bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eccentric Strength Assessment of Hamstring Muscles with New Technologies: a Systematic Review of Current Methods and Clinical Implications
Authors: Claudino João Gustavo , Cardoso Filho Carlos Alberto , Bittencourt Natália Franco Netto , Gonçalves Luiz Gilherme , Couto Crislaine Rangel , Quintão Roberto Chiari , Reis Guilherme Fialho , de Oliveira Júnior Otaviano , Amadio Alberto Carlos , Boullosa Daniel , Serrão Júlio Cerca
Published: January 2021

Background

Given the severe economic and performance implications of hamstring injuries, there are different attempts to identify their risk factors for subsequently developing injury prevention strategies to reduce the risk of these injuries. One of the strategies reported in the scientific literature is the application of interventions with eccentric exercises. To verify the effectiveness of these interventions, different eccentric strength measurements have been used with low-cost devices as alternatives to the widespread used isokinetic dynamometers and the technically limited handheld dynamometers. Therefore, the purpose of the present systematic review was to summarize the findings of the scientific literature related to the evaluation of eccentric strength of hamstring muscles with these new technologies.

Methods

Systematic searches through the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, from inception up to April 2020, were conducted for peer reviewed articles written in English, reporting eccentric strength of hamstrings assessed by devices, different to isokinetic and handheld dynamometers, in athletes.

Results

Seventeen studies were finally included in the review with 4 different devices used and 18 parameters identified. The pooled sample consisted of 2893 participants (97% male and 3% female: 22 ± 4 years). The parameters most used were peak force (highest and average), peak torque (average and highest), and between-limb imbalance (left-to-right limb ratio). There is inconsistency regarding the association between eccentric hamstrings strength and both injury risk and athletic performance. There is no standardized definition or standardization of the calculation of the used parameters.

Conclusions

The current evidence is insufficient to recommend a practical guide for sports professionals to use these new technologies in their daily routine, due to the need for standardized definitions and calculations. Furthermore, more studies with female athletes are warranted. Despite these limitations, the eccentric strength of hamstring muscles assessed by different devices may be recommended for monitoring the neuromuscular status of athletes.
Epilepsy and quality of life in Iranian epileptic patients
Authors: Honari Bahareh , Homam Seyed Mehran , Nabipour Maryam , Mostafavian Zahra , Farajpour Arezou , Sahbaie Nyusha
Published: January 2021

Background

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with physical, emotional, and social consequences. Previous studies indicate that epilepsy symptoms can highly affect the epileptic patients’ satisfaction in life. The aim of the present study is to investigate the QOL of People with Epilepsy (PWE) in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran.

Methods

In this study, 100 patients were randomly selected. After confirmation of the diagnosis of epilepsy by neurologists and fulfilling the entrance criteria, patients completed the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 inventory (QOLIE-31) questionnaire. Finally, data was analyzed statistically by SPSS software.

Results

The study sample comprised 100 PWE, aged 18–74 years (34 ± 13), of whom 58 (58%) were females. Tonic-colonic seizure was the most common (60%) type of seizure. The obtained score of each subscale and the range of the QOLIE-31 total score was 16.40–79.18 with the mean of 50 (SD = 16). The energy-fatigue subscale score was significantly higher in patients younger than 35 (p = 0.018). The data analysis showed that the seizure worry subscale was significantly higher in single patients (p = 0.04). Duration of epilepsy had a positive correlation with QOLIE-31 total score (p = 0.038), and a negative relationship with energy-fatigue subscale (p = 0.018). In contrast with previous studies, which reported the frequency of the epileptic episodes as the most important predictor of QOL, our results showed no significant correlation between the number of the episodes and overall QOL score (p = 0.063). However, the number of episodes was significantly correlated with emotional well-being and cognition subscales. Furthermore, the results indicated that poor QOL score is correlated with depressed mood.

Conclusion

In fact, the ultimate and preferred outcome of all treatments and care interventions is the patient’s QOL. Thus, improvement of the QOL by means of obtaining more information about its contributing factors, in PWE should be one of the main goals in the patients’ treatment.
Inflammatory responses of C57BL/6NKorl mice to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis: comparison between three C57BL/6 N sub-strains
Authors: Kim Sou Hyun , Kwon Doyoung , Son Seung Won , Jeong Tae Bin , Lee Seunghyun , Kwak Jae-Hwan , Cho Joon-Yong , Hwang Dae Youn , Seo Min-Soo , Kim Kil Soo , Jung Young-Suk
Published: January 2021

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic human diseases that are challenging to cure and are often unable to be resolved. The inbred mouse strain C57BL/6 N has been used in investigations of IBD as an experimental animal model. The purpose of the current study was to compare the inflammatory responsiveness of C57BL/6NKorl mice, a sub-strain recently established by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS), with those of C57BL/6 N mice from two different sources using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model.

Results

Male mice (8 weeks old) were administered DSS (0, 1, 2, or 3%) in drinking water for 7 days. DSS significantly decreased body weight and colon length and increased the colon weight-to-length ratio. Moreover, severe colitis-related clinical signs including diarrhea and rectal bleeding were observed beginning on day 4 in mice administered DSS at a concentration of 3%. DSS led to edema, epithelial layer disruption, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytokine induction (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) in the colon tissues. However, no significant differences in DSS-promoted abnormal symptoms or their severity were found between the three sub-strains.

Conclusions

These results indicate that C57BL/6NKorl mice responded to DSS-induced colitis similar to the generally used C57BL6/N mice, thus this newly developed mouse sub-strain provides a useful animal model of IBD.
Functional properties of sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn) seed protein fractions
Authors: Idowu Atinuke O. , Alashi Adeola M. , Nwachukwu Ifeanyi D. , Fagbemi Tayo N. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: January 2021

This work evaluated the functional properties of sesame protein fractions in order to determine their potential in food applications. Sesame seed protein fractions were prepared according to their solubility: water-soluble (albumin), salt-soluble (globulin), alkaline-soluble (glutelin) and ethanol-soluble (prolamin). Globulin was the most abundant fraction, consisting of 91% protein, followed by glutelin, albumin and prolamin in decreasing order. Non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed polypeptides of sizes ≥20 kDa for albumin while glutelin and globulin had similar polypeptide sizes at 19, 85 and 100 kDa. Prolamin had polypeptide sizes 20, 40 and 100 kDa. The albumin and globulin fractions had higher intrinsic fluorescence intensity (FI) values than the glutelin. Albumin had a higher solubility (ranging from 80 to 100%) over a wide pH range when compared with the other fractions. Water holding capacity (g/g) reduced from 2.76 (glutelin) to 1.35 (prolamin) followed by 0.42 (globulin) and 0.08 (albumin). Oil holding capacity (g/g) reduced from: 4.13 (glutelin) to 2.57 (globulin) and 1.56, 1.50 for albumin and prolamin respectively. Gelling ability was stronger for prolamin and glutelin than albumin and globulin, while higher emulsion (p < 0.05) quality was obtained for prolamin and albumin than for glutelin and globulin.

Graphical abstract
Virtual screening of phytochemical compounds as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Kothandan Ram , Rajan Cashlin Anna Suveetha Gnana , Arjun Janamitra , Raj Rejoe Raymond Michael , Syed Sowfia
Published: January 2021

Background

The present pandemic situation due to coronavirus has led to the search for newer prevention, diagnostic, and treatment methods. The onset of the corona infection in a human results in acute respiratory illness followed by death if not diagnosed and treated with suitable antiretroviral drugs. With the unavailability of the targeted drug treatment, several repurposed drugs are being used for treatment. However, the side-effects of the drugs urges us to move to a search for newer synthetic- or phytochemical-based drugs. The present study investigates the use of various phytochemicals virtually screened from various plant sources in Western Ghats, India, and subsequently molecular docking studies were performed to identify the efficacy of the drug in retroviral infection particularly coronavirus infection.

Results

Out of 57 phytochemicals screened initially based on the structural and physicochemical properties, 39 were effectively used for the docking analysis. Finally, 5 lead compounds with highest hydrophobic interaction and number of H-bonds were screened. Results from the interaction analysis suggest Piperolactam A to be pocketed well with good hydrophobic interaction with the residues in the binding region R1. ADME and toxicity profiling also reveals Piperolactam A with higher LogS values indicating higher permeation and hydrophilicity. Toxicity profiling suggests that the 5 screened compounds to be relatively safe.

Conclusion

The in silico methods used in this study suggests that the compound Piperolactam A to be the most effective inhibitor of S-protein from binding to the GRP78 receptor. By blocking the binding of the S-protein to the CS-GRP78 cell surface receptor, they can inhibit the binding of the virus to the host.
A 30-year controversy over the Shanghai East China Electric Power Building: the creation and conservation of late 20th century Chinese architectural heritage*
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Hua Xiahong
Published: January 2021

The Shanghai East China Electric Power Building, which was completed in 1988, is widely accepted as one of the first postmodern high-rise buildings in Shanghai. Based on articles published in mass media and professional magazines, interviews with relevant stakeholders and social media debates, this paper focuses on two controversies regarding the building’s peculiar architectural form. The first occurred between 1988 and 1992, when the building’s postmodern appearance aroused heated debates among architectural professionals. The second happened between 2015 and 2018, when the building’s postmodern appearance was planned to be replaced with a slated Art Deco surface during its renovation into a boutique hotel. This paper reveals how a thirst for ‘form innovation’ emerged in the specific social and professional environment shortly after China’s opening-up, and how professional and public awareness of the value of late 20th century architectural heritage was stimulated in the early 21st century in the search for an alternative representation of urban identity other than the widely accepted Art Deco style. This paper emphasises the public meaning of architectural forms in arguing for institutional co-operation in systematic evaluation and conservation legislation for late twentieth century Chinese architectural heritage sites to maintain the historical diversity of the cityscape during urban regeneration.
Transient electromagnetic smoke rings in a half-space during active transmitter excitation
Authors: Smiarowski Adam , Hodges Greg
Published: January 2021

The smoke-ring concept is a useful device for understanding how the electromagnetic fields induced in a 1D earth propagate and diffuse through a medium. Aside from facilitating a physical understanding of field propagation, the smoke-ring concept has been used to interpret behavior of vertical and radial magnetic fields at the surface and used to estimate depth of penetration for conductivity-depth transforms. Past studies have focused on the current distribution during the off-time. We have calculated the current in a half-space from a half-sine excitation (which provides a continuous induction). In comparison, the current pattern from a continuously excited waveform is more densely distributed in the near surface than the off-time current system, suggesting that measurements during a continuously excited on time are more sensitive to shallow targets. For airborne applications, in which the primary field coupling changes and is an important noise source, a primary field-stripping algorithm affects the current distribution but does not deleteriously affect near-surface sensitivity.
Acute GVHD Diagnosis and Adjudication in a Multicenter Trial: A Report From the BMT CTN 1202 Biorepository Study
Authors: Reshef Ran , Saber Wael , Bolaños-Meade Javier , Chen George , Chen Yi-Bin , Ho Vincent T. , Ponce Doris M. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Martens Michael J. , Hansen John A. , Levine John E.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Accurate and reproducible methods to diagnose, grade, and report acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are critical for the evaluation of therapies and biomarkers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network 1202 study is an observational study of 1,709 allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients that implemented weekly data reporting and near real-time data adjudication by an end point review committee (ERC), assigning a confidence level (confirmed, probable, possible, or negative) to the diagnosis of acute GVHD at onset.

RESULTS

During the first 100 days, symptoms consistent with GVHD developed in 90% of cases but were often determined by centers to be due to causes other than GVHD. Indeed, GVHD was under consideration in only 23% of cases at symptom onset. Diagnostic biopsies were obtained in 40% of cases, but treatment often was incongruous with biopsy findings and 10.5% of biopsies were equivocal. Importantly, more than 40% of steroid courses were started for reasons other than GVHD. The ERC modified the determination of GVHD diagnosis and/or grade in 12.3% of onset cases. The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD as reported by the centers was 62%. When the ERC adjudicated GVHD onset to be present only if the confidence level was probable or confirmed, the incidence of GVHD declined to 49%.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the incidence of GVHD may be overestimated at symptom onset, establishes a contemporary benchmark for acute GVHD, and suggests a structured framework for reporting and adjudication of GVHD that could be used in prospective trials.
NF106: A Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials Consortium Phase II Trial of the MEK Inhibitor Mirdametinib (PD-0325901) in Adolescents and Adults With NF1-Related Plexiform Neurofibromas
Authors: Weiss Brian D. , Wolters Pamela L. , Plotkin Scott R. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Tonsgard James H. , Blakeley Jaishri , Allen Jeffrey C. , Schorry Elizabeth , Korf Bruce , Robison Nathan J. , Goldman Stewart , Vinks Alexander A. , Emoto Chie , Fukuda Tsuyoshi , Robinson Coretta T. , Cutter Gary , Edwards Lloyd , Dombi Eva , Ratner Nancy , Packer Roger , Fisher Michael J.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) frequently develop plexiform neurofibromas (PNs), which can cause significant morbidity. We performed a phase II trial of the MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, mirdametinib (PD-0325901), in patients with NF1 and inoperable PNs. The primary objective was response rate based on volumetric magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria included age ≥ 16 years and a PN that was either progressive or causing significant morbidity. First-dose pharmacokinetics were performed. Patients completed patient-reported outcome measures. Patients received mirdametinib by mouth twice a day at 2 mg/m2/dose (maximum dose = 4 mg twice a day) in a 3-week on/1-week off sequence. Each course was 4 weeks in duration. Evaluations were performed after four courses for the first year and then after every six courses. Patients could receive a maximum of 24 total courses.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were enrolled, and all 19 received mirdametinib. The median age was 24 years (range, 16-39 years); the median baseline tumor volume was 363.8 mL (range, 3.9-5,161 mL). Eight of the 19 patients (42%) achieved a partial response of the target PN by course 12, and 10 (53%) had stable disease. One patient (5%) developed progressive disease at course 8. Significant and durable decreases were observed in pain ratings.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this analysis represents the first characterization of the activity and pharmacokinetics of mirdametinib in patients with NF1 and PNs and is the first published response study for MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitors in adults with NF1 and PNs. Mirdametinib given at 2 mg/m2/dose (maximum dose, 4 mg) twice daily in a 3-week on/1-week off sequence resulted in a 42% partial response rate with preliminary evidence of reduction in pain.
Characterization and Proteomic Analysis of Endometrial Stromal Cell–Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Hsu Chia-Yi , Hsieh Tsung-Hua , Lin Hsiao-Yun , Lu Chi-Yu , Lo Hui-Wen , Tsai Ching-Chou , Tsai Eing-Mei
Published: January 2021

Context

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as modulators of the disease microenvironment, thereby supporting disease progression. However, the potential role of EVs and their content to the pathophysiology of endometriosis remain unclear.

Objective

This work aimed to investigate whether the EVs from eutopic (Eu) and ectopic (Ec) endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) differ with respect to protein composition and role in endometriosis.

Methods

Human Eu and Ec endometrium–derived ESCs were isolated from samples of the same patients (n = 3). sEVs were isolated from ESCs via ultracentrifugation; these sEVs were characterized by Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis and analyzed using mass spectrometry. The potential role of EcESCs-derived sEVs (EcESCs-sEVs) in endometriosis was explored by assaying their effects on cell viability/proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

Results

In total, 105 ESCs-sEV–associated proteins were identified from EcESCs-sEVs and EuESCs-sEVs by mass spectrometry analysis. The protein content differed between EcESCs-sEVs and EuESCs-sEVs, with annexin A2 (ANXA2) being the most prominent difference—present in EcESCs-sEVs but not EuESCs-sEVs. We also found that sEVs-ANXA2 regulates the motility, proliferation, and angiogenesis of ESCs via the extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK)/STAT3 pathway. Notably, treatment of ESCs with sEVs-ANXA2 resulted in increased proliferation and motility, suggesting that sEVs-ANXA2 may be involved in regulating endometriosis. Our data suggest that EcESCs-sEVs-ANXA2 regulates the motility and the angiogenic potential of ESCs, implying a role for sEVs-ANXA2 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Conclusion

The study of sEVs-ANXA2 from Ec endometriotic cells uncovers a new mechanism of endometriosis progression and will inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Mifepristone Improves Adipose Tissue Insulin Sensitivity in Insulin Resistant Individuals
Authors: Gubbi Sriram , Muniyappa Ranganath , Sharma Susmeeta T , Grewal Shivraj , McGlotten Raven , Nieman Lynnette K
Published: January 2021

Background

Increased tissue cortisol availability has been implicated in abnormal glucose and fat metabolism in patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Our objective was to evaluate whether blockade of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) with mifepristone ameliorates insulin resistance (IR) in overweight/obese subjects with glucose intolerance.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study in overweight/obese individuals (n = 16, 44% female) with prediabetes or mild T2DM but not clinical hypercortisolism. Mifepristone (50 mg every 6 h) or placebo was administered for 9 days, followed by crossover to the other treatment arm after a washout period of 6 to 8weeks. At baseline and following each treatment, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) were performed. Insulin sensitivity was measured using FSIVGTT [primary outcome: insulin sensitivity index (SI)] and OGTT [Matsuda index (MI) and oral glucose insulin sensitivity index (OGIS)]. Hepatic and adipose insulin resistance were assessed using hepatic insulin resistance index (HIRI), and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity index (Adipo-SI) and adipo-IR, derived from the FSIVGTT.

Results

Mifepristone administration did not alter whole-body glucose disposal indices of insulin sensitivity (SI, MI, and OGIS). GR blockade significantly improved Adipo-SI (61.7 ± 32.9 vs 42.8 ± 23.9; P = 0.002) and reduced adipo-IR (49.9 ± 45.9 vs 65.5 ± 43.8; P = 0.004), and HIRI (50.2 ± 38.7 vs 70.0 ± 44.3; P = 0.08). Mifepristone increased insulin clearance but did not affect insulin secretion or β-cell glucose sensitivity.

Conclusion

Short-term mifepristone administration improves adipose and hepatic insulin sensitivity among obese individuals with hyperglycemia without hypercortisolism.
Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Resveratrol
Authors: Aly Hamdy A A
Published: January 2021

The molecular mechanism underlying diabetes-induced testicular damage has not been thoroughly elucidated. The present study was conducted to elucidate the role of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction in rats and to explore the ameliorative effect of resveratrol. Diabetes suppressed sperm count, motility, and viability and increased sperm abnormalities. It decreased serum testosterone level and testicular mitochondrial membrane potential. The level of Bax and caspase-3 and -9 activities were increased in the testicular cytosol, while the level of Bcl-2 was decreased. Diabetes increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The cytochrome C level was decreased in the mitochondrial fraction, while its level was increased in the cytosol, a result that was supported by the immunohistochemistry of cytochrome C. Diabetes resulted in deleterious alterations in the architecture of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes, and increased H2O2 production, protein carbonyl content, and lipid peroxidation. However, administration of resveratrol at a dose of 50 mg kg/day for 4 successive weeks post diabetic induction, successfully ameliorated the testicular dysfunction. In conclusion, these findings strongly reveal that diabetes induces testicular damage, at least in part, by inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress. Administration of resveratrol to diabetic rats improves the diabetes-induced testicular damage. These impacts could be mediated through resveratrol antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.
Exchange Rates and Prices: Evidence from the 2015 Swiss Franc Appreciation
Authors: Auer Raphael , Burstein Ariel , Lein Sarah M.
Published: January 2021

We dissect the impact of a large and sudden exchange rate appreciation on Swiss border import prices, retail prices, and consumer expenditures on domestic and imported nondurable goods, following the removal of the EUR/CHF floor in January 2015. Cross-sectional variation in border price changes by currency of invoicing carries over to consumer prices and allocations, impacting retail prices of imports and competing domestic goods, as well as import expenditures. We provide measures of the sensitivity of retail import prices to border prices and the sensitivity of import shares to relative prices, which is higher when using retail prices than border prices. (JEL E21, E31, F14, F31, L11)
Aggregate Nominal Wage Adjustments: New Evidence from Administrative Payroll Data
Authors: Grigsby John , Hurst Erik , Yildirmaz Ahu
Published: January 2021

Using administrative payroll data from the largest US payroll processing company, we measure the extent of nominal wage rigidity in the United States. The data allow us to define a worker’s per-period base contract wage separately from other forms of compensation such as overtime premiums and bonuses. We provide evidence that firms use base wages to cyclically adjust the marginal cost of their workers. Nominal base wage declines are much rarer than previously thought with only 2 percent of job-stayers receiving a nominal base wage cut during a given year. Approximately 35 percent of workers receive no base wage change year over year. We document strong evidence of both time and state dependence in nominal base wage adjustments. In addition, we provide evidence that the flexibility of new hire base wages is similar to that of existing workers. Collectively, our results can be used to discipline models of nominal wage rigidity. (JEL E24, E32, J31, J41)
A Theory of Chosen Preferences
Authors: Bernheim B. Douglas , Braghieri Luca , Martínez-Marquina Alejandro , Zuckerman David
Published: January 2021

We propose and develop a dynamic theory of endogenous preference formation in which people adopt worldviews that shape their judgments about their experiences. The framework highlights the role of mindset flexibility, a trait that determines the relative weights the decision-maker places on her current and anticipated worldviews when evaluating future outcomes. The theory generates rich behavioral dynamics, thereby illuminating a wide range of applications and providing potential explanations for a variety of observed phenomena. (JEL D11, D81, D91, Z13)
Employer Consolidation and Wages: Evidence from Hospitals
Authors: Prager Elena , Schmitt Matt
Published: January 2021

We test whether wage growth slows following employer consolidation by examining hospital mergers. We find evidence of reduced wage growth in cases where both (i) the increase in concentration induced by the merger is large and (ii) workers’ skills are industry-specific. In all other cases, we fail to reject zero wage effects. We consider alternative explanations and find that the observed patterns are unlikely to be explained by merger-related changes besides labor market power. Wage growth slowdowns are attenuated in markets with strong labor unions, and wage growth does not decline after out-of-market mergers that leave local employer concentration unchanged. (JEL G34, I11, J22, J24, J31, J42, R32)
Leadership in Social Movements: Evidence from the “Forty-Eighters” in the Civil War
Authors: Dippel Christian , Heblich Stephan
Published: January 2021

This paper studies the role of leaders in the social movement against slavery that culminated in the US Civil War. Our analysis is organized around a natural experiment: leaders of the failed German revolution of 1848–1849 were expelled to the United States and became antislavery campaigners who helped mobilize Union Army volunteers. Towns where Forty-Eighters settled show two-thirds higher Union Army enlistments. Their influence worked through local newspapers and social clubs. Going beyond enlistment decisions, Forty-Eighters reduced their companies’ desertion rate during the war. In the long run, Forty-Eighter towns were more likely to form a local chapter of the NAACP. (JEL D74, J15, J45, J61, N31, N41)
Prostate cancer GTV delineation with biparametric MRI and 68Ga-PSMA-PET: comparison of expert contours and semi-automated methods
Authors: Hearn Nathan , Blazak John , Vivian Philip , Vignarajah Dinesh , Cahill Katelyn , Atwell Daisy , Lagopoulos Jim , Min Myo
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The optimal method for delineation of dominant intraprostatic lesions (DIL) for targeted radiotherapy dose escalation is unclear. This study evaluated interobserver and intermodality variability of delineations on biparametric MRI (bpMRI), consisting of T  2 weighted (T  2W) and diffusion-weighted (DWI) sequences, and 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT; and compared manually delineated GTV contours with semi-automated segmentations based on quantitative thresholding of intraprostatic apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and standardised uptake values (SUV).

Methods:

16 patients who had bpMRI and PSMA-PET scanning performed prior to any treatment were eligible for inclusion. Four observers (two radiation oncologists, two radiologists) manually delineated the DIL on: (1) bpMRI (GTVMRI), (2) PSMA-PET (GTVPSMA) and (3) co-registered bpMRI/PSMA-PET (GTVFused) in separate sittings. Interobserver, intermodality and semi-automated comparisons were evaluated against consensus Simultaneous Truth and Performance Level Estimation (STAPLE) volumes, created from the relevant manual delineations of all observers with equal weighting. Comparisons included the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), mean distance to agreement (MDA) and other metrics.

Results:

Interobserver agreement was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for GTVPSMA (DSC: 0.822, MDA: 1.12 mm) and GTVFused (DSC: 0.787, MDA: 1.34 mm) than for GTVMRI (DSC: 0.705, MDA 2.44 mm). Intermodality agreement between GTVMRI and GTVPSMA was low (DSC: 0.440, MDA: 4.64 mm). Agreement between semi-automated volumes and consensus GTV was low for MRI (DSC: 0.370, MDA: 8.16 mm) and significantly higher for PSMA-PET (0.571, MDA: 4.45 mm, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

68Ga-PSMA-PET appears to improve interobserver consistency of DIL localisation vs bpMRI and may be more viable for simple quantitative delineation approaches; however, more sophisticated approaches to semi-automatic delineation factoring for patient- and disease-related heterogeneity are likely required.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first study to evaluate the interobserver variability of prostate GTV delineations with co-registered bpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA-PET.
Horseshoe adrenal gland associated with type 1 diastematomyelia in an asymptomatic adult
Authors: Khurram Ruhaid , Ahmadi Faisal , Poonawala Raunak , Yasin Ahmad Samim
Published: January 2021

A horseshoe adrenal gland is a rare congenital anomaly found almost exclusively in neonates and infants based on autopsy studies. It is a term used to describe a solitary adrenal gland situated in the midline, posterior to the inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta. To date, in the literature, there have been very few cases documented in adults and they have also been reported to be associated with other co-existing intra-abdominal, vascular and vertebral congenital anomalies. We describe a rare case of an asymptomatic adult patient who was incidentally found to have a horseshoe adrenal gland as well as a Type 1 diastematomyelia.
Ein Speichermagazin für die Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin – Preussischer Kulturbesitz. Eine betriebliche Perspektive
Authors: Lülfing Daniela
Published: January 2021

DOI: 10.12685/027.7-3-1-56Da die Magazinkapazitäten der beiden Häuser der Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Unter den Linden und Potsdamer Strasse erschöpft sind, wurde im Berliner Ortsteil Friedrichshagen ein Speichermagazin nach dem Entwurf des Münchner Architekten Eberhard Wimmer errichtet. In einem ersten Bauabschnitt ist Magazinkapazität für 6 Millionen Bände entstanden, die von der Staatsbibliothek gemeinsam mit dem Ibero-Amerikanischen Institut und der Bildagentur für Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte der SPK genutzt wird. Die Bände stehen weiterhin zur Benutzung zur Verfügung. Der Betrieb des Speichermagazins erfolgt erstmals komplett durch Dienstleister.Since the storage capacities in both buildings of the State Library of Berlin have been exhausted, a new storage library has been built in Berlin-Friedrichshagen. The architect for this building was Eberhard Wimmer from Munich. In phase one of the building work, space has been created for about 6 Million volumes. This space is going to be used by the State Library, the Ibero-American Institute, and the Bildagentur für Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte of the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz. All volumes will be equally available to all users. Also, for the first time, the storage library will be operated by an external service company.L’espace de stockage de ses bâtiments à Unter den Linden et Potsdamer Strasse étant épuisée, la Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin a construit un nouveau dépôt situé dans le quartier de Friedrichshagen à l’est de Berlin et dessiné par l’architecte munichois Eberhard Wimmer. Le premier module achevé est utilisé tant par la Staatsbibliothek que par l’Institut ibéro-américain et la Bildagentur für Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte (Agence graphique pour l’art, la culture et l’histoire) de la Fondation pour le patrimoine culturel prussien SPK. Les ouvrages restent à la disposition du public. Ce dépôt est le premier de son genre entièrement géré par des prestataires de services.
Digitale Kuratierungstechnologien für Bibliotheken
Authors: Neudecker Clemens , Rehm Georg
Published: January 2021

In diesem Artikel werden digitale Kuratierungstechnologien vorgestellt, wie sie aktuell im Rahmen eines vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) geförderten Verbundprojekts unter der Leitung des DFKI für die Anwendung in verschiedenen Branchen und Domänen entwickelt werden. Der besondere Augenmerk liegt dabei auf deren Anwendungsszenarien in Bibliotheken – nach einer Einführung in die Herausforderungen, die sich durch die Massendigitalisierung in Bibliotheken stellen, werden exemplarisch Einsatzmöglichkeiten von Kuratierungstechnologien im Kontext von Bibliotheken vorgestellt. Anhand von Beispielen aus der bibliothekarischen Arbeit im 21. Jahrhundert, sowie der Nachnutzung digitaler Bibliotheksdaten in Wissenschaft und Kreativwirtschaft, werden die vielfältigen Möglichkeiten und Potenziale der Nutzung von Kuratierungstechnologien zur Datenaufbereitung, -anreicherung und Bereitstellung von attraktiven Diensten in Bibliotheken sowie für die Entwicklung neuartiger Forschungs- und Geschäftsfelder in deren Umfeld aufgezeigt.This article presents smart technologies for digital content curation that are currently under development in a collaborative project, coordinated by DFKI and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. After a brief introduction into the concept of digital curation, the article goes on to explain the various technologies and their use cases across a number of sectors. In the following, we go into greater detail regarding the particular needs and requirements for digital curation technologies in the domain of libraries. Due to their large-scale digitisation activities, libraries are creating vast amounts of digital data. Technologies for digital curation can help leverage the full potential of these data for applications in scholarship, digital humanities, and the creative industries and produce new opportunities for research and industry, as illustrated by a number of examples from the Berlin State Library.
Transfer Learning for OCRopus Model Training on Early Printed Books
Authors: Reul Christian , Wick Christoph , Springmann Uwe , Puppe Frank
Published: January 2021

A method is presented that significantly reduces the character error rates for OCR text obtained from OCRopus models trained on early printed books when only small amounts of diplomatic transcriptions are available. This is achieved by building from already existing models during training instead of starting from scratch. To overcome the discrepancies between the set of characters of the pretrained model and the additional ground truth the OCRopus code is adapted to allow for alphabet expansion or reduction. The character set is now capable of flexibly adding and deleting characters from the pretrained alphabet when an existing model is loaded. For our experiments we use a self-trained mixed model on early Latin prints and the two standard OCRopus models on modern English and German Fraktur texts. The evaluation on seven early printed books showed that training from the Latin mixed model reduces the average amount of errors by 43% and 26%, compared to training from scratch with 60 and 150 lines of ground truth, respectively. Furthermore, it is shown that even building from mixed models trained on standard data unrelated to the newly added training and test data can lead to significantly improved recognition results.
Lessons learned: Transformation in der Transformation
Authors: Lätzel Martin
Published: January 2021

Die Landesbibliothek Schleswig-Holstein wird derzeit zu einem Zentrum für Digitalisierung und Kultur umgebaut. Die Massnahmen während der Coronakrise stärken einerseits diese Entwicklung, andererseits zeigen sie deutlich die fundamentale Bedeutung der Bibliotheken für die Gesellschaft und für die Bürgerinnen und Bürger, die dort Orte der Begegnung (Dritte Orte) finden, wo sie Themen diskutieren und ihr Wissen erweitern können. Der Artikel zieht ein erstes Fazit.

The State Library of Schleswig-Holstein is currently being developed into a centre for digitisation and culture. On the one hand, the measures taken during the Corona crisis are strengthening this development, on the other hand they clearly show the fundamental importance of libraries for society and the importance of citizens finding meeting places (third places) to discuss topics and expand knowledge. The article draws a first conclusion.
A studyforrest extension, an annotation of spoken language in the German dubbed movie “Forrest Gump” and its audio-description
Authors: Häusler Christian Olaf , Hanke Michael
Published: January 2021

Here we present an annotation of speech in the audio-visual movie “Forrest Gump” and its audio-description for a visually impaired audience, as an addition to a large public functional brain imaging dataset (studyforrest.org). The annotation provides information about the exact timing of each of the more than 2500 spoken sentences, 16,000 words (including 202 non-speech vocalizations), 66,000 phonemes, and their corresponding speaker. Additionally, for every word, we provide lemmatization, a simple part-of-speech-tagging (15 grammatical categories), a detailed part-of-speech tagging (43 grammatical categories), syntactic dependencies, and a semantic analysis based on word embedding which represents each word in a 300-dimensional semantic space. To validate the dataset’s quality, we build a model of hemodynamic brain activity based on information drawn from the annotation. Results suggest that the annotation’s content and quality enable independent researchers to create models of brain activity correlating with a variety of linguistic aspects under conditions of near-real-life complexity.
Quality care process metrics (QCP-Ms) in nursing and midwifery care processes: a rapid realist review (RRR) protocol
Authors: O'Connor Laserina , Coffey Alice , Lambert Veronica , Casey Mary , McNamara Martin , Teeling Sean Paul , O'Doherty Jane , Barnard Marlize , Corcoran Yvonne , Davies Carmel , Doody Owen , Frawley Timothy , O'Brien Denise , Redmond Catherine , Smith Rita , Somanadhan Suja , Noonan Maria , Bradshaw Carmel , Tuohy Dympna , Gallen Anne
Published: January 2021

Background: In 2018, the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD) completed phase one of work which culminated in the development and launch of seven research reports with defined suites of quality care process metrics (QCP-Ms) and respective indicators for the practice areas – acute care, midwifery, children’s, public health nursing, older persons, mental health and intellectual disability nursing in Ireland. This paper presents a rapid realist review protocol that will systematically review the literature that examines QCP-Ms in practice; what worked, or did not work for whom, in what contexts, to what extent, how and why?

Methods: The review will explore if there are benefits of using the QCP-Ms and what are the contexts in which these mechanisms are triggered. The essence of this rapid realist review is to ascertain how a change in context generates a particular mechanism that produces specific outcomes. A number of steps will occur including locating existing theories on implementation of quality care metrics, searching the evidence, selecting relevant documents, data extraction, validation of findings, synthesising and refining programme theory. This strategy may help to describe potential consequences resulting from changes in context and their interactions with mechanisms. Initial theories will be refined throughout the process by the local reference panel, comprised of eight key intervention stakeholders, knowledge users such as healthcare professionals and an expert panel. Ethical approval is not required for this rapid realist review.

Conclusion: It is anticipated that the final programme theory will help to explain how QCP-Ms work in practice; for whom, why and in what circumstances. Findings of this review could help to give insights into the use of a rapid realist review as a framework and how nursing and midwifery QCP-Ms have been implemented previously.
Engaging community health workers, technology, and youth in the COVID-19 response with concurrent critical care capacity building: A protocol for an integrated community and health system intervention to reduce mortality related to COVID-19 infection in Western Kenya
Authors: Kaseje Neema , Kaseje Dan , Oruenjo Kennedy , Milambo Joel , Kaseje Margaret
Published: January 2021

Globally, the number of COVID-19 infections is approaching 63 million; more than 1 million individuals have lost their lives. In Kenya, the number of infections has surpassed 80,000 and 1469 people have lost their lives. In Kenya, the community health strategy has been used to deliver essential health services since 2007. Furthermore, the population in Kenya is young (the median age is 21 years old) and Kenya is recognized as a technology hub in the East African region. Community-based health care, youth, and technology, are assets within the Kenyan context that can be leveraged to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with concurrent strengthening of the critical care capacity at the health system level.

This is a quasi-experimental study with quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection to complete a baseline assessment of community health unit and health facility service readiness in the study site of Siaya County in western Kenya. Following the baseline assessment, service ready community health units and health facilities with oxygen capacity will form intervention groups. At the community level, the intervention will consist of training youth, community health assistants and community health workers in screening, case detection, prevention, management and referral of COVID-19 cases with maintenance of essential health services. The community intervention will be enhanced by youth and use of digital tools. At the health facility level, the intervention will consist of training health care workers in basic critical care and caring for severe COVID-19 patients with maintenance of essential health services.

The primary outcome measure will be mortality related to COVID-19 infection both at community and health facility levels.

This study would be the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated approach in preparing for and implementing a robust pandemic response.

Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04501458; registered on 6 August 2020.
Diagnostics of the intonation side of speech in preschool children
Authors: Larina Elena A.
Published: January 2021

This educational and methodical manual is intended for students studying in the direction of special (defectological) education 44.03.03, training profile Speech therapy, studying the discipline "Technology of formation of the pronouncing side of speech". The manual examines the ontogenesis of intonational expressiveness of speech, the peculiarities of the prosodic organization of speech in children with disabilities. Modern methods of assessing the intonation expressiveness of speech in preschool children are proposed, and the author's screening diagnostics of the intonation side of speech in preschool children is presented. The appendix contains a sample map of the diagnostic study of the intonation side of the speech of a preschool child. The manual is addressed to students of defectological departments of universities, practicing teachers-speech therapists, specialists in the field of speech pathology.
Are Traditional Performance Reviews Outdated? An Empirical Analysis on Continuous, Real-Time Feedback in the Workplace
Authors: Rivera Michael , Qiu Liangfei , Kumar Subodha , Petrucci Tony
Published: January 2021

In order to deliver real-time feedback to support employee development and rapid innovation, many companies are replacing formal review-based performance management with systems that enable frequent and continuous employee evaluation. Real-time feedback applications enable supervisors and employees to give, seek, and receive competency-based feedback using their computers, smartphones, or other devices. In this study, we examine the role of one such real-time feedback application to understand its effects on employee performance appraisals. First, we seek better understanding of how workplace relationships affect employee feedback across managers, colleagues, and direct reports and find that feedback tends to be more critical when given by managers. What is even more important from an industry perspective is the role of preferential treatment and retaliation. Managers can be more transactional, but colleagues are not. We also highlight a series of gender observations: men rate women higher than men, and women rate men and women similar to how men rate men. We conclude by finding that positive real-time feedback has a stronger effect on an employee’s future ratings than negative feedback. Our findings have direct implications for the design and implementation of performance management systems and highlight how companies can use information systems to create an innovative human resource operation that delivers flexibility and agility.
Sponsored Content Advertising in a Two-Sided Market
Authors: Chatterjee Prabirendra , Zhou Bo
Published: January 2021

Sponsored content advertising, also known as native advertising, is a new ad format in which a brand’s content takes the same form and qualities of the publisher’s original content. Although many advertisers have largely embraced this new advertising format, consumers seem to react negatively toward sponsored content ads. In this paper, we present an analytical model that studies the strategic role of sponsored content advertising in a two-sided media market. We identify conditions under which competing platforms would choose sponsored content advertising over traditional advertising. Despite consumers’ negative sentiment toward sponsored content ads, they can be better off together with the advertisers when both platforms choose this ad format. In fact, we show that a certain degree of consumer disliking is necessary to make both advertisers and consumers better off with sponsored content ads. However, both competing platforms offering sponsored content ads may also result in a Prisoner’s Dilemma equilibrium outcome generating suboptimal profits. We further show that two symmetric media platforms can choose different advertising strategies, leading to an asymmetric equilibrium outcome. Lastly, we analyze how the presence of multihoming advertisers as well as an incomplete ad market coverage would affect the sponsored content ad equilibrium.

This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.