bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bivariate Jacobi polynomials for solving Volterra partial integro‐differential equations with the weakly singular kernel
Authors: Sadri Khadijeh , Hosseini Kamyar , Mirzazadeh Mohammad , Ahmadian Ali , Salahshour Soheil , Singh Jagdev
Published: August 2021

An operational matrix method is implemented based on the bivariate Jacobi polynomials to attain numerical solutions of a category of Volterra weakly singular partial integro‐differential equations (VWSPI‐DEs). Utilizing Jacobi approximations and their integral, derivative, and pseudo‐integral operational matrices along with the collocation method reduces the given VWSPI‐DE to a system of algebraic equations. Diverse forms of the Jacobi polynomials are used to investigate and compare errors of obtained approximate solutions. Moreover, some error bounds are computed for the error functions. Four experimental illustrations are solved to exhibit the effectiveness and suitability of the proposed scheme.
Macrovasculature and positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake value in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Pu Jiantao , Leader Joseph K. , Zhang Dongning , Beeche Cameron A. , Sechrist Jacob , Pennathur Arjun , Villaruz Liza C. , Wilson David
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between macrovasculature features and the standardized uptake value (SUV) of positron emission tomography (PET), which is a surrogate for the metabolic activity of a lung tumor.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 90 lung cancer patients who had both chest CT and PET‐CT examinations before receiving cancer treatment. The SUVs in the medical reports were used. We quantified three macrovasculature features depicted on CT images (i.e., vessel number, vessel volume, and vessel tortuosity) and several tumor features (i.e., volume, maximum diameter, mean diameter, surface area, and density). Tumor size (e.g., volume) was used as a covariate to adjust for possible confounding factors. Backward stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to develop a model for predicting PET SUV from the relevant image features. The Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons.

Results

PET SUV was positively correlated with vessel volume (R = 0.44, p < 0.001) and vessel number (R = 0.44, p < 0.001) but not with vessel tortuosity (R = 0.124, p > 0.05). After adjusting for tumor size, PET SUV was significantly correlated with vessel tortuosity (R = 0.299, p = 0.004) and vessel number (R = 0.224, p = 0.035), but only marginally correlated with vessel volume (R = 0.187, p = 0.079). The multiple regression model showed a performance with an R‐Squared of 0.391 and an adjusted R‐Squared of 0.355 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our investigations demonstrate the potential relationship between macrovasculature and PET SUV and suggest the possibility of inferring the metabolic activity of a lung tumor from chest CT images.
Incorporating Hydrophobic Cellulose Nanocrystals inside Latex Particles via Mini‐Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Pakdel Amir Saeid , Cranston Emily D. , Dubé Marc A.
Published: August 2021

Hydrophobic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are encapsulated inside poly(butyl acrylate/vinyl acetate/acrylic acid) latex particles via mini‐emulsion polymerization (MEP). To achieve a genuine MEP, the effects of the concentration of surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate/Disponil A3065) and a hydrophobic agent (octadecyl acrylate (ODA)) are optimized in the presence of 0.5 wt% CNC. Using a combination of surfactant and ODA concentrations leading to a particle nucleation method restricted to the monomer droplets, the effects of CNC loading up to 1.5 wt% on the polymerization process and final nanocomposite properties are studied. Despite an increase in particle size and a lower rate of polymerization at higher CNC loadings, the droplet nucleation mechanism remains dominant up to 1.25 wt% CNC loading. Pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) performance for nanocomposites produced using hydrophobic CNCs in MEP decreases whereas performance improves considerably when using hydrophilic and partially hydrophobic CNCs in conventional emulsion polymerization. These results shed light on emulsion polymerization technique selection and CNC surface properties for greener industrial production of water‐based PSAs.
Role of chemical exchange on the relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement signal in saturation transfer MRI
Authors: Jin Tao , Kim Seong‐Gi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The pH sensitivity of chemical exchange‐relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement (rNOE) signal in a saturation transfer experiment is not fully understood and needs further investigation.

Methods

A three‐pool‐exchange model was simulated assuming that the magnetization transfer between an NOE pool and water is relayed by a chemical exchange (CE) pool. The saturation transfer signals from bovine serum albumin (BSA) and egg white albumin (EWA) phantoms were measured with different pH or different D2O/H2O mixture solutions.

Results

Simulation results showed that the rNOE signal is independent of the Larmor frequency of the CE pool, indicating any CE pool can effectively relay NOE magnetization. The rNOE signal is sensitive to a change of the CE pool size and/or exchange rate only if the CE becomes a rate‐limiting step in the relay process. The rNOE signal from BSA phantoms showed larger pH‐dependence at −3.0 ppm than those at −1.9 and −4.0 ppm. However, rNOE signals from aliphatic protons have much weaker pH‐dependence than the CEST signal, suggesting that CE is unlikely the rate‐limiting step and the rNOE signals in BSA are mainly relayed by fast exchanging protons. The existence of aromatic NOE was confirmed by proton spectroscopy.

Conclusion

The pH‐sensitivity of the rNOE signal is determined by whether the CE process is a rate‐limiting step in the relay. The rNOE signal has much weaker pH‐sensitivity than the CEST signal in BSA proteins, which can explain the weak pH sensitivity of rNOE in vivo.
Association between adherence to warfarin and thrombotic events in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome in Japan: A claims‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Byambajav Tserenlkham , Waki Takashi , Miura Katsuyuki , Tanaka‐Mizuno Sachiko
Published: August 2021

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate adherence and persistence to warfarin therapy among patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and investigate the association between adherence and thrombotic events in those patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Japan Medical Data Center claims database from 2005 to 2018. Patients with APS receiving warfarin treatment were included in this study. Adherence and persistence were evaluated using the proportion of days covered (PDS) and refill gap methods, respectively. Demographic characteristics of patients were obtained. Kaplan–Meier curves with log‐rank tests and Cox regression models were used to examine the association between adherence or persistence and time to thrombotic events.

Results

A total of 186 patients (mean age: 46.5 ± 12.4 years, females 68.8%) were included in this study. No significant differences were observed in risk factors for thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases among groups. Most patients were adherent (91.4%) and persistent (88.2%) to warfarin treatment. Adherent and persistent patients had a significantly higher rate of thrombotic event‐free survival than nonadherent and nonpersistent patients (p < 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression showed that the risk of thrombotic events was higher in nonadherent patients (with a hazard ratio of 3.23 [95% confidence interval CI: 1.15–9.11]) and in nonpersistent patients (with a hazard ratio of 3.45 [95% CI: 1.35–8.82]).

Conclusions

In patients with APS, nonadherence and nonpersistence to warfarin treatment was associated with a higher risk of thrombotic events, suggesting the careful monitoring of those patients.
Efficacy of mindfulness‐based stress reduction on fear of emotions and related cognitive behavioral processes in Chinese University students: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Jing , Qin Xinghong
Published: August 2021

Fear of losing control over one's emotions has gained increased research interest. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) has been found to improve emotional disturbance in clinical and nonclinical samples. However, no studies have concurrently examined the direct effects of MBSR on reduced fear of emotions among university students in Chinese culture, as well as its indirect effects on reduced fear of emotions via improvements in the cognitive‐behavioral processes. A total of 106 college students were randomly assigned to MBSR or to a control group. Assignment to the MBSR intervention led to increases in mindfulness and decentering, and decreases in rumination, emotion regulation difficulties, Affective Control Scale (ACS)‐anger, ACS‐depression, ACS‐anxiety, ACS‐positive emotion and total ACS score, as compared to the control group. The reduction of fear of positive emotion was less than that in fear of anger, depression and anxiety. MBSR was effective to reduce the fear of emotions in college students. Moreover, college students in Chinese culture tended to have a more moderate experience of positive emotions. Attention (mindfulness) and thought (decentering and rumination) may be possible cognitive mechanisms for explaining how MBSR may reduce fear of emotions in college students. Our findings provide important information that can be applied to the design of future studies or mental health resources for reducing fear of emotions in university programs.
Examining teachers' judgment of students' 21st century skills and academic and behavioral outcomes
Authors: Woods‐Groves Suzanne , Choi Taehoon , Balint‐Langel Kinga
Published: August 2021

In this study we examined the relationship of students' 21st century skills with their academic and behavioral outcomes. We investigated K‐12 teachers' (n = 150) judgment of students' (n = 3,108) use of 21st century skills (i.e., persistence, curiosity, affect, and cognition behaviors) via a Likert‐type rating scale. We compared teachers' ratings with students' academic and behavioral outcomes in a southeastern school district. We used Hierarchical Linear Modeling with length of teacher acquaintance with the student as the nesting variable. Teacher ratings for students' low instances of persistence behaviors and high instances of externalizing affect behaviors were predictive of a higher probability of student office discipline referrals. We found a positive correlation for teachers' ratings of students' cognition behaviors and their reading, mathematics, and science outcomes. Teachers' student length of acquaintance was significant for academic outcomes. Results indicated a predictive relationship with teachers' judgment of students' 21st century skills and student outcomes.
A mixed‐method study of paraprofessional roles, professional development, and needs for training in elementary schools
Authors: Wiggs Nicole B. , Reddy Linda A. , Bronstein Briana , Glover Todd A. , Dudek Christopher M. , Alperin Alex
Published: August 2021

Paraprofessionals are critical school staff often responsible for students with or at risk for academic, behavioral, and social impairments. However, research on paraprofessional roles, professional development, and training needs is very limited. The present mixed‐method study seeks to fill this gap by examining the student populations served, paraprofessionals' reported work setting, available professional development, and training needs. In a sample of 215 paraprofessionals from 62 schools, results indicated that paraprofessionals deliver interventions and supports to individual and small groups of students, often serve students who exhibit disruptive classroom behavior, and students who are eligible for special education services. Work setting consists primarily of a single classroom (general or special education) with multiple students. Paraprofessionals reported receiving 1–2 h of workshop‐based professional development per year which is not job‐embedded in the classroom settings. Nearly all participants reported the need for additional training in one or more topic areas with behavior management strategies, the most frequently identified are of training need. Implications for practice are discussed.
CD99 and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor peptides deregulation in critical COVID‐19: A potential link to molecular pathophysiology?
Authors: Siwy Justyna , Wendt Ralph , Albalat Amaya , He Tianlin , Mischak Harald , Mullen William , Latosinska Agnieszka , Lübbert Christoph , Kalbitz Sven , Mebazaa Alexandre , Peters Björn , Stegmayr Bernd , Spasovski Goce , Wiech Thorsten , Staessen Jan A. , Wolf Johannes , Beige Joachim
Published: August 2021

Identification of significant changes in urinary peptides may enable improved understanding of molecular disease mechanisms. We aimed towards identifying urinary peptides associated with critical course of COVID‐19 to yield hypotheses on molecular pathophysiological mechanisms in disease development. In this multicentre prospective study urine samples of PCR‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients were collected in different centres across Europe. The urinary peptidome of 53 patients at WHO stages 6–8 and 66 at WHO stages 1–3 COVID‐19 disease was analysed using capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. 593 peptides were identified significantly affected by disease severity. These peptides were compared with changes associated with kidney disease or heart failure. Similarities with kidney disease were observed, indicating comparable molecular mechanisms. In contrast, convincing similarity to heart failure could not be detected. The data for the first time showed deregulation of CD99 and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor peptides and of known peptides associated with kidney disease, including collagen and alpha‐1‐antitrypsin. Peptidomic findings were in line with the pathophysiology of COVID‐19. The clinical corollary is that COVID‐19 induces specific inflammation of numerous tissues including endothelial lining. Restoring these changes, especially in CD99, PIGR and alpha‐1‐antitripsin, may represent a valid and effective therapeutic approach in COVID‐19, targeting improvement of endothelial integrity.
Water‐mediated interactions destabilize proteins
Authors: Sumi Tomonari , Imamura Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

Proteins are folded to avoid exposure of the nonpolar groups to water because water‐mediated interactions between nonpolar groups are a promising factor in the thermodynamic stabilities of proteins—which is a well‐accepted view as one of the unique effects of hydrophobic interactions. This article poses a critical question for this classical view by conducting an accurate solvation free‐energy calculation for a thermodynamic cycle of a protein folding using a liquid‐state density functional theory. Here, the solvation‐free energy for a leucine zipper formation was examined in the coiled‐coil protein GCN4‐p1, a typical model for hydrophobic interactions, which demonstrated that water‐mediated interactions were unfavorable for the association of nonpolar groups in the native state, while the dispersion forces between them were, instead, responsible for the association. Furthermore, the present analysis well predicted the isolated helical state stabilized by pressure, which was previously observed in an experiment. We reviewed the problems in the classical concept and semiempirical presumption that the energetic cost of the hydration of nonpolar groups is a driving force of folding.
Gamma‐irradiation of common biological samples for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope and elemental analyses
Authors: Gorman Daniel , Skrzypek Grzegorz , McLaughlin M. James , Bearham Douglas , Vanderklift Mathew A.
Published: August 2021

Rationale

Around the world biosecurity measures are being strengthened to prevent the spread of pests and diseases across national and international borders. Quarantine protocols that involve sample sterilisation have potential effects on sample integrity. The consequences of sterilisation methods such as gamma (γ)‐irradiation on the elemental and chemical properties of biological samples have not been widely examined.

Methods

We tested the effect of γ‐irradiation (50 kGy) on the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions (δ13C and δ15N values) and elemental concentrations (C % and N %) of common biological samples (fish, plants and bulk soils). The analysis used a continuous flow system consisting of a Delta V Plus isotope ratio mass spectrometer connected with a Thermo Flash 1112 elemental analyser via a ConFlo IV interface. Results were compared using two one‐sided tests (TOST) to test for statistical similarity between paired samples.

Results

There was no change in the δ15N values or N % of γ‐irradiated samples, and only small changes to the δ13C values of consumers (range: 0.01‰ to 0.04‰), producers (−0.02‰ to 0.04‰) and sediments (0‰ to 0.07‰). The magnitude of change in δ13C values was greatest at low carbon concentrations but appeared negligible when measured against replicated sample analysis and the combined analytical uncertainty (i.e., 0.10‰). The C % values of irradiated samples were higher for consumers (0.23%) and lower for producers and sediments (0.04% and 0.05%, respectively) which may have implications for certain types of biological material.

Conclusions

Routine γ‐irradiation has little effect on the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of common biological samples and marginal effects on carbon elemental concentrations. This is unlikely to warrant concerns since the observed difference is typically of a magnitude lower than other sources of potential uncertainty.
Finite state machine for cloud forensic readiness as a service (CFRaaS) events
Authors: Kebande Victor R. , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond
Published: August 2021

The importance of demonstrating the correctness of forensic analysis tools and automated incident management tools reinforces the need for a finite state machine (FSM) engine that can generate automated forensic processes. Hence, in this paper, we present an event‐based FSM representation for Cloud Forensic Readiness as a Service (CFRaaS), where we also show how the FSM's predetermined states and transitions could be used to formulate an automated forensic process and generate a hypothesis for litigation purposes. Specifically, this proposition comprises a two‐step level CFRaaS‐FSM with possible transitions and states. This representation is useful because it can alert digital forensic investigators on how to deduce current and next state of attacks based on transitions and current states.
Improvement of mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial properties of organically modified montmorillonite loaded polycaprolactone for food packaging
Authors: Seyrek Merve Eryılmaz , Okur Müjgan , Saraçoğlu Nurdan
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biodegradable packaging materials which will be an alternative to traditional synthetic packaging materials. For this purpose, packaging films containing polycaprolactone (PCL), montmorillonite (MMT), and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared by solution casting method, and the mechanical, physical, structural, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties of these films were examined. Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was used for the modification of montmorillonite. The structural properties of the prepared films were characterized by attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The PCL/OMMT structure was found to be thermally more stable than the PCL/MMT structure. The addition of OMMT to PCL improved the thermal and mechanical properties of the films compared with the pure PCL and PCL/MMT films. In addition, adding MMT/OMMT to the PCL caused an increase in the hardness of the films. In the antimicrobial analysis, while no inhibition effect was observed in PCL/MMT films, PCL/OMMT films showed inhibition effect against Staphylococcus aureus. Antifungal tests performed with the prepared films showed that the film‐wrapped bread did not deteriorate for 40 days. It is thought that PCL/MMT and PCL/OMMT films prepared in this study will provide an advantage in applications as packaging material.
Use of eltrombopag and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in treatment of lomustine overdose in a dog
Authors: Aspinall Sophie , Desmas Isabelle , Bazelle Julien
Published: August 2021

An 8‐year‐old male neutered golden retriever diagnosed with a T‐cell lymphoma and treated with a modified LOPP (lomustine, vincristine, prednisolone and procarbazine) protocol was presented to a referral hospital for management of an accidental overdose of lomustine (180 mg/m2). This overdose resulted in a severe myelosuppression with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The human platelet stimulator eltrombopag was used as part of the treatment protocol, alongside granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and supportive care. The dog made a good recovery and completed a course of chemotherapy, achieving complete clinical remission of the lymphoma and long‐term survival (613 days).
Lab‐scale continuous flow studies for comparative biosorption of cadmium (II) on untreated and xanthated Ficus religiosa biomass
Authors: Tariq Madiha , Farooq Umar , Athar Makshoof , Salman Muhammad , Tariq Muqaddas , Shahida Shabnam , Farooqi Zahoor H.
Published: August 2021

The present studies report the use of an ecofriendly biomass Ficus religiosa in untreated (UFR) and xanthate treated (XFR) forms for the Cd (II) ions removal in a fixed bed column. FTIR, SEM‐EDS, BET surface area, and elemental analysis (CHNS) techniques were used to characterize the biosorbents. The acquired data supported FTIR findings regarding the nature of functional groups present in the materials. Packed bed continuous flow studies explored the effects of various parameters such as Cd (II) ion concentration (100 mg/L–300 mg/L), bed heights (5 cm–30 cm), pH (3–5), at a constant linear flow rate (~1.13 cm/min). The obtained S‐shaped breakthrough curves indicated the efficiency of the packed bed for the Cd (II) removal. Breakthrough time and exhaust times increased (67.5 min–390 min and 292.5 min–1852.5 min) (97.5 min–442.5 min and 345 min–1920 min) for unmodified and modified respectively with bed heights. The BDST, Thomas, and Yoon‐Nelson models were used to evaluate the experimental results. The Yoon‐Nelson model describes the breakthrough data more efficiently compared to other models. Under similar conditions, the modified material exhibited 400% increased capacity (55.20 mg/g) than that of unmodified material (13.33 mg/g). Thus, xanthate modification significantly enhanced the capacity for Cd (II) ions from aqueous solutions.

Practitioner Points

Xanthate modification of Ficus religiosa is an environmentally friendly process.

Modified and unmodified materials were utilized for Cd (II) removal in fixed bed column process which is industrially viable process.

Low inlet Cd (II) concentration at pH 5 and higher bed height favored the continuous flow process at fixed flow rate.

Modification caused an increase of about 400% in the capacity of material.
A review of Forensic Entomology in the Pacific United States
Authors: Meeds Andrew W. , Parrott Jonathan J.
Published: August 2021

The field of forensic entomology has grown exponentially within the last 50 years. While research in this discipline is conducted globally, the United States in particular has produced a significant amount of work relevant to forensic entomology. The Pacific region of the United States, characterized to include Hawai'i, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and the islands of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, has produced a broad array of such studies. Works of interest include surveys of forensically important insects, studies on carrion decomposition and insect succession, studies on the developmental rate of sarcosaprophagous insects, molecular studies to detect differences between geographically distant populations of the same species, studies on the microbial makeup of carrion and carrion‐feeding insects, entomotoxicological research, decomposition communities in aquatic environments, and case reports detailing insects recovered from death investigations as well as myiasis of livestock and humans. This review will outline research that originates from each of the aforementioned regions and review the results, while identifying knowledge gaps, and providing recommended areas of improvement to further increase diversity of forensic entomology research in the Pacific region.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Anthropology > Time Since Death Estimation

Forensic Biology > Forensic Entomology
Field Methods for Translocating Female Greater Sage‐Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) with their Broods
Authors: Meyerpeter Mary B. , Lazenby Kade D. , Coates Peter S. , Ricca Mark A. , Mathews Steven R. , Gardner Scott C. , Dahlgren David K. , Delehanty David J.
Published: August 2021

Greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have experienced considerable range contraction and reduced abundance in response to habitat loss and degradation. Translocation is a conservation action that is often used to reintroduce extirpated populations or augment existing small populations. Translocations have had limited success in restoring viable populations of sage‐grouse; a lack of success is attributed to long‐distance post‐release movements away from release sites, reduced survival, and lack of reproductive success of translocated individuals. Translocating female sage‐grouse with their chicks (brood translocation) is a technique aimed at promoting breeding area fidelity and reproduction and may be beneficial to population restoration efforts. Furthermore, the ability to capture, relocate, and release individuals while minimizing translocation‐induced loss increases the overall probability of restoration success. Accordingly, we developed a protocol to translocate female sage‐grouse and their broods simultaneously, using a delayed‐release system that included a custom release box and acclimation pen. We tested our protocol across 2 separate restoration projects in North Dakota and California during 2017–2019 with a total of 38 translocated females and 196 chicks. We successfully released 174/196 chicks (88.8%) from 32/38 (84.2%) broods. Our protocol builds on existing translocation methods used to translocate sage‐grouse and will likely prove to be a critical technique in restoring sage‐grouse populations. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
The averaging bias ‐ A standard miscalculation, which extensively underestimates real CO2 emissions
Authors: Koch Thomas , Böhlke Thomas
Published: August 2021

The substitution of energy based on fossil fuels in different sectors like household or traffic by electric energy saves CO2 of this specific sector due to decreased fossil fuel consumption. An important quantity is the additional CO2 emission due to an increased electric power demand  for the average electricity power demand . Commonly, the formula is used (called simplified formula), where represents mean average CO2 footprint. It is shown in the present manuscript, that the simplified formula may underestimate the CO2 footprint significantly if the average CO2 footprint depends on the average electricity power demand, which is the case for most of mixed partly renewable and partly non‐renewable electric energy systems. Therefore, the real CO2 emissions would outmatch those according to simplified easily by factor 2 in reality depending on the status of the electricity system. In order to establish a more precise calculation of the CO2 footprint, the general formula which is exact and contains the simplified formula as a special case, is derived in this article. The simplified formula requires an additional term that takes into account the change of the mean average CO2 footprint depending on the electricity power demand.
The Organization of Soil Fragments
Authors: Verrecchia Eric P. , Trombino Luca
Published: August 2021

Kubiëna (1938) was the first to introduce the concept of fabric in soil micromorphology, so this term has been used in soil micromorphology for a long time. The term “fabric” was initially applied to rocks by geologists and petrologists. This type of fabric is defined as the “factor of the texture of a crystalline rock which depends on the relative sizes, the shapes, and the arrangement of the component crystals” (Matthews and Boyer 1976). This definition has been adapted for soil micromorphology and its latest definition has been given by Bullock et al. (1985) as: “soil fabric deals with the total organization of a soil, expressed by the spatial arrangement of the soil constituents (solid, liquid, and gaseous), their shape, size, and frequency, considered from a configurational, functional and genetic view-point”. In conclusion, the soil micromorphologist should consider the fabric as an arrangement and∕or organization of soil constituents.
Reciprocal Student–Teacher Feedback: Effects on Perceived Quality of Cooperation and Teacher Health
Authors: Schmidt Jan-Erik , Gawrilow Caterina
Published: August 2021

High lesson quality in schools is, in addition to other factors, the result of good cooperation between teachers and students. The long history of research on offer-use models of lesson quality and student–teacher relationships documents this interaction. Feedback focused on expressing the quality of cooperation can lead to higher quality of cooperation. The fact that feedback is reciprocal, from teacher to student and vice versa, helps to avoid effects of perceived injustice and rejections of feedback which otherwise are severe obstacles to the efficient use of feedback. High-frequency applications of feedback allow for the timely detection of (positive and negative) critical fluctuations of cooperation between individuals and groups and for the monitoring of processes of adaptation, as shown in other areas of applied psychology. This chapter describes the theoretical parameters of such a feedback method for students and teachers, and outlines results of an empirical study on the effects of the reciprocal method on (1) perceived quality of cooperation and (2) teacher health. Results show that, subsequent to a three-month period of reciprocal feedback, the quality of cooperation as perceived by both students and their teachers increases significantly and teacher health scores improve significantly. Reciprocal feedback techniques should be considered in teacher education and teacher training as a way to help teachers to initiate processes of improvement of lesson quality.
Changes in perceived social support and PTSD symptomatology among Danish army military personnel
Authors: Pollmann Jeanette Bonde , Nielsen Anni B. S. , Andersen Søren Bo , Karstoft Karen-Inge
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Previous research has identified social support to be associated with risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among military personnel. While the lack of social support influences PTSD symptomatology, it is unknown how changes in perceived social support affect the PTSD symptom level in the aftermath of deployment. Furthermore, the influence of specific sources of social support from pre- to post-deployment on level of PTSD symptoms is unknown. We aim to examine how changes in perceived social support (overall and from specific sources) from pre- to 2.5 year post-deployment are associated with the level of post-deployment PTSD symptoms.

Methods

Danish army military personnel deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and 2013 completed questionnaires at pre-deployment and at 2.5 year post-deployment measuring perceived social support and PTSD symptomatology and sample characteristics of the two cohorts. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate nominal logistic regression.

Results

Negative changes in perceived social support from pre- to post-deployment were associated with both moderate (OR 1.99, CI 1.51–2.57) and high levels (OR 2.71, CI 1.94–3.78) of PTSD symptoms 2.5 year post-deployment (adjusted analysis). Broadly, the same direction was found for specific sources of social support and level of PTSD symptoms. In the adjusted analyses, pre-deployment perceived social support and military rank moderated the associations.

Conclusions

Deterioration in perceived social support (overall and specific sources) from pre- to 2.5 year post-deployment increases the risk of an elevated level of PTSD symptoms 2.5 year post-deployment.
Sickness absence due to common mental disorders in young employees in Sweden: are there differences in occupational class and employment sector?
Authors: Björkenstam Emma , Helgesson Magnus , Gustafsson Klas , Virtanen Marianna , Hanson Linda L. Magnusson , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor
Published: August 2021

Background

A large proportion of sickness absence (SA) in young adults is due to common mental disorders (CMDs). Still studies on CMD-related SA in young workers are lacking, especially studies for those employed in the private sector. The current study investigated the associations between sector of employment, occupational class and SA due to CMDs. In addition, associations between type of employment branch and SA due CMDs within each sector were examined.

Methods

This population-based longitudinal cohort study included 663,583 employees, 19–29 years, residing in Sweden in 2009. Employment sector (i.e., private/public) and occupational class (non-manual/manual workers) were measured in 2009. Risk estimates of SA due to CMDs, between 2010 and 2016, were calculated as Hazard Ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using Cox regression analysis.

Results

Sector of employment was associated with SA due to CMDs, such that public sector workers had an elevated risk when compared with private sector employees (adjusted HR: 1.31 (95% CI 1.29–1.33). Moreover, manual workers had a slightly elevated risk for SA due to CMDs compared to non-manual workers. Within the private sector, in both manual and non-manual workers, those employed in education and health and social services evidenced the highest rates and risks of SA due to CMDs.

Conclusion

Sector of employment and occupational class play a role in SA due to CMDs in young employees. These findings should be considered when identifying high-risk groups for SA in the young working population.
The dynamic relationship between hearing loss, quality of life, socioeconomic position and depression and the impact of hearing aids: answers from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)
Authors: Tsimpida Dialechti , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Ashcroft Darren M. , Panagioti Maria
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The adverse impact of hearing loss (HL) extends beyond auditory impairment and may affect the individuals' psychosocial wellbeing. We aimed to examine whether there exists a causal psychosocial pathway between HL and depression in later life, via socioeconomic factors and quality of life, and whether hearing aids usage alleviates depressive symptoms over time.

Methods

We examined the longitudinal relationship between HL and depressive symptoms (CES-D) applying dynamic cross-lagged mediation path models. We used the full dataset of participants aged 50–89 years (74,908 person-years), from all eight Waves of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Their quality of life (CASP-19) and their wealth were examined as the mediator and moderator of this relationship, respectively. Subgroup analyses investigated differences among those with hearing aids within different models of subjectively and objectively identified HL. All models were adjusted for age, sex, retirement status and social engagement.

Results

Socioeconomic position (SEP) influenced the strength of the relationship between HL and depression, which was stronger in the lowest versus the highest wealth quintiles. The use of hearing aids was beneficial for alleviating depressive symptoms. Those in the lowest wealth quintiles experienced a lower risk for depression after the use of hearing aids compared to those in the highest wealth quintiles.

Conclusion

HL poses a substantial risk for depressive symptoms in older adults, especially those who experience socioeconomic inequalities. The early detection of HL and provision of hearing aids may not only promote better-hearing health but could also enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults, particularly those in a lower SEP.
Brain structural correlates of upward social mobility in ethnic minority individuals
Authors: Schweiger Janina I. , Capraz Necip , Akdeniz Ceren , Braun Urs , Ebalu Tracie , Moessnang Carolin , Berhe Oksana , Zang Zhenxiang , Schwarz Emanuel , Bilek Edda , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Tost Heike
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Perigenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC) is a neural convergence site for social stress-related risk factors for mental health, including ethnic minority status. Current social status, a strong predictor of mental and somatic health, has been related to gray matter volume in this region, but the effects of social mobility over the lifespan are unknown and may differ in minorities. Recent studies suggest a diminished health return of upward social mobility for ethnic minority individuals, potentially due to sustained stress-associated experiences and subsequent activation of the neural stress response system.

Methods

To address this issue, we studied an ethnic minority sample with strong upward social mobility. In a cross-sectional design, we examined 64 young adult native German and 76 ethnic minority individuals with comparable sociodemographic attributes using whole-brain structural magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Results showed a significant group-dependent interaction between perceived upward social mobility and pACC gray matter volume, with a significant negative association in the ethnic minority individuals. Post-hoc analysis showed a significant mediation of the relationship between perceived upward social mobility and pACC volume by perceived chronic stress, a variable that was significantly correlated with perceived discrimination in our ethnic minority group.

Conclusion

Our findings extend prior work by pointing to a biological signature of the “allostatic costs” of socioeconomic attainment in socially disadvantaged upwardly mobile individuals in a key neural node implicated in the regulation of stress and negative affect.
Topology optimization for fail-safe designs using moving morphable components as a representation of damage
Authors: Hederberg Hampus , Thore Carl-Johan
Published: August 2021

Designs obtained with topology optimization (TO) are usually not safe against damage. In this paper, density-based TO is combined with a moving morphable component (MMC) representation of structural damage in an optimization problem for fail-safe designs. Damage is inflicted on the structure by an MMC which removes material, and the goal of the design problem is to minimize the compliance for the worst possible damage. The worst damage is sought by optimizing the position of the MMC to maximize the compliance for a given design. This non-convex problem is treated using a gradient-based solver by initializing the MMC at multiple locations and taking the maximum of the compliances obtained. The use of MMCs to model damage gives a finite element-mesh-independent method, and by allowing the components to move rather than remain at fixed locations, more robust structures are obtained. Numerical examples show that the proposed method can produce fail-safe designs with reasonable computational cost.
Sarcopenia in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, Association with Outcomes, and Treatment
Authors: Chatzipetrou Varvara , Bégin Marie-Josée , Hars Mélany , Trombetti Andrea
Published: August 2021

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, has important clinical ramifications. We aimed to map the existing literature about prevalence, risk factors, associated adverse outcomes, and treatment of sarcopenia in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A scoping review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant articles published from databases’ inception to September 2019. Individuals with CKD, regardless of their disease stage and their comorbidities, were included. Only studies with sarcopenia diagnosed using both muscle mass and function, based on published consensus definitions, were included. For studies on treatment, only randomized controlled trials with at least one sarcopenia parameter as an outcome were included. Our search yielded 1318 articles, of which 60 from were eligible for this review. The prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 4 to 42% according to the definition used, population studied, and the disease stage. Several risk factors for sarcopenia were identified including age, male gender, low BMI, malnutrition, and high inflammatory status. Sarcopenia was found to be associated with several adverse outcomes, including disabilities, hospitalizations, and mortality. In CKD subjects, several therapeutic interventions have been assessed in randomized controlled trial with a muscle mass, strength, or function endpoint, however, studies focusing on sarcopenic CKD individuals are lacking. The key interventions in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in CKD seem to be aerobic and resistance exercises along with nutritional interventions. Whether these interventions are effective to treat sarcopenia and prevent clinical consequences in this population remains to be fully determined.
CT-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection for discogenic lumbar radiculopathy: influence of contrast dispersion and radiologist’s experience on clinical outcome
Authors: Germann Christoph , Graf Dimitri N. , Fritz Benjamin , Sutter Reto
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the impact of contrast dispersion pattern/location during lumbar CT-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) and experience of the performing radiologist on therapeutic outcome.

Materials and methods

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, two observers analyzed contrast dispersion during CT-guided TFESI of 204 patients (age 61.1 ± 14 years) with discogenic unilateral single-level L4 or L5 radiculopathy. The contrast dispersion pattern was classified as “focal,” “linear,” or “tram-track”; the location was divided into “extraforaminal,” “foraminal,” or “recessal.” Pain was assessed before and 4 weeks after treatment using a numerical rating scale (0, no pain; 10, intolerable pain). Additionally, the patient global impression of change (PGIC) was assessed. The TFESI was performed by musculoskeletal radiologists (experience range: first year of musculoskeletal fellowship training to 19 years). Contrast pattern/location and radiologist’s experience were compared between “good responder” (≥ 50% pain reduction) and “poor responder” (< 50%). A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Overall, CT-guided TFESI resulted in a substantial pain reduction in 46.6% of patients with discogenic radiculopathy. The contrast dispersion pattern and location had no effect on pain relief (p = 0.75 and p = 0.09) and PGIC (p = 0.70 and p = 0.21) 4 weeks after TFESI. Additionally, the experience of the radiologist had no influence on pain reduction (p = 0.92) or PGIC (p = 0.75). Regarding pre-interventional imaging findings, both the location and grading of nerve compression had no effect on pain relief (p = 0.91 and p = 0.85) and PGIC (p = 0.18 and p = 0.31).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that neither contrast agent dispersion/location nor the experience of the radiologist allows predicting the therapeutic outcome 4 weeks after the procedure.
Publication Rates, Ethnic and Sex Disparities in UK and Ireland Surgical Research Prize Presentations: An Analysis of Data From the Moynihan and Patey Prizes From 2000 to 2020
Authors: Seehra Jaspreet K. , Lewis‐Lloyd Christopher , Koh Amanda , Theophilidou Elena , Daliya Prita , Adiamah Alfred , Lobo Dileep N.
Published: August 2021

Background

Presentation at academic conferences is an important marker of research productivity. However, not all accepted abstracts progress to full publication, and there is anecdotal evidence suggesting an imbalance in sex and ethnicity amongst presenters. There is a lack of data evaluating the outcome of prize presentation sessions at academic surgical conferences in the UK. This study aimed to analyse the outcomes and demographics from presentations at prize sessions at two prestigious UK surgical conferences.

Methods

This retrospective observational study compared data on all Moynihan (Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland) and Patey (Surgical Research Society) prize presentations from 2000 to 2020. The primary outcome was rate of publication. Secondary outcomes included demographic differences in sex and ethnicity, publication according to prize outcome, academic affiliation, time to publication, and journal impact factor.

Results

Some 442 accepted abstracts were identified over the 21‐year period, with 71.0% from the Moynihan sessions and 79.3% from the Patey sessions leading to full publications, with a median time to publication of 448 days (IQR 179–859) in journals with relatively high impact factors (median 5.00; IQR 3.15–6.36). Of the 442 prize presenters, 85 (19.2%) were female. The majority of the presenters were White males (211, 47.7%), followed by Asian males (112, 25.3%). However, there was a continuously increasing overall trend of female presenters from 2000 to 2020 (P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Publication rates from the two prize sessions were high, with presenters publishing in journals with high impact factors. There, however, was a disparity in sex and ethnicity amongst presenters.
Covariate effects and population pharmacokinetic analysis of the anti-FGFR2b antibody bemarituzumab in patients from phase 1 to phase 2 trials
Authors: Xiang Hong , Liu Lucy , Gao Yuying , Ahene Ago , Collins Helen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

A population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of the anti-fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b antibody, bemarituzumab, was performed to evaluate the impact of covariates on the PK and assess whether dose adjustment is necessary for a future phase 3 trial.

Methods

Serum concentration data were obtained from three clinical trials, with 1552 bemarituzumab serum samples from 173 patients, and were analyzed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling.

Results

A two-compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear (Michaelis–Menten) elimination from the central compartment best described the bemarituzumab serum concentration data. The final model estimated a typical linear clearance (CL) of 0.311 L/day, volume of distribution in the central compartment (Vc) of 3.58 L, distribution clearance (Q) of 0.952 L/day, volume of distribution in the peripheral compartment (Vp) of 2.71 L, maximum drug elimination by nonlinear clearance (Vmax) of 2.80 μg/day, and Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) of 4.45 μg/mL. Baseline body weight, baseline albumin, gender, and chemotherapy were identified as statistically significant covariates on the PK of bemarituzumab. Given the low interindividual variability of bemarituzumab key PK parameters (CL and Vc) and the small or modest effect of all statistically significant covariates on bemarituzumab exposure at steady-state, no covariate is expected to have clinically meaningful effects on bemarituzumab exposure.

Conclusion

No covariate had a clinically meaningful impact on bemarituzumab exposure. These results indicate that dose adjustment of bemarituzumab is not necessary, based on the aforementioned covariates, for a future phase 3 trial in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma population with FGFR2b overexpression in combination with mFOLFOX6.