bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do teaching practices and enjoyment of science matter to science achievement?
Authors: Long Haiying , Gao Su , Yang Luxi , Chen Jin
Published: November 2021

This study focuses on the effectiveness of two types of teaching practices (i.e., inquiry‐based and teacher‐directed) on students' science achievement, an ongoing contentious issue in science education. It examined the direct and indirect effects of the two types of teaching practices, enjoyment of science, and students' science achievement with the US data of the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Results indicated that both inquiry‐based and teacher‐directed teaching practices were significant and positive predictors of enjoyment of science. These three variables also significantly predicted science achievement. However, inquiry‐based teaching practices were a negative predictor, whereas teacher‐directed teaching practices and enjoyment of science were positive predictors of science achievement. The effects of the two types of teaching practices on science achievement were partially mediated through enjoyment of science but the path of inquiry‐based teaching practices to achievement via enjoyment of science suggested a suppression effect. These results were further discussed in the US educational context.
An integrative environmental pollen diversity assessment and its importance for the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Hornick Thomas , Richter Anett , Harpole William Stanley , Bastl Maximilian , Bohlmann Stephanie , Bonn Aletta , Bumberger Jan , Dietrich Peter , Gemeinholzer Birgit , Grote Rüdiger , Heinold Bernd , Keller Alexander , Luttkus Marie L. , Mäder Patrick , Motivans Švara Elena , Passonneau Sarah , Punyasena Surangi W. , Rakosy Demetra , Richter Ronny , Sickel Wiebke , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Theodorou Panagiotis , Treudler Regina , Werchan Barbora , Werchan Matthias , Wolke Ralf , Dunker Susanne
Published: November 2021

Societal Impact Statement

Pollen relates to many aspects of human and environmental health, which protection and improvement are endorsed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By highlighting these connections in the frame of current challenges in monitoring and research, we discuss the need of more integrative and multidisciplinary pollen research related to societal needs, improving health of humans and our ecosystems for a sustainable future.

Pollen is at once intimately part of the reproductive cycle of seed plants and simultaneously highly relevant for the environment (pollinators, vector for nutrients, or organisms), people (food safety and health), and climate (cloud condensation nuclei and climate reconstruction). We provide an interdisciplinary perspective on the many and connected roles of pollen to foster a better integration of the currently disparate fields of pollen research, which would benefit from the sharing of general knowledge, technical advancements, or data processing solutions. We propose a more interdisciplinary and holistic research approach that encompasses total environmental pollen diversity (ePD) (wind and animal and occasionally water distributed pollen) at multiple levels of diversity (genotypic, phenotypic, physiological, chemical, and functional) across space and time. This interdisciplinary approach holds the potential to contribute to pressing human issues, including addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering social and political awareness of these tiny yet important and fascinating particles.
Astragalin mediates the pharmacological effects of Lysimachia candida Lindl on adipogenesis via downregulating PPARG and FKBP51 signaling cascade
Authors: Barge Sagar , Deka Barsha , Kashyap Bhaswati , Bharadwaj Simanta , Kandimalla Raghuram , Ghosh Aparajita , Dutta Partha Pratim , Samanta Suman Kumar , Manna Prasenjit , Borah Jagat C. , Talukdar Narayan Chandra
Published: November 2021

Metabolic disturbances in different tissue cells and obesity are caused by excessive calorie intake, and medicinal plants are potential sources of phytochemicals for combating these health problems. This study investigated the role of methanolic extract of the folklore medicinal plant Lysimachia candida (LCM) and its phytochemical, astragalin, in managing obesity in vivo and in vitro. Administration of LCM (200 mg/kg/body weight) daily for 140 days significantly decreased both the body weight gain (15.66%) and blood triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in high‐fat‐diet‐fed male Wistar rats but caused no substantial change in leptin and adiponectin levels. The protein expression of adipogenic transcription factors in visceral adipose tissue was significantly reduced. Further, the 3T3‐L1 cell‐based assay revealed that the butanol fraction of LCM and its isolated compound, astragalin, exhibited antiadipogenic activity through downregulating adipogenic transcription factors and regulatory proteins. Molecular docking studies were performed to depict the possible binding patterns of astragalin to adipogenesis proteins. Overall, we show the potential antiobesity effects of L. candida and its bioactive compound, astragalin, and suggest clinical studies with LCM and astragalin.
Nucleic acid‐based electrochemical biosensor: Recent advances in probe immobilization and signal amplification strategies
Authors: Thapa Krishna , Liu Wenyan , Wang Risheng
Published: November 2021

With the increasing importance of accurate and early disease diagnosis and the development of personalized medicine, DNA‐based electrochemical biosensor has attracted broad scientific and clinical interests in the past decades due to its unique hybridization specificity, fast response time, and potential for miniaturization. In order to achieve high detection sensitivity, the design of DNA electrochemical biosensors depends critically on the improvement of the accessibility of target molecules and the enhancement of signal readout. Here, we summarize the recent advances in DNA probe immobilization and signal amplification strategies with a special focus on DNA nanostructure‐supported DNA probe immobilization method, which provides the opportunity to rationally control the distance between probes and keep them in upright confirmation, as well as the contribution of functional nanomaterials in enhancing the signal amplification. The next challenge of biosensors will be the fabrication of point‐of‐care devices for clinical testing. The advancement of multidisciplinary areas, including nanofabrication, material science, and biochemistry, has exhibited profound promise in achieving such portable sensing devices.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures
SO(10) models with A4 modular symmetry
Authors: Ding Gui-Jun , King Stephen F. , Lu Jun-Nan
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We combine SO(10) Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) with A4 modular symmetry and present a comprehensive analysis of the resulting quark and lepton mass matrices for all the simplest cases. We focus on the case where the three fermion families in the 16 dimensional spinor representation form a triplet of Γ3 ≃ A4, with a Higgs sector comprising a single Higgs multiplet H in the 10 fundamental representation and one Higgs field $$ \overline{\Delta } $$

∆
¯

in the $$ \overline{\mathbf{126}} $$

126
¯

for the minimal models, plus one Higgs field Σ in the 120 for the non-minimal models, all with specified modular weights. The neutrino masses are generated by the type-I and/or type II seesaw mechanisms and results are presented for each model following an intensive numerical analysis where we have optimized the free parameters of the models in order to match the experimental data. For the phenomenologically successful models, we present the best fit results in numerical tabular form as well as showing the most interesting graphical correlations between parameters, including leptonic CP phases and neutrinoless double beta decay, which have yet to be measured, leading to definite predictions for each of the models.
Biografie, sozialer Kontext und Körper im Experiment: Evidenz durch integrierte Methodik am Beispiel der Blutdruckforschung bei Thure von Uexküll
Authors: Roelcke Volker
Published: November 2021

Der Wiesbadener Internistenkongress 1949 war Bühne für eine heftige Kontroverse zu Fragen der Methodik, Epistemologie und Evidenz in der psychosomatischen Medizin. Paul Martini, Internist und Protagonist methodisch durchgeführter klinischer Studien, kritisierte in diesem Kontext die Methodik psychosomatischer Wissensproduktion und bezweifelte die Validität der postulierten Einsichten. Ausgehend von dieser Kontroverse rekonstruiert der Beitrag die Formierung und Durchführung eines Experimentalsystems zur Entstehung der Hypertonie, in welchem der Internist und Psychosomatiker Thure von Uexküll somatische Variablen, die Subjektivität des Patienten, seine Biografie und seinen sozialen Kontext zu integrieren versuchte. Die Deutungen der Patienten hatten in diesem Experimentalsystem einen privilegierten Status. Empirische Belege, Nachvollziehbarkeit und Reproduzierbarkeit – Forderungen, die Martini 1949 formuliert hatte – waren für Uexküll elementare Kriterien für relevantes und valides Wissen.
Kausalität, Evidenz und Subjektivität: Paul Martinis Methodenkritik der Psychosomatischen Medizin
Authors: Hofer Hans-Georg
Published: November 2021

Der Internistenkongress von 1949 war Anlass und Arena einer breit wahrgenommenen Kontroverse zu epistemologischen Fragen der Psychosomatischen Medizin. Der Beitrag verortet zunächst den Kongress in der Nachkriegsgeschichte und zeichnet die Verlaufslinien der Debatte nach. Dabei werden sowohl die Positionen der Sprecher der Psychosomatischen Medizin – Viktor von Weizsäcker und Alexander Mitscherlich – als auch diejenige von Paul Martini, der auf Basis seiner Methodologie klinischer Forschung grundsätzliche Kritik äußerte, rekonstruiert. In einem zweiten Schritt werden die jeweils unterschiedlichen Auffassungen von Kausalität, Evidenz und Subjektivität herausgearbeitet und kontextualisiert. Das Hauptaugenmerk liegt hierbei auf dem konkreten und expliziten Gebrauch dieser Begriffe bei Martini. Schließlich zeige ich, dass diese Ereignisse im Jahr 1949 als Kulmination einer fortdauernden Kontroverse über wissenschaftliche Evidenz in der klinischen Medizin gelesen werden können, die sich mit ihren Beteiligten und Bezugsebenen über mehrere Jahrzehnte erstreckte.
Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy with and without hyperthermia in retroperitoneal sarcomas: feasibility, efficacy, toxicity, and long-term outcome
Authors: Willner A. , Fechner K. , Agaimy A. , Haller F. , Eckstein M. , Ott O. J. , Putz F. , Gaipl U. S. , Kersting S. , Meidenbauer N. , Grützmann R. , Fietkau R. , Semrau S.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Retroperitoneal (RPS) sarcomas are associated with poor local and abdominal tumor control. However, the benefit of preoperative radio- or chemotherapy alone for these entities is currently unclear. Moreover, as intermediate- and high-grade sarcomas have a tendency toward early metastasis, exploration of neoadjuvant strategies is of high importance. This analysis reports the results of our 20-year single-institution experience with preoperative neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation.

Methods

From 2000–2019, 27 patients with intermediate- or high-grade RPS (12 dedifferentiated liposarcoma, 10 leiomyosarcoma, 5 others) were treated with radiotherapy (median dose: 50.4 Gy; range 45–75 Gy) and two cycles of chemotherapy (doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 BSA/d3 q28 and ifosfamide 1.5 g/m2 BSA/d1‑5 q28) in neoadjuvant intent. Chemotherapy consisted of doxorubicin alone in two cases and ifosfamide alone in one case. Fifteen patients (56%) additionally received deep regional hyperthermia.

Results

The median follow-up time was 53 months (±56.7 months). 92% of patients received two cycles of chemotherapy as planned and 92% underwent surgery. At 5 and 10 years, abdominal-recurrence-free survival was 74.6% (±10.1%) and 66.3% (±11.9%), distant metastasis-free survival was 67.2% (±9.7%) and 59.7% (±11.1%), and overall survival was 60.3% (±10.5%) and 60.3% (±10.5%), respectively. CTC grade III and IV toxicities were leukocytopenia (85%), thrombocytopenia (33%), and anemia (11%). There were no treatment-related deaths.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with and without hyperthermia for retroperitoneal sarcomas is feasible and provided high local control of intermediate- and high-grade sarcoma.
Virtuelle Realität in der Lehre im Fach Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Authors: Mavrogiorgou Paraskevi , Böhme Pierre , Hooge Vitalij , Pfeiffer Thies , Juckel Georg
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund

Ausbildung und Lehre müssen sich den Gegebenheiten insbesondere in Corona-Zeiten anpassen, zumal neue digitale Technologien zur Verfügung stehen. Ärztliche Interaktions- und Explorationstechniken sind die wichtigsten Werkzeuge, die Medizinstudierende im Fach Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie zu erwerben haben.

Ziel der Arbeit

Avatare in virtueller Realität (VR) können grundsätzlich alle Krankheitsbilder in unterschiedlichen Schweregraden zu jeder Zeit repräsentieren.

Material und Methoden

Im Bochumer Avatar-Explorationsprojekt (AVEX) treten Studierende in den Dialog mit „psychisch kranken“ Avataren und versuchen, unter Anleitung und Supervision Diagnose, Differenzialdiagnose und Behandlungsempfehlungen zu erarbeiten.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Dadurch können die Studierenden auch seltene oder schwere psychiatrische Krankheitsbilder durch VR vermittelt kennenlernen. Dieser Übersichtsartikel stellt erste Erfahrungen insbesondere in Aufbau und Entwicklung sowie bez. der technologischen Herausforderungen dar.
Influence of reconstruction kernels on the accuracy of CT-derived fractional flow reserve
Authors: Ammon Fabian , Moshage Maximilian , Smolka Silvia , Goeller Markus , Bittner Daniel O. , Achenbach Stephan , Marwan Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Objectives

We evaluated the influence of image reconstruction kernels on the diagnostic accuracy of CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) compared to invasive FFR in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods

Sixty-nine patients, in whom coronary CT angiography was performed and who were further referred for invasive coronary angiography with FFR measurement via pressure wire, were retrospectively included. CT data sets were acquired using a third-generation dual-source CT system and rendered with medium smooth (Bv40) and sharp (Bv49) reconstruction kernels. FFRCT was calculated on-site using prototype software. Coronary stenoses with invasive FFR ≤ 0.80 were classified as significant. Agreement between FFRCT and invasive FFR was determined for both reconstruction kernels.

Results

One hundred analyzed vessels in 69 patients were included. Twenty-five vessels were significantly stenosed according to invasive FFR. Using a sharp reconstruction kernel for FFRCT resulted in a significantly higher correlation with invasive FFR (r = 0.74, p < 0.01 vs. r = 0.58, p < 0.01; p = 0.04) and a higher AUC in ROC curve analysis to correctly identify/exclude significant stenosis (AUC = 0.92 vs. AUC = 0.82 for sharp vs. medium smooth kernel, respectively, p = 0.02). A FFRCT value of ≤ 0.8 using a sharp reconstruction kernel showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 92% for detecting ischemia-causing lesions, resulting in a diagnostic accuracy of 91%. The medium smooth reconstruction kernel performed worse (sensitivity 60%, specificity 89%, accuracy 82%).

Conclusion

Compared to invasively measured FFR, FFRCT using a sharp image reconstruction kernel shows higher diagnostic accuracy for detecting lesions causing ischemia, potentially altering decision-making in a clinical setting.

Key Points

• Image reconstruction parameters influence the diagnostic accuracy of simulated fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography.

• Using a sharp kernel image reconstruction algorithm delivers higher diagnostic accuracy compared to medium smooth kernel image reconstruction (gold standard invasive fractional flow reserve).
Osteoid osteoma of the foot
Authors: Smolle Maria A. , Gilg Magdalena M. , Machacek Felix , Smerdelj Miroslav , Tunn Per-Ulf , Mavcic Blaz , Lujic Nenad , Sopta Jelena , Repsa Lauris , Igrec Jasminka , Leithner Andreas , Bergovec Marko
Published: November 2021

Background

Osteoid osteomas of the foot are rare, with a varying and atypical clinical as well as radiological presentation impeding early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the present multicentre study was to 1) analyze epidemiological, clinical and radiological findings of patients with foot osteoid osteomas and to 2) deduce a diagnostic algorithm based on the findings.

Methods

A total of 37 patients (25 males, 67.6%, mean age 23.9 years, range 8–57 years) with osteoid osteomas of the foot were retrospectively included, treated between 2000 and 2014 at 6 participating tertiary tumor centres. Radiographic images were analyzed, as were patients’ minor and major complaints, pain relief and recurrence.

Results

Most osteoid osteomas were located in the midfoot (n = 16) and hindfoot (n = 14). Painful lesions were present in all but one patient (97.3%). Symptom duration was similar for hindfoot and midfoot/forefoot (p = 0.331). Cortical lesions required fewer x‑rays for diagnosis than lesions at other sites (p = 0.026). A typical nidus could be detected in only 23/37 of x‑rays (62.2%), compared to 25/29 CT scans (86.2%) and 11/22 MRIs (50%). Aspirin test was positive in 18/20 patients (90%), 31 patients (83.8%) underwent open surgery. Pain relief was achieved in 34/36 patients (outcome unknown in one), whilst pain persisted in two patients with later confirmed recurrence.

Conclusions

As previously reported, CT scans seem to be superior to MRIs towards detection of the typical nidus in foot osteoid osteomas. In patients with unclear pain of the foot and inconclusive x‑rays, osteoid osteoma should be considered as differential diagnosis.
Cooling out in der Arbeitswelt: Berufswechsel als Folge eines Mismatch von Habitus und Feld
Authors: Matthies Hildegard
Published: November 2021

In diesem Beitrag werden Berufswechsel aus der Cooling-out-Perspektive rekonstruiert. Dabei wird das Cooling-out-Konzept in zweierlei Hinsicht erweitert. Erstens wird es mit Blick auf die an Goffman anschließende Diskussion nicht nur als eine von außen auf ein Subjekt gerichtete Selektionsstrategie aufgefasst, sondern auch als eine von innen kommende Strategie der Krisenintervention zur Verarbeitung von beruflichen Enttäuschungen. Zweitens wird ein berufliches Cooling out in Anlehnung an Bourdieu als Folge eines misslungenen Passungsverhältnisses von beruflichen Bewährungsbedingungen und individuellen Dispositionen konzeptualisiert, um die Entweder-oder-Struktur von Selbst- versus Fremdselektion zu überwinden und auch das „Dazwischen“ von Feld und Subjekt in den Blick zu nehmen. Am Beispiel von empirischen Fallstudien unter Berufswechslern wird gezeigt, dass Entscheidungen für einen Berufswechsel keiner der beiden Seiten allein zugeschlagen werden können, sondern lediglich den Endpunkt einer kontinuierlichen biographischen Erfahrungsaufschichtung darstellen, an der individuelle Dispositionen ebenso wie Feldstrukturen ihren Anteil haben.
UVB (290–315 nm) inactivation of the SARS CoV-2 virus as a function of the standard UV index
Authors: Herman Jay , Piacentini Rubén D.
Published: November 2021

The inactivation time for the SARS CoV-2 virus, mostly by a portion of UVB spectrum (290–315 nm) in sunlight, has been estimated using radiative transfer calculations and a relative wavelength sensitivity virus inactivation action spectrum ALS. The action spectrum is adjusted for the SARS CoV-2 virus using a derived UV dose D90 = 3.2 J/m2 for 90% inactivation to match laboratory results for the inactivation of SARS CoV-2 virus droplets on steel mesh. Estimation of the time for 90% inactivation T90 at a specific geographic location can be simplified using the commonly published or calculated UV index (UVI). The use of UVI has the advantage that information on the amount of ozone, the site altitude, and the degree of cloud cover are built into the published UVI calculation. Simple power-law T90(UVI) = a UVIb fitting equations are derived that provide estimates of T90(UVI) for 270 specific locations. Using the results from the 270 locations, a generalized latitude θ dependence is presented for the coefficients a(θ) and b(θ) that enables T90(θ, UVI) to be estimated for 60°S ≤ θ ≤ 60°N and for noon and 2 h around local solar noon.
Teilnahme an mathematischen Vorkursen und langfristiger Studienerfolg. Eine empirische Untersuchung
Authors: Gerdes Arne , Halverscheid Stefan , Schneider Susanne
Published: November 2021

Mathematische Vorkurse stellen eine in Deutschland verbreitete Maßnahme zur fachlichen Unterstützung des Übergangs von Schule zu Studium dar. Der Beitrag geht der Frage der Wirksamkeit von Vorkursteilnahme, binär operationalisiert, hinsichtlich der langfristigen Kriterien des erfolgreichen Studienabschlusses nach acht Semestern und der Abschlussnote nach. Da es sich bei Vorkursangeboten in der Regel um optionale Teilnahmen handelt, wird zusätzlich die Selbstselektion der Studienanfängerinnen und -anfänger untersucht. Die Stichprobe bilden $$N=2953$$

N
=
2953

 Studierendenfachfälle verschiedener Bachelorstudiengänge der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. Im Rahmen der Auswertungen zu Wirksamkeit und Selektion erfolgen die Modellierungen mit bayesscher linearer bzw. logistischer multipler Mehrebenenregression. Die Auswertung zur Wirksamkeit erfolgt auch mit zusätzlicher Entropie-Balancierung. Es zeigen sich unter Kontrolle weiterer Variablen positive Zusammenhänge sowohl von Vorkursteilnahme und erfolgreichem Studienabschluss als auch von Vorkursteilnahme und besseren Abschlussnoten. Eine Selektion der Teilnehmenden zeigt sich hinsichtlich des Geschlechts sowie der Note und des Bundeslands der Hochschulzugangsberechtigung.
Determination of LME sensitivity of zinc-coated steels based on the programmable deformation cracking test
Authors: Meyerdierks M. , Zinke M. , Jüttner S. , Biro E.
Published: November 2021

The current work presents a new test method to evaluate liquid metal embrittlement (LME) susceptibility of zinc-coated steels in arc processes under application-oriented conditions. The procedure is based on the programmable deformation cracking test (PVR test). The PVR test is a variation of a controlled tensile test for hot cracking investigations in arc welding processes. Two dual-phase steels (DP600, DP980) and five transformation-induced plasticity steels (TRIP690, TRIP700, TRIP700, TRIP1100, TRIP1200) were used. The investigations showed that comparable thermo-mechanical loading conditions can be guaranteed for materials of different sheet thicknesses in the PVR test through a targeted adjustment of the heat input per unit length of weld. Furthermore, it was shown that the critical deformation rate $${v}_{cr}$$

v

cr

(used for assessing hot cracking susceptibility) may also be used to assess the LME susceptibility of a particular steel. Furthermore, another LME susceptibility parameter, the relative reduction in load-bearing ability $$\Delta\Sigma$$

Δ
Σ

could be derived, which may be used to understand how LME cracking affects materials’ mechanical and fracture properties.
Rethinking the history of peptic ulcer disease and its relevance for network epistemology
Authors: Radomski Bartosz Michał , Šešelja Dunja , Naumann Kim
Published: November 2021

The history of the research on peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is characterized by a premature abandonment of the bacterial hypothesis, which subsequently had its comeback, leading to the discovery of Helicobacter pylori—the major cause of the disease. In this paper we examine the received view on this case, according to which the primary reason for the abandonment of the bacterial hypothesis in the mid-twentieth century was a large-scale study by a prominent gastroenterologist Palmer, which suggested no bacteria could be found in the human stomach. To this end, we employ the method of digital textual analysis and study the literature on the etiology of PUD published in the decade prior to Palmer’s article. Our findings suggest that the bacterial hypothesis had already been abandoned before the publication of Palmer’s paper, which challenges the widely held view that his study played a crucial role in the development of this episode. In view of this result, we argue that the PUD case does not illustrate harmful effects of a high degree of information flow, as it has frequently been claimed in the literature on network epistemology. Moreover, we argue that alternative examples of harmful effects of a high degree of information flow may be hard to find in the history of science.
Digital Entry-Level Education in Physiotherapy: a Commentary to Inform Post-COVID-19 Future Directions
Authors: Rossettini Giacomo , Turolla Andrea , Gudjonsdottir Bjorg , Kapreli Eleni , Salchinger Beate , Verheyden Geert , Palese Alvisa , Dell’Isola Andrea , de Caro John Xerri
Published: November 2021

Currently, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severely influences physiotherapy education which is based mostly on face-to-face teaching. Thus, educators have been compelled to adapt their pedagogical approaches moving to digital education. In this commentary, we debate on digital education highlighting its effectiveness, the users’ perspectives, and its weakness in the context of physiotherapy teaching aimed at informing post-COVID-19 future directions in this educational field. Existing evidence on digital education produced before COVID-19 supports its implementation into entry-level physiotherapy education. However, some challenges (e.g. social inequality and evaluation of students) threaten its applicability in post-COVID-19 era, calling educators to take appropriate actions.
Everyday influence – democracy when health and social care are part of everyday life
Authors: Asaba Eric , Mondaca Margarita , Josephsson Staffan , Johansson Karin
Published: November 2021

This article contributes to ongoing discussions about frailty and vulnerability in critical gerontology by asserting that possibilities to engage and enact influence in everyday life situations is a crucial dimension of democracy in later life. We discuss how democracy in this sense can be threatened for older persons for whom health and social care services are needed, following from the labelling practices of frailty and the non-recognition of the social processes that set capabilities in motion. We utilise three examples grounded in research with older persons in their home environment in a Swedish context. The examples show how older people use creative, emotional, practical and social resources to integrate activities in a manner that address their needs and capabilities, and influence the situations in direction towards how and when to be engaged in everyday activities. Based on a discussion of the examples, we argue that health and social care services that provide and build social infrastructures need to recognise the potential concurrency of interdependency, vulnerability and agency within older persons’ local everyday practices. This to address capabilities and enable concrete expression of democracy in everyday situations. Overall, we suggest that conceptual and methodological shifts in research, as well as policy and practice, are needed to bring democratic processes forward through the relational and situated aspects of resources, agency and influence.
Partnering to cope with pain: A pilot study of a caregiver-assisted pain coping skills intervention for patients with cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Porter Laura S. , Weiner Debra K. , Ramos Katherine , Barnes Deborah E. , Schmader Kenneth E. , Gwyther Lisa , Ritchie Christine S. , Keefe Francis J.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To develop a new caregiver-assisted pain coping skills training protocol specifically tailored for community-dwelling persons with cognitive impairment and pain, and assess its feasibility and acceptability.

Method

In Phase I, we conducted interviews with 10 patient–caregiver dyads to gather feedback about intervention content and delivery. Phase II was a single-arm pilot test to evaluate the intervention's feasibility and acceptability. Dyads in the pilot study (n = 11) completed baseline surveys, received five intervention sessions, and then completed post-intervention surveys. Analyses focused on feasibility and acceptability.

Results

Dyads responded positively to the pain coping skills presented in the interviews; their feedback was used to refine the intervention. Findings from the pilot study suggested that the intervention was feasible and acceptable. 69% of eligible dyads consented, 82% completed all five intervention sessions, and 100% completed the post-treatment assessment. Caregivers reported high satisfaction ratings. They also reported using the pain coping skills on a regular basis, and that they found most of the skills helpful and easy to use.

Significance of results

These preliminary findings suggest that a caregiver-assisted pain coping skills intervention is feasible and acceptable, and that it may be a promising approach to managing pain in patients with cognitive impairment.
“For private or personal use”: The meaning of the special intent requirement in the war crime of pillage under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
Authors: Nuzban Yulia
Published: November 2021

Legislating for international courts and tribunals is a delicate and complex process, which sometimes results in unintended consequences. Arguably, the inclusion of a special intent requirement, also known as dolus specialis, concerning “private or personal use” in the definition of pillage under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court is one such consequence. But this is not the only reason why the war crime of pillage deserves special attention. On closer examination, other questions arise concerning its interpretation and application. What is the meaning of “military necessity” and “necessity” in relation to pillage, and how do they correlate with the special intent requirement? To answer these questions, the article examines the drafting history, law and current practice relating to the crime's ambiguous new element. It then proposes several avenues to address the recurring uncertainty regarding its meaning: conservative, radical and pragmatic.
Auch im Präsenzunterricht digitale Tools nutzen
Authors: Stephanow Valeska , Schepers Claudia , Darmann-Finck Ingrid
Published: November 2021

Zusammenfassung. Im Rahmen des CARO-Projekts wurde erstmalig ein cloudbasiertes Classroom Learning Interaction System entwickelt, das zahlreiche Anforderungen der pflegerischen Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbildung adressiert. Wir erklären die Bestandteile des Systems, zeigen Einsatzmöglichkeiten auf, und beleuchten die Abstimmung der technischen und inhaltlich-didaktischen Features.
Climate Variability Drives Watersheds Along a Transporter‐Transformer Continuum
Authors: Fazekas Hannah M. , McDowell William H. , Shanley James B. , Wymore Adam S.
Published: November 2021

We examined how climate variability affects the mobilization of material from six watersheds. We analyzed one to seven years of high‐frequency sensor data from a temperate ecosystem and a tropical rainforest. We applied a windowed analysis to correlate concentration‐discharge (C‐Q) behavior with climate anomalies, providing insight into how hydrological and biogeochemical processes change in response to climate variability. Positive precipitation anomalies homogenized the C‐Q responses for dissolved organic matter, nitrate, specific conductance and turbidity, indicating that hydrological processes dominate the C‐Q signal and watersheds act as “conveyor belts” of material. In contrast, drier and warmer conditions led to C‐Q behavior associated with variation in solute concentration, suggesting that biogeochemical processes are a primary control on solute export and their response to flow. Results indicate that climate variability can move watersheds along a continuum from transporter‐to‐transformer of biologically active solutes and responses can potentially vary by biome.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Care: Considerations for Providing Virtual Evidence-Based Care to Youth With High Levels of Needle Fear
Authors: Young Melissa A. , Kawamura Joy , Patten Joanna , Goldstein-Leever Alana , Loren Dorothy , Gold Anna , Munns Catherine , Barrera Maru
Published: November 2021

Objective: Youth with high levels of needle fear are at risk for adverse health outcomes and poor compliance with general and specialty medical recommendations. With consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased availability of vaccines, recommendations for adapting and virtually delivering evidence-based interventions for youth with high levels of needle fear are of particular importance for pediatric psychologists. Thus, the purpose of this commentary is to provide an overview of evidence-based interventions and recommendations for pediatric psychologists seeking to adapt and virtually deliver evidence-based interventions to youth with high levels of needle fear. Conclusions: Although pediatric psychologists may face challenges when adapting and virtually delivering exposure-based interventions to youth and their families, the clinical benefits certainly outweigh the costs, particularly considering the increased availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for youth.

Implications for Impact Statement

Although it is unclear whether COVID-19 vaccinations will be approved for children under 12-years of age and whether subsequent mandates will be implemented, if left unaddressed needle fear may inadvertently perpetuate the pandemic, as it is anticipated that individuals with high levels of needle fear will be more likely to decline vaccination. Thus, with consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipated rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for youth, recommendations for pediatric psychologists seeking to adapt and virtually deliver evidence-based interventions to youth with high levels of needle fear are of particular importance.
Comparison of viral RNA–host protein interactomes across pathogenic RNA viruses informs rapid antiviral drug discovery for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhang Shaojun , Huang Wenze , Ren Lili , Ju Xiaohui , Gong Mingli , Rao Jian , Sun Lei , Li Pan , Ding Qiang , Wang Jianwei , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff
Published: November 2021

In contrast to the extensive research about viral protein–host protein interactions that has revealed major insights about how RNA viruses engage with host cells during infection, few studies have examined interactions between host factors and viral RNAs (vRNAs). Here, we profiled vRNA–host protein interactomes for three RNA virus pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, Zika, and Ebola viruses) using ChIRP-MS. Comparative interactome analyses discovered both common and virus-specific host responses and vRNA-associated proteins that variously promote or restrict viral infection. In particular, SARS-CoV-2 binds and hijacks the host factor IGF2BP1 to stabilize vRNA and augment viral translation. Our interactome-informed drug repurposing efforts identified several FDA-approved drugs (e.g., Cepharanthine) as broad-spectrum antivirals in cells and hACE2 transgenic mice. A co-treatment comprising Cepharanthine and Trifluoperazine was highly potent against the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 variant. Thus, our study illustrates the scientific and medical discovery utility of adopting a comparative vRNA–host protein interactome perspective.
Potential global impacts of alternative dosing regimen and rollout options for the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine
Authors: Aguas Ricardo , Bharath Anouska , White Lisa J. , Gao Bo , Pollard Andrew J. , Voysey Merryn , Shretta Rima
Published: November 2021

The high efficacy, low cost, and long shelf-life of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine positions it well for use in in diverse socioeconomic settings. Using data from clinical trials, an individual-based model was constructed to predict its 6-month population-level impact. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses evaluated the importance of epidemiological, demographic and logistical factors on vaccine effectiveness. Rollout at various levels of availability and delivery speed, conditional on vaccine efficacy profiles (efficacy of each dose and interval between doses) were explored in representative countries. We highlight how expedient vaccine delivery to high-risk groups is critical in mitigating COVID-19 disease and mortality. In scenarios where the availability of vaccine is insufficient for high-risk groups to receive two doses, administration of a single dose of is optimal, even when vaccine efficacy after one dose is just 75% of the two doses. These findings can help inform allocation strategies particularly in areas constrained by availability.
Opposing transcriptional programs of KLF5 and AR emerge during therapy for advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Che Meixia , Chaturvedi Aashi , Munro Sarah A. , Pitzen Samuel P. , Ling Alex , Zhang Weijie , Mentzer Josh , Ku Sheng-Yu , Puca Loredana , Zhu Yanyun , Bergman Andries M. , Severson Tesa M. , Forster Colleen , Liu Yuzhen , Hildebrand Jacob , Daniel Mark , Wang Ting-You , Selth Luke A. , Hickey Theresa , Zoubeidi Amina , Gleave Martin , Bareja Rohan , Sboner Andrea , Tilley Wayne , Carroll Jason S. , Tan Winston , Kohli Manish , Yang Rendong , Hsieh Andrew C. , Murugan Paari , Zwart Wilbert , Beltran Himisha , Huang R. Stephanie , Dehm Scott M.
Published: November 2021

Endocrine therapies for prostate cancer inhibit the androgen receptor (AR) transcription factor. In most cases, AR activity resumes during therapy and drives progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, therapy can also promote lineage plasticity and select for AR-independent phenotypes that are uniformly lethal. Here, we demonstrate the stem cell transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is low or absent in prostate cancers prior to endocrine therapy, but induced in a subset of CRPC, including CRPC displaying lineage plasticity. KLF5 and AR physically interact on chromatin and drive opposing transcriptional programs, with KLF5 promoting cellular migration, anchorage-independent growth, and basal epithelial cell phenotypes. We identify ERBB2 as a point of transcriptional convergence displaying activation by KLF5 and repression by AR. ERBB2 inhibitors preferentially block KLF5-driven oncogenic phenotypes. These findings implicate KLF5 as an oncogene that can be upregulated in CRPC to oppose AR activities and promote lineage plasticity.
Elevating density functional theory to chemical accuracy for water simulations through a density-corrected many-body formalism
Authors: Dasgupta Saswata , Lambros Eleftherios , Perdew John P. , Paesani Francesco
Published: November 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) has been extensively used to model the properties of water. Albeit maintaining a good balance between accuracy and efficiency, no density functional has so far achieved the degree of accuracy necessary to correctly predict the properties of water across the entire phase diagram. Here, we present density-corrected SCAN (DC-SCAN) calculations for water which, minimizing density-driven errors, elevate the accuracy of the SCAN functional to that of “gold standard” coupled-cluster theory. Building upon the accuracy of DC-SCAN within a many-body formalism, we introduce a data-driven many-body potential energy function, MB-SCAN(DC), that quantitatively reproduces coupled cluster reference values for interaction, binding, and individual many-body energies of water clusters. Importantly, molecular dynamics simulations carried out with MB-SCAN(DC) also reproduce the properties of liquid water, which thus demonstrates that MB-SCAN(DC) is effectively the first DFT-based model that correctly describes water from the gas to the liquid phase.
MOFs-based nanoagent enables dual mitochondrial damage in synergistic antitumor therapy via oxidative stress and calcium overload
Authors: Bao Weier , Liu Ming , Meng Jiaqi , Liu Siyuan , Wang Shuang , Jia Rongrong , Wang Yugang , Ma Guanghui , Wei Wei , Tian Zhiyuan
Published: November 2021

Targeting subcellular organelle with multilevel damage has shown great promise for antitumor therapy. Here, we report a core-shell type of nanoagent with iron (III) carboxylate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as shell while upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as core, which enables near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered synergistically reinforced oxidative stress and calcium overload to mitochondria. The folate decoration on MOFs shells enables efficient cellular uptake of nanoagents. Based on the upconversion ability of UCNPs, NIR light mediates Fe3+-to-Fe2+ reduction and simultaneously activates the photoacid generator (pHP) encapsulated in MOFs cavities, which enables release of free Fe2+ and acidification of intracellular microenvironment, respectively. The overexpressed H2O2 in mitochondria, highly reactive Fe2+ and acidic milieu synergistically reinforce Fenton reactions for producing lethal hydroxyl radicals (•OH) while plasma photoacidification inducing calcium influx, leading to mitochondria calcium overload. The dual-mitochondria-damage-based therapeutic potency of the nanoagent has been unequivocally confirmed in cell- and patient-derived tumor xenograft models in vivo.
Faradaic junction and isoenergetic charge transfer mechanism on semiconductor/semiconductor interfaces
Authors: Chen Mingzhi , Dong Hongzheng , Xue Mengfan , Yang Chunsheng , Wang Pin , Yang Yanliang , Zhu Heng , Wu Congping , Yao Yingfang , Luo Wenjun , Zou Zhigang
Published: November 2021

Energy band alignment theory has been widely used to understand interface charge transfer in semiconductor/semiconductor heterojunctions for solar conversion or storage, such as quantum-dot sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells and photo(electro)catalysis. However, abnormally high open-circuit voltage and charge separation efficiency in these applications cannot be explained by the classic theory. Here, we demonstrate a Faradaic junction theory with isoenergetic charge transfer at semiconductor/semiconductor interface. Such Faradaic junction involves coupled electron and ion transfer, which is substantively different from the classic band alignment theory only involving electron transfer. The Faradaic junction theory can be used to explain these abnormal results in previous studies. Moreover, the characteristic of zero energy loss of charge transfer in a Faradaic junction also can provide a possibility to design a solar conversion device with a large open-circuit voltage beyond the Shockley-Queisser limit by the band alignment theory.
Photo-induced copper-catalyzed sequential 1,n-HAT enabling the formation of cyclobutanols
Authors: Cao Zhusong , Li Jianye , Zhang Guozhu
Published: November 2021

Cyclobutanols are privileged cyclic skeletons in natural products and synthetic building blocks. C(sp3)−H functionalization is a prolonged challenge in organic synthesis. The synthesis of cyclobutanols through double C(sp3)-H bond functionalization remains elusive. Here we report the efficient synthesis of cyclobutanols through intermolecular radical [3 + 1] cascade cyclization, involving the functionalization of two C − H bonds through sequential hydrogen atom transfer. The copper complex reduces the iodomethylsilyl alcohols efficiently under blue-light irradiation to initiate the tandem transformation. The mild reaction tolerates a broad range of functional groups and allows for the facile generation of elaborate polycyclic structures.
Magnitude and nucleation time of the 2017 Pohang Earthquake point to its predictable artificial triggering
Authors: Shapiro Serge A. , Kim Kwang-Hee , Ree Jin-Han
Published: November 2021

A damaging Mw5.5 earthquake occurred at Pohang, South Korea, in 2017, after stimulating an enhanced geothermal system by borehole fluid injections. The earthquake was likely triggered by these operations. Current approaches for predicting maximum induced earthquake magnitude ($${M}_{\max }$$

M

max

) consider the volume of the injected fluid as the main controlling factor. However, these approaches are unsuccessful in predicting earthquakes, such as the Pohang one. Here we analyse the case histories of induced earthquakes, and find that $${M}_{\max }$$

M

max

scales with the logarithm of the elapsed time from the beginning of the fluid injection to the earthquake occurrence. This is also the case for the Pohang Earthquake. Its significant probability was predictable. These results validate an alternative to predicting $${M}_{\max }$$

M

max

. It is to monitor the exceedance probability of an assumed $${M}_{\max }$$

M

max

in real time by monitoring the seismogenic index, a quantity that characterizes the intensity of the fluid-induced seismicity per unit injected volume.
Gold nanoparticles enhance antibody effect through direct cancer cell cytotoxicity by differential regulation of phagocytosis
Authors: Fan Linyang , Wang Weizhi , Wang Zihua , Zhao Minzhi
Published: November 2021

Ramucirumab is the first FDA-approved monotherapy for advanced gastric cancer. In this study, Ramucirumab (Ab) is attached to gold nanoparticles to enhance uptake efficiency. Gold nanoparticles can induce direct cytotoxic effects to cancer cells in the presence of Ab, while individual Ab or gold nanoparticles don’t have such an effective anticancer effect even at extremely high concentrations. Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal this direct cytotoxicity is derived predominantly from Ab-mediated phagocytosis. High affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc receptor I shows differential up-regulation in gastric cancer cells treated by these nanodrugs compared with Ab, especially for Ab with gold nanorods. Simplified and powerful designs of smart nanoparticles are highly desired for clinical application. The enhancement of Ab accumulation with a simple composition, combined with direct cytotoxic effects specific to cancer cells brought improved therapeutic effects in vivo compared with Ab, which can promote further clinical application of gold nanomaterials in the diagnosis and therapeutics of gastric cancer.
Fast wide-field upconversion luminescence lifetime thermometry enabled by single-shot compressed ultrahigh-speed imaging
Authors: Liu Xianglei , Skripka Artiom , Lai Yingming , Jiang Cheng , Liu Jingdan , Vetrone Fiorenzo , Liang Jinyang
Published: November 2021

Photoluminescence lifetime imaging of upconverting nanoparticles is increasingly featured in recent progress in optical thermometry. Despite remarkable advances in photoluminescent temperature indicators, existing optical instruments lack the ability of wide-field photoluminescence lifetime imaging in real time, thus falling short in dynamic temperature mapping. Here, we report video-rate upconversion temperature sensing in wide field using single-shot photoluminescence lifetime imaging thermometry (SPLIT). Developed from a compressed-sensing ultrahigh-speed imaging paradigm, SPLIT first records wide-field luminescence intensity decay compressively in two views in a single exposure. Then, an algorithm, built upon the plug-and-play alternating direction method of multipliers, is used to reconstruct the video, from which the extracted lifetime distribution is converted to a temperature map. Using the core/shell NaGdF4:Er3+,Yb3+/NaGdF4 upconverting nanoparticles as the lifetime-based temperature indicators, we apply SPLIT in longitudinal wide-field temperature monitoring beneath a thin scattering medium. SPLIT also enables video-rate temperature mapping of a moving biological sample at single-cell resolution.