bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic airflow obstruction attributable to poverty in the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study
Authors: Patel Jaymini H , Amaral Andre F S , Minelli Cosetta , Elfadaly Fadlalla G , Mortimer Kevin , El Sony Asma , Rhazi Karima El , Seemungal Terence A R , Mahesh Padukudru Anand , Obaseki Daniel O , Denguezli Meriam , Ahmed Rana , Cherkaski Hamid , Koul Parvaiz , Rashid Abdul , Loh Richard Li Cher , Lawin Herve , Al Ghobain Mohammed , Nafees Asaad Ahmed , Aquart-Stewart Althea , Harrabi Imed , Buist Sonia , Burney Peter G J
Published: July 2023

Poverty is strongly associated with all-cause and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality. Less is known about the contribution of poverty to spirometrically defined chronic airflow obstruction (CAO)—a key characteristic of COPD. Using cross-sectional data from an asset-based questionnaire to define poverty in 21 sites of the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study, we estimated the risk of CAO attributable to poverty. Up to 6% of the population over 40 years had CAO attributable to poverty. Understanding the relationship between poverty and CAO might suggest ways to improve lung health, especially in low-income and middle-income countries.
Examining the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on community virus prevalence and healthcare utilisation reveals that peaks in asthma, COPD and respiratory tract infection occur with the re-emergence of rhino/enterovirus
Authors: Ho Terence , Shahzad Abdullah , Jones Aaron , Raghavan Natya , Loeb Mark , Johnston Neil
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Airway disease exacerbations are cyclical related to respiratory virus prevalence. The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with reduced exacerbations possibly related to public health measures and their impact on non-COVID-19 respiratory viruses. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of non-COVID-19 respiratory viruses during the pandemic compared with prior in Ontario, Canada and healthcare utilisation related to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory tract infection.

Methods

This is a population-based retrospective analysis of respiratory virus tests, emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalisations between 2015 and 2021 in Ontario. Weekly virus testing data were used to estimate viral prevalence for all non-COVID-19 respiratory viruses. We plotted the %positivity and observed and expected counts of each virus to visualise the impact of the pandemic. We used Poisson and binomial logistic regression models to estimate the change in %positivity, count of positive viral cases and count of healthcare utilisation during the pandemic.

Results

The prevalence of all non-COVID-19 respiratory viruses decreased dramatically during the pandemic compared with prior. Comparing periods, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for positive cases corresponded to a >90% reduction for non-COVID-19 respiratory viruses except adenovirus and rhino/enterovirus. Asthma-related ED visits and hospital admissions fell by 57% (IRR 0.43 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.48)) and 61% (IRR 0.39 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.46)). COPD-related ED visits and admissions fell by 63% (IRR 0.37 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.45)) and 45% (IRR 0.55 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.62)). Respiratory tract infection ED visits and admissions fell by 85% (IRR 0.15 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.22)), and 85% (IRR 0.15 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.24)). Rather than the usual peaks in disease condition, during the pandemic, healthcare utilisation peaked in October when rhino/enterovirus peaked.

Conclusions

The prevalence of nearly all non-COVID-19 respiratory viruses decreased during the pandemic and was associated with marked reductions in ED visits and hospitalisations. The re-emergence of rhino/enterovirus was associated with increased healthcare utilisation.
Brief report on the development of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion after thoracic surgery for traumatic injuries
Authors: Niziolek Grace Martin , Dowzicky Phillip , Joergensen Sarah , Zone Alea , Brinson Martha M , Martin Niels D , Seamon Mark J , Raza Shariq , Yelon Jay , Cannon Jeremy
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion (HPE) is a rare but life-threatening diagnosis that may occur after thoracic trauma. Previous reports have concentrated on delayed HPE in those who did not require initial surgical intervention for their traumatic injuries. In this report, we identify and characterize the phenomenon of HPE after emergent thoracic surgery for trauma.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients who required emergent thoracic surgery for trauma at a level 1 trauma center from 2017 to 2021. Using the institutional trauma database, demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes were compared between patients with HPE and those without HPE after thoracic surgery for trauma.

Results

Ninety-one patients were identified who underwent emergent thoracic surgery for trauma. Most were young men who sustained a penetrating thoracic injury. Seven patients (7.7%) went on to develop HPE. Patients who developed HPE were younger (18 vs. 32 years, p=0.034), required bilateral anterolateral thoracotomy (85% vs. 7%, p<0.001), and were more likely to have pulmonary injuries (100% vs. 52.4%, p<0.001). Five patients with HPE survived to hospital discharge. The two patients with HPE who died were both coagulopathic and had HPE diagnosed within 4 days of injury. The median time to HPE diagnosis in survivors was 24 days with four of five HPE survivors on therapeutic anticoagulation at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusions

HPE may occur after emergent thoracic surgery for trauma. Those at highest risk of HPE include younger patients with bilateral thoracotomy incisions and pulmonary injuries. Early HPE, clinical signs of tamponade, and/or coagulopathy in patients with HPE portend a worse prognosis. Surgeons and trauma team members caring for patients after emergent thoracic exploration for trauma should be aware of this potentially devastating complication and should consider postoperative echocardiography in high-risk patients.
Orbital motion and quasi-periodic oscillations with periastron and Lense–Thirring precession of slowly rotating Einstein–Æther black hole
Authors: Liu Yong , Mustafa G. , Maurya S. K. , Javed Faisal
Published: July 2023

We study the orbital and oscillatory motion of test particles moving around slowly rotating first and second kinds of Einstein–Æther black holes. In relation to the black hole parameters, we find analytical solutions for the radial profiles of specific energy and specific angular momentum of the equatorial stable circular orbits. The properties of the co-rotating as well as contra-rotating innermost stable circular orbits are analyzed. We examine the radial profiles of the frequencies of latitudinal and radial harmonic oscillations as a function of the black hole mass and dimensionless coupling constants of the theory. The key features of quasi-periodic oscillations of test particles near the stable circular orbits in an equatorial plane of the black hole are discussed. We investigate the positions of resonant radii for high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations models, namely epicyclic resonance and its variants, relativistic precession and its variants, tidal disruption, as well as warped disc models, considered in the background of slowly rotating first and second kinds of slowly rotating Einstein–Æther black holes. Furthermore, Periastron and Lense–Thirring precessions have been discussed. We demonstrate that the dimensionless coupling parameters of the theory have a strong influence on particle motion around Einstein–Æther black holes.
Experimental study of ECR plasmas in stationary versus turbulent regimes for in-plasma $$\beta$$-decay investigations
Authors: Naselli Eugenia
Published: July 2023

A new experimental study of electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasmas in stationary versus turbulent regimes was recently carried out in the framework of the PANDORA (plasmas for astrophysics, nuclear decays observation and radiation for archaeometry) project, which aims to measure $$\beta$$
β
-decays of nuclear astrophysical interest for the first time in laboratory plasmas emulating some stellar-like conditions. The experimental study was finalized to correlate the nuclear activity to the thermodynamic conditions of the plasma environment by means of a multi-diagnostic approach. Advanced analysis methods and non-invasive tools were properly developed, including high-resolution space-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and imaging, which allow unprecedented investigations of thermodynamic plasma properties as well as of plasma structure, confinement and dynamics of losses. Furthermore, an innovative plasma heating mode (two-close-frequency heating) has been investigated, showing to be a powerful method for improving the plasma stability, damping instabilities. In order to correlate plasma properties to nuclear activity, GEANT4 simulations devoted to design a $$\gamma$$
γ
-ray detector array to tag the in-plasma $$\beta$$
β
-decays by detecting $$\gamma$$
γ
-rays emitted by daughters nuclei were carried out. The sensitivity of the PANDORA setup was specifically investigated in a virtual experiment, for the first PANDORA physics cases: $$^{134}$$

134

Cs, $$^{176}$$

176

Lu, $$^{94}$$

94

Nb. The obtained results allowed to demonstrate that laboratory ECR plasmas in compact traps are suitable and interesting environments for fundamental studies as well as for applications.
Transition from optical bistability to multistability in a tunneling quantum dot via structure hybrid light
Authors: Li Qiang , Yang Zhao
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we proposed a new model based on the electron tunneling effect in a four-level quantum dot molecule (QDM) for studying the optical bistability (OB) and optical multistability (OM). The QDM interacts with a probe and two coupling and Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) fields. We found that by adjusting the electron tunneling effect and the parametric controlling of LG light, the transition from OB to OM or vice versa is possible. Moreover, due to the simultaneous interaction between coupling and LG lights with the same optical transition adjusting the threshold of OB and OM by orbital angular momentum (OAM) of the LG light becomes achievable. Our results show that by adjusting the simultaneous effect of electron tunneling and OAM state of the vortex light, the favorable OB and OM patterns with adjustable intensity thresholds are achievable. Our proposed model may have potential application in quantum information science based on quantum dot (QD) devices.
Quantum walks on N-cycles with an absorbing wall
Authors: Han Qi , Bai Ning , Wang Huan , Wang Shuai , Gou Lijie
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we analyze quantum walks on cycles with an absorbing wall. We set the absorbing wall on cycles with N vertices (where N is an even number), and divide [Formula: see text] into two parts, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Due to the periodicity of the cycles, the condition [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text]) is applied to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], then the transmission probability [Formula: see text] and reflection probability [Formula: see text] at the absorbing wall [Formula: see text] at time t are obtained. Furthermore, we show that over time, the absorbing wall absorbs less and less.
Equations of the multi-Rees algebra of fattened coordinate subspaces
Authors: Jabbar Nezhad Babak
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we describe the equations defining the multi-Rees algebra [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), where the ideals are generated by subsets of [Formula: see text]. We also show that a family of binomials whose leading terms are squarefree, form a Gröbner basis for the defining equations with lexicographic order. We show that if we remove binomials that include [Formula: see text]’s, then remaining binomials form a Gröbner basis for the toric ideal associated to the multi-fiber ring. However binomials, including [Formula: see text]’s, in Gröbner basis of defining equations of the multi-Rees algebra are not necessarily defining equations of corresponding symmetric algebra. Despite this fact, we show that this family of ideals is of multi-fiber type.
Rotational Symmetry Breaking Enhanced Frequency Comb of NiFe Vortex in a Square Disk
Authors: Qiao Shizhu
Published: July 2023

This work explores the frequency comb of magnetic vortex in a square disk and a circular disk created by an out-of-plane and in-plane oscillating field using micromagnetic modeling. The broadest frequency comb ever observed in a magnetic system is displayed. When driven by an out-of-plane field, the robustness of the frequency comb of a vortex in a square disk is significantly enhanced due to a reduction in rotational symmetry when compared to a vortex in a circular disk. In addition, comb lines increase as driven amplitude increases, and frequency spacing could be adjusted in the square disk, so facilitating its application. In a situation where the vortex is driven by in-plane field, the square disk exhibits a significantly neater frequency comb than the circular disk. The conclusion is that magnetic vortex in a square disk is better suited for frequency comb applications.
Reinforcement Learning for Adaptive Video Compressive Sensing
Authors: Lu Sidi , Yuan Xin , Katsaggelos Aggelos K. , Shi Weisong
Published: July 2023

We apply reinforcement learning to video compressive sensing to adapt the compression ratio. Specifically, video snapshot compressive imaging (SCI), which captures high-speed video using a low-speed camera is considered in this work, in which multiple (
B
) video frames can be reconstructed from a snapshot measurement. One research gap in previous studies is how to adapt
B
in the video SCI system for different scenes. In this article, we fill this gap utilizing reinforcement learning (RL). An RL model, as well as various convolutional neural networks for reconstruction, are learned to achieve adaptive sensing of video SCI systems. Furthermore, the performance of an object detection network using directly the video SCI measurements
without reconstruction
is also used to perform RL-based adaptive video compressive sensing. Our proposed adaptive SCI method can thus be implemented in low cost and real time. Our work takes the technology one step further towards real applications of video SCI.
The Privacy Issue of Counterfactual Explanations: Explanation Linkage Attacks
Authors: Goethals Sofie , Sörensen Kenneth , Martens David
Published: July 2023

Black-box machine learning models are used in an increasing number of high-stakes domains, and this creates a growing need for Explainable AI (XAI). However, the use of XAI in machine learning introduces privacy risks, which currently remain largely unnoticed. Therefore, we explore the possibility of an
explanation linkage attack
, which can occur when deploying instance-based strategies to find counterfactual explanations. To counter such an attack, we propose
k
-anonymous counterfactual explanations and introduce
pureness
as a metric to evaluate the
validity
of these
k
-anonymous counterfactual explanations. Our results show that making the explanations, rather than the whole dataset,
k
-anonymous, is beneficial for the quality of the explanations.
Interdisciplinary Management of Bilateral Congenital Lateral Incisor Agenesis
Authors: Vignon Margaux , Bensaidani Typhaine , Soliveres Serge , Bousquet Philippe
Published: July 2023

Management of lateral incisor agenesis is a real challenge and needs a strong collaboration between surgical, aesthetic, and orthodontic dentistry. This case report managed upper lateral incisor agenesis with an orthodontic treatment leading to open spaces and placement of cuspids in lateral incisor area to avoid implant placement in maxillary anterior region. Temporary rehabilitation phase, using resin injected tray and removable partial denture, has been placed to maintain mesiodistal dimensions and restore aesthetic during pre-implant analysis and osseointegration. Once osseointegration was fully obtained, keratinized tissue augmentation has been obtained using connective tissue graft. Then, temporary implant fixed crowns allowed soft tissue modeling during interim rehabilitation. Finally, screw-retained permanent crowns were placed to fully restore aesthetic and function. This case goal was to optimize final results and reach patient complete satisfaction using orthodontic treatment combined with implant rehabilitation, and coupled with interdisciplinary management and well-time sequencing treatment.
Stretch Harmonizes Sarcomere Strain Across the Cardiomyocyte
Authors: Li Jia , Sundnes Joakim , Hou Yufeng , Laasmaa Martin , Ruud Marianne , Unger Andreas , Kolstad Terje R. , Frisk Michael , Norseng Per Andreas , Yang Limin , Setterberg Ingunn E. , Alves Estela S. , Kalakoutis Michaeljohn , Sejersted Ole M. , Lanner Johanna T. , Linke Wolfgang A. , Lunde Ida G. , de Tombe Pieter P. , Louch William E.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Increasing cardiomyocyte contraction during myocardial stretch serves as the basis for the Frank-Starling mechanism in the heart. However, it remains unclear how this phenomenon occurs regionally within cardiomyocytes, at the level of individual sarcomeres. We investigated sarcomere contractile synchrony and how intersarcomere dynamics contribute to increasing contractility during cell lengthening.

METHODS:

Sarcomere strain and Ca
2+
were simultaneously recorded in isolated left ventricular cardiomyocytes during 1 Hz field stimulation at 37 °C, at resting length and following stepwise stretch.

RESULTS:

We observed that in unstretched rat cardiomyocytes, differential sarcomere deformation occurred during each beat. Specifically, while most sarcomeres shortened during the stimulus, ≈10% to 20% of sarcomeres were stretched or remained stationary. This nonuniform strain was not traced to regional Ca
2+
disparities but rather shorter resting lengths and lower force production in systolically stretched sarcomeres. Lengthening of the cell recruited additional shortening sarcomeres, which increased contractile efficiency as less negative, wasted work was performed by stretched sarcomeres. Given the known role of titin in setting sarcomere dimensions, we next hypothesized that modulating titin expression would alter intersarcomere dynamics. Indeed, in cardiomyocytes from mice with titin haploinsufficiency, we observed greater variability in resting sarcomere length, lower recruitment of shortening sarcomeres, and impaired work performance during cell lengthening.

CONCLUSIONS:

Graded sarcomere recruitment directs cardiomyocyte work performance, and harmonization of sarcomere strain increases contractility during cell stretch. By setting sarcomere dimensions, titin controls sarcomere recruitment, and its lowered expression in haploinsufficiency mutations impairs cardiomyocyte contractility.
The Effect of Frailty on the Efficacy and Safety of Intensive Blood Pressure Control: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SPRINT Trial
Authors: Wang Zhiyan , Du Xin , Hua Chang , Li Wenjie , Zhang Hao , Liu Xinru , Wang Yufeng , Jiang Chao , Guo Jiakun , Lv Qiang , Anderson Craig S. , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Frailty is associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular events. However, it is uncertain whether frailty modifies the efficacy and safety of intensive blood pressure control.

METHODS:

Data from SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) were used to construct a frailty index. Subgroup differences in intensive blood pressure control treatment effects and safety outcomes were measured on a relative and an absolute scale in patients with and without frailty (defined as a frailty index >0.21) using Cox proportional hazard models and generalized linear models, respectively. The primary outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome without myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death.

RESULTS:

A total of 9306 patients (mean age, 67.9±9.4 years), 2560 (26.7%) of whom had frailty, were included in our study. Over a median follow-up of 3.22 years, 561 primary outcomes were observed. Patients with frailty had a significantly higher risk of primary outcome in both the intensive and standard blood pressure control arms (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.10 [95% CI, 1.59–2.77] and 1.85 [95% CI, 1.46–2.35], respectively). Intensive treatment effects on primary and secondary outcomes were not significantly different on a relative scale (except for cardiovascular death [hazard ratio in patients with and without frailty, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.52–1.60) versus 0.30 (95% CI, 0.16–0.59), respectively;
P
interaction
=0.01]) or absolute scale. There was no significant interaction between frailty and risks for serious adverse events with intensive treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Frailty status was a marker of high cardiovascular risk. Patients with frailty benefit similarly to other patients from intensive blood pressure control without an increased risk of serious adverse events.
Dialogues on/in the field of meanings: to the 120th anniversary of Alexey Nikolayevich Leontiev
Authors: Asmolov Alexander G. , Bityutskaya Ekaterina V. , Bratus Boris S. , Leontiev Dmitry A. , Ushakov Dmitry V.
Published: July 2023

Background. The paper is associated with the 120th anniversary of the birt of Alexey Nikolaevich Leontiev, acknowledged classic of the world psychology. This anniversary of the founder of a scientific school in psychology and of the department of psychology at Moscow State University has given rise to reflections on the “task for meaning” of Leontiev’s personality, his theory and its modern implementations. Objective. The study is a professional reflection on the importance of A.N. Leontiev’s personality and his activity theory approach for the psychological science of these days as well as the explication of meanings implied in the special thematic issue of this journal. Results. “The field of meanings” associated with A.N. Leontiev is being revealed through the analysis of cultural-historical, life and scientific contexts. The intertwined lines of A.N. Leontiev’s life activity are singled out: the scientific one (a fundamental theory, suggesting a holistic concept of human being), the social one (restoring intellectual environment), and the closely connected to the latter, emotional one (creating a specific “field of tension” which attracted colleagues toward this intellectual environment and generated a specific university atmosphere of freedom and diverse new ideas at the department of psychology at MSU. Dialogues and interactions of the activity theory approach with some theoretical approaches of our days are explicated. Conclusion. Having much in common with more recent approaches, A.N. Leontiev’s approach is a polisemantic one. This fact may serve as an explanation to the plurality of its interpretations in the present-day contexts within psychological science. The approach remains a significant resource of answers to the questions posed in psychology today, many decades after its creator passed.
Deed, Thought, and Word of Alexey Nikolaevich Leontiev
Authors: Zhdan Antonina N. , Sokolova Elena E.
Published: July 2023

Background. The article presents the most important events in the scientific biography of A.N. Leontiev (1903–1979). Some aspects of his psychological theory of activity are being analyzed. The relevance of addressing the heritage of A.N. Leontiev and his scientific school is determined by the implemented methodology of psychological research, which is an alternative to the approaches to the study of consciousness that dominate in modern world science. Objectives of the paper were to highlight those aspects of psychological theory of activity that were successfully implemented in “highly organized practice” as well as to discuss some controversial issues of cultural-activity psychology. Method. Well-known works of Leontiev, his colleagues, and opponents served as sources for the study, historical and psychological in genre and methodology. Some archive materials, including those that have not been previously introduced to scientific comunity were used as well. Results. A new solution to the problem of the relation between Word and Deed, which was debated by L.S. Vygotsky and A.N. Leontiev and is still being debated in the modern literature, is proposed. It is stated that Leontiev’s doctrine on the forms of connection between meanings and senses in the structure of consciousness was included in the methodological foundations of “pedagogy of freedom”, seeking to develop a culture of thinking and personal growth in students. The examples of the realization of this pedagogy in teaching students at the Faculty of Psychology of Moscow State University are presented. Studying personal letters from th family archives provided some new details about Leontiev’s administrative and organizational activities during the Great Patriotic War. Conclusion. The immediate tasks of the historical and psychological study of Leontiev’s contribution are to: 1) analyze the empirical research of his school in the 1940s and the following years; 2) study systematically the contribution of this school to practical psychology; 3) create a complete and detailed chronology of A.N. Leontiev’s life and work; 4) develop teaching aids for psychology students with the explanation of the complex issues and contradictions in A.N. Leontiev’s activity theory as well as with scientific comments on his works, within the sociocultural context of their creation.
Creative Person. A.N. Leontiev and Russian Psychology
Authors: Mazilov Vladimir A. , Slepko Yurii N.
Published: July 2023

Background. The study of the contribution of Alexei Nikolaevich Leontiev to the development of Russian psychological science makes it possible to evaluate his outstanding personal qualities, organizational skills, and the talent of a scientist and researcher. Objective. The study is aimed to analyze the role of A.N. Leontiev in the development of Russian psychology as a field of independent scientific knowledge. Methods. The material was obtained in the study of memories on the life and work of A.N. Leontiev. The analysis of theoretical and methodological research on the problems of psychological science was also conducted. Results. The analysis showed that A.N. Leontiev is one of the few psychologists who took responsibility for the development of psychological science in the USSR. This was reflected in the systematic and fundamental organizational activity, in the creation of psychological faculties, scientific journals, training of personnel for psychological institutions. A.N. Leontiev played a significant role in the rapprochement of Soviet and foreign psychology, acquaintance of Soviet psychologists with the research of psychologists abroad. At the same time, A.N. Leontiev managed to make a significant contribution to the solution of theoretical and methodological issues of world psychology. It is asserted that the achievements of A.N. Leontiev in the areas of organizational, scientific, research activities are explained by a combination of personal qualities of a scientist associated with the ability to think strategically, see a systematic solution to problems, and take responsibility. Conclusion. The most significant achievements of A.N. Leontiev are associated with institutionalizing psychology, training psychological personnel, solving fundamental theoretical and methodological problems of Soviet psychology. Despite the vast research on the personality and activity of A.N. Leontiev within Russian psychological science, the task of archival work with sources and materials remains of great importance. There is an urge for broad generalization of the results in the life and creative paths of the scientist, for the spread of materials about A.N. Leontiev among modern young psychologists.
Psychological Theory of Activity by A.N. Leontiev and Current Cognitive Studies
Authors: Lektorsky Vladislav A.
Published: July 2023

Background. In the year of Leontiev’s 120th anniversary it is important to look again at his scientific heritage. Objective. The article aims to define the place of psychological theory of activity in the Soviet and Russian psychology and philosophy of the second half of the 20th century. Results. It is shown that Leontiev’s theory predetermined a number of ideas of the intellectual movement 4E Cognition popular now in cognitive science. However, some important ideas of Leontiev are not yet utilized in modern cognitive research. The psychological theory of activity is compared with the concept of social constructionism in psychology, and in this respect the advantages of Leontiev’s theory are revealed. Possible areas for further development of the psychological theory of activity are outlined. Conclusion. Leontiev’s theory of activity thoroughly comprehends the problematics of activity, action, construction, and cultural-historical mediation of activity. This theory essentially defines the present of psychological science and makes it possible to outline a strategy for its future development.
A.N. Leontiev’s rise and tragedy: per marxism ad astra
Authors: Allakhverdov Viktor M.
Published: July 2023

Relevance. The article is written in honor of the anniversary of the outstanding scientist. It examines the paradoxical nature of Leontiev’s creative path. He keenly felt the scale of unsolved problems facing psychology. A talented experimentalist, fascinated by concrete empirical phenomena, not only did he try it himself but urged his students to develop psychology “not into a forest but into a tree” as well. However, he framed his creative ideas with philosophical constructions somewhat superfluously. Objective. Leontiev’s concepts are not discussed in the current article, but all their merits are presented. Despite the efforts of their creator, these concepts cannot be directly deduced from philosophical constructions and cannot be substantiated by them. Leontiev was aware of the tragic incompleteness of his own views. Since he had to adapt to the official government ideology, he had to use Aesopian language to deliver his concepts. Results. Leontiev’s problem was his excessive and sincere fascination with the Marxist philosophy. However, it turned out to be a blessing for Soviet psychology since it allowed him to defend the young science in a country where Marxism was recognized as the only true doctrine and all other views were ostracized. Conclusions. Leontiev’s talent for organization and passion for science contribut d to the emergence of a powerful research school, famous for its brilliant students and followers. The fact that A.N. Leontiev’s school not only endures, in whatever directions it takes off, but also continues to have great influence on psychology is an indicator of the true greatness of its founder.
Psychological Theory of Activity’ Contribution to the Development of Subject-Oriented Psychophysics
Authors: Gusev Alexey N. , Skotnikova Irina G.
Published: July 2023

Background and objective. The authors present the results of their theoretical and experimental research in the field of subject-oriented psychophysics, carried out in different years in line with the subject-oriented activity and the system-oriented activity approaches. The results obtained substantiate the productivity and prospects of the A.N. Leontiev’s psych ological theory of object activity ideas as one of the important theoretical and methodological foundations of domestic psychophysical research. The principal role of the concept of a sensory task as a cognitive task of a special kind is emphasized. Such tasks of detection, discrimination, and identification of sensory signals by a person are characterized by goals accepted as these tasks’ components and by a high level of uncertainty. Therefore, these tasks require researchers to meaningfully analyze the psychological structure of the corresponding sensory process in the context of the requirements of the task being solved and in an inextricable relationship with various manifestations and internal content of human activity. The significance of the task as the goal and conditions of the subject’s activity, has appeared not only in empirical research results, but in the mathematical model of decision making and confidence in threshold-like tasks, as well. Conclusions. The results obtained convincingly prove the role of the sensory task characteristics related with individual psychological peculiarities of a subject of sensory measurements, his (her) functional states and reflective experiences as important factors determining a choice of sensory performance tools, and its effectiveness.
Psychophysical Analysis of the Skin Sensitivity to Light Exposure: a Pilot Study
Authors: Razzhivin Vladislav A. , Kovalev Artem I. , Razjivin Andrei P.
Published: July 2023

Background. The study of the mechanisms of sensation, primarily visual, emergence under the influence of a light stimulus on a person is a classic task for psychological science. At the same time, little attention has been paid to the sensations arising from light exposure of the skin surface, despite the surprising results obtained in a well-known series of experiments by Russian psychologist A.N. Leontiev. The task of studying skin-optical sensitivity with the modern element base of experimental equipment is relevant from the point of view of the development of the general psychological theory of activity and understanding sensory-perceptual processes of sensation formation due to light exposure.Objective of the study was to investigate the ability of subjects to recognize the effect of light on their skin surface. Methods. A specially designed experimental setup was used for the purpose of the study, which included a LED light source and a control programme. The experimental procedure involved the psychophysical method of two-alternative forced choice. The main experiment consisted of three series of cycles for each participant: first, 10 cycles were presented to fix the initial state; 100 cycles followed to train the subject; then, 10 cycles were used to fix the final state. Sample. 12 participants took part in the experiment. Results. showed that the number of correct answers when determining the cycle phase corresponding to the LED switching on, is significantly more than 50% (t = 10,992, df = 1414, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The conclusions of A.N. Leontiev and N.B. Poznanskaya about the possibility of skin sensitivity to light exposure were confirmed. A biophysical hypothesis is proposed to explain the result.
“Self-Testament”
Authors: Leontiev Alexey N.
Published: July 2023

The text published below is handwritten notes on three standard sheets of paper made after one of the author’s numerous conversations with writer Vladimit Tendryakov, his younger friend and neighbor by the country residence (Writers’ settlement, Krasnaya Pakhra, Moscow region). These conversations have been described in Tendryakov’s recollections of A.N. Leontiev (Tendryakov, V.F. (1983). Proselochnye besedy (Country road talks). In: A.V. Zaporozhets et al. (eds.) A.N. Leontiev i sovremennaya psikhologiya (A.N. Leontiev and contemporary psychology). (pp. 266–274). Moscow: Moscow University Press.These notes are being published for the first and not for the first time. This text, prepared for publication by Alexander Asmolov, was included into the first posthumous edition of A.N. Leontiev’s works — “Selected psychological writings” in 2 volumes, ed. by V.V. Davydov et al., Moscow: Pedagogika, 1983 — and is rather often referred to. The title “from the journal notes” was given by the editors of the 1983 book. However, in course of that publication this text, like other works included into the book, underwent substantial editing which was not marked in the book; about 15% of the text has been cut. Hence we decided to restore and publish for the first time the initial author’s text in line with the manuscript. One editorial correction should be mentioned specially. 1983 publication says: “Personality (…), its Copernican understanding: I find/have my “self ” not in myself (others see it in me) but rather in that exists outside me” (p. 241). In the original manuscript it was articulated differently: Personality (I=I), its Ptolemean understanding: I find/have my “self ” not in myself (others see it in me) but rather in others, in the other that exists outside me”. Copernican heliocentric understanding is the opposite of the Ptolemean one, which puts the Earth to the center of the Universe. The substitution of the word for the one with the opposite meaning is probably due to wrong reading of the whole sentence. Most likely, the words “Ptolemean understanding” on the manuscript refer to the traditional, common ideas of personality (“I=I”), to which A.N. Leontiev contrasted another one, articulated after the colon (“I find/have my “self ” not in myself ”…), and which would be correct to call a Copernican one. “The bishop phenomenon”, mentioned in the last sentence, refers to a historical anecdote, which A.N. Leontiev used to recollect. A respected elderly bishop, as he was getting older, started to worry whether his mind was as clear as before, and asked his servant to tell him if he start saying something inappropriate. This happened during one of the sermons, and the servant said it to the bishop. The bishop got angry, said that it was one of his best sermons ever, and fired the servant. The manuscript was prepared for publication by D. Leontiev. His are also the additions in angle brackets. Numbered footnotes belong to the author.
On A.G. Asmolov’s thesis “On the role of set in the structure of activity”
Authors: Leontiev Alexey N.
Published: July 2023

These notes on the margins of Ph.D. Thesis which are being published here, and the supervisor’s review of the Thesis clearly explicate both A.N. Leontiev’s unique intellectual style of work with his disciples and his active involvement into the generation of key hypotheses of the study. It is remarkable that from the beginning A.N. Leontiev’s central intention was making sense of multifaceted phenomena of set as inertia instances ensuring the stability of the dynamics of activity. It is the unique function of ensuring the stability of the direction of activity reveals the role of the effects of set in psychology. Discussions on the nature of set and the relationships between set and activity with the representatives of the scientific school of Dmitry Uznadze, classic of Soviet psychology, are still going. It is worth noting, that in his notes of 1976 A.N. Leontiev sketched the perspectives of investigating personality as a system of meaning-related formations. Such an investigation cannot be reduced to laboratory experiments, in principle. It would make little sense if I, A.N. Leontiev’s disciple, would “comment on my teacher’s comments” in 47 years. Love to my teacher illuminates everything I did, do, and hopefully, will be doing some more time. In the day of defense of this dissertation brilliant Georgian psychologist Shota Aleksandrovich Nadirashvili noted that love is a set. I should confess that the set of love to Alexey Nikolaevich Leontiev provided the stability of all my professional and private life. Aleksander Asmolov
Theoretical foundations for the procedural model of the image of the world of personality
Authors: Kononova Alina I. , Kostromina Svetlana N.
Published: July 2023

Background. The article deals with the issue of studying the image of the world of personality, taking into account the existing theoretical approaches to study and the modern understanding of personality psychology. There is a lack of relevant operationalized models of the image of the world, allowing to show its dynamism and reflect the procedural nature of the inner world of a person, which is an integral part of the study of human psychology in dynamic, rapidly changing society, global upheavals and challenges of the uncertain future. The modern viewpoint on the changeable nature of personality allows us to develop the construct “image of the world” in terms of the procedural approach in personality psychology. Objective. The article is the theoretical and methodological substantiation of the procedural model of the image of the world in an individual. Methods. The research methods used are theoretical and methodological analyses of literature on the problem of studying the image of the world of personality, generalization of scientific data, and modeling applied in order to construct a procedural model of the image of the world of personality. Results. A theoretical analysis of approaches to the study of the “image of the world” of the individual is carried out. Based on the concepts of “meaning” and “personal meaning”, two basic categories of psychology — “image” and “world” — are analyzed. The definition of the image of the world as an integral individual system of personality values, semantic component of its interaction with the world, is proposed. It is concluded that the image of the world includes an individual system of meanings, personal meanings and ways of interaction with the world. The existing models of the image of the world are considered. The procedural approach is applied to the construction of a theoretical model of the image of the world. Based on the ideas about the ways of human interaction with the world of S.L. Rubinstein, the concept of the image of the world by A.N. Leontiev and V.P. Serkin, as well as the provisions of the procedural approach in personality psychology by S.N. Kostromina and N.V. Grishina, the author’s procedural model of the image of the world reflects the essential relationships and connections between three layers of the image of the world: perceptual, semantic and nuclear. Conclusion. The procedural model of the image of the world reflects a specifically human way of existence, revealing the procedural, dynamic nature of personality. Based on this approach to understanding the image of the world, it is possible to present the real processes taking place in the inner world of the individual.
Validation for the scales of attitude to physical pain in adolescents and youth: psychometric characteristics, possibilities, and limitations
Authors: Sadovnichaya Veronika S. , Rasskazova Elena I.
Published: July 2023

Background. In adolescence and youth, physical pain is associated not only with a tendency to somatization and hypochondrization but also with signs of aggressive and suicidal behaviour. Objective. The study is aimed at approbation of Russian-­language versions of the Discomfort Intolerance Scale, the Pain Catastrophization Scale and the Fear of Pain questionnaire in adolescents and young people. Methods. The Russian-­language versions of the Discomfort Intolerance Scale, the Pain Catastrophization Scale, the Fear of Pain Questionnaire (Short Form), the Body and Health Perceptions Inventory. Questions on the signs of deviant behaviours were also included. Sample. 245 adolescents and young adults (112 people aged 13–16 and 133 people aged 17–21). Results. Sufficient reliability-­consistency of the Fear of Pain Questionnaire scales, the Pain Catastrophization Questionnaire scales, as well as the discomfort avoidance subscale of the Discomfort Intolerance Scale was demonstrated on the sample of adolescents and young people. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure of the methods, corresponding to the original version. Girls were more likely to ruminate about pain than boys; there was no correlation between physical pain and age. In confirmation of the external validity of the methods, various aspects of fear, catastrophization and intolerance to physical pain are positively related to each other, as well as to the catastrophization of bodily sensations, the severity of sensations from the autonomic nervous system, as well as with the ideas about intolerance to bodily sensations and somatosensory amplification. Catastrophization in relation to physical pain was associated with signs of deviant behaviour, including signs of aggression as well as anxious, obsessive, suicidal thoughts, and substances use. Experience of self-injurious or suicidal behaviour was associated not only with helpless attitude towards pain but also with lower rates of fear of significant pain and injection pain. Conclusions. The Fear of Pain Questionnaire and the Pain Catastrophization Questionnaire scales are reliable and valid methods for psychodiagnostics of attitudes towards physical pain in adolescents and young people.
Perception of reproductive difficulties in women with different coping orientations
Authors: Bityutskaya Ekaterina V. , Vorontsova Elena V.
Published: July 2023

Background. In modern scientific concept as well as in practical psychology, numerous data confirm that infertility causes severe worries and chronic stress in women. At the same time, there is a paucity of empirical evidence on how women with reproductive difficulties perceive this situation. Objective. The study aims to analyze types of reproductive difficulties perception in women with different coping orientations. Methods. Participants were 50 women (aged 25 to 44) from support groups arranged by the non-profit organization for women with reproductive issues “You Are Not Alone”. Based on the questionnaire “Types of Orientations in Difficult Situation”, participants were divided into three groups: approach to the goal of having a child (N = 17), avoidance of the problem (N = 5), ambivalent perception (N = 28). Content analysis was conducted based on stories about reproduction difficulties experiences. Results. Categories describing the perceived life situation associated with reproductive difficulties were identified: the content of the situation; problem-­oriented coping; avoidance coping; emotions; appraisals of the situation; goals; possibilities; restrictions; support from other people; worst-case scenario and best-case scenario. The features of reproductive difficulties perception for each type of coping orientation were analyzed. The levels of goals that allow to analyse coping and the extent of a woman’s approach to resolving the situation are described. These levels include 1) goals of stabilization (to make a certain decision, maintain the integrity of the body and psyche); 2) the goals of avoiding negative experiences; 3) the goals of approaching the achievement of the result; 4) the goals of overcoming the situation (birth of children or a harmonious life without them). Conclusion. Women seeking for psychological assistance in support groups perceive reproductive difficulties as a life situation of high difficulty, which in some cases is associated with the experience of perinatal losses, moral burden while undergoing medical procedures, and fear for their health and life. In terms of its structure, this situation contains two major tasks: motherhood (or, more rarely, rejection of it) and coping with negative emotions. Accordingly, coping strategies perform the following functions: approaching the goal, providing resistance to one’s own avoidance, and resistance to “social pressure”, overcoming emotional resistance. The presented levels of goals for women with reproductive difficulties allow us to describe the tasks of psychological assistance as well as to give brief recommendations.