balloon was inserted into the wound tract, and the balloon was inflated with 7.5 mL of sterile saline. Hemorrhage was controlled after inflation of the Foley balloon. CBC, blood biochemistries, abdominal point‐of‐care ultrasound, radiographs, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and whole blood viscoelastic testing were performed. Stabilization included fluid resuscitation, analgesics, antimicrobials, and epsilon aminocaproic acid. The dog was then anesthetized to definitively identify and control the hemorrhage. Transection of the left femoral artery and vein where identified and ligated. The dog fully recovered and was discharged 32 hours later.

New and unique information

FBCs may be useful as an alternative technique for temporary control of life‐threatening hemorrhage secondary to penetrating injuries in both the emergency department and prehospital settings.
Acute nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis in a Greyhound after albuterol toxicosis
Authors: Granfone Marcella , Walker Julie M.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To describe the clinical features of rhabdomyolysis due to albuterol toxicosis in a Greyhound.

Case summary

A 4‐year‐old neutered male Greyhound was presented for albuterol toxicosis leading to severe hypokalemia and respiratory paralysis. After 3 hours of mechanical ventilation, pigmenturia and marked enlargement, firmness, and pain of the left thigh muscles were noted. Severe hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias were identified after turning the patient. After discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, other muscles became involved, and the patient developed acute kidney injury and concern for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome over the next 5 days. On day 6, the patient was euthanized, and necropsy revealed myocardial and skeletal muscle necrosis, myoglobinuria, and acute tubular degeneration.

New or unique information provided

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of albuterol toxicosis leading to rhabdomyolysis.
Methodological quality, guidance, and tools in scoping reviews: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Pollock Danielle , Tricco Andrea C. , Peters Micah D.J. , Mclnerney Patricia A. , Khalil Hanan , Godfrey Christina M. , Alexander Lyndsay A. , Munn Zachary
Published: August 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and report on evidence (such as guidance) or tools regarding methodological quality or risk of bias of scoping reviews.

Introduction:

Scoping reviews have gained popularity in recent years but have been criticized for variations in their approaches. This scoping review will examine evidence on the methodological quality of scoping reviews. It will also identify and describe potential methods to inform the development of a tool for appraising the methodological quality of scoping reviews.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider all documents reporting on the development, evaluation, or use of tools addressing the critical appraisal or risk of bias of scoping reviews. The search will seek evidence published from 2005 onwards, corresponding with the publication of Arksey and O’Malley's framework for scoping reviews.

Methods:

A three-step search strategy will be used to locate both published and unpublished documents. An initial search of MEDLINE identified keywords and MeSH terms. A second search of MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL will follow. Google and Google Scholar will be searched for difficult-to-locate and unpublished literature. The authors will use their professional networks, social media accounts, and professional newsletters to contact methodologists to obtain any additional materials. Documents will be independently screened, selected, and extracted by two researchers, and the data will be presented in tables.
Study on Automatic Adaptation for Control-Oriented Model of Advanced Diesel Engine
Authors: Nishii S. , Yamasaki Y.
Published: August 2021

To achieve high thermal efficiency and low emission in automobile engines, advanced combustion technologies using compression auto-ignition of premixtures have been studied, and model-based control has attracted attention for their practical applications. Although simplified physical models have been developed for model-based control, appropriate values for their model parameters vary depending on the operating conditions, engine driving environment, and engine aging. Herein, we studied an onboard adaptation method of model parameters in a heat release rate (HRR) model. This method adapts the model parameters using neural networks considering the operating conditions and can respond to the driving environment and the engine aging by training the neural networks onboard. Detailed studies were conducted regarding the training methods. Compared to when the model parameters were set as constants, this adaptation method significantly improved the prediction accuracy of the HRR model. Furthermore, control tests on an engine bench showed that this adaptation method also improved the model-based control accuracy of the HRR.
Computational Model of Mechano-Electrochemical Effect of Aluminum Alloys Corrosion
Authors: Ali Hessein , Stein Zachary , Fouliard Quentin , Ebrahimi Hossein , Warren Peter , Raghavan Seetha , Ghosh Ranajay
Published: August 2021

Stress corrosion is a critical issue that leads to high costs in lost equipment and maintenance, affecting the operation and safety of aircraft platforms. Most aerospace structural components use the aluminum alloys 7xxx series, which contain Al, Cu, Zn, and Mg, due to the combined advantage of its high-strength and lightweight. However, such alloys, specifically AA7075-T4 and AA7075-T651, are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking when exposed to both mechanical stresses and corrosive environments. Stress corrosion cracking gives rise to a major technological challenge affecting aerospace systems as it leads to the degradation of mechanical properties. In addition, such corrosion presents an important yet complex modeling challenge due to the synergistic action of sustained tensile stresses and an aggressive environment. In light of this, we develop a finite element multiphysics model to investigate the interplay of mechanical loading and electrochemistry on the stress corrosion of aluminum alloys. The model includes a multiphysics coupling technique through which the kinetics of corrosion can be predicted in the presence of elastic and plastic deformation modes. The presented model provides useful information toward the kinetics of corrosion via tracking localized corrosion and stress distribution. Although the model is general, it has been made considering the characteristics of AA7xxx series, more specifically, taking AA7075.
Operational Scenarios of a Gas Turbine Using Exhaust Gas Recirculation for Carbon Capture
Authors: Burnes Dan , Saxena Priyank
Published: August 2021

Finding viable economic solutions to significantly reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from energy and transportation products in the near future is paramount for the long-term survival of fossil fuel-burning systems. One of which, the industrial gas turbine, has proven for decades to be a versatile energy system providing high efficiencies in combined heat and power (CHP) applications melding well within existing infrastructure. Applying appropriate technology, the industrial gas turbine could be augmented to both sequester carbon and improve efficiency leveraging the full heating value of the fuel. The paper considers a more detailed operational assessment of a gas turbine using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to enable cost-effective postcombustion carbon sequestration and utilization. In this study, the effect of using EGR will be assessed at part load and throughout the operational envelope quantifying component and overall performance, detailed combustion characteristics, and maximizing the utilization of exhaust heat and sequestered carbon in various applications. This study will also attempt to quantify true carbon footprint of gas turbine installations and endeavor to understand the relative change of replacing the gas turbine with an all-electric alternative. Fundamentally, we are looking to see if there is a future to sustain and adapt this significant natural gas (NG) energy infrastructure to a net-zero carbon emissive future by 2050.
Understanding the Global–Local Nexus in the Context of the Olympic Games: Implications for Managing Community Development Through Sport Megaevents
Authors: Shin NaRi , Welty Peachey Jon
Published: August 2021

In this study, the authors sought to understand the influence of the Olympic Games on a host community’s globalization and development using world-systems theory and theories of globalization (i.e., glocalization and grobalization). The host community for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics (Daegwallyeong-myeon in South Korea) was the focus of this investigation. Using a global ethnographic approach, the authors collected diverse data through interviews, observations, archival and media documents, and field notes. Findings identified five key themes: (a) perception of underdevelopment, (b) the Organizing Committee’s institutional management of the global standard, (c) the Organizing Committee’s role as a negotiator between the global standard and the locality, (d) resident perspectives on global standards and regulations, and (e) aspirations to globalize Daegwallyeong-myeon. Through this study, the authors advance the use of world-systems theory and expand the concept of grobalization in the context of sport megaevent management by discussing global–local configurations and local agents’ desires to transform the community through Olympic-driven development and globalization.
Lamin B1 sequesters 53BP1 to control its recruitment to DNA damage
Authors: Etourneaud Laure , Moussa Angela , Rass Emilie , Genet Diane , Willaume Simon , Chabance-Okumura Caroline , Wanschoor Paul , Picotto Julien , Thézé Benoît , Dépagne Jordane , Veaute Xavier , Dizet Eléa , Busso Didier , Barascu Aurélia , Irbah Lamya , Kortulewski Thierry , Campalans Anna , Le Chalony Catherine , Zinn-Justin Sophie , Scully Ralph , Pennarun Gaëlle , Bertrand Pascale
Published: August 2021

Lamin B1 controls 53BP1 recruitment to DNA damage.
High-purity production and precise editing of DNA base editing ribonucleoproteins
Authors: Jang Hyeon-Ki , Jo Dong Hyun , Lee Seu-Na , Cho Chang Sik , Jeong You Kyeong , Jung Youngri , Yu Jihyeon , Kim Jeong Hun , Woo Jae-Sung , Bae Sangsu
Published: August 2021

Cytosine and adenine base editor ribonucleoproteins show precise base editing with reduced DNA and RNA off-target effects.
Synchronous and opponent thermosensors use flexible cross-inhibition to orchestrate thermal homeostasis
Authors: Hernandez-Nunez Luis , Chen Alicia , Budelli Gonzalo , Berck Matthew E. , Richter Vincent , Rist Anna , Thum Andreas S. , Cardona Albert , Klein Mason , Garrity Paul , Samuel Aravinthan D. T.
Published: August 2021

Flexible integration of warming and cooling pathways underlies thermal homeostasis in larval
Drosophila
.
Multiform antimicrobial resistance from a metabolic mutation
Authors: Schrader Sarah M. , Botella Hélène , Jansen Robert , Ehrt Sabine , Rhee Kyu , Nathan Carl , Vaubourgeix Julien
Published: August 2021

Disruption of a metabolic pathway causes tolerance, high persistence, and MIC-shifted resistance to diverse antibiotics.
Synthesis of medicinally relevant oxalylamines via copper/Lewis acid synergistic catalysis
Authors: Wu Ziying , Hu Miao , Jin Yangbin , Li Jianxiao , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: August 2021

An efficient amination reaction of allenyl ethers via copper/Lewis acid synergistic catalysis yields functionalized oxalylamines.
Basal nucleation and the prevalence of ascending swarms in Long Valley caldera
Authors: Li Bing Q. , Smith Jonathan D. , Ross Zachary E.
Published: August 2021

Long Valley caldera generates swarms at the base of the seismogenic zone with prevalent upward migration.
Myths and facts about getting an academic faculty position in neuroscience
Authors: Hsu Nina S. , Rezai-zadeh K. Paul , Tennekoon Michael S. , Korn Stephen J.
Published: August 2021

Prior funding and/or papers in high-profile journals are not necessary to obtain a tenure-track faculty position.
Morphine-sensitive synaptic transmission emerges in embryonic rat microphysiological model of lower afferent nociceptive signaling
Authors: Pollard Kevin J. , Bowser Devon A. , Anderson Wesley A. , Meselhe Mostafa , Moore Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Bioelectrical signals analogous to pain arise in a bioengineered tissue model of peripheral nerve connected to spinal cord.
Regulatory T cells promote innate inflammation after skin barrier breach via TGF-β activation
Authors: Moreau Joshua M. , Dhariwala Miqdad O. , Gouirand Victoire , Boda Devi P. , Boothby Ian C. , Lowe Margaret M. , Cohen Jarish N. , Macon Courtney E. , Leech John M. , Kalekar Lokesh A. , Scharschmidt Tiffany C. , Rosenblum Michael D.
Published: August 2021

Regulatory T cells in skin license proinflammatory signaling from keratinocytes acutely after epidermal injury.
Lixisenatide is effective and safe as add-on treatment to basal insulin in Asian individuals with type 2 diabetes and different body mass indices: a pooled analysis of data from the GetGoal Studies
Authors: Feng Wenhuan , Wang Weimin , Meng Ran , Wu Guangyu , Zhang Minlu , Zhang Xia , Yin Huiqiu , Zhu Dalong
Published: August 2021

Introduction

This analysis aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of once-daily lixisenatide add-on treatment to basal insulin in Asian individuals with type 2 diabetes, by baseline body mass index (BMI).

Research design and methods

Data from all Asian participants in the placebo-controlled GetGoal-Duo 1, GetGoal-L, and GetGoal-L-C Studies were pooled and categorized according to the following BMI subgroups:<25 kg/m2, 25–<30 kg/m2and ≥30 kg/m2. Efficacy and safety of lixisenatide versus placebo were evaluated among BMI subgroups. Multivariable regression analyses were also conducted to explore the potential influence of BMI on efficacy outcomes after adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Results

555 participants were included (mean age 53.9 years, 52.4% men). No significant differences in treatment effect between the BMI subgroups were observed for the changes from baseline to 24 weeks in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose (PPG), PPG excursion, body weight, BMI, and basal insulin dose with lixisenatide, as well as the change in basal insulin dose at study endpoint and the proportion of participants achieving an HbA1c <7% at 24 weeks (all p values for interaction >0.15). In the multivariable regression analysis, participants in the lowest BMI group had a smaller reduction in body weight over the 24-week treatment period relative to the highest BMI group (p=0.023).

Conclusions

This post hoc analysis indicates that lixisenatide improved glycemic control regardless of baseline BMI and was well tolerated in Asian individuals unable to achieve their HbA1c target on basal insulin±oral antidiabetic drugs.
Indirect effects of COVID-19 on maternal, neonatal, child, sexual and reproductive health services in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Burt Jessica Florence , Ouma Joseph , Lubyayi Lawrence , Amone Alexander , Aol Lorna , Sekikubo Musa , Nakimuli Annettee , Nakabembe Eve , Mboizi Robert , Musoke Philippa , Kyohere Mary , Namara Lugolobi Emily , Khalil Asma , Le Doare Kirsty
Published: August 2021

Background

COVID-19 impacted global maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes. We hypothesised that the early, strict lockdown that restricted individuals’ movements in Uganda limited access to services.

Methods

An observational study, using routinely collected data from Electronic Medical Records, was carried out, in Kawempe district, Kampala. An interrupted time series analysis assessed the impact on maternal, neonatal, child, sexual and reproductive health services from July 2019 to December 2020. Descriptive statistics summarised the main outcomes before (July 2019–March 2020), during (April 2020–June 2020) and after the national lockdown (July 2020–December 2020).

Results

Between 1 July 2019 and 31 December 2020, there were 14 401 antenatal clinic, 33 499 deliveries, 111 658 childhood service and 57 174 sexual health attendances. All antenatal and vaccination services ceased in lockdown for 4 weeks.

During the 3-month lockdown, the number of antenatal attendances significantly decreased and remain below pre-COVID levels (370 fewer/month). Attendances for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV dropped then stabilised. Increases during lockdown and immediately postlockdown included the number of women treated for high blood pressure, eclampsia and pre-eclampsia (218 more/month), adverse pregnancy outcomes (stillbirths, low-birth-weight and premature infant births), the rate of neonatal unit admissions, neonatal deaths and abortions. Maternal mortality remained stable. Immunisation clinic attendance declined while neonatal death rate rose (from 39 to 49/1000 livebirths). The number of children treated for pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria decreased during lockdown.

Conclusion

The Ugandan response to COVID-19 negatively impacted maternal, child and neonatal health, with an increase seen in pregnancy complications and fetal and infant outcomes, likely due to delayed care-seeking behaviour. Decreased vaccination clinic attendance leaves a cohort of infants unprotected, affecting all vaccine-preventable diseases. Future pandemic responses must consider impacts of movement restrictions and access to preventative services to protect maternal and child health.
Codevelopment of COVID-19 infection prevention and control guidelines in lower-middle-income countries: the ‘SPRINT’ principles
Authors: Haldane Victoria , Ratnapalan Savithiri , Perera Niranjala , Zhang Zhitong , Ge Shiliang , Choi Mia , Lau Lincoln L , Samaraweera Sudath , Dodd Warren , Walley John , Wei Xiaolin
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has required the rapid development of comprehensive guidelines to direct health service organisation and delivery. However, most guidelines are based on resources found in high-income settings, with fewer examples that can be implemented in resource-constrained settings. This study describes the process of adapting and developing role-specific guidelines for comprehensive COVID-19 infection prevention and control in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

We used a collaborative autoethnographic approach to explore the process of developing COVID-19 guidelines. In this approach, multiple researchers contributed their reflections, conducted joint analysis through dialogue, reflection and with consideration of experiential knowledge and multidisciplinary perspectives to identify and synthesise enablers, challenges and key lessons learnt.

Results

We describe the guideline development process in the Philippines and the adaptation process in Sri Lanka. We offer key enablers identified through this work, including flexible leadership that aimed to empower the team to bring their expertise to the process; shared responsibility through equitable ownership; an interdisciplinary team; and collaboration with local experts. We then elaborate on challenges including interpreting other guidelines to the country context; tensions between the ideal compared with the feasible and user-friendly; adapting and updating with evolving information; and coping with pandemic-related challenges. Based on key lessons learnt, we synthesise a novel set of principles for developing guidelines during a public health emergency. The SPRINT principles are grounded in situational awareness, prioritisation and balance, which are responsive to change, created by an interdisciplinary team navigating shared responsibility and transparency.

Conclusions

Guideline development during a pandemic requires a robust and time sensitive paradigm. We summarise the learning in the ‘SPRINT principles’ for adapting guidelines in an epidemic context in LMICs. We emphasise that these principles must be grounded in a collaborative or codesign process and add value to existing national responses.
Contraception in Person-Contraception Online (CiP-CO) cohort study
Authors: Rezel-Potts Emma , Palmer Melissa J , Free Caroline J , McCulloch Hannah , Baraitser Paula
Published: August 2021

Background

Online contraception services increasingly provide information, clinical assessment and home-delivered oral contraceptives (OCs). Evidence is lacking on the effects of online contraceptive service use on short-term contraceptive continuation.

Methods

Cohort study comparing contraceptive continuation between new users of a free-to-access online OC service in South East London with those from other, face-to-face services in the same area. Online questionnaires collected data on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, motivations for OC access, service ratings, OC knowledge and contraceptive use. Contraceptive use in the 4-month study period was measured using health service records. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression models compared outcomes between the online service group and those using other services.

Results

Online service-users (n=138) were more likely to experience short-term continuation of OCs compared with participants using other services (n=98) after adjusting for sociodemographic and other characteristics (adjusted OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.52 to 5.70). Online service-users rated their service more highly (mean 25.22, SD 3.77) than the other services group (mean 22.70, SD 4.35; p<0.001), valuing convenience and speed of access. Among progestogen-only pill users, knowledge scores were higher for the online group (mean 4.83, SD 1.90) than the other services group (mean 3.87, SD 1.73; p=0.007). Among combined oral contraceptive users, knowledge scores were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Free-to-access, online contraception has the potential to improve short-term continuation of OCs. Further research using a larger study population and analysis of longer-term outcomes are required to understand the impact of online services on unintended pregnancy.
Self-assembly nanovaccine containing TLR7/8 agonist and STAT3 inhibitor enhances tumor immunotherapy by augmenting tumor-specific immune response
Authors: Zhang Lele , Huang Jiacheng , Chen Xiaona , Pan Caixu , He Yong , Su Rong , Guo Danjing , Yin Shengyong , Wang Shuai , Zhou Lin , Chen Jianxiang , Zheng Shusen , Qiao Yiting
Published: August 2021

Background

Cancer vaccines are a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer vaccines elicits a specific cytotoxic immune response to tumor antigens. However, the efficacy of traditional peptide-based cancer vaccines is limited due to the inefficient delivery of antigens and adjuvants to dendritic cells (DCs). Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel rationally designed cancer vaccine to maximize its desired effects.

Methods

ASelf-assemblingVehicle-freeMulti-componentAntitumor nanoVaccine (SVMAV) was constructed by using an unsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-conjugated antigen and R848 (a Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist) to encapsulate stattic (a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibitor). The characteristics of SVMAV were investigated. The ability of SVMAV to promote DC functions was examined by in vitro analysis. The antitumor effects of SVMAV and its combination with antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 antibody (aPD-1) were also investigated in vivo. The potential application of SVMAV for neoantigen-targeted, personalized cancer vaccines was examined in an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model.

Results

The obtained SVMAV efficiently migrated into lymph nodes and primed CD8+T cells for exert neoantigen-specific killing by promoting the antigen uptake by DCs, stimulating DC maturation, and enhancing antigen cross-presentation, due to the simultaneous delivery of the antigen, R848 and stattic. SVMAV could not only yield a robust antitumor effect for primary melanoma allografts, but also exert a protective effect for lung metastases. Moreover, combination treatment of SVMAV and aPD-1 exerted synergistic antitumor activity and extended the survival duration of melanoma-bearing mice. Notably, a cell line-specific neoantigen-based SVMAV was designed according to predicted neoantigens for Hepa1-6 cells to examine the potential application of SVMAV for personalized cancer vaccine. Encouragingly, neoantigen-specific SVMAV achieved stronger antitumor activity than aPD-1 in an orthotopic hepatocellular cancer model established with Hepa1-6 cells.

Conclusions

In summary, this study offers an efficient codelivery platform for neoantigens and immunoregulatory compounds to enhance immune responses during cancer immune therapy.