bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations among S100A4, Sphingosine-1-Phosphate, and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Qin Hou-Ying , Li Meng-Die , Xie Guo-Fang , Cao Wei , Xu De-Xiang , Zhao Hui , Fu Lin
Published: February 2022

Background. S100A4 is a member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family and is increased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a naturally occurring bioactive sphingolipid, which regulates the adhesion between the cells and the extracellular matrix and affects cell migration and differentiation. The goal of this study was to analyze the correlations among S100A4, S1P, and pulmonary function among COPD patients. Methods. All 139 serum samples and 15 lung specimens were collected in COPD patients and control subjects. S100A4 and S1P were detected in two groups. The markers of fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were measured in the lungs of COPD patients and control subjects. Results. The protein expression of S100A4 was higher in the lungs and serum of COPD patients than control cases. Additionally, serum S100A4 was inversely associated with pulmonary function among COPD patients. Meanwhile, collagen deposition and EMT nuclear transcription factors were elevated in the lungs of COPD patients. Moreover, the protein expression of S1P was increased in the serum of COPD patients. Serum S1P was gradually increased along with pulmonary function decline in COPD patients. Further correlation analysis revealed that serum S1P was negatively associated with pulmonary function in COPD patients. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between S1P and S100A4 in COPD patients. Conclusions. These results provide evidence that the elevation of S100A4 and S1P may be involved in the onset and progression of COPD.
Dynamic Planning of Aircraft Sortie Generation Based on Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Meng Xianglei , Wang Nengjian , Liu Jue , Liu Qinhui
Published: February 2022

The ability of ensuring the safety and reliability of combat aircraft in noncombat processes is a must for aircraft sortie generation. How to guarantee the operation safety and reliability of combat aircraft while ensuring operation efficiency in the air is a matter requiring further exploration and research. For this reason, this paper carries out dynamic planning of aircraft sortie generation based on multiobjective optimization. First, this paper selected a few indicators for measuring the congestion of air field and constructed a state demarcation model; then, it constructed an operating state identification model for the sortie generation and established objective functions for the aircraft runway sequencing model based on the scheduling time span and takeoff and landing delay time loss of the aircraft. At last, this paper elaborated on the methods of landing aircraft parking space scheduling and runway optimization, and the effectiveness of the general model was verified by experimental results, which can be applied to both field-based and cargo-based aircraft sortie generation problems.
Ergonomic Risk Factors for Low Back Pain among Three‐Wheel Drivers in Ethiopia: A Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Terfa Yonas Biratu , Akuma Adugna Olani , Kebede Ebissa Bayana , Tucho Abdisa Eba , Abdisa Birhanu , Ayele Selam , Enbakom Mestawet Getachew , Hailu Fikadu Balcha , Germossa Gugsa Nemera
Published: February 2022

Background. Driving a three‐wheel car is an emerging job opportunity in most parts of developing countries. Drivers are at risk for developing low back pain (LBP). However, very little is known about the association between ergonomics factors and LBP among three‐wheel drivers. Objective. This study was aimed to identify ergonomic risk factors of LBP among three‐wheel drivers. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study on 396 participants was conducted in the Jimma city on all selected public three-wheel drivers in March, 2020. The data were collected using a standard questionnaire adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and observation checklist. The collected data were entered into Epi Data and exported to SPSS version 21.0. Logistic regression analysis was used for analysis based on the p value less than 0.05, 95% C.I. Results. Among 422 planned respondents, 396 (93.8%) have given the complete response. The mean age of the study population was 27.94 (±5.45). One hundred four (26.26%) out of 396 participants had experienced low back pain in the last 12 months. Driving in sitting upright position OR = 0.32 (95% CI = 0.12–0.86), steer wheel handling OR = 3.02 (95% CI = 1.58–5.77), not holding extra passengers OR = 0.35 (95% CI = 0.21, 0.60), rest breaks, and brand of the three‐wheel vehicles were significantly associated with LBP. Conclusion. Nearly more than one‐fourth of three‐wheel drivers in our study had LBP. The finding implies a significant number of three‐wheel drivers are at risk of developing reduced well‐being. An appropriate health visit, lifestyle modification, and adequate policy should be established in the study area.
Influence of Perfluorooctane Liquids in the Formation of Sticky Silicone Oil
Authors: Takashina Hirotsugu , Watanabe Akira , Nakano Tadashi
Published: February 2022

Purpose. To examine the influence of perfluorooctane (PFO) in the formation of sticky silicone oil (SO). Methods. We performed in vitro experiments using PFO, SO, aqua, and canola oil (CO). The surface tension of CO relative to aqua is very close to that of SO or PFO. First, each material (0.5 ml) was carefully injected into the bottom of a transparent container that was filled with either aqua or CO. Next, a second material (0.5 ml) with a specific gravity that was lower than that of the first material was carefully injected onto the first material. Results. When the first material was injected into the container, the shape of the aqua was found to be close to a sphere, while the shapes of SO or PFO were prolate spheroids. Subsequently, when the second material was injected onto the first material, SO and CO completely adhered to the PFO, with the created immiscible droplets exhibiting a smooth surface. However, aqua did not create any immiscible droplets due to absence of adhesion to PFO or SO. Conclusions. Sticky SO is composed of PFO and SO, which easily form an immiscible droplet due to the low interfacial tension.
Priority-Based Hybrid MAC Protocol for VANET with UAV-Enabled Roadside Units
Authors: Yang Xin , Mao Yaqi , Xu Qian , Wang Ling
Published: February 2022

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) connect vehicles with other network units through wireless communication, thus improving traffic efficiency and safety by interacting with traffic information in networks. Roadside unit (RSU) plays an important role in VANETs in connecting vehicles with the transportation centre. With the rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), UAV-enabled RSU (U-RSU) is an effective way to promote the performance of VANETs. In this paper, a novel medium access control (MAC) layer protocol named PHB-MAC is proposed based on the priority setting of transmitted messages. Firstly, the priority-based contention mechanism is presented to ensure the transmission efficiency of the safety message. Then, the proposed MAC protocol combining contention and adaptive scheduled scheme is described in detail. Finally, the numerical analysis and simulation results of PHB-MAC and other existing protocols are presented. It is revealed that the proposed protocol improves throughput by at least 30%. Meanwhile, it reduces packets drop rate and delay by 21% and 22%, respectively. Finally, the numerical analysis and simulation results are given to prove the advancement of the proposed protocol on throughput, packets drop rate (PDR), and delay.
Designing a Healthcare-Enabled Software-Defined Wireless Body Area Network Architecture for Secure Medical Data and Efficient Diagnosis
Authors: Iqbal Jawaid , Adnan Muhammad , Khan Younas , AlSalman Hussain , Hussain Saddam , Ullah Syed Sajid , Amin Noor ul , Gumaei Abdu
Published: February 2022

In the struggle against population aging, chronic diseases, and a lack of medical facilities, the emergence of Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) technology has ushered in optimism. WBANs use a variety of wearable and implanted biosensor nodes to constantly monitor physiological parameters such as oxygen saturation (SpO2), electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyography (EMG), electroencephalogram (EEG), blood pressure, respiration rate, body temperature, and pulse rate. Importantly, these vital signs are communicated to a doctor over a public network, who can diagnose ailments remotely and efficiently. Among these communications, the security and privacy of patients are the prime concerns while transferring data over an open wireless channel from biosensor nodes to a Medical Server (MS) through a Base Station (BS) for efficient medical diagnosis. Finding an effective security strategy for patients which rely on WBANs to monitor their health information is a huge challenge due to the confined nature of the WBANs environment. To tackle the above challenges, in this research, a new, efficient, and secure healthcare-enabled software-defined WBANs architecture based on Schnorr signcryption and Hyperelliptic Curve Cryptography (HECC) is suggested in which the SDN technology is integrated into WBANs. By separating the control and data planes in an efferent manner, SDN technology allows you to control and manage the network in a programmable manner. The main features of SDN, such as its programmability, flexibility, and centralized control, make it a simple and scalable network. In this research, first, a Software-Defined Wireless Body Area Networks (SD-WBANs) architecture has been designed, and then a lightweight Schnorr signcryption with Hyperelliptic Curve Cryptography (HECC) has been proposed to preserve sensitive patient data security during transmission on public networks. Moreover, a well-known Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach known as Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) is also used to demonstrate the success of the suggested system. According to the performance analysis, the suggested approach beats previous state-of-the-art techniques in terms of computation cost, communication overhead, storage cost, and energy usage.
Analysis of Hybrid Nanofluid Stagnation Point Flow over a Stretching Surface with Melting Heat Transfer
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Khan Ziad , Bonyah Ebenezer , Jan Rashid
Published: February 2022

The behavior of hybrid nanofluid and stagnation point flow toward a stretched surface along with melting heat transfer, second-order slip, electric field, and magnetic field effect is investigated in this study. Hybrid nanoparticles alumina

A

l

2

O

3

and copper (Cu) are considered with the base fluids water

H

2

O

. The PDEs with corresponding boundary constraints are transformed into a set of nonlinear ODEs using similarities transformation. The set of nonlinear ODEs are analyzed analytically using semianalytical method HAM in Mathematica software. Dual solution is determined which relaying on the emerging parameters included magnetic field, volume fractions, electric field, dimensionless surface velocity slip factors, Eckert number, and Prandtl number. The results are shown in the velocity and temperature curves as well as skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number. The analysis shows that velocity profile is an increasing function of slip parameter, electric field, while reducing function of magnetic field. Temperature profile is an increasing function of magnetic field parameter, electric field parameter, volume fraction parameter, and Eckert number, while reducing function of Prandtl number. The main outcomes are as follows that hybrid nanofluids are higher thermal properties as compared to conventional fluids. As a result, hybrid nanofluid has numerous uses in engineering cosmetics, automotive industry, home industry, for cancer treatment, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, fabrics, paper plastics, paints, ceramics, food colorants, and soaps as well.
Validation of a Market-Approved Artificial Intelligence Mobile Health App for Skin Cancer Screening: A Prospective Multicenter Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Sangers Tobias , Reeder Suzan , van der Vet Sophie , Jhingoer Sharan , Mooyaart Antien , Siegel Daniel M. , Nijsten Tamar , Wakkee Marlies
Published: February 2022

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) consumer applications (apps) have been integrated with deep learning for skin cancer risk assessments. However, prospective validation of these apps is lacking. Objectives: To identify the diagnostic accuracy of an app integrated with a convolutional neural network for the detection of premalignant and malignant skin lesions. Methods: We performed a prospective multicenter diagnostic accuracy study of a CE-marked mHealth app from January 1 until August 31, 2020, among adult patients with at least one suspicious skin lesion. Skin lesions were assessed by the app on an iOS or Android device after clinical diagnosis and before obtaining histopathology. The app outcome was compared to the histopathological diagnosis, or if not available, the clinical diagnosis by a dermatologist. The primary outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of the app to detect premalignant and malignant skin lesions. Subgroup analyses were conducted for different smartphone types, the lesion’s origin, indication for dermatological consultation, and lesion location. Results: In total, 785 lesions, including 418 suspicious and 367 benign control lesions, among 372 patients (50.8% women) with a median age of 71 years were included. The app performed at an overall 86.9% (95% CI 82.3–90.7) sensitivity and 70.4% (95% CI 66.2–74.3) specificity. The sensitivity was significantly higher on the iOS device compared to the Android device (91.0 vs. 83.0%; p = 0.02). Specificity calculated on benign control lesions was significantly higher than suspicious skin lesions (80.1 vs. 45.5%; p < 0.001). Sensitivity was higher in skin fold areas compared to smooth skin areas (92.9 vs. 84.2%; p = 0.01), while the specificity was higher for lesions in smooth skin areas (72.0 vs. 56.6%; p = 0.02). Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of the mHealth app is far from perfect, but is potentially promising to empower patients to self-assess skin lesions before consulting a health care professional. An additional prospective validation study, particularly for suspicious pigmented skin lesions, is warranted. Furthermore, studies investigating mHealth implementation in the lay population are needed to demonstrate the impact on health care systems.
Warfarin Use, Stroke, and Bleeding Risk among Pre-Existing Atrial Fibrillation US Veterans Transitioning to Dialysis
Authors: Sy John , Wenziger Cachet , Marroquin Maria , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba , Streja Elani
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Anticoagulation is commonly used for stroke prevention among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis are at higher risk of bleeding and stroke, even without anticoagulation. It is unclear if patients should be continued on anticoagulation at the time of transition to ESRD. In this study, we validated risk scores for stroke and bleeding in this population and assessed risk of stroke and bleeding among warfarin users compared to nonusers. Methods: We utilized a cohort of 28,620 pre-dialysis US veterans transitioning to hemodialysis between October 2007 and March 2015. Incident rates for the risks of stroke and bleeding were ascertained based upon CHA2DS2-VASc or HAS-BLED scores, respectively. A propensity score-based competing risk analysis was used to assess risk of stroke and bleeding. Findings: The mean age of our cohort was 77 ± 9 years, and the median CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 7 (5, 8) and 3 (3, 4), respectively. Increasing CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were predictive of increasing stroke and bleeding rates, respectively. However, warfarin use did not appear to affect the risk of stroke and bleeding (p-interaction = 0.84 for stroke and 0.24 for bleeding). Warfarin use was associated with a higher risk of stroke (adjusted SHR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.23–1.69) and a higher risk of bleeding (adjusted SHR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.25–1.52) when accounting for the competing risk of death. Discussion: There was no difference in incidence rates of stroke or bleeding among warfarin users versus nonusers. Warfarin was associated with a higher risk of stroke and bleeding after considering mortality risk.
Propensity Score Analysis of the Association between Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease and Stroke Outcome: Thailand’s National Database
Authors: Kasemsap Narongrit , Jeerasuwannakul Weerin , Tiamkao Somsak , Vorasoot Nisa , Kongbunkiat Kannikar , Chotmongkol Verajit , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Panitchote Anupol
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The impact of coexisting chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) in patients with stroke remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of COPD on survival and hospital outcomes among stroke patients. Methods: The outcomes of patients with stroke between fiscal years 2005 and 2017 from Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme database were compared between COPD and non-COPD patients using propensity score matching and flexible parametric survival model. Results: A total of 805,561 patients were admitted with stroke during the study period, 12,650 (1.92%) of whom had been diagnosed with COPD. Participants with COPD were significantly older, were more likely to be male, and had higher prevalences of pre-existing atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure and a higher incidence of ischemic stroke (p < 0.001). The propensity score-matched groups were well balanced in terms of all observed covariates. Participants with COPD had higher incidences of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.83–2.15), urinary tract infection (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.14–1.42), sepsis (OR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.32–1.70), cardiac arrest (OR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.19–1.88), respiratory failure (OR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.69–1.96), acute kidney injury (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14–1.46), and in-hospital death (OR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13–1.30) than those without. The impact of COPD on mortality was highest at day 93 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.73, 95% CI: 1.60–1.87) and nonsignificant at day 965 of follow-up (HR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00–1.16). Conclusions: COPD was associated with respiratory, cardiac, renal, and infectious complications and significantly impacted survival for up to 2.6 years.
The Effect Of Mergers And Acquisitions On Stock Prices In Go Public Banking Companies 2015 – 2021
Authors: Fatoni Umi Fadilah , Soleh Amir
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mergers and acquisitions on stock prices carried out by publicly traded banking companies in 2015-2021. The research method used includes the type of event study research. Data obtained by conducting secondary data search. The analytical method used is a quantitative method, with the data analysis technique used is the paired sample t-test. The results showed a decrease in the average change in stock prices after the announcement of mergers and acquisitions was made. From these results, it has not shown any positive influence from mergers and acquisitions. It can be seen that between 10 days before and 10 days after the announcement of the merger, the results are 0.00000611 and – 0.00129. By using a significant level of 5%, the t-count value in the merger and acquisition is 0.561<2.110 or by looking at the probability shows that 0.562 > 0.05. Thus, there is no Significant Different between 10 days before and 10 days after the announcement of the merger ang acquisition. Suggestions that can be given are to add a longer period of research so that a larger sample allows for better results and it is necessary to consider other variables that affect stock prices, such as interest rates, inflation rates, and other macro influences, and in the end will affect research results.
Strategy Strengthening Destination Branding Kampung Thematic Batik Cibuluh Bogor Through Digital Marketing
Authors: Putranto Diyan , Astuti Marhanani Tri
Published: February 2022

In line with the development of tourist villages as a leading program for tourism and the creative economy, Kampung Batik Cibuluh is a tourist town located in Bogor based on community, creative and cultural industries based on local wisdom, which has the potential to improve the economy  Of rural communities based on the participation of the people's community. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also a challenge for tourist villages to survive and even develop. The purpose of this research is to create a "destination brand" strategy with the development of creative industries and also to strengthen digital marketing in communicating it as part of its attractiveness for tourists to experience the characteristics and characteristics that make it unique and attractive For tourist destinations.

The analysis strategy is based on destination branding analysis, as well as strengthening digital marketing as part of branding, as developing messages and promotions. This research methodology uses a qualitative descriptive method, namely SWOT analysis by collecting data using primary data and secondary data through literature studies, research results, media social.

Tourist decision-making in choosing a tourist destination is strongly influenced by the strength of the destination branding of the tourist attraction. Digital Marketing as a tool in communicating branding is very important in establishing branding. The collaboration between the government, the tourism industry, the community, the media, and academia (Penta helix) will strengthen the branding of the thematic village of Cibuluh, Bogor.
Role Models in Movies: The Impact of Queen of Katwe on Students’ Educational Attainment
Authors: Riley Emma
Published: February 2022

This paper presents experimental evidence on the impact of a role model on secondary school students’ exam performance in Uganda. Students were individually randomized to see either a movie featuring a female role model, Queen of Katwe, or to see a placebo movie. I find that treatment with the role model immediately before an important national exam leads to students performing better on their exams, particularly in math, with effects largest for female students. Female students exposed to the role model are more likely to remain in education in subsequent years, closing the gender gap with their male peers.
For Want of a Cup: The Rise of Tea in England and the Impact of Water Quality on Mortality
Authors: Antman Francisca M.
Published: February 2022

This paper explores the impact of water quality on mortality by exploiting a natural experiment: the rise of tea consumption in eighteenth century England. This resulted in an unintentional increase in consumption of boiled water, thereby reducing mortality rates. The methodology uses two identification strategies tying areas with lower initial water quality to larger declines in mortality rates after tea drinking became widespread and following larger volumes of tea imports. Results are robust to the inclusion of controls for income and access to trade. The hypothesis is further bolstered by suggestive evidence from cause specific deaths and early childhood mortality.
Intertemporal Income Shifting and the Taxation of Business Owner-Managers
Authors: Miller Helen , Pope Thomas , Smith Kate
Published: February 2022

We use newly linked tax records to show that the large responses of UK company owner-managers to personal taxes are due to intertemporal income shifting and not to reductions in real business activity. Around half of this shifting is short-term and helps prevent volatile incomes being taxed more heavily under progressive personal taxes. The remainder reflects systemic profit retention over long periods to take advantage of lower tax rates, including preferential treatment of capital gains. We find no evidence that this tax-induced retention increases business investment. It does, however, substantially reduce the tax revenue raised from high income business owners.
Executive Functions’ Impact on Vocabulary and Verbal Fluency among Mono- and Bilingual Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Kovyazina Maria S. , Oschepkova Ekaterina S. , Airapetyan Zlata V. , Ivanova Maria K. , Dedyukina Marfa I. , Gavrilova Margarita N.
Published: February 2022

Background. The phenomenon of multilingualism and its impact on child development are in the spotlight of latter-day psychology, and of utmost importance both for theory and practice. Language development is a strong predictor of psychological readiness for school and further academic success. At the same time, children’s mastery of written and oral speech in school education in a multilingual environment has several distinctive features. This study was dedicated to examining the influence of executive functions on the development of the vocabulary aspects of speech (both active and passive vocabulary) of mono- and bilingual children growing up in a bilingual environment. Objective. We aimed to analyze the relationship between bilingualism and language development (vocabulary and verbal fluency) and determine which executive functions may help overcome the resulting difficulties at preschool age. Design. Both monolingual and bilingual children participated in the study (n=137 and n=81, respectively). The children’s ages ranged from 6 to 7 years (M=78.7 months, SD=5.87). Two independent General Linear Models (GLM) were built to define which executive functions influenced the vocabulary and verbal fluency of the mono- and bilingual subjects (controlling for age, gender, and non-verbal intelligence as well). Results. The results confirmed that bilingualism is negatively related to language development, but showed that verbal working memory significantly helps bilinguals compensate for difficulties in developing vocabulary and verbal fluency. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that the ability to preserve and reproduce verbal information was of more significance for children’s vocabulary and verbal fluency than their language group (mono- or bilingual).
Better Language — Faster Helper: The Relation Between Spontaneous Instrumental Helping Action and Language Ability in Family-Reared and Institutionalized Toddlers
Authors: Kochukhova Olga , Dyagileva Yulia , Mikhailova Anna , Orekhova Lilia , Makhin Sergei , Pavlenko Vladimir
Published: February 2022

Background. Prosocial behavior is the key component of social and interpersonal relations. One of the elements of prosociality is helping behavior, which emerges already in early childhood. Researchers have identified several domains of helping behavior: instrumental helping, comforting another person, and sharing resources with others. The development of helping behavior can depend on a number of factors: children’s age, the social situation of development, communication skills, and the ability to understand the feelings and needs of another person. Objective. In Study 1, the main goal was to determine the effects of age and cognitive, language, and motor development on instrumental helping skills in early childhood. The goal of Study 2 was to estimate the effects of rearing in an adverse social environment by comparing the capacity for instrumental helping in family-raised and institutionalized children. Design. The authors examined toddlers’ (N=198) ability to initiate spontaneous helping and the factors that may influence it. Cognitive, language, and fine motor skills were measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Child Development, 3rd edition. Children’s instrumental helping behavior was assessed according to the procedure presented by Warneken and Tomasello, with a few modifications. Results. Study 1 demonstrated that children’s ability to initiate helping was dependent on their age: the non-helpers were significantly younger than the helpers. Children’s language skills also played a significant role in their helping behavior. The children with higher language skills helped the adult more often and more quickly. Study 2 demonstrated that institutional placement per se was not related to toddlers’ ability to initiate helping. Language ability was associated with helping behavior both in institution- and family-reared toddlers. Conclusion. Instrumental helping in early childhood is related to children’s age, language skills, and rearing conditions.
Adolescents on Social Media: Aggression and Cyberbullying
Authors: Sobkin Vladimir S. , Fedotova Aleksandra V.
Published: February 2022

Background. The aggressiveness of social networking is a significant component of the risk modern teenagers face during socialization, and cyberbullying is one of the most controversial forms of aggressive behavior on social media. Objective. This paper deals with the study of secondary school students’ behavior on social media. The parameters characterizing teenagers’ usage of social media — their activity, intensity, motives, and self-presentation — are analyzed with respect to gender, age, and social psychological factors. The main focus is teenagers’ personal experience dealing with aggressive situations on social media: their role in aggressive situations (as aggressor, victim, or witness); the form of aggression (public or private); the aggressor’s characteristics (acquaintances or strangers, persons, or groups); and their views on what action victims should take (ignoring it, confronting it, or asking for help). Design. This article is based on data obtained by researchers at the Center for Sociology of Education of the Institute of Education Management of the Russian Academy of Education in 2020–2021. Using a specially developed questionnaire, we collected responses from 40,575 students from grades 7–11 in 17 regions of Russian Federation through an anonymous online survey. Mathematical statistical methods were used for data processing, specifically, the chi-square test in the “Basic statistics-Difference tests” module of the “StatSoft Statistica 7.0” package. Results. The data showed that the adolescents with high status among their classmates (“leaders”) used social media as an important educational resource, while those with low status (“loners”) used it to compensate for their poor reallife experience. Aggression on social media appears to be quite common among adolescents. The traditional differences between male and female subcultures appeared in the choice between private or public forms of aggression. The increase in aggressive interactions with strangers as the youth aged indicated that the realization of the teenage distinctive basic need for “expanding one’s social environment” in online interaction comes with the risks of encountering unfriendly, aggressive reactions.
Notes on two species of Calostoma (Calostomataceae, Boletales) from the south of China
Authors: XU CHANG , LIANG ZHI-QUN , JIANG SHUAI , ZHANG PING , HUANG SHENG-ZHUO , ZENG NIAN-KAI
Published: February 2022

Several collections of Calostoma (Calostomataceae, Boletales) from the south of China were investigated using morphology, and molecular phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from the nuc 28S rDNA D1-D2 domains (28S), and the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Two species of the genus are recognized, one is the previously described taxon, C. areolatum, the other, C. sinocinnabarinum, is described as new: Detailed descriptions, color photos of fresh basidiomata and line-drawings of microstructures of the two taxa are presented.
Ephedra pangiensis, a new synonym of E. intermedia (Ephedraceae)
Authors: RATHER ZUBAIR AHMAD , KHUROO ANZAR AHMAD
Published: February 2022

Ephedra pangiensis Rita Singh & P. Sharma is recognized here as a new synonym of E. intermedia Schrenk & C.A. Mey. as both found conspecific. A detailed description of E. intermedia with additional taxonomic characters, photographs, illustrations and distribution map are provided. Morpho-anatomical comparison of E. intermedia with its congeneric taxa occurring in India is also provided for an ease of identification.
On the status of Umbilicaria aprina var. halei and U. canescens (Umbilicariaceae, lichenized Ascomycota)
Authors: DAVYDOV EVGENY A.
Published: February 2022

To clarify the nomenclature of Umbilicaria aprina var. halei and U. canescens, type material from LE and MIN was investigated. Description, measurements and photos of the thalloconidia of the type specimens are provided. According to our investigation Umbilicaria aprina var. halei is a synonym of U. rhizinata, and U. canescens is a synonym of U. aprina. Both species belong to the U. aprina group and are distinguished by the septation of their thalloconidia. Additional specimens identified by previous authors as Umbilicaria aprina var. halei and U. canescens were re-identified. Umbilicaria rhizinata is reported as new to Xinjiang, China.
On the Development of SWOT In Situ Calibration/Validation for Short-Wavelength Ocean Topography
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Fu Lee-Lueng , Haines Bruce , Lankhorst Matthias , Lucas Andrew J. , Farrar J. Thomas , Send Uwe , Meinig Christian , Schofield Oscar , Ray Richard , Archer Matthew , Aragon David , Bigorre Sebastien , Chao Yi , Kerfoot John , Pinkel Robert , Sandwell David , Stalin Scott
Published: February 2022

The future Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission aims to map sea surface height (SSH) in wide swaths with an unprecedented spatial resolution and subcentimeter accuracy. The instrument performance needs to be verified using independent measurements in a process known as calibration and validation (Cal/Val). The SWOT Cal/Val needs in situ measurements that can make synoptic observations of SSH field over an O(100) km distance with an accuracy matching the SWOT requirements specified in terms of the along-track wavenumber spectrum of SSH error. No existing in situ observing system has been demonstrated to meet this challenge. A field campaign was conducted during September 2019–January 2020 to assess the potential of various instruments and platforms to meet the SWOT Cal/Val requirement. These instruments include two GPS buoys, two bottom pressure recorders (BPR), three moorings with fixed conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) and CTD profilers, and a glider. The observations demonstrated that 1) the SSH (hydrostatic) equation can be closed with 1–3 cm RMS residual using BPR, CTD mooring and GPS SSH, and 2) using the upper-ocean steric height derived from CTD moorings enable subcentimeter accuracy in the California Current region during the 2019/20 winter. Given that the three moorings are separated at 10–20–30 km distance, the observations provide valuable information about the small-scale SSH variability associated with the ocean circulation at frequencies ranging from hourly to monthly in the region. The combined analysis sheds light on the design of the SWOT mission postlaunch Cal/Val field campaign.
Labor of love? Cooking, chaos, and consumption in Clara Sereni's Keeping House
Authors: Kierans Eilis
Published: February 2022

In Clara Sereni's (1946–2018) semi-autobiographical (cook)book, non-chronological recollections are evoked by a variety of recipes that mark crucial moments in the narrator's life. At first glance, Sereni portrays herself as a patient and perceptive housewife who learns how to read a room and cook accordingly. She describes her individuality and imagination in the kitchen as an adolescent, and later she depicts the pride and power she derives from her duties as a housewife. However, if we peer between the cracks, what emerges is a depiction of a woman who struggles to convince herself of her worth. Undoubtedly, cooking is one of Sereni's chosen means of communication and self-starvation is another. Food speaks volumes about the challenges she faces as a woman navigating the private, patriarchal sphere as well as the public, capitalist one at a crucial time when the Women's Movement was gaining momentum in Italy. In this article, I focus on Sereni's complex relationship to food, family, and freedom as she transitions from childhood, in the wake of the Second World War, to parenthood, on the heels of the Vietnam War. First, I illustrate how Sereni's account of adolescent bulimarexia in relationship to her father problematizes the mainstream eating disorder theory of the 1980s, which vilifies the role of the mother and largely overlooks the role of the father. Thereafter, I suggest that as an adult Sereni is spread thin in her conflicting roles as housewife and employee, and thus she struggles to negotiate the opposing demands imposed upon her. Consequently, Sereni experiences an eating disorder relapse. However, as an adult her anorexia is of a highly different nature, triggered by the larger social and cultural context of the 1970s, a time when the Italian feminist movement was arguably at its peak. In essence, I show how Sereni's eating disorder is shaped and reshaped over time, namely in line with a shifting patriarchal system.
BMSC-Derived ApoEVs Promote Craniofacial Bone Repair via ROS/JNK Signaling
Authors: Li M. , Xing X. , Huang H. , Liang C. , Gao X. , Tang Q. , Xu X. , Yang J. , Liao L. , Tian W.
Published: February 2022

Bone defect caused by trauma, neoplasia, congenital defects, or periodontal disease is a major cause of disability and physical limitation. The transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) promotes bone repair and regeneration. However, it has been shown that most BMSCs die within a short period after transplantation. During apoptosis, BMSCs generate a large number of apoptotic cell–derived extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs). This study aims to understand the potential role of ApoEVs in craniofacial bone defect repair and regeneration. First, we confirmed that BMSCs undergo apoptosis within 2 d after transplantation into the defect of the cranium. Abundant ApoEVs were generated from apoptotic BMSCs. Uptake of ApoEVs efficiently promoted the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of recipient BMSCs in vitro. ApoEVs from cells in the middle stage of apoptosis were the most efficient to enhance the regenerative capacity of BMSCs. Moreover, a critical size bone defect model in rats was used to evaluate the osteogenic property of ApoEVs in vivo. Local transplantation of ApoEVs promoted bone regeneration in the calvarial defect. Mechanistically, ApoEVs promoted new bone formation by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species to activate JNK signaling. This study reveals a previously unknown role of the dying transplanted BMSCs in promoting the viability of endogenous BMSCs and repairing the calvarial defects. Since it could avoid several adverse effects and limits of BMSC cytotherapy, treatment of ApoEVs might be a promising strategy in craniofacial bone repair and regeneration.
Activation of Functional Somatic Stem Cells Promotes Endogenous Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Li W. , Huang X. , Yu W. , Xu Y. , Huang R. , Park J. , Moshaverinia A. , Arora P. , Chen C.
Published: February 2022

Periodontal ligament derived stem cells (PDLSCs) are capable of differentiating into multiple cell types and inducing a promising immunomodulation for tissue regeneration and disease treatment. However, it is still challenging to develop a practical approach to activate endogenous stem cells for tissue self-healing and regeneration. In this study, transcriptome analysis reveals that resveratrol promotes PDLSC stemness through activation of stem cell, osteoprogenitor, and chondroprogenitor markers. Self-renewal and multipotent differentiation abilities are also improved in resveratrol-treated PDLSCs. In addition, immunomodulation of PDLSCs is dramatically increased after resveratrol treatment. Mechanistically, we show that resveratrol activates ERK/WNT crosstalk through elevation of olfactory and growth factor signaling pathways to upregulate the expression levels of RUNX2 and FASL for osteogenesis and immunomodulation, respectively. By using a periodontitis animal model, administration of resveratrol partially rescues bone loss through activation of endogenous somatic stem cells and inhibition of inflammatory T-cell infiltration. Taken together, our findings identify a novel pharmacological approach to achieve autotherapies for endogenous tissue regeneration.
Curriculum, conflict, and critical race theory
Authors: Teitelbaum Kenneth
Published: February 2022

Recent discussions about critical race theory (CRT) have exposed, once again, the heated disagreements that prevail in the United States regarding the nature of its racial past and present. This debate is highly significant in itself, but the dispute is also noteworthy for revealing how quickly a contentious issue can become a lightning rod for considerations of what students should learn. This article addresses CRT and the role it can play in helping to explore past and current racial politics; the value of placing the current controversy within the context of a long history of curriculum conflict; and the need for critical reflection, active collaboration, and courage among educators.
Association between household size and COVID-19: A UK Biobank observational study
Authors: Gillies Clare L , Rowlands Alex V , Razieh Cameron , Nafilyan Vahé , Chudasama Yogini , Islam Nazrul , Zaccardi Francesco , Ayoubkhani Daniel , Lawson Claire , Davies Melanie J , Yates Tom , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: February 2022

Summary

Objective

To assess the association between household size and risk of non-severe or severe COVID-19.

Design

A longitudinal observational study.

Setting

This study utilised UK Biobank linked to national SARS-CoV-2 laboratory test data.

Participants

401,910 individuals with available data on household size in UK Biobank.

Main outcome measures

Household size was categorised as single occupancy, two-person households and households of three or more. Severe COVID-19 was defined as a positive SARS-CoV-2 test on hospital admission or death with COVID-19 recorded as the underlying cause; and non-severe COVID-19 as a positive test from a community setting. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess associations, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Of 401,910 individuals, 3612 (1%) were identified as having suffered from a severe COVID-19 infection and 11,264 (2.8%) from a non-severe infection, between 16 March 2020 and 16 March 2021. Overall, the odds of severe COVID-19 was significantly higher among individuals living alone (adjusted odds ratio: 1.24 [95% confidence interval: 1.14 to 1.36], or living in a household of three or more individuals (adjusted odds ratio: 1.28 [1.17 to 1.39], when compared to individuals living in a household of two. For non-severe COVID-19 infection, individuals living in a single-occupancy household had lower odds compared to those living in a household of two (adjusted odds ratio: 0.88 [0.82 to 0.93].

Conclusions

Odds of severe or non-severe COVID-19 infection were associated with household size. Increasing understanding of why certain households are more at risk is important for limiting spread of the infection.
Generative adversarial network-based post-processed image super-resolution technology for accelerating brain MRI: comparison with compressed sensing
Authors: Ueki Wataru , Nishii Tatsuya , Umehara Kensuke , Ota Junko , Higuchi Satoshi , Ohta Yasutoshi , Nagai Yasuhiro , Murakawa Keizo , Ishida Takayuki , Fukuda Tetsuya
Published: February 2022

Background

It is unclear whether deep-learning–based super-resolution technology (SR) or compressed sensing technology (CS) can accelerate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) .

Purpose

To compare SR accelerated images with CS images regarding the image similarity to reference 2D- and 3D gradient-echo sequence (GRE) brain MRI.

Material and Methods

We prospectively acquired 1.3× and 2.0× faster 2D and 3D GRE images of 20 volunteers from the reference time by reducing the matrix size or increasing the CS factor. For SR, we trained the generative adversarial network (GAN), upscaling the low-resolution images to the reference images with twofold cross-validation. We compared the structural similarity (SSIM) index of accelerated images to the reference image. The rate of incorrect answers of a radiologist discriminating faster and reference image was used as a subjective image similarity (ISM) index.

Results

The SR demonstrated significantly higher SSIM than the CS (SSIM=0.9993–0.999 vs. 0.9947–0.9986; P < 0.001). In 2D GRE, it was challenging to discriminate the SR image from the reference image, compared to the CS (ISM index 40% vs. 17.5% in 1.3×; P = 0.039 and 17.5% vs. 2.5% in 2.0×; P = 0.034). In 3D GRE, the CS revealed a significantly higher ISM index than the SR (22.5% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.011) in 2.0 × faster images. However, the ISM index was identical for the 2.0× CS and 1.3× SR (22.5% vs. 27.5%; P = 0.62) with comparable time costs.

Conclusion

The GAN-based SR outperformed CS in image similarity with 2D GRE for MRI acceleration. In addition, CS was more advantageous in 3D GRE than SR.
Comparative analysis of LVAD patients in regard of ischaemic or idiopathic cardiomyopathy: A propensity-score analysis of EUROMACS data
Authors: Merkle-Storms Julia , Djordjevic Ilija , Sabashnikov Anton , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Gkouziouta Aggeliki , Fiane Arnt , Stockman Bernard , Montalto Andrea , Bernhardt Alexander , Meyns Bart , Netuka Ivan , De By Theo , Wahlers Thorsten , Rahmanian Parwis , Zeriouh Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Background:

Despite recent advances in management of patients with advanced heart failure, mortality remains high. Aim of this study was to compare impact of different aetiology of ischaemic and idiopathic cardiomyopathy on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Methods:

European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) gathers clinical data and follow-up parameters of LVAD recipients. Patients enrolled in the EUROMACS registry with primary diagnosis of either ischaemic ( n = 1190) or idiopathic ( n = 812) cardiomyopathy were included. Primary Endpoints were early mortality as well as long-term survival. Secondary endpoint were major postoperative adverse events, such as need for rethoracotomy. Additionally, a propensity-score matching analysis was performed for patients with ischaemic ( n = 509) and idiopathic ( n = 509) cardiomyopathy.

Results:

In terms of basic demographics and baseline parameters the two groups significantly differed as expected before propensity-score matching due to different aetiology of cardiomyopathy. Seven-day (52 (4.4%) versus 18 (2.2%); p = 0.009), 30-day (153 (12.9%) versus 73 (9.0%); p = 0.008) and in-hospital mortality (253 (19.7%) versus 123 (15.1%); p = 0.009) were significantly lower in the idiopathic cardiomyopathy group compared to the ischaemic cardiomyopathy group, whereas after propensity-score matching 30-day ( p = 0.169) was comparable and in-hospital mortality ( p = 0.051) was almost significant. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed no significant difference in regard of long-term survival after propensity-score matching (Breslow-test p = 0.161 and LogRank-test p = 0.113).

Conclusion:

Though patients with ischaemic and idiopathic cardiomyopathy suffer from different cardiomyopathy aetiologies, 30-day-mortality and long-term survival of both groups were similar leading to the conclusion that covariates predominately influence mortality and survival of ischaemic and idiopathic cardiomyopathies.