bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Triple Typology of Divide: Russia’s Journalism Education in the Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vartanova Elena , Lukina Maria
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic affected education worldwide, and journalism faculties and students were not exceptions. In the Russian Federation, all educational institutions, including journalism schools, were obliged with 1 day’s notice to switch their classes from regular face-to-face teaching to remote and online formats. The abruptness of this transfer caused a variety of reactions in academic and student communities. This article presents a country-oriented study of how the pandemic affected Russian journalism education. Executives of 15 Russian journalism schools in a geographical spread across the nation evaluate how their faculties and students coped with the classroom shutdowns and discuss both the stressful and motivating practices they have experienced. In brief, they could be described in three typologies: digital, methodological, and communicational. The study uses educational perspectives that could be exercised in the development or renovation of journalism education practices.
Monitoring and evaluation for thinking and working politically
Authors: Aston Thomas , Roche Chris , Schaaf Marta , Cant Sue
Published: October 2021

This article explores the challenges of monitoring and evaluating politically informed and adaptive programmes in the international development field. We assess the strengths and weaknesses of some specific evaluation methodologies which have been suggested as particularly appropriate for these kinds of programmes based on scholarly literature and the practical experience of the authors in using them. We suggest that those methods which assume generative causality are particularly well suited to the task. We also conclude that factoring in the politics of uncertainty and evidence generation and use is particularly important in order to recognize and value diverse experiential knowledge, integrate understandings of the local context, accommodate adaptation and realistically grapple with the power relations which are inherent in evaluation processes.
Community-Engaged Teen Pregnancy Prevention: A Needs Assessment
Authors: Wright LaNita S. , Fore Sharayah
Published: October 2021

Teen birth is a contributor to significant challenges, including poverty, foster care, increased medical expenses, and high school dropout. Although teen birth rates have declined, disparities persist by state. Oklahoma’s teen birth rate is fifth highest in the nation. Recognizing population-level change is not possible through the work of any single organization, Thrive is the convening leader of a multipartner collaboration called the Central Oklahoma Teen Pregnancy Prevention Collaboration. This collaboration utilizes the Collective Impact framework to bring organizations together to address teen pregnancy. The purpose of this article is to detail the consulting phase of the Collective Impact Community Engagement Toolkit, welcoming feedback from community members regarding programs. Method. Researchers conducted a mixed-methods needs assessment, including interviews and surveys with community-based organization staff, faith members, and caregivers. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and NVIVO 12 Pro. Results. A total of 350 surveys and 25 interviews were included in the analysis. Looking across all three populations, participants wanted to learn most about parent-child communication, communication skills with partners, and sexually transmitted infections/sexually transmitted diseases. Participants wanted topics delivered through educational programs, handouts/brochures, group settings, and websites. Common barriers were needing additional training/information, limited time, and lack of approval/support from others. Conclusions. This community needs assessment provided valuable information regarding needs of community-based organization staff, faith members, and parents related to adolescent sexual health. By including the community in needs assessments and using multiple tools, researchers/practitioners are able to see which strategies are best for gathering rich feedback and planning sustainable programs.
Virtual Co-Creation: A Guide to Conducting Online Co-Creation Workshops
Authors: Benson Tony , Pedersen Susanne , Tsalis George , Futtrup Rebecca , Dean Moira , Aschemann-Witzel Jessica
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 has impacted research worldwide, with many researchers turning to online methods. While online and co-creation research methods are well established, there are no instructional articles or guides for researchers aiming to conduct online co-creation workshops. Such workshops can provide quality data and are increasingly used. This methods paper addresses this gap by outlining the steps involved in conducting online co-creation workshops. Using the TruSTFood sustainability food labelling study as an example, this paper provides instructions and considerations for researchers. It serves as a guide for those interested in or new to this area and can be used to transfer existing research online owing to social distancing and the pandemic or new research beyond.
Choosing and changing the analysis scale in non-inferiority trials with a binary outcome
Authors: Li Zhong , Quartagno Matteo , Böhringer Stefan , van Geloven Nan
Published: October 2021

Background

The size of the margin strongly influences the required sample size in non-inferiority and equivalence trials. What is sometimes ignored, however, is that for trials with binary outcomes, the scale of the margin – risk difference, risk ratio or odds ratio – also has a large impact on power and thus on sample size requirement. When considering several scales at the design stage of a trial, these sample size consequences should be taken into account. Sometimes, changing the scale may be needed at a later stage of a trial, for example, when the event proportion in the control arm turns out different from expected. Also after completion of a trial, a switch to another scale is sometimes made, for example, when using a regression model in a secondary analysis or when combining study results in a meta-analysis that requires unifying scales. The exact consequences of such switches are currently unknown.

Methods and Results

This article first outlines sample size consequences for different choices of analysis scale at the design stage of a trial. We add a new result on sample size requirement comparing the risk difference scale with the risk ratio scale. Then, we study two different approaches to changing the analysis scale after the trial has commenced: (1) mapping the original non-inferiority margin using the event proportion in the control arm that was anticipated at the design stage or (2) mapping the original non-inferiority margin using the observed event proportion in the control arm. We use simulations to illustrate consequences on type I and type II error rates. Methods are illustrated on the INES trial, a non-inferiority trial that compared single birth rates in subfertile couples after different fertility treatments. Our results demonstrate large differences in required sample size when choosing between risk difference, risk ratio and odds ratio scales at the design stage of non-inferiority trials. In some cases, the sample size requirement is twice as large on one scale compared with another. Changing the scale after commencing the trial using anticipated proportions mainly impacts type II error rate, whereas switching using observed proportions is not advised due to not maintaining type I error rate. Differences were more pronounced with larger margins.

Conclusions

Trialists should be aware that the analysis scale can have large impact on type I and type II error rates in non-inferiority trials.
Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer to restore shoulder abduction in patients with deltoid paralysis: A novel technique
Authors: Moharram Ashraf N , Afifi Ahmed , Abdel-Wahed Mohamed , Ezzat Mostafa
Published: October 2021

Background

Shoulder abduction is an essential movement for placement of the hand in space and thus for upper limb function. The objective of this study was to introduce and test the effectiveness of a new technique of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer to deltoid insertion to restore shoulder abduction.

Methods

We prospectively included 10 male patients with a lost deltoid function. Their mean age was 34.6 years (range, 25−46). We describe a new technique to compensate for the loss of the deltoid function using a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer augmented with a semitendinosus tendon graft. The tendon graft is passed over the acromion and attached to the anatomical deltoid insertion. Postoperatively, a shoulder spica in 90° abduction was used for six weeks followed by physiotherapy.

Results

Patients were followed up for a mean of 25.4 months (range, 12–48). The mean range of active shoulder abduction rose to 110° (range, 90–140°) with a mean gain of 83° of abduction.

Conclusions

This procedure can be a useful technique for restoration of a significant range and strength of active shoulder abduction.
Screw-Tip Augmented Locked Plating Versus Primary Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study With a Mean Follow-Up of 39 Months
Authors: Siebenbürger Georg , Fleischhacker Evi , Stumpf Ulla , Helfen Tobias , Böcker Wolfgang , Ockert Ben
Published: October 2021

Introduction

This study compared the clinical and radiologic outcomes of screw-tip augmented locking plate osteosynthesis (STA) vs primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in elderly patients with displaced proximal humeral fractures.

Methods

60 patients (age >65 years) with a displaced proximal humeral fracture underwent open reduction and internal fixation with locking plate and fluoroscopy controlled screw-tip augmentation. Sixty matched individuals (age, gender, fracture pattern, and mean follow-up) treated by RSA for fractures were identified from the institutional database and outcomes as well as occurring complications and need for revision surgery were compared.

Results

At 39 months’ follow-up, 25 patients in the STA group (mean age 74.5 ± 12 years, 76.7% woman) showed a mean Constant Score (CS) of 68 ± 18.8 points. Mean %CS compared to the contralateral side was 81.6 ± 19.8%. Of 60 matched individuals in the RSA group, 22 patients (mean age 78.9 ± 8.2 years, 76.7% woman) showed a mean CS of 60.6 ± 21.2 points (P = .33), and the mean %CS compared to the contralateral side was 81.6 (74.7 ± 18.6)% (P = .14). The overall complication rate in STA group was 32% (secondary varus or valgus displacement >10°, n = 4, avascular necrosis, n = 4). In RSA group, the overall complication rate was 4.5% (P = <.05). We observed one early onset infection. Revision surgery with removal of the prosthesis and PMMA spacer implantation for two-stage revision was necessary. The follow-up rate was 41.7 vs 36.7%.

Conclusions

Screw-tip augmented locked plating and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty result in comparable satisfying functional outcome 3 years following a displaced proximal humeral fracture in elderly patients. However, we noted a higher complication and revision rate in the STA group. In contrast, primary reversed shoulder arthroplasty resulted in a lower rate of complications and revisions, which may be beneficial in elderly patients.
Applying a Health-Risk Behavior Lens to Understand Individual Differences in COVID-19 Containment Behavior Among Young Adults
Authors: Wallace Gemma T. , Weishaar Megan G. , Henry Kimberly L. , Conner Bradley T.
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 containment behaviors (CCBs) remain important methods for reducing contagion. Theoretical frameworks to understand engagement in health-risk behaviors among young people may help identify individuals with elevated risk for non-adherence to CCBs. We aimed to elucidate individual differences in CCBs by evaluating if CCBs fit into an established health-risk behavior framework. Using a cross-sectional sample of 1374 young adults, we examined CCBs’ associations with personality antecedents to health-risk behaviors and to actual engagement in other health-risk behaviors. Results identified risk seeking, negative urgency, lack of premeditation, and extraversion as risk factors for less CCB adherence, while agreeableness and neuroticism were protective factors. Less CCB adherence was positively associated with binge drinking, more sexual partners, and risky driving, while negatively associated with purging and self-injury. Results suggest CCBs may be understood as a type of health-risk behavior and can contribute to the development of strategies for increasing public health guideline adherence.
What Is the Nature of Women’s Tenure Security in Sub-Saharan Africa Rural Land Markets? Some Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Soneye O. Olayemi
Published: October 2021

As parts of rural transformation and consequent evolution of land tenure in sub-Saharan Africa, land markets now provide another channel through which women access land. Little remains known about women’s experiences in the markets however, and on the nature of their tenure security in particular. This article provides one of the first empirical examinations of women’s tenure security on market-accessed plots. I do this by analysing tenure security variations across both market and non-market tenure arrangements among a group of Nigerian women farmers. From seemingly unrelated regressions, I find tenure insecurity to be more likely if a woman is cultivating rented plots, less likely if she is cultivating purchased or husband-allocated plots while irrelevant if she is cultivating family-allocated plots. These results highlight the need for greater research and policy interest in rural land markets, and in improving women’s tenancy contracts in rental markets.
Ultrasound Identification of Normal Parathyroid Glands
Authors: Cohen Samuel M. , Noel Julia E. , Puccinelli Cassandra L. , Orloff Lisa A.
Published: October 2021

Ultrasound has become indispensable for identification of thyroid and parathyroid pathology, but normal parathyroid glands have historically been considered too subtle to accurately detect. Inability to identify and protect parathyroid glands can result in hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia during thyroidectomy surgery as well as misinterpretation of central neck structures in the postoperative neck. Advances in ultrasound resolution have opened the door to novel applications for this technology. In this study, we report the first surgeon‐performed ultrasound identification of normal parathyroid glands in a series of 6 patients, confirmed by parathyroid tissue aspirate or parathyroid autofluorescence. Recognition of normal parathyroid glands using ultrasound can be valuable for preventing postoperative hypoparathyroidism and in increasing the accuracy of postsurgical ultrasound surveillance.
Identification and response analysis of xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (XTH) family to fluoride and aluminum treatment in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Wu Zichen , Cui Chuanlei , Xing Anqi , Xu Xiaohan , Sun Yi , Tian Zhiqiang , Li Xuyan , Zhu Jiangyuan , Wang Genmei , Wang Yuhua
Published: October 2021

Background

Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (XTH) can disrupt and reconnect the xyloglucan chains, modify the cellulose-xyloglucan complex structure in the cell wall to reconstruct the cell wall. Previous studies have reported that XTH plays a key role in the aluminum (Al) tolerance of tea plants (Camellia sinensis), which is a typical plant that accumulates Al and fluoride (F), but its role in F resistance has not been reported.

Results

Here, 14 CsXTH genes were identified from C. sinensis and named as CsXTH1–14. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that CsXTH members were divided into 3 subclasses, and conserved motif analysis showed that all these members included catalytic active region. Furthermore, the expressions of all CsXTH genes showed tissue-specific and were regulated by Al3+ and F− treatments. CsXTH1, CsXTH4, CsXTH6–8 and CsXTH11–14 were up-regulated under Al3+ treatments; CsXTH1–10 and CsXTH12–14 responded to different concentrations of F− treatments. The content of xyloglucan oligosaccharide determined by immunofluorescence labeling increased to the highest level at low concentrations of Al3+ or F− treatments (0.4 mM Al3+ or 8 mg/L F−), accompanying by the activity of XET (Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase) peaked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CsXTH activities were regulated by Al or F via controlling the expressions of CsXTH genes and the content of xyloglucan oligosaccharide in C. sinensis roots was affected by Al or F, which might finally influence the elongation of roots and the growth of plants.
Comparison of causative microorganisms of posttraumatic endophthalmitis with and without retained intraocular foreign bodies
Authors: Yang Yao , Mei Feng , Lin Jiaqi , Liao Jingyu , Wu Kaili , Duan Fang
Published: October 2021

Background

The goals of this work were to report the demographic characteristics of patients with clinically diagnosed endophthalmitis with or without intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) and to analyze the causative microorganisms.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1257 patients with clinically diagnosed posttraumatic endophthalmitis who were admitted to Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2020.

Results

Of the 1257 patients with clinically diagnosed posttraumatic endophthalmitis, 452 (36.0%) patients had IOFBs. Male dominance was more common among the patients with IOFBs than the patients without IOFBs. The average age of the patients with IOFBs was older than that of the patients without IOFBs. The most common microbial pathogens in these two groups were Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli. Gram-positive bacilli were more common in the patients with IOFBs than in those without IOFBs (17.9 vs. 9.4%), and Bacillus spp. accounted for 12.6 and 5.5%, respectively. Fungi were less abundant in the patients with IOFBs than in those without IOFBs (8.0 vs. 15.6%).

Conclusions

Patients with IOFBs were mostly male and older than those without IOFBs. Gram-positive bacilli were more common and fungi were less common in patients with IOFBs than in those without IOFBs.
Phenotypic spectrum and genetics of PAX2-related disorder in the Chinese cohort
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Yaqi , Fang Ye , Shi Hua , Xiang Tianchao , Liu Jiaojiao , Liu Jialu , Tang Xiaoshan , Fang Xiaoyan , Chen Jing , Zhai Yihui , Shen Qian , Bi Yunli , Qian Yanyan , Wu Bingbing , Wang Huijun , Zhou Wenhao , Ma Duan , Bai Haitao , Mao Jianhua , Chen Lizhi , Wang Xiaowen , Gao Xiaojie , Zhang Ruifeng , Zhuang Jieqiu , Zhang Aihua , Jiang Xiaoyun , Xu Hong , Rao Jia
Published: October 2021

Background

Pathogenic variants of PAX2 cause autosomal-dominant PAX2-related disorder, which includes variable phenotypes ranging from renal coloboma syndrome (RCS), congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) to nephrosis. Phenotypic variability makes it difficult to define the phenotypic spectrum associated with genotype.

Methods

We collected the phenotypes in patients enrolled in the China national multicenter registry who were diagnosed with pathogenic variant in PAX2 and reviewed all published cases with PAX2-related disorders. We conducted a phenotype-based cluster analysis by variant types and molecular modeling of the structural impact of missense variants.

Results

Twenty different PAX2 pathogenic variants were identified in 32 individuals (27 families) with a diagnosis of RCS (9), CAKUT (11) and nephrosis (12) from the Chinese cohort. Individuals with abnormal kidney structure (RCS or CAKUT group) tended to have likely/presumed gene disruptive (LGD) variants (Fisher test, p < 0.05). A system review of 234 reported cases to date indicated a clear association of RCS to heterozygous loss-of-function PAX2 variants (LGD variants). Furthermore, we identified a subset of PAX2 missense variants in DNA-binding domain predicted to affect the protein structure or protein-DNA interaction associated with the phenotype of RCS.

Conclusion

Defining the phenotypic spectrum combined with genotype in PAX2-related disorder allows us to predict the pathogenic variants associated with renal and ophthalmological development. It highlighted the approach of structure-based analysis can be applied to diagnostic strategy aiding precise and timely diagnosis.
Association between the triglyceride glucose index and coronary collateralization in coronary artery disease patients with chronic total occlusion lesions
Authors: Gao Ang , Liu Jinxing , Hu Chengping , Liu Yan , Zhu Yong , Han Hongya , Zhou Yujie , Zhao Yingxin
Published: October 2021

Background

Recent studies have substantiated the role of the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index in predicting the prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, while no relevant studies have revealed the association between the TyG index and coronary collateralization in the event of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). The current study intends to explore whether, or to what extent, the TyG index is associated with impaired collateralization in CAD patients with CTO lesions.

Methods

The study enrolled 1093 CAD patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for at least one CTO lesion. Data were collected from the Beijing Anzhen Hospital record system. The degree of collaterals was determined according to the Rentrop classification system. The correlation between the TyG index and coronary collateralization was assessed.

Results

Overall, 318 patients were included in a less developed collateralization (Rentrop classification 0-1) group. The TyG index was significantly higher in patients with impaired collateralization (9.3±0.65 vs. 8.8±0.53,P<0.001). After adjusting for various confounding factors, the TyG index remained correlated with the occurrence of impaired collateralization, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.59 and 5.72 in the T2 and T3 group compared with the first tertile group (P<0.001). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that higher TyG index values remained strongly associated with increased risk of less developed collateralization. To compare the risk assessment efficacy for the formation of collateralization between the TyG index and other metabolic abnormality indicators, an area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was obtained. A significant improvement in the risk assessment performance for impaired collateralization emerged when adding the TyG index into a baseline model.

Conclusions

The increased TyG index is strongly associated with less developed collateralization in CAD patients with CTO lesions and its risk assessment performance is better than single metabolic abnormality indicators.
Differential gene expression-based connectivity mapping identified novel drug candidate and improved Temozolomide efficacy for Glioblastoma
Authors: Vengoji Raghupathy , Atri Pranita , Macha Muzafar A. , Seshacharyulu Parthasarathy , Perumal Naveenkumar , Mallya Kavita , Liu Yutong , Smith Lynette M. , Rachagani Satyanarayana , Mahapatra Sidharth , Ponnusamy Moorthy P. , Jain Maneesh , Batra Surinder K. , Shonka Nicole
Published: October 2021

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) has a devastating median survival of only one year. Treatment includes resection, radiation therapy, and temozolomide (TMZ); however, the latter increased median survival by only 2.5 months in the pivotal study. A desperate need remains to find an effective treatment.

Methods

We used the Connectivity Map (CMap) bioinformatic tool to identify candidates for repurposing based on GBM’s specific genetic profile. CMap identified histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as top candidates. In addition, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) identified HDAC1 and HDAC2 as the most upregulated and HDAC11 as the most downregulated HDACs. We selected PCI-24781/abexinostat due to its specificity against HDAC1 and HDAC2, but not HDAC11, and blood-brain barrier permeability.

Results

We tested PCI-24781 using in vitro human and mouse GBM syngeneic cell lines, an in vivo murine orthograft, and a genetically engineered mouse model for GBM (PEPG - PTENflox/+; EGFRvIII+; p16Flox/− & GFAP Cre +). PCI-24781 significantly inhibited tumor growth and downregulated DNA repair machinery (BRCA1, CHK1, RAD51, and O6-methylguanine-DNA- methyltransferase (MGMT)), increasing DNA double-strand breaks and causing apoptosis in the GBM cell lines, including an MGMT expressing cell line in vitro. Further, PCI-24781 decreased tumor burden in a PEPG GBM mouse model. Notably, TMZ + PCI increased survival in orthotopic murine models compared to TMZ + vorinostat, a pan-HDAC inhibitor that proved unsuccessful in clinical trials.

Conclusion

PCI-24781 is a novel GBM-signature specific HDAC inhibitor that works synergistically with TMZ to enhance TMZ efficacy and improve GBM survival. These promising MGMT-agnostic results warrant clinical evaluation.
The periosteum: a simple tissue with many faces, with special reference to the antler-lineage periostea
Authors: Li Chunyi , Fennessy Peter
Published: October 2021

Periosteum is a thin membrane covering bone surfaces and consists of two layers: outer fibrous layer and inner cambium layer. Simple appearance of periosteum has belied its own complexity as a composite structure for physical bone protection, mechano-sensor for sensing mechanical loading, reservoir of biochemical molecules for initiating cascade signaling, niche of osteogenic cells for bone formation and repair, and “umbilical cord” for nourishing bone tissue. Periosteum-derived cells (PDCs) have stem cell attributes: self-renewal (no signs of senescence until 80 population doublings) and multipotency (differentiate into fibroblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes and skeletal myocytes). In this review, we summarized the currently available knowledge about periosteum and with special references to antler-lineage periostea, and demonstrated that although periosteum is a type of simple tissue in appearance, with multiple faces in functions; antler-lineage periostea add another dimension to the properties of somatic periostea: capable of initiation of ectopic organ formation upon transplantation and full mammalian organ regeneration when interacted with the covering skin. Very recently, we have translated this finding into other mammals, i.e. successfully induced partial regeneration of the amputated rat legs. We believe further refinement along this line would greatly benefit human health.
A brief intervention for PTSD versus treatment as usual: Study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stavland Halvor , Refvik Camilla , Eid Jarle , Lockhat Rafiq , Hammar Åsa
Published: October 2021

Background

Although existing treatment methods are effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms, several barriers to care exist, such as waiting times, avoidant tendencies, shame and stigma, potentially leading to fewer people seeking therapy or premature dropouts. A potential solution to battling these barriers is Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT), a single-session exposure-oriented intervention for PTSD. Although not yet subjected to empirical investigation, clinical experiences suggest an often immediate and long-lasting effect following the intervention related to patient’s symptomatology and functional abilities.

Methods

The current study protocol outlines a plan to conduct the first non-inferiority randomized controlled trial aimed to explore the efficacy of BWRT compared to treatment as usual (TAU), operationalized as any evidence-based trauma treatment method administered in Norwegian out-patient clinics. Eighty-two participants will be allocated at a 1:1 ratio to one of the following treatment conditions: (1) BWRT or (2) treatment as usual. Participants will be compared on several variables, including changes in PTSD symptoms (primary objective), and changes in perceived quality of life, rumination, functional and cognitive ability (secondary objective). Data collection will take place baseline (T1), within three weeks post treatment (T2) and at 6-month follow-up (T3).

Discussion

Should BWRT prove to be non-inferior to treatment as usual, this brief intervention may be an important contribution to future psychological treatment for PTSD, by making trauma treatment more accessible and battling current barriers to care.

Trial registration

191548, 24.05.2021. ClinicalTrials.gov PRS: Release Confirmation
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a serious game targeting interpersonal emotion regulation in early adolescents
Authors: Mittmann Gloria , Zehetmayer Sonja , Schrank Beate
Published: October 2021

Background

Adaptive interpersonal emotion regulation (iER) is a vital tool for positive relations. During early adolescence, peer relations become increasingly important, making this age group a relevant target group for interventions promoting positive interactions with each other, yet no evidence-based intervention exists for iER and early adolescents specifically.

Methods

This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to test effectiveness and feasibility of a serious game training iER skills in early adolescents by comparing outcomes with a control group playing a game without psychoeducational content in a pre- and post-test design. German- and English-speaking early adolescents (10–14 years) are eligible for participation. IER skills improvement as assessed by a vignette task is the primary outcome and will be analysed with a chi-square test. Secondary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability, emotional competence, personal emotion regulation, gender, and sex.

Discussion

This RCT will test whether playing a serious game about iER strategies results in an improvement of iER skills and whether the game is feasible and acceptable for early adolescents with the ultimate aim to implement the game in schools and help early adolescents achieve positive peer relationships.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04808102, Registered on 19 March 2021
Elastic depth trends for siliciclastic sequences
Authors: Vernik Lev , Gallop Jeremy
Published: October 2021

Elastic depth trends are an integral component of reservoir characterization whether explicitly or implicitly constructed. Applications to seismic data include migration velocity model building, pore-pressure prediction, inversion, and amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) analysis. In practice, workflows often involve fitting well logs with smooth curves, without reference to known lithology-dependent templates that could provide realistic constraints. We have constructed porosity-depth trends for shales and sandstones with reference to reliable measurements that span mechanical compaction and chemical diagenesis domains. These porosity trends are then used as inputs to well-established rock-physics models to estimate the median and bounding trends for acoustic and shear impedance. The resulting modeling has shown an important sensitivity to the pore-pressure regime (notably in shales) and the onset of cementation (in sands), among other variables. AVO predictions made from these trends provide a useful reference frame for anomaly prediction with depth, which is critical in frontier exploration.
SARS-CoV-2 in Childhood Cancer in 2020: A Disease of Disparities
Authors: Johnston Emily E. , Martinez Isaac , Davis Elizabeth S. , Caudill Caroline , Richman Joshua , Brackett Julienne , Dickens David S. , Kahn Alissa , Schwalm Carla , Sharma Archana , Patel Pratik A. , Bhatia Smita , Levine Jennifer M. , Wolfson Julie A. ,   on behalf of the POCC Consortium
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE

The Pediatric Oncology COVID-19 Case Report registry supplies pediatric oncologists with data surrounding the clinical course and outcomes in children with cancer and SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

This observational study captured clinical and sociodemographic characteristics for children (≤ 21 years) receiving cancer therapy and infected with SARS-CoV-2 from the pandemic onset through February 19, 2021. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the cohort were compared with population-level pediatric oncology data (SEER). Multivariable binomial regression models evaluated patient characteristics associated with hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and changes in cancer therapy.

RESULTS

Ninety-four institutions contributed details on 917 children with cancer and SARS-CoV-2. Median age at SARS-CoV-2 infection was 11 years (range, 0-21 years). Compared with SEER, there was an over-representation of Hispanics (43.6% v 29.7%, P < .01), publicly insured (59.3% v 33.5%, P < .01), and patients with hematologic malignancies (65.8% v 38.3%, P < .01) in our cohort. The majority (64.1%) were symptomatic; 31.2% were hospitalized, 10.9% required respiratory support, 9.2% were admitted to the ICU, and 1.6% died because of SARS-CoV-2. Cancer therapy was modified in 44.9%. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with changes in cancer-directed therapy (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6]). Presence of comorbidities was associated with hospitalization (aRR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6) and ICU admission (aRR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5 to 3.6). Hematologic malignancies were associated with hospitalization (aRR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.1).

CONCLUSION

These findings provide critical information for decision making among pediatric oncologists, including inpatient versus outpatient management, cancer therapy modifications, consideration of monoclonal antibody therapy, and counseling families on infection risks in the setting of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The over-representation of Hispanic and publicly insured patients in this national cohort suggests disparities that require attention.
Signifying Difference
Authors: Wettlaufer Alexandra K.
Published: October 2021

This essay considers the ways in which Honoré de Balzac and George Sand, an influential pair of “public writers” who were committed to diametrically opposing sociopolitical discourses, constructed aspects of their authorial identities and indeed the social import of their oeuvres in a self-conscious exchange with, and about, one another. In letters, novels, memoirs, and paratexts from their first encounter in the early 1830s to the end of their careers, Balzac and Sand portrayed, parodied, quoted, misquoted, alluded to, wrote, and rewrote each other in ways that their contemporary readers would doubtless have recognized. In considering some of these various invocations in terms of a larger dialogue between this pair of influential authors, surprising intersections emerge that complicate our current conceptions of the relationship between Balzac’s and Sand’s works. Reflecting on the dialogical generation of meaning, I trace the ways in which reading Balzac and Sand together reveals a complex and continuing conversation between the two authors about similarity, difference, and the dialectical nature of identity. This ongoing intertextual exchange, I argue, helps us see how their literary, social, and political positions as “public writers” were to some extent dependent on constructions of each other.
Food Fears
Authors: Wadhera Priya
Published: October 2021

In Word of Mouth: What We Talk about When We Talk about Food (2014), Priscilla Parkhurst Ferguson discusses “food fears,” recognizing how food can be both a source of sustenance and pleasure and, at the same time, a site of danger and death. In this article, I endeavor to show how Ferguson’s “food fears” can elucidate Perec’s rewriting of Proust’s madeleine episode. I sketch this out in La Disparition (1969) and W ou le souvenir d’enfance (1975), before focusing on La Vie mode d’emploi (1978). While Proust’s madeleine episode concerns both the evocative power of food and its capacity to conjure memories in the protagonist, in Perec, food and memories are often missing altogether. Certain artistic projects in La Vie mode d’emploi also fail or falter, with the notable exception of Perec’s own book. Thus, whereas food conjures abundance, pleasure, and memories in Proust, in Perec it has no such power, standing instead as a marker of loss, trauma, and forgetting. If the madeleine is a kind of comfort food, Perec’s anti-madeleine is a site of discomfort, a surrogate for all the other losses Perec is trying to account for, and through his insistence on the absence of food, he evokes the personal and collective trauma of the Holocaust.
Reduction of oxidative stress suppresses poly-GR-mediated toxicity in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Riemslagh Fréderike W. , Verhagen Rob F. M. , van der Toorn Esmay C. , Smits Daphne J. , Quint Wim H. , van der Linde Herma C. , van Ham Tjakko J. , Willemsen Rob
Published: October 2021

The hexanucleotide (G4C2)-repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common pathogenic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This repeat expansion can be translated into dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), and distribution of the poly-GR DPR correlates with neurodegeneration in postmortem C9FTD/ALS brains. Here, we assessed poly-GR toxicity in zebrafish embryos, using an annexin A5-based fluorescent transgenic line (secA5) that allows for detection and quantification of apoptosis in vivo. Microinjection of RNA encoding poly-GR into fertilized oocytes evoked apoptosis in the brain and abnormal motor neuron morphology in the trunk of 1-4-days postfertilization embryos. Poly-GR can be specifically detected in protein homogenates from injected zebrafish and in the frontal cortexes of C9FTD/ALS cases. Poly-GR expression further elevated MitoSOX levels in zebrafish embryos, indicating oxidative stress. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species using Trolox showed full suppression of poly-GR toxicity. Our study indicates that poly-GR can exert its toxicity via oxidative stress. This zebrafish model can be used to find suppressors of poly-GR toxicity and identify its molecular targets underlying neurodegeneration observed in C9FTD/ALS.
The HO-1/CO System and Mitochondrial Quality Control in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Gasier Heath G. , Suliman Hagir B. , Piantadosi Claude A.
Published: October 2021

Inducible heme oxygenase (HO)–1 catalyzes the breakdown of heme to biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). CO binds to cytochrome c oxidase and alters mitochondrial redox balance and coordinately regulates mitochondrial quality control (MQC) during oxidant stress and inflammation. The hypothesis presented is that the skeletal muscle HO-1/CO system helps modulate components in the MQC cycle during metabolic stress.
General and Russian Axiology
Authors: Milovanova M.
Published: October 2021

A collective monograph “General and Russian Axiology” is being prepared for publication. The goal of the scientists was to identify the priority directions of thought of a modern native speaker of the Russian language and changing or stable value orientations in a changing world. The monograph was the result of a scientific search by the participants of the project “Modern Russian Axiosphere: semantic and pragmatic transformation of the Russian cultural code”.
Fast Core Pricing for Rich Advertising Auctions
Authors: Niazadeh Rad , Hartline Jason , Immorlica Nicole , Khani Mohammad Reza , Lucier Brendan
Published: October 2021

Standard ad auction formats do not immediately extend to settings where multiple size configurations and layouts are available to advertisers. In these settings, the sale of web advertising space increasingly resembles a combinatorial auction with complementarities, where truthful auctions such as the Vickrey–Clarke–Groves (VCG) auction can yield unacceptably low revenue. In “Fast Core Pricing for Rich Advertising Auctions,” Niazadeh, Hartline, Immorlica, Khani, and Lucier study and suggest core-selecting auctions, which boost revenue by setting payments so that no group of agents, including the auctioneer, can jointly improve their utilities by switching to a different outcome. Their main result is a combinatorial algorithm that finds an approximate bidder-optimal core point with an almost linear number of calls to the welfare-maximization oracle. This algorithm is faster than previously proposed heuristics in the literature and has theoretical guarantees. By accompanying the theoretical study with an experimental study based on Microsoft Bing Ad Auction data, the authors conclude that core pricing is implementable even for very time-sensitive practical use cases such as real-time online advertising and can yield more revenue than the VCG or generalized second price auction.
The role of social media in promoting organised dog fighting
Authors: Montrose V. Tamara , Kogan Lori R , Oxley James A
Published: October 2021

Background:

Organised dog fighting is a criminal activity in most developed countries. However, despite this, its occurrence continues. As with many underground activities, social media is likely to play a critical role in promoting organised dog fighting.

Aim:

The study aim was to review video content on three social media platforms to look for evidence of organised dog fighting.

Methods:

A content review of three social media platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram) was conducted. Videos suggestive of organised dog fighting were categorised as: i) fights involving physical contact; ii) intimidation; iii) promotion of dog fights and iv) hypothetical ‘match-ups’. Information collected included video information (title, author, date posted, URL), content description (video description, breed description) and popularity of the video (number of likes, views and comments).

Results:

Fifty-eight incidents were identified (YouTube: n=27, Instagram: n=18, Facebook: n=13). On YouTube, 17 videos (63.0%) were fights involving physical contact, five (18.5%) were hypothetical ‘match-ups’, four (14.8%) were a promotion of dog fights, and one (3.7%) was a video of images of an organised dog fight. On Facebook and Instagram, all videos were fights involving physical contact. Where breed information was available, the dogs were largely described as pit bulls (YouTube: 51.9%; Instagram: 66.7%). These videos varied in their numbers of views (mean: YouTube: 682 856.0, Instagram: 773.6), comments (mean: YouTube: 319.5, Facebook: 10.3; Instagram: 0.6) and likes (mean: YouTube: 4868.4, Facebook: 434.8).

Conclusion:

More vigilance by social media platforms and their users to monitor, remove and report such footage is essential, especially where videos breach animal welfare rules and regulations. Further research into other online platforms or different formats through which dog fighting and/or promotion may occur, and the education of social media users to recognise signs that videos may be promoting organised dog fighting, would be of value.
Investigación educativa sobre trastorno del espectro autista: un análisis bibliométrico
Authors: Alcaraz García Salvador
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) es una condición del neurodesarrollo que compromete las principales áreas vitales y la calidad de vida de la persona. La producción científica sobre el TEA en el campo educativo es primordial para mejorar la comprensión y ampliar las evidencias que ayuden a superar las barreras educativas y sociales con las que se encuentran estas personas. MÉTODO. Este trabajo utilizó técnicas bibliométricas para revisar la literatura relevante en la investigación sobre el TEA en el campo educativo durante el siglo XXI (2001-2019). Para ello se estudiaron 8.359 artículos científicos de la base de datos Web of Science y Scopus. Para analizar la estructura y dinámica de rendimiento de indicadores bibliométricos (autores, revistas, instituciones, agencias y países), se calculó la producción y citación en valores absolutos, relativos y tasa de variación con el software SPSS. Para identificar el estado y evolución de temas centrales y emergentes se construyeron redes de coocurrencia y mapas de densidad de palabras clave a través de VOSviewer y se utilizó el indicador Citation burst con CiteSpace. RESULTADOS. Los resultados de este estudio reflejan un aumento de la publicación de artículos científicos sobre este campo de estudio desde que se inició el siglo XXI y se identifican seis temas centrales que han encabezado la producción científica: intervención educativa, habilidades sociales y comunicativas, familia, educación inclusiva, comportamiento desafiante e intervención temprana. DISCUSIÓN. En los últimos años se aprecia un gran crecimiento y diversificación de temas emergentes en este campo de estudio. Estos hallazgos pueden orientar la toma de decisión de políticas de investigación sobre el TEA.
Femtosecond all-polarization-maintaining Nd fiber laser at 920 nm mode locked by a biased NALM
Authors: Wang Siying , Li Yijun , Chen Yanchuan , Gao Yuqian , Zhang Zhigang , Wang Aimin
Published: October 2021

We demonstrate a femtosecond all-polarization-maintaining Nd fiber laser working at 920 nm mode locked by a biased non-linear loop mirror. The broadest spectral width of the pulse is 25.2 nm and the output power is 8 mW with 320 mW pump power. The measured pulse width is 109 fs with extra-cavity compression. The laser configuration of all-polarization-maintaining fiber can directly enhance the environmental stability of generated pulses. The seed pulses of the oscillator were amplified over 400 mW, which served as the light source for a two-photon microscope. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a 920 nm femtosecond Nd polarization-maintaining fiber laser based on a non-linear loop mirror.
Bright, single helicity, high harmonics driven by mid-infrared bicircular laser fields
Authors: Dorney Kevin M. , Fan Tingting , Nguyen Quynh L. D. , Ellis Jennifer L. , Hickstein Daniel D. , Brooks Nathan , Zusin Dmitriy , Gentry Christian , Hernández-García Carlos , Kapteyn Henry C. , Murnane Margaret M.
Published: October 2021

High-harmonic generation (HHG) is a unique tabletop light source with femtosecond-to-attosecond pulse duration and tailorable polarization and beam shape. Here, we use counter-rotating femtosecond laser pulses of 0.8 µm and 2.0 μm to extend the photon energy range of circularly polarized high-harmonics and also generate single-helicity HHG spectra. By driving HHG in helium, we produce circularly polarized soft x-ray harmonics beyond 170 eV—the highest photon energy of circularly polarized HHG achieved to date. In an Ar medium, dense spectra at photon energies well beyond the Cooper minimum are generated, with regions composed of a single helicity—consistent with the generation of a train of circularly polarized attosecond pulses. Finally, we show theoretically that circularly polarized HHG photon energies can extend beyond the carbon K edge, extending the range of molecular and materials systems that can be accessed using dynamic HHG chiral spectro-microscopies.
Down-sampling slim camera using a micro-lens array
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsiung , Liu Jung-Ping , Chen Kun-Huang
Published: October 2021

The thickness of a camera is proportional to the image distance, although the lens can be replaced by a flat optics, such as a meta lens. However, there is no suitable method to reduce this thickness for low-cost applications. Here we proposed a novel down-sampling slim camera based on a micro-lens array (MLA) and an array sensor. By down-sampling the multiple micro images with a suitable array sensor, an enlarged image directly appears. Since the imaging module only consists of a low-resolution array sensor and an MLA, the thickness of the camera can be reduced to sub-millimeter. The proposed low-cost slim camera is suitable for imaging and sensing of internet-of-things (IoT) in particular. It also has a great application potential in the imaging of non-visible light.