bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Multi-Organ Involvement and Brain Injury in Cooled Newborns: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Padhiar Viraj , Rosser Gabriel , Openshaw-Lawrence Nicola , Kappelou Olga , Evanson Jane , Kaya Banu , Shah Divyen K.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: In the event of fetal hypoxia-ischemia, circulation to the brain and central organs is thought to be preserved. The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between the presence of brain injury on MRI and multi-organ involvement, as reflected in routinely collected laboratory (lab) values in babies who have undergone therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods: Peak and trough values, and age at peak/trough, were obtained for 10 lab markers collected for clinical care, representing hematopoiesis, coagulation, inflammation, hepatic, and renal function, from 71 consecutively recruited newborns from four tertiary neonatal centers undergoing TH. Cerebral MR images obtained as part of clinical care were assessed by two raters with expertise, in a blinded fashion. Results: There was no significant association between the presence of cerebral injury on MRI and systems involvement in newborns who have undergone TH. However, the peak/trough platelet ratio was significantly associated with cerebral injury. Also, the peak platelet, lymphocyte, and urea counts occurred significantly later in babies with substantial brain injury compared to those without. Conclusion: Using a statistical approach, we demonstrate that there is no clear relationship between multi-organ involvement and cerebral injury in babies with HIE who have undergone TH. We infer that babies may have cerebral injury in the absence of involvement of other organ systems. The platelet count ratio as an independent biomarker of cerebral injury in this group requires further investigation. Reference ranges of lab values for term newborns undergoing TH are provided.
Prognostic Factors of the Lethality of Stroke at the Sourô Sanou University Teaching Hospital of Burkina Faso
Authors: Kpoda Hervé B.N. , Savadogo Léon G.B. , Samadoulougou Délwendé R.S. , Traoré Isidore T. , Somda Serge M.A. , Lemogoum Daniel , Sombié Issiaka , Millogo Athanase , Dramaix Michèle , Donnen Philippe
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Stroke is a major public health concern. It is a frequent pathology, 80% of which is of ischemic origin. Approximately 86% of all stroke deaths worldwide occur in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to investigate prognostic factors for in hospital lethality of stroke cases admitted in a public university hospital in Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study with a descriptive and analytical aim on adults admitted for a stroke confirmed by a brain scan at the Sourô Sanou University Teaching Hospital (CHUSS) of Bobo-Dioulasso over the period from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013. Results: The proportion of cases confirmed by the brain CT scan was 32% of all patients admitted for stroke in the CHUSS. The overall case fatality was 27.6%. This lethality was more pronounced in patients with hemorrhagic stroke (35.8%) compared to patients with ischemic stroke (22.4%). Median survival was higher in patients with ischemic stroke than those with hemorrhagic one (36 and 25 days, respectively) with a statistically significant difference (p value = 0.001). In multivariate analysis and hemorrhagic stroke (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.25; CI 95%: 1.41–3.61), an altered state of consciousness (HR: 1.90; CI 95%: 1.20–2.99) and the presence of central facial paralysis (HR: 1.67; CI 95%: 1.04–2.67) are factors that increased significantly the lethality. Conclusion: The study has identified three prognostic factors of lethality that are the hemorrhagic stroke type, the altered state of consciousness, and the central facial paralysis. Given the high case fatality, it is important to develop and implement effective prevention and management strategies adapted to the resources for the optimal control of stroke in Africa.
DYRK1B-STAT3 Drives Cardiac Hypertrophy and Heart Failure by Impairing Mitochondrial Bioenergetics
Authors: Zhuang Lingfang , Jia Kangni , Chen Chen , Li Zhigang , Zhao Jiaxin , Hu Jian , Zhang Hang , Fan Qin , Huang Chunkai , Xie Hongyang , Lu Lin , Shen Weifeng , Ning Guang , Wang Jiqiu , Zhang Ruiyan , Chen Kang , Yan Xiaoxiang
Published: March 2022

Background:

Heart failure is a global public health issue that is associated with increasing morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction plays critical roles in the progression of heart failure; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Because kinases have been reported to modulate mitochondrial function, we investigated the effects of DYRK1B (dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 1B) on mitochondrial bioenergetics, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure.

Methods:

We engineered DYRK1B transgenic and knockout mice and used transverse aortic constriction to produce an in vivo model of cardiac hypertrophy. The effects of DYRK1B and its downstream mediators were subsequently elucidated using RNA-sequencing analysis and mitochondrial functional analysis.

Results:

We found that DYRK1B expression was clearly upregulated in failing human myocardium and in hypertrophic murine hearts, as well. Cardiac-specific DYRK1B overexpression resulted in cardiac dysfunction accompanied by a decline in the left ventricular ejection fraction, fraction shortening, and increased cardiac fibrosis. In striking contrast to DYRK1B overexpression, the deletion of DYRK1B mitigated transverse aortic constriction–induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Mechanistically, DYRK1B was positively associated with impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics by directly binding with STAT3 to increase its phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation, ultimately contributing toward the downregulation of PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α). Furthermore, the inhibition of DYRK1B or STAT3 activity using specific inhibitors was able to restore cardiac performance by rejuvenating mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Conclusions:

Taken together, the findings of this study provide new insights into the previously unrecognized role of DYRK1B in mitochondrial bioenergetics and the progression of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Consequently, these findings may provide new therapeutic options for patients with heart failure.
Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults at Primary Care Visits: VITAL-AF Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lubitz Steven A. , Atlas Steven J. , Ashburner Jeffrey M. , Lipsanopoulos Ana T. Trisini , Borowsky Leila H. , Guan Wyliena , Khurshid Shaan , Ellinor Patrick T. , Chang Yuchiao , McManus David D. , Singer Daniel E.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause preventable strokes. Guidelines differ regarding AF screening recommendations. We tested whether point-of-care screening with a handheld single-lead ECG at primary care practice visits increases diagnoses of AF.

Methods:

We randomized 16 primary care clinics 1:1 to AF screening using a handheld single-lead ECG (AliveCor KardiaMobile) during vital sign assessments, or usual care. Patients included were ages ≥65 years. Screening results were provided to primary care clinicians at the encounter. All confirmatory diagnostic testing and treatment decisions were made by the primary care clinician. New AF diagnoses during the 1-year follow-up were ascertained electronically and manually adjudicated. Proportions and incidence rates were calculated. Effect heterogeneity was assessed.

Results:

Of 30 715 patients without prevalent AF (n=15 393 screening [91% screened], n=15 322 control), 1.72% of individuals in the screening group had new AF diagnosed at 1 year versus 1.59% in the control group (risk difference, 0.13% [95% CI, –0.16 to 0.42];
P
=0.38). In prespecified subgroup analyses, new AF diagnoses in the screening and control groups were greater among those aged ≥85 years (5.56% versus 3.76%, respectively; risk difference, 1.80% [95% CI, 0.18 to 3.30]). The difference in newly diagnosed AF between the screening period and the previous year was marginally greater in the screening versus control group (0.32% versus –0.12%; risk difference, 0.43% [95% CI, –0.01 to 0.84]). The proportion of individuals with newly diagnosed AF who were initiated on oral anticoagulants was not different in the screening (n=194, 73.5%) and control (n=172, 70.8%) arms (risk difference, 2.7% [95% CI, –5.5 to 10.4]).

Conclusions:

Screening for AF using a single-lead ECG at primary care visits did not affect new AF diagnoses among all individuals aged 65 years or older compared with usual care.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03515057.
Platelet-Derived TGF (Transforming Growth Factor)-β1 Enhances the Aerobic Glycolysis of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells by PKM2 (Pyruvate Kinase Muscle Isoform 2) Upregulation
Authors: Zhu Ying , Shu Dan , Gong Xue , Lu Meng , Feng Qinyu , Zeng Xiang-Bin , Zhang Han , Gao Jiahui , Guo Ya-Wei , Liu Luman , Ma Rong , Zhu Liping , Hu Qinghua , Ming Zhang-Yin
Published: March 2022

Background:

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Platelet activation has been implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), whereas the role of platelet in the pathogenesis of PAH remains unclear.

Methods:

First, we explored the platelet function of semaxanib‚ a inhibitor of VEGF receptor (SU5416)/hypoxia mice and monocrotaline-injected rats PAH model. Then we investigated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell aerobic glycolysis after being treated with platelet supernatant. TGF (transforming growth factor)-βRI, pyruvate kinase muscle 2, and other antagonists were applied to identify the underlying mechanism. In addition, platelet-specific deletion TGF-β1 mice were exposed to chronic hypoxia and SU5416. Cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, vascular remodeling, and aerobic glycolysis of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell were determined.

Results:

Here, we demonstrate that platelet-released TGF-β1 enhances the aerobic glycolysis of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells after platelet activation via increasing pyruvate kinase muscle 2 expression. Mechanistically, platelet-derived TGF-β1 regulate spyruvate kinase muscle 2 expression through mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)/c-Myc/PTBP-1(polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1)/hnRNPA-1(heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1) pathway. Platelet TGF-β1 deficiency mice are significantly protected from SU5416 plus chronic hypoxia–induced PAH, including attenuated increases in right ventricular systolic pressure and less pulmonary vascular remodeling. Also, in

Pf4cre
+
Tgfb1
fl/fl

mice, pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells showed lower glycolysis capacity and their pyruvate kinase muscle 2 expression decreased.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that TGF-β1 released by platelet contributes to the pathogenesis of PAH and further highlights the role of platelet in PAH.
Formulation and Emulation of Quantum-Inspired Dynamical Systems With Classical Analog Circuits
Authors: Cressman A. J. , Wattanapanitch W. , Chuang I. , Sarpeshkar R.
Published: March 2022

Quantum dynamical systems are capable of powerful computation but are hard to emulate on digital computers. We show that four novel analog circuit parts can emulate the phase-coherent unitary dynamics of such systems. These four parts are: a Planck capacitance analogous to a neuronal membrane capacitance; a quantum admittance element, together with the Planck capacitance, analogous to a neuronal quadrature oscillator; a quantum transadmittance element analogous to a complex neuronal synapse; and a quantum transadmittance mixer element analogous to a complex neuronal synapse with resonant modulation. These parts may be emulated classically, with paired real-value voltages on paired Planck capacitances corresponding to the real and imaginary portions of a probability amplitude; and appropriate paired real-value currents onto these Planck capacitances corresponding to diagonal (admittance), off-diagonal (transadmittance), or controlled off-diagonal (transadmittance mixer) Hamiltonian energy terms. The superposition of 2n simultaneously phase-coherent and symmetric probability-voltage amplitudes with O(n) of these parts, in a tensor-product architecture enables analog emulation of the quantum Fourier transform (QFT). Implementation of our circuits on an analog integrated circuit in a 0.18 μm process yield experimental results consistent with mathematical theory and computer simulations for emulations of NMR, Josephson junction, and QFT dynamics. Our results suggest that linear oscillatory neuronal networks with pairs of complex subthreshold/nonspiking sine and cosine neurons that are coupled together via complex synapses to other such complex neurons can architect quantum-inspired computation with classical analog circuits. Thus, an analog-circuit mapping between quantum and neural computation, both of which exploit analog computation for powerful operation, can enable future synergies between these fields.
Understanding Dynamics of Nonlinear Representation Learning and Its Application
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenji , Zhang Linjun , Deng Zhun
Published: March 2022

Representations of the world environment play a crucial role in artificial intelligence. It is often inefficient to conduct reasoning and inference directly in the space of raw sensory representations, such as pixel values of images. Representation learning allows us to automatically discover suitable representations from raw sensory data. For example, given raw sensory data, a deep neural network learns nonlinear representations at its hidden layers, which are subsequently used for classification (or regression) at its output layer. This happens implicitly during training through minimizing a supervised or unsupervised loss. In this letter, we study the dynamics of such implicit nonlinear representation learning. We identify a pair of a new assumption and a novel condition, called the on-model structure assumption and the data architecture alignment condition. Under the on-model structure assumption, the data architecture alignment condition is shown to be sufficient for the global convergence and necessary for global optimality. Moreover, our theory explains how and when increasing network size does and does not improve the training behaviors in the practical regime. Our results provide practical guidance for designing a model structure; for example, the on-model structure assumption can be used as a justification for using a particular model structure instead of others. As an application, we then derive a new training framework, which satisfies the data architecture alignment condition without assuming it by automatically modifying any given training algorithm dependent on data and architecture. Given a standard training algorithm, the framework running its modified version is empirically shown to maintain competitive (practical) test performances while providing global convergence guarantees for deep residual neural networks with convolutions, skip connections, and batch normalization with standard benchmark data sets, including MNIST, CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, Semeion, KMNIST, and SVHN.
Cold Pools Observed during EUREC4A: Detection and Characterization from Atmospheric Soundings
Authors: Touzé-Peiffer Ludovic , Vogel Raphaela , Rochetin Nicolas
Published: March 2022

A new method is developed to detect cold pools from atmospheric soundings over tropical oceans and applied to sounding data from the Elucidating the Role of Cloud–Circulation Coupling in Climate (EUREC4A) field campaign, which took place south and east of Barbados in January–February 2020. The proposed method uses soundings to discriminate cold pools from their surroundings: cold pools are defined as regions where the mixed-layer height is smaller than 400 m. The method is first tested against 2D surface temperature and precipitation fields in a realistic high-resolution simulation over the western tropical Atlantic Ocean. Then, the method is applied to a dataset of 1068 atmospheric profiles from dropsondes (launched from two aircraft) and 1105 from radiosondes (launched from an array of four ships and the Barbados Cloud Observatory). We show that 7% of the EUREC4A soundings fell into cold pools. Cold-pool soundings coincide with (i) mesoscale cloud arcs and (ii) temperature drops of ∼1 K relative to the environment, along with moisture increases of ∼1 g kg−1. Furthermore, cold-pool moisture profiles exhibit a “moist layer” close to the surface, topped by a “dry layer” until the cloud base level, and followed by another moist layer in the cloud layer. In the presence of wind shear, the spreading of cold pools is favored downshear, suggesting downward momentum transport by unsaturated downdrafts. The results support the robustness of our detection method in diverse environmental conditions and its simplicity makes the method a promising tool for the characterization of cold pools, including their vertical structure. The applicability of the method to other regions and convective regimes is discussed.
Seasonal Differences of Decadal Thermocline Depth Anomalies in the Tropical Indian Ocean
Authors: Sun Shuangwen , Fang Yue , Zu Yongcan , Liu Baochao
Published: March 2022

The thermocline depth in the tropical Indian Ocean has experienced dramatic decadal variations in recent decades. Using analysis and reanalysis datasets, we find that the decadal thermocline depth anomalies show large seasonal differences. The seasonal differences are modulated by two major modes. The first mode shows a zonal dipole pattern, with opposite thermocline depth anomalies in the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean and western Indian Ocean, and is prominent in summer and winter. The second mode is characterized by marked thermocline depth anomalies in the southern Indian Ocean and is significant in spring and fall. The amplitude of the seasonal oscillation in these two modes has increased substantially in the twenty-first century. Their phase change is in good agreement with the observed thermocline depth anomalies in each season. The results also show that the seasonality of the decadal thermocline depth anomalies arises directly from surface wind variations within the Indian Ocean. The first mode is mainly caused by equatorial zonal wind anomalies. The second mode is dominated by local wind stress curl anomalies. These wind anomalies are both significantly correlated with the ENSO-like SST anomalies in the Pacific Ocean. The findings improve our understanding of the decadal thermocline anomalies, and will help to better evaluate their impact on seasonal phase-locked oceanic and atmospheric processes.
Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Female Students’ Enrollments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and Workplace Challenges in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Nova , Chowdhury Arshad M. , Urmi Tamanna , Jamal Lafifa
Published: March 2022

There is nearly equal number of male and female student enrollments in primary and secondary level of education in Bangladesh, but at the tertiary level and at the job sector, a sharp drop in the number of women is observed. This paper explores the current status of female students’ enrollment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the tertiary education system in Bangladesh. It is followed by explorations of challenges women face in technical workplace. Quantitative data for the paper come from more than 1.18 million students at tertiary level from eight public and private universities for three academic years from 2018 to 2020. In addition, a qualitative study was conducted with 48 participants in pre- and during COVID-19 eras to understand barriers hampering women in STEM-related education and jobs. The paper provides a guideline for future policies to ensure inclusive space for growth and retention for women in STEM.
What Factors Drive Start-Up Investments in India’s Subnational Economies?
Authors: Gopalan Sasidaran
Published: March 2022

India has rapidly evolved into a fast-growing emerging market with one of the largest start-up ecosystems in the world. Despite the rapid strides, the nature of investment distribution of start-ups remain heavily concentrated in specific regions within India, fuelling concerns of regional disparities. In this research note, I empirically explore the determinants of start-up investments in India’s subnational economies, to identify the conditioning variables that possibly drive such investments.

JEL Codes: L26, O53, R11, R12
Annibale Riccò and the catoptric proof of the Earth’s curvature
Authors: Nali Pier Franco
Published: March 2022

Phenomena as common as the daily rising or setting of the Sun can reveal, upon careful examination, something surprising and unexpected, which has been attracting scientific attention belatedly and had to wait long before being explained. From systematic observation of sunrises over the marine horizon, the Italian astronomer Annibale Riccò (1844–1919) unexpectedly claimed to have recognized a new and novel evidence of the Earth’s roundness, scrutinizing distorted images of the Sun reflected off waters. Others had previously come to a similar conclusion, but it was Riccò’s pioneering work that brought this “catoptric” proof of the Earth’s curvature to the scientific limelight of his time. The interesting debate ensued gave rise to more articulated interpretations of Riccò’s observations, including recovery of olden “dioptric” explanations. The catoptric model was eventually abandoned, as it does not adequately take into account the effects of atmospheric refraction and above all the observed phenomenon is not genuinely “reflective.” The argument is nevertheless correct in principle and retains historical and pedagogical interest.
A Spanish study of the 1572 nova: Jerónimo Muñoz and his Book on the New Comet
Authors: Recio Gonzalo Luis
Published: March 2022

The nova of 1572 was one of the most important astronomical events of the 16th century, mentioned by more than 40 authors. One of them was Jerónimo Muñoz, a Valentian Professor of Mathematics, who not only observed it, but also wrote a Book on the New Comet in Castilian, at the request of the Spanish King, Phillip II. There he addresses, among other things, the nature and location of the phenomenon, concluding that it was a star-like comet, which was located at a distance beyond that of the Sun. The article deals with Jerónimo Muñoz’s life and work within the Spanish astronomical community and explains the main ideas Muñoz presented in the Book regarding the nature and significance of the nova. The online edition of the article includes an appendix containing a complete English translation of the Book on the New Comet.
School University Consortium Using Social Media to Enhance Student Prospective and Academic Performance
Authors: Eleyan Derar , Sabha Muath , Eleyan Amna
Published: March 2022

This paper proposed an approach to enhance students performance and smoothen their integration in the university academic life. A social media forum is also proposed to ongoing communication to ease the life of the students and provide them with an exceptional opportunity to seek assistance and suppoirt from their peers and teachers. The research results exhibit that the majority of the students support and are eager to see this idea live and willing to play an active role and show full commitment. The cosortuion as a platform prepares the students, fosters and enables them to a smoothen transition to university, as well as improving their communication skills and academic performance by using mentoring, tutoring, and coaching techniques. Facebook was used as a communication and interactive tool among group members. The theme behind this platform is to construct academic group from final year school students, first year university students, school teachers, and university teachers. Each group has a mentor, coach, and tutor. Each member will play a specific role throughout the group, which will be highlighted in this paper. The outcomes were promising and interesting for both students, and their parents, also the teachers involved. It is recommended to dissiminate this experience and publicise it.
Humor: A Grief Trigger and Also a Way to Manage or Live With Your Grief
Authors: Wilson Donna M. , Knox Michelle , Banamwana Gilbert , Brown Cary A. , Errasti-Ibarrondo Begoña
Published: March 2022

In 2020–2021, a qualitative study was undertaken using an interpretive description methodology to identify what triggers grief in the first 2 years following the death of a beloved family member, and to gain other helpful insights about grief triggers from bereaved Canadian adult volunteers. In that study, a purposive sampling method was used to select 10 bereaved Canadian adult volunteers for in-depth, semi-structured interviews. This paper reports on the humor findings, as revealed to be a particularly complex grief trigger for many participants, as well as a periodic way for most to manage or live with their grief. Participant quotes and an extended discussion are included to illustrate the importance of these humor findings in relation to grief, and to inform bereaved people, bereavement service providers, and the general public about both helpful aspects and some cautionary considerations about humor.
Public Acceptability of Prisoners’ Access and Use of Digital Technologies in the UK
Authors: Hadlington Lee , Knight Victoria
Published: March 2022

The incarcerated are subject to digital inequalities whereby the distribution of Information Communication Technology (ICT) access, uptake, and skills is restricted by strict regulations to control use. Using the Attitudes toward Digital Technology in Secure Environments (ATD-ISE) scale, 237 participants were surveyed to assess public opinion regarding access and implementation of digital technology in prisons. We observed there is a potential opportunity to inform and educate the public on the value of enhancing digital literacy in correctional facilities for the benefit of rehabilitative outcomes.
Social Encounters and the Worlds Beyond: Putting Situationalism to Work for Qualitative Interviews
Authors: Vassenden Anders , Mangset Marte
Published: March 2022

In Goffman's terms, qualitative interviews are social encounters with their own realities. Hence, the ‘situational critique’ holds that interviews cannot produce knowledge about the world beyond these encounters, and that other methods, ethnography in particular, render lived life more accurately. The situational critique cannot be dismissed; yet interviewing remains an indispensable sociological tool. This paper demonstrates the value that situationalism holds for interviewing. We examine seemingly contradictory findings from interview studies of middle-class identity (cultural hierarchies and/or egalitarianism?). We then render these contradictions comprehensible by interpreting data excerpts through ‘methodological situationalism’: Goffman's theories of interaction order, ritual, and frontstage/backstage. In ‘situationalist interviewing,’ we suggest that sociologists be attentive to the ‘imagined audiences’ and ‘imagined communities’. These are key to identifying the situations, interaction orders, and cultural repertoires that lie beyond the interview encounter, but to which it refers. In sum, we argue for greater situational awareness among sociologists who must rely on interviews. We also discuss techniques and measures that can facilitate situational awareness. A promise of situational interviewing is that it helps us make sense of contradictions, ambiguities, and disagreements within and between interviews.
Gray Markets in the Great Leap: Prosecuting “Profiteering” in Liangshan County, Shandong, 1958–1960
Authors: Wang Chunying , Wang Y. Yvon
Published: March 2022

This article uses legal archives from Liangshan 梁山 county, Shandong, to explore the ambiguous position of rural markets in China during the Great Leap Forward campaign (1958–1962). These testimonies, though sparse, show that negotiations at a local, indeed personal, level underpinned the symbiosis between the “second economy” of illicit trade and the party-state’s putatively socialist political economy. Liangshan’s gray market bridged the gap between the party-state’s Sputnik promises and catastrophic realities, contributing twofold to the party-state’s political survival. First, illicit commerce helped famine survivors, including local cadres, obtain desperately needed sustenance; these cadres’ support of trading villagers despite top-down restrictions on such transactions likely helped them retain local moral authority after the Leap. Second, the intermittent formal prosecution of “profiteers” in the ritualized space of the county courtroom projected justice, stability, and coercive power, which also contributed to the party’s continuing hold on authority.
Assessing Dimensionality in Dichotomous Items When Many Subjects Have All-Zero Responses: An Example From Psychiatry and a Solution Using Mixture Models
Authors: Christensen William F. , Wall Melanie M. , Moustaki Irini
Published: March 2022

Common methods for determining the number of latent dimensions underlying an item set include eigenvalue analysis and examination of fit statistics for factor analysis models with varying number of factors. Given a set of dichotomous items, the authors demonstrate that these empirical assessments of dimensionality often incorrectly estimate the number of dimensions when there is a preponderance of individuals in the sample with all-zeros as their responses, for example, not endorsing any symptoms on a health battery. Simulated data experiments are conducted to demonstrate when each of several common diagnostics of dimensionality can be expected to under- or over-estimate the true dimensionality of the underlying latent variable. An example is shown from psychiatry assessing the dimensionality of a social anxiety disorder battery where 1, 2, 3, or more factors are identified, depending on the method of dimensionality assessment. An all-zero inflated exploratory factor analysis model (AZ-EFA) is introduced for assessing the dimensionality of the underlying subgroup corresponding to those possessing the measurable trait. The AZ-EFA approach is demonstrated using simulation experiments and an example measuring social anxiety disorder from a large nationally representative survey. Implications of the findings are discussed, in particular, regarding the potential for different findings in community versus patient populations.
On the very idea of normative foundations in critical social theory
Authors: Evans Justin
Published: March 2022

I argue that the problem of normative foundations is insoluble. I discuss how and why the apparent problem arose, particularly within the Frankfurt School. Then, I describe various theories of normative foundations and the criticisms that such theories have faced, such as ethno- and andro-centrism, imperialism, and the failure to fulfill their own aims. I make my main argument by way of an analogy: theories of knowledge have wrestled with the question of whether a “given”’ could act as a certain foundation for knowledge. The conclusion is often that no given can function in that way, because the given, which supposedly does not require justification, is therefore necessarily unable to justify knowledge. For similar reasons, I argue, nothing can function as a normative foundation for a critical social theory, because any such normative foundation would have to both stand in no need of normative justification but also justify normative social criticism. I conclude by suggesting that more recent critical theory that does not focus on normative foundations can be understood as justifying their critique by appeal to what people do actually want, rather than what they should rationally want.
Freedom of speech: A relational defence
Authors: Bonotti Matteo , Seglow Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Much of the recent literature on freedom of speech has focused on the arguments for and against the regulation of certain kinds of speech. Discussions of hate speech and offensive speech, for example, abound in this literature, as do debates concerning the permissibility of pornography. Less attention has been paid, however, at least recently, to the normative foundations of freedom of speech where three classic justifications still prevail, based on the values of truth, autonomy and democracy. In this paper we argue, first, that none of these justifications meet all four intuitive desiderata for an adequate theory of free speech. We go on to sketch an original relational view of free speech, one which grounds its value in the recognition that speakers grant each other when engaging in speech practices, and its limits in the republican ideal of non-dominated co-exercisable liberty. We briefly illustrate the relational approach’s implications for the debate on hate speech regulation and for the response to fake news.
Transapical transcatheter J-valve for aortic regurgitation in dextrocardia situs inversus
Authors: Chan Daniel Tai-Leung , Bhatia Inderjeet , Lam Simon Chi-Cheung , Au Timmy Wing-Kuk
Published: March 2022

A 71-year-old lady with dextrocardia and pure aortic regurgitation was treated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the transapical J-valve system. Good clinical and echocardiographic results were demonstrated at one-year follow-up. Herewith we describe this simple, safe, and a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement option for this condition.
Changes in eating habits, sleep, and physical activity during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic: A longitudinal study in young Brazilian adult males
Authors: Corrêa Cinthia Rejane , Costa Bruno Gonçalves Galdino da , Dezanetti Talissa , Filipini Richard Emanuel , Nunes Everson Araújo
Published: March 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has promoted changes in lifestyle behaviors, such as food consumption, sleep, and physical activity (PA). Few longitudinal studies have investigated these changes in young adults. Aim: This study aimed to assess lifestyle behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in young adult males. Methods: 50 young adult males (18–35 years) recruited by posters and social media in Florianopolis, Brazil, provided data on food consumption, PA, and sleep in 2018–2019 (baseline) and during the pandemic in 2020 (follow-up). PA and sleep variables were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Food records were used to evaluate food consumption. Weight was measured using Bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline and using self-reported at follow-up. Multilevel linear regression models and generalized linear multilevel were used to test differences between baseline and follow-up. Results: The findings indicated significant changes at follow-up, compared to baseline. Decreased consumption of total fat (β = −13.32, 95% CI (−22.45; −4.18), p < 0.01), sodium (β = −1330.72, 95% CI (−1790.63; −870.82), p < 0.01), cholesterol (β = −212.99, 95% CI (−269.8; −156.18), p < 0.01), total sugars (β = −65.12, 95% CI (−80.94; −49.29), p < 0.01), alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverage were observed. Despite that, a slight increase in weight was also observed (80.70 ± 16.37 kg vs. 82.99 ± 15.42 kg, p = 0.000748). Sleep duration increased (β = 0.7596, 95% CI (0.41; 1.11), p < 0.01), and occupational PA decreased (β = −1168.1, 95% CI (−1422.33; −913.83), p < 0.01), while domestic (β = 394.04, 95%CI (114.68; 673.39, p < 0.01)) and leisure PA (β = 499.91, 95% CI (245.28; 754.53), p < 0.01) increased. Conclusion: Our results suggest that social distancing policies positively impacted eating habits, sleep, and PA patterns. These changes are possibly linked to increased awareness of the need for a healthy lifestyle.
Associations among Self-Reported Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Diet during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Andersen Jennifer A. , Rowland Brett , Gloster Erin , Willis Don E. , Hernandez Nestor , Felix Holly C. , Long Christopher R. , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: March 2022

Background: Understanding the relationship between physical activity, diet, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic may help inform resources encouraging healthy lifestyle choices during the time of an increased threat to health and wellbeing. Aim: Our objective was to examine how self-rated mental health was associated with engagement in physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study utilized cross-sectional survey data from adults (≥18 years of age) living, working, and/or receiving healthcare in Arkansas (n  =  754). Multivariable regression models were used to examine the associations between self-rated mental health and the number of days respondents engaged in 30 min of physical activity and the number of days respondents consumed five or more servings of fruits and vegetables. Results: Respondents who reported somewhat poor/poor mental health reported engaging in at least 30 min of physical activity fewer days per week (β  =  -.77, p  =  .018) compared with those reporting excellent mental health, after controlling for sociodemographic factors and self-rated health. The significant association observed in the first two models between mental health and number of days consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables became non-significant after inclusion of self-rated health. Conclusion: The relationship between mental health and physical activity and diet reaffirms a need for healthcare providers to promote the importance of maintaining both a healthy physical activity level and a nutrient-rich diet in the face of challenging circumstances, such as a global pandemic.
How do raters learn to rate? Many-facet Rasch modeling of rater performance over the course of a rater certification program
Authors: Yan Xun , Chuang Ping-Lin
Published: March 2022

This study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine how rater performance develops during a semester-long rater certification program for an English as a Second Language (ESL) writing placement test at a large US university. From 2016 to 2018, we tracked three groups of novice raters ( n = 30) across four rounds in the certification program. Using many-facet Rasch modeling, rater performance was examined in terms of rater agreement, rater consistency, and rater severity. These measurement estimates of rating quality were subjected to multivariate analysis to examine whether and how rater performance changes across rounds. Rater comments on the essays were qualitatively analyzed to obtain a deeper understanding of how raters learn to use the scale over time. The quantitative results showed a non-linear, three-staged developmental pattern of rater performance for all three groups of raters. Findings of this study suggest that rater development resembles a learning curve similar to how one acquires a language and other skills. We argue that understanding the developmental pattern of rater behavior is crucial not only to understanding the effectiveness of rater training, but also to the investigation of rater cognition and development. We will also discuss the practical implications of this study in relation to the effort and expectations needed for rater training for writing assessments.
National assessment of foreign languages in Sweden: A multifaceted and collaborative venture
Authors: Erickson Gudrun , Borger Linda , Olsson Eva
Published: March 2022

The article addresses the local system of national assessment of foreign languages in Sweden, a contextually specific, large-scale system with a summative aim, but also a system aimed to support teachers in their continuous assessment and grading of their students’ competences. In the text, the educational context and the multifaceted nature of national assessment are described and discussed. Furthermore, based on a broad view of validity with use and consequences in focus, different, and partly interwoven, aspects of collaboration in test development are exemplified and discussed, including policy, stakeholders, and research. Special attention is given to contributions by stakeholders, in particular students and teachers. Their involvement is regarded as a central component in the test development process, not only because it widens, deepens, and further develops the competences needed, but also because it increases the possibility to affect and enhance the use of the materials for the justice and beneficence of test-takers and society at large—aspects at the heart of validity. It is emphasized that collaboration requires sensitivity and sensibility from those involved to optimize overall quality and generate reciprocal benefits for all parties.
Engagement of specialized palliative care services with the general public: A population-level survey in three European countries
Authors: Vleminck Aline De , Paul Sally , Reinius Maria , Sallnow Libby , Tishelman Carol , Cohen Joachim
Published: March 2022

Background:

There is growing recognition of a need for community capacity development around serious illness, dying and loss, complementary to strategies focussing on health services. Hitherto, little is known about how and to what extent palliative care services in different countries are adopting these ideas in their practices.

Aim:

To examine views towards and actual involvement in community engagement activities as reported by specialized palliative care services in Belgium, Sweden and the UK.

Design, setting, participants:

Cross-sectional survey among all eligible specialized palliative care services in Flanders (Belgium) ( n =  50), Sweden ( n =  129) and the UK ( n =  245). Representatives of these services were invited to complete an online questionnaire about their actual activities with the general public and their attitudes regarding such activities.

Results:

Response rates were 90% (Belgium), 71% (Sweden) and 49% (UK). UK services more often reported engaging with the general public to develop knowledge and skills through a range of activities (80%–90%) compared to Belgian (31%–71%) and Swedish services (19%–38%). Based on a combination of engagement activities 74% of UK services could be labelled as extending their focus beyond the clinical mandate compared to 16% in Belgium and 7% in Sweden. Services’ dependency on charitable donations was strongly associated with increased engagement with the general public.

Conclusion:

An expansion of the mandate of specialized palliative care services beyond a traditional clinically-oriented focus towards one inclusive of community capacity building around serious illness, dying and loss is occurring in different countries, albeit to different degrees and with different intensities.
Primary and Lower Secondary School Students’ Social Support Profiles and Study Wellbeing
Authors: Ulmanen Sanna , Soini Tiina , Pietarinen Janne , Pyhältö Kirsi , Rautanen Pihla
Published: March 2022

This study explored an individual variation in perceived social support from teachers, peers, and guardians and their association with experienced study engagement and study burnout. Two cohorts of students participated in the study: fourth graders from primary school (age 10, n = 2401) and seventh graders from lower secondary school (age 13, n = 1529) in Finland. The analysis was conducted using latent profile analysis. Several equivalent profiles with different configurations of perceived social support from three sources were identified in both age groups. The profiles differed from each other in terms of study engagement and study burnout. Moreover, social support from different sources had somewhat different functions on students’ study wellbeing, although teacher and peer support seemed to play particularly central roles.
Core Muscle Injury: Evaluation and Treatment in the Athlete
Authors: Forlizzi Julianne M. , Ward Mark B. , Whalen James , Wuerz Thomas H. , Gill Thomas J.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Pain in the groin region, where the abdominal musculature attaches to the pubis, is referred to as a “sports hernia,”“athletic pubalgia,” or “core muscle injury” and has become a topic of increased interest due to its challenging diagnosis. Identifying the cause of chronic groin pain is complicated because significant symptom overlap exists between disorders of the proximal thigh musculature, intra-articular hip pathology, and disorders of the abdominal musculature.

Purpose:

To present a comprehensive review of the pathoanatomic features, history and physical examination, and imaging modalities used to make the diagnosis of core muscle injury.

Study Design:

Narrative and literature review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was performed. Studies involving the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletes with core muscle injury were identified. In addition, the senior author’s extensive experience with the care of professional, collegiate, and elite athletes was analyzed and compared with established treatment algorithms.

Results:

The differential diagnosis of groin pain in the athlete should include core muscle injury with or without adductor longus tendinopathy. Current scientific evidence is lacking in this field; however, consensus regarding terms and treatment algorithms was facilitated with the publication of the Doha agreement in 2015. Pain localized proximal to the inguinal ligament, especially in conjunction with tenderness at the rectus abdominis insertion, is highly suggestive of core muscle injury. Concomitant adductor longus tendinopathy is not uncommon in these athletes and should be investigated. The diagnosis of core muscle injury is a clinical one, although dynamic ultrasonography is becoming increasingly used as a diagnostic modality. Magnetic resonance imaging is not always diagnostic and may underestimate the true extent of a core muscle injury. Functional rehabilitation programs can often return athletes to the same level of play. If an athlete has been diagnosed with athletic pubalgia and has persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of nonoperative treatment, a surgical repair using mesh and a relaxing myotomy of the conjoined tendon should be considered. The most common intraoperative finding is a deficient posterior wall of the inguinal canal with injury to the distal rectus abdominis. Return to play after surgery for an isolated sports hernia is typically allowed at 4 weeks; however, if an adductor release is performed as well, return to play occurs at 12 weeks.

Conclusion:

Core muscle injury is a diagnosis that requires a high level of clinical suspicion and should be considered in any athlete with pain in the inguinal region. Concurrent adductor pathology is not uncommon.