bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pronounced mediastinal emphysema after restorative treatment of the lower left molar—a case report and a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Spille Johannes , Wagner Juliane , Spille Dorothee Cäcilia , Naujokat Hendrik , Gülses Aydin , Wiltfang Jörg , Kübel Paul
Published: June 2022

This case report presents an iatrogenic induced mediastinal emphysema after restorative treatment of the lower left second molar, aimed to highlight the potential life-threatening consequences, and providing diagnostics and treatment concepts of complicated dental induced emphysema based on literature review. A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department due to a fall on her shoulder. Additional finding was a significant swelling of the face and neck. In the computer tomography of the head, neck, and thorax, a humerus fracture and pronounced soft tissue emphysema from the infraorbital region to the mediastinum was detected. The patient reported that she had been treated by her dentist 4 days earlier. The treatment had to be discontinued after beginning of a pronounced swelling. Other reasons for the emphysema could be excluded out on an interdisciplinary teamwork. The patient was monitored as an inpatient for 5 days and received intravenous antibiotic therapy. This case report shows the rare complication of pronounced mediastinal emphysema after root canal treatment. Emphysema should always be a differential diagnosis of soft tissue swelling and, in case of doubt, a general medical presentation should be made.
The implementation of interprofessional education: a scoping review
Authors: Bogossian Fiona , New Karen , George Kendall , Barr Nigel , Dodd Natalie , Hamilton Anita L. , Nash Gregory , Masters Nicole , Pelly Fiona , Reid Carol , Shakhovskoy Rebekah , Taylor Jane
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) is recognised as challenging, and well-designed programs can have differing levels of success depending on implementation quality. The aim of this review was to summarise the evidence for implementation of IPE, and identify challenges and key lessons to guide faculty in IPE implementation.

Methods

Five stage scoping review of methodological characteristics, implementation components, challenges and key lessons in primary studies in IPE. Thematic analysis using a framework of micro (teaching), meso (institutional), and macro (systemic) level education factors was used to synthesise challenges and key lessons.

Results

Twenty-seven primary studies were included in this review. Studies were predominantly descriptive in design and implementation components inconsistently reported. IPE was mostly integrated into curricula, optional, involved group learning, and used combinations of interactive and didactic approaches. Micro level implementation factors (socialisation issues, learning context, and faculty development), meso level implementation factors (leadership and resources, administrative processes), and macro level implementation factors (education system, government policies, social and cultural values) were extrapolated. Sustainability was identified as an additional factor in IPE implementation.

Conclusion

Lack of complete detailed reporting limits evidence of IPE implementation, however, this review highlighted challenges and yielded key lessons to guide faculty in the implementation of IPE.
Attachment- and Emotion-Focused Parenting Interventions for Child and Adolescent Externalizing and Internalizing Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jugovac Samantha , O’Kearney Richard , Hawes David J. , Pasalich Dave S.
Published: June 2022

Attachment- and emotion-focused parenting interventions (AE) have grown in popularity as an alternative to behavioral parent training (BPT) for children and adolescents. AE go beneath behavior by helping parents understand and respond to their child’s underlying attachment and emotional needs. Past reviews have examined their effects on attachment security and caregiver sensitivity, though less is known regarding their effects on child mental health symptoms. Reported here is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of individual and group AE on externalizing behavior (EXT) and internalizing behavior (INT) for children aged 0–18 years. A search of four databases prior to July 2021 elicited 43 studies that met eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that AE were superior to waitlist controls for EXT (SMD = − 0.17) and INT (SMD = − 0.34). Effects were sustained at follow-up periods of 6 months and greater, and AE considered to target child mental health were significantly more effective than those that did not in reducing EXT and INT. Two studies retrieved directly compared AE to BPT, which showed no evidence of a difference for follow-up measures of EXT. No studies compared AE to BPT on INT. AE demonstrated no evidence of superiority compared to controls for parent mental health. Findings support the potential for AE to reduce EXT and INT in children and adolescents; however, future research should consider the relative effectiveness of AE.
Predicting Recidivism Risk Meets AI Act
Authors: van Dijck Gijs
Published: June 2022

Quantitative recidivism risk assessment can be used at the pretrial detention, trial, sentencing, and / or parole stage in the justice system. It has been criticized for what is measured, whether the predictions are more accurate than those made by humans, whether it creates or increases inequality and discrimination, and whether it compromises or violates other aspects of fairness. This criticism becomes even more topical with the arrival of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. This article identifies and applies the relevant rules of the proposed AI Act in relation to quantitative recidivism risk assessment. It does so by focusing on the proposed rules for the quality of the data and the models used, on biases, and on the human oversight. It is concluded that legislation may consider requiring providers of high-risk AI systems to demonstrate that their solution performs significantly better than risk assessments based on simple models, and better than human assessment. Furthermore, there is no single answer to evaluate the performance of quantitative recidivism risk assessment tools that are or may be deployed in practice. Finally, three approaches of human oversight are discussed to correct for the negative effects of quantitative risk assessment: the optional, benchmark, and feedback approach.
Valuable unintended learning outcomes when practicum for student teachers in kindergartens is carried out online
Authors: Madsen Siri Sollied , Habbestad Helge , Borch Iris H.
Published: June 2022

This article presents a study of an educational experiment conducted at the early childhood education programme at UiT, the Arctic University of Norway. As COVID-19 made social distancing an issue, the traditional practicum in kindergartens was moved to online platforms. Constructive alignment was used as an analytical framework to investigate the possibilities and limitations of student teachers’ learning outcomes in a collaborative online learning activity. Overall, 8 out of 9 practicum teachers found the online practicum form a better alternative than supplying the student teacher with a written assignment, and 72.7% of the student teachers agreed or somewhat agreed with facilitating learning outcomes from the online practicum regardless of social distancing. The need for professional digital competence is central, as digital technology is not simply part of pedagogical practices but is becoming an integrated part of communicating and collaborating with colleagues and parents. This study broadens the understanding of how collaborative online learning can facilitate unintended valuable learning outcomes and critically debates the limitations related to emphasising a too-strong focus on intended learning outcomes as a premise for constructive alignment in education.
Robust reputation independence in ranking systems for multiple sensitive attributes
Authors: Ramos Guilherme , Boratto Ludovico , Marras Mirko
Published: June 2022

Ranking systems have an unprecedented influence on how and what information people access, and their impact on our society is being analyzed from different perspectives, such as users’ discrimination. A notable example is represented by reputation-based ranking systems, a class of systems that rely on users’ reputation to generate a non-personalized item-ranking, proved to be biased against certain demographic classes. To safeguard that a given sensitive user’s attribute does not systematically affect the reputation of that user, prior work has operationalized a reputation independence constraint on this class of systems. In this paper, we uncover that guaranteeing reputation independence for a single sensitive attribute is not enough. When mitigating biases based on one sensitive attribute (e.g., gender), the final ranking might still be biased against certain demographic groups formed based on another attribute (e.g., age). Hence, we propose a novel approach to introduce reputation independence for multiple sensitive attributes simultaneously. We then analyze the extent to which our approach impacts on discrimination and other important properties of the ranking system, such as its quality and robustness against attacks. Experiments on two real-world datasets show that our approach leads to less biased rankings with respect to multiple users’ sensitive attributes, without affecting the system’s quality and robustness.
Market interaction structure and equilibrium price heterogeneity in monopolistic competition
Authors: Sebestyén Tamás , Szabó Balázs
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the extent to which the structure of the interaction network between suppliers and buyers affects equilibrium price heterogeneity. An incomplete interaction structure leads to uneven information flows and different information bases for consumers which is then taken into account by price setting producers. This results in heterogenous prices even if producers are identical in all other respects. The complete interaction network serves as a special case resembling standard monopolistic competition models. We show that a slight deviation from the complete network results in heterogeneous prices, although this heterogeneity becomes economically significant only under sparse or small networks. Sparsity as the main determinant of price heterogeneity dominates network asymmetry: relatively dense networks show minimal price dispersion even if its degree distribution follows a power law.
Self-tracking, background(s) and hermeneutics. A qualitative approach to quantification and datafication of activity
Authors: Juchniewicz Natalia , Wieczorek Michał
Published: June 2022

In this article, we address the case of self-tracking as a practice in which two meaningful backgrounds (physical world and technological infrastructure) play an important role as the spatial dimension of human practices. Using a (post)phenomenological approach, we show how quantification multiplies backgrounds, while at the same time generating data about the user. As a result, we can no longer speak of a unified background of human activity, but of multiple dimensions of this background, which, additionally, is perceived as having no pivotal role in the process, often being hidden, situated beyond human consciousness, or taken for granted. Consequently, the phenomenological experience of the background turns into a hermeneutic practice focused on the interpretation of representations and descriptions. By adopting a (post)phenomenological approach, we show the problems and limitations of quantification of human activities occurring in self-tracking and the theoretical problems associated with the scheme of human-technology relations.
Technocratic Decision-Making in Times of Crisis? The Use of Data for Scientific Policy Advice in Germany’s COVID-19 Management
Authors: Kuhlmann Sabine , Franzke Jochen , Dumas Benoît Paul
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of data for scientific policy advice. Mechanisms by which data is generated, shared, and ultimately lead to policy responses are crucial for enhancing transparency and legitimacy of decisions. At the same time, the volume, complexity and volatility of data are growing. Against this background, mechanisms, actors, and problems of data-driven scientific policy advice are analysed. The study reveals role conflicts, ambiguities, and tensions in the interaction between scientific advisors and policy-makers. The assumption of a technocratic model, promoted by well-established structures and functioning processes of data-driven government, cannot be confirmed. Reality largely corresponds to the pragmatic model, in parts also the decisionist model, albeit with dysfunctional characteristics.
Judicial and Litigant Perceptions in Dutch Court Cases: Perceptions of Outcome Importance Overlap, Perceptions of Procedural Justice Diverge
Authors: Grootelaar Hilke A. M. , van den Bos Kees , Ybema Jan Fekke , Ansems Lisa F. M.
Published: June 2022

The current paper aims to provide insight into judges’ perceptions of how fairly they treat litigants and how important case outcomes are to litigants, and whether these perceptions relate to litigants' perceptions of procedural justice and outcome importance. Respondents were litigants involved in bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, and administrative law cases and judges handling these cases at the district court of the Mid-Netherlands. Both litigants and judges indicated outcome importance and procedural justice. Litigants also indicated their trust in judges. Multilevel analyses using hierarchical regression showed a positive association between judicial and litigant perceptions of outcome importance and no significant association between judges' and litigants’ perceptions of procedural justice. This indicates that whereas judges and litigants largely agreed on how important case outcomes were, their views about how fairly judges handled cases diverged. These insights enhance our understanding of linkages and discrepancies between judges' and litigants' views on important aspects of the legal system.
Bayesian Dynamic Borrowing of Historical Information with Applications to the Analysis of Large-Scale Assessments
Authors: Kaplan David , Chen Jianshen , Yavuz Sinan , Lyu Weicong
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and evaluate the use of Bayesian dynamic borrowing (Viele et al, in Pharm Stat 13:41-54, 2014) as a means of systematically utilizing historical information with specific applications to large-scale educational assessments. Dynamic borrowing via Bayesian hierarchical models is a special case of a general framework of historical borrowing where the degree of borrowing depends on the heterogeneity among historical data and current data. A joint prior distribution over the historical and current data sets is specified with the degree of heterogeneity across the data sets controlled by the variance of the joint distribution. We apply Bayesian dynamic borrowing to both single-level and multilevel models and compare this approach to other historical borrowing methods such as complete pooling, Bayesian synthesis, and power priors. Two case studies using data from the Program for International Student Assessment reveal the utility of Bayesian dynamic borrowing in terms of predictive accuracy. This is followed by two simulation studies that reveal the utility of Bayesian dynamic borrowing over simple pooling and power priors in cases where the historical data is heterogeneous compared to the current data based on bias, mean squared error, and predictive accuracy. In cases of homogeneous historical data, Bayesian dynamic borrowing performs similarly to data pooling, Bayesian synthesis, and power priors. In contrast, for heterogeneous historical data, Bayesian dynamic borrowing performed at least as well, if not better, than other methods of borrowing with respect to mean squared error, percent bias, and leave-one-out cross-validation.
In Favour of Mereological Nominalism: reply to Cumpa and Declos
Authors: Effingham Nikk
Published: June 2022

Mereological nominalism is the thesis that properties are identical to mereological fusions of their instances. Cumpa and Declos have raised two problems for the view. This paper is a reply to both problems.
Collaborative analytics-supported reflective Assessment for Scaffolding Pre-service Teachers’ collaborative Inquiry and Knowledge Building
Authors: Yang Yuqin , Zhu Gaoxia , Sun Daner , Chan Carol K. K.
Published: June 2022

Helping pre-service teachers (PSTs) develop competencies in collaborative inquiry and knowledge building is crucial, but this subject remains largely unexplored in CSCL. This study examines the design and process of collaborative analytics-supported reflective assessment and its effects on promoting PSTs to develop their competencies in collaborative inquiry and knowledge building. We used a quasi-experimental design that lasted 18 weeks. The experimental group was a class of 40 PSTs who took a liberal studies course with a knowledge building design enhanced by collaborative analytics-supported reflective assessment. The comparison group was a class of 28 PSTs taught by the same instructor who studied the same inquiry topics but experienced a regular knowledge building environment using portfolios. The analysis of the PSTs’ Knowledge Forum discourse showed that collaborative analytics-supported reflective assessment helps PSTs develop collaborative inquiry competencies for community knowledge advancement. The analysis of the PSTs’ reflection using collaborative analytics and prompt questions showed that the design using KBDeX visualization and knowledge building rubrics helped them engage in productive collaborative knowledge building inquiry by involving them in continuous monitoring, analysis, negotiation, synthesis of inquiry, identification of promising routes for inquiry, and actions to guide further collective inquiry. Implications for designing CSCL collaborative-analytics enriched with reflective assessment and student agency, and broadening CSCL and knowledge building approaches to pre-service teacher education are discussed.
The usefulness of vertebral needle targeting simulation training system using ray-summation imaging: experimental study
Authors: Uchiyama Fumiya , Noguchi Tomoyuki , Kamei Shunsuke , Yamashita Koji , Shida Yoshitaka , Okafuji Takashi , Kamei Ryotaro , Tajima Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Using the multi-detector computed tomography and related three-dimensional imaging technology, we developed a vertebral needle targeting simulation training system named spinal needling intervention practice using ray-summation imaging (SNIPURS). Herein, we assessed the utility of SNIPURS by evaluating changes in the learning curves of SNIPURS trainees.

Methods

Twenty-one examinees were enrolled: seven experienced operators (expert group), seven trainees with coaching (coaching group), and seven trainees without coaching (non-coaching group). They performed six tests of vertebral needle targeting simulation on the workstation-generated spinal ray-summation images of six patients with vertebral fractures. In each test, they determined the bilateral trans-pedicular puncture points and angles on two thoracic and two lumbar vertebrae on ray-summation imaging (i.e., 8 simulations per test). The coaching group received coaching by a trainer after Tests 1 and 4, while the others did not. Scores were given based on the trans-pedicular pathway (1 point) or not (0 point). Eight virtual needles were evaluated in each of Tests 1–6.

Results

Among the three groups, the expert group had the highest average scores on Tests 1–4 (expert: 3.86, 6.57, 7.43, and 7.57; coaching: 1.86, 6.14, 6, and 6.29; and non-coaching: 1.14, 4.14, 4.71, and 4.86). The coaching group’s scores caught up with the expert groups’ average scores on Tests 5 and 6, whereas those of the non-coaching group did not (expert and coaching: 7.86 and 8.00, non-coaching: 5.86 and 7.14). All examinees in the expert and coaching groups achieved a perfect score on the final Test 6, whereas three of the seven non-coaching trainees did not.

Conclusion

SNIPURS might be suitable for vertebral needle targeting training. The coaching provided during SNIPURS training helped the trainees to acquire the spinal puncture techniques in PVP.
Crystallographic Controls on Staurolite to Fibrolite Transformation: Petrographic Evidence from the Pangong Metamorphic Complex in Eastern Karakoram, Ladakh, India
Authors: Sharma Jeev Jatan , Pant Naresh Chandra , Singh Preeti , Saikia Ashima
Published: June 2022

Incomplete discontinuous reactions in metamorphic rocks provide good opportunities to investigate reaction kinetics in natural samples. This contribution discusses crystallographic controls of reacting phases on solid-state metamorphic reactions involving staurolite to fibrolite transformation in metapelites from the Pangong metamorphic complex, Ladakh. The understanding of mineral kinetics is fundamental for assessing the extent to which equilibrium is attained in metamorphic systems and constrains the disequilibrium processes in rocks. In the present study, the periodic bond chain theory is used to explain lower reaction rates on the faces parallel to the trace of c-axis (hk0) than the faces across the trace of c-axis (hkl≠0) of staurolite.
Assessment of Seismic Vulnerability using the Ambient Noise Recordings in Cachar Fold Belt, Assam
Authors: Kuldeep  , Shekar Bharath , Mohan Gollapally , Singh Sunil Kumar
Published: June 2022

Northeast India is a seismically active region, with frequent major earthquakes. The impact of seismicity can be assessed by using the values fundamental resonant frequency (F0) and the site amplification factor (A0) to derive the seismic vulnerability index (Kg). In 2011, a network of 65 stations was installed in the Cachar fold belt,Assam to continuously record data for a continuous period of eleven months. In this study, the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (H/V) method is employed to identify the resonant frequencies and site amplification factors using ambient noise data to assess the seismic hazard potential in the Cachar fold belt. The amplification factors ranged between 1.15 to 6, while the resonance frequencies varied between 0.25 to 5 Hz. The ambient noise interferometry is utilized to estimate surface waves between station pairs and invert the group velocity dispersion curves for the near-surface S-wave velocities. The S-wave velocity for the basement rocks varied between 600 to 1600 m/s. The S-wave velocities are in turn used to derive an empirical relationship between resonant frequency and alluvium thickness valid for the study region. It is found that stations located at regions with subsurface anticlines had a relatively high resonance frequency and low amplification factor, whereas receivers in synclinal locations and with a thick layer of alluvium sedimentary deposits have a substantially higher site amplification factor and lower resonant frequencies. Further, it is observed that regions with a substantial alluvium sediment cover and near the course of the Barak river are more seismically vulnerable and susceptible to natural hazards.
Biodiversity and Ecology of Bryozoans from the Bay of Bengal, East coast of India
Authors: Symphonia Tabita , Nathan Senthil
Published: June 2022

The ecological record of bryozoans from the continental shelf-slope region of the southwestern Bay of Bengal is very sparse, prompting this investigation. Forty-five sea-floor sediment samples were collected along eight transects during the cruise on R/V Sagar Paschimi from the offshore region between Chennai and Cuddalore in the southwestern Bay of Bengal. The distribution of bryozoans was assessed based on the fragments of bryozoan colonies from these samples, which were collected at depths ranging from 6-308m. The goal was to determine the relationship between environmental parameters measured from the study area and the abundances of various bryozoan species. Results revealed the presence of 29 species of recent bryozoans in 24 genera pertaining to eight morphotypes. It is evident from the present investigation that the major control on the spatial distribution of bryozoan colonies is the type of substrate available, as sample sites dominated by coarse sediments showed high species richness though other factors such as ocean dynamics and rate of sedimentation also seem to regulate their abundance.
Integration of Numerical and Empirical Approaches for Assessment of Apt Support Design for Various Underground Openings of Chromite Mine
Authors: Paul Avinash , Prakash Amar , Kumar Niraj , Kumar Pramod , Singh Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2022

The underachievement of support systems in roof bolts layout design is one of the dominant causative factors of roof fall in underground mines. Various factors triggering the roof failure are the presence of laminated roof, the geological plane of weaknesses, the time lag in support installation, inefficient grouting/bonding of roof bolts, improper estimation of roof bolt length, the concentration of the induced stresses due to mining activities, etc. The roof fall concerns mining engineers as it seriously affects safety and productivity. Hence the stability of the openings has to be considered as a priority to suspend the movement of overlying layered strata by application of adequate support. Application of rock mass classification system helps in guiding suitable roof support design for apt stabilization of the mine openings. The study has been carried out to assess the befitting support design of v arious openings in underground chromite mine considering applicable rock mass classification systems namely Bieniawski’s Geomechanical System and Barton’s Q – system inclusive of numerical analysis. The values of rock load obtained by Bieniawski’s geomechanical system was on the higher side. Thus, in view of the safety and stability of engineering structures, Bieniawski’s geomechanical system was considered for the design of a support system. Rock load was determined for different dimensions of underground openings such as decline, cross-cut junctions, cross-cut roadways, ore drive, footwall drive, and haulage junctions, wherein width variation resulted in influencing rock load. Safety factor has also been analysed with respect to the width of the opening to demarcate stable and semi-stable zones.
New Opportunities in Global Ocean Research for Academia and Industry
Authors: Lee Sang-Mook
Published: June 2022

Since 2017, requesting ship time has become possible for university researchers and businesses on research vessels. They include Isabu and Onnuri of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and the icebreaking research vessel Araon of the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI). There was no regulation barring the chartering of the significant national scientific infrastructure in the first place, but the exorbitant cost of ship time had made their usage virtually impossible. Shared Use Committee (SUC) was set up to handle applications and coordinate the cruises. A modest amount of research funds is also granted. Currently, the KIOST vessels conduct surveys in the Pacific and the central Indian Ocean annually. The KOPRI vessel routinely operates around Antarctica during the austral summer and in the Arctic seas during the boreal summer. Other government-supported institutions are likely to follow this shared used example. Here I provide a brief historical background leading to the shared use of research and information for potential applicants. The description is given from the perspective of geological oceanography, and thus some accounts may differ in other fields of study. A case study is given where a team of international university scientists successfully conducted a joint experiment to investigate the upper mantle structure by deploying ocean bottom instruments and recovering them one year later in the Pacific using Korean research vessels. Finally, some long and short-term recommendations are made to improve the system further.
COMBI: Artificial Intelligence for Computer-Based Forensic Analysis of Persons
Authors: Becker Sven , Heuschkel Marie , Richter Sabine , Labudde Dirk
Published: June 2022

During the prosecution process the primary objective is to prove criminal offences to the correct perpetrator to convict them with legal effect. However, in reality this may often be difficult to achieve. Suppose a suspect has been identified and is accused of a bank robbery. Due to the location of the crime, it can be assumed that there is sufficient image and video surveillance footage available, having recorded the perpetrator at the crime scene. Depending on the surveillance system used, there could be even high-resolution material available. In short, optimal conditions seem to be in place for further investigations, especially as far as the identification of the perpetrator and the collection of evidence of their participation in the crime are concerned. However, perpetrators usually act using some kind of concealment to hide their identity. In most cases, they disguise their faces and even their gait. Conventional investigation approaches and methods such as facial recognition and gait analysis then quickly reach their limits. For this reason, an approach based on anthropometric person-specific digital skeletons, so-called rigs, that is being researched by the COMBI research project is presented in this publication. Using these rigs, it should be possible to assign known identities, comparable to suspects, to unknown identities, comparable to perpetrators. The aim of the COMBI research project is to study the anthropometric pattern as a biometric identifier as well as to make it feasible for the standardised application in the taking of evidence by the police and prosecution. The approach is intended to present computer-aided opportunities for the identification of perpetrators that can support already established procedures.
Sodium Polyacrylate-Modified Bentonite and Its Dehydration Testing in Real Oil
Authors: Meng Fanyu , Shi Li , Meng Xuan , Liu Naiwang
Published: June 2022

Removing trace water from oil is an important industrial process and is commonly accomplished using vacuum filtration. The drawbacks of this method, however, are: poor efficiency, large oil loss, and significant energy consumption. The objective of the current study was to develop a better system to solve these problems using a sodium polyacrylate (PAA-Na)-modified bentonite as the dehydrating agent and, for the first time, to apply it to transformer oil. PAA-Na was prepared by aqueous solution polymerization. A dehydration test was carried out to determine the optimum addition of PAA-Na, and the highest dehydration rate of 76.5% was obtained with the addition of 20 wt.% PAA-Na. The steady dehydration rate of the PAA-Na-modified bentonite was better than that of other adsorbents (calcium chloride, zeolite 5A, unmodified bentonite). The process of adsorbing saturated water vapor on PAA-Na modified bentonite was studied and interpreted from the aspects of adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties. The results showed that the adsorption isotherm data followed the Freundlich isotherm model and the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process was endothermic. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed that PAA-Na was synthesized successfully and it had a huge proportion of hydrophilic groups. According to thermogravimetric analysis, the PAA-Na-modified bentonite was stable up to 200°C, giving a flexible region for pretreatment and regeneration. X-ray diffraction showed no change in the diffraction pattern before and after modification. Moreover, considering the results of scanning electron microscopy and surface-area analyses, one may safely say that PAA-Na was distributed homogeneously on the surface of the bentonite. In addition, PAA-Na-modified bentonite exhibited a high dehydration rate in xylene, naphtha, and diesel, indicating a broad range of applications.
Believing in Dante
Authors: Cornish Alison
Published: June 2022

Alison Cornish offers a compelling new take on the Commedia with modern sensibilities in mind. Believing in Dante re-examines the infernal dramas of Dante's masterpiece that alienate and perplex modern readers, offering an invigorating view of the whole Divine Comedy, bringing it to meaningful life today. Addressing the characteristics that distance an author like Dante from the modern world, Alison Cornish shows the value of critically and constructively engaging with texts that do not coincide with current worldviews. She thereby reveals how we might discover constellations by which to navigate the process of reading. Written with incisiveness and sophistication, this landmark book elucidates Dante's eminently readable universe: one where we can and must choose what we want to believe.
Homologous basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors induce distinct deformations of torsionally-stressed DNA: a potential transcription regulation mechanism
Authors: Hörberg Johanna , Moreau Kevin , Reymer Anna
Published: June 2022

Changing torsional restraints on DNA is essential for the regulation of transcription. Torsional stress, introduced by RNA polymerase, can propagate along chromatin facilitating topological transitions and modulating the specific binding of transcription factors (TFs) to DNA. Despite the importance, the mechanistic details on how torsional stress impacts the TFs-DNA complexation remain scarce. Herein, we address the impact of torsional stress on DNA complexation with homologous human basic helix–loop–helix (BHLH) hetero- and homodimers: MycMax, MadMax and MaxMax. The three TF dimers exhibit specificity towards the same DNA consensus sequence, the E-box response element, while regulating different transcriptional pathways. Using microseconds-long atomistic molecular dynamics simulations together with the torsional restraint that controls DNA total helical twist, we gradually over- and underwind naked and complexed DNA to a maximum of ± 5°/bp step. We observe that the binding of the BHLH dimers results in a similar increase in DNA torsional rigidity. However, under torsional stress the BHLH dimers induce distinct DNA deformations, characterised by changes in DNA grooves geometry and a significant asymmetric DNA bending. Supported by bioinformatics analyses, our data suggest that torsional stress may contribute to the execution of differential transcriptional programs of the homologous TFs by modulating their collaborative interactions.
Electrostatic gyrokinetic simulations in Wendelstein 7-X geometry: benchmark between the codes stella and GENE
Authors: González-Jerez A. , Xanthopoulos P. , García-Regaña J.M. , Calvo I. , Alcusón J. , Bañón Navarro A. , Barnes M. , Parra F.I. , Geiger J.
Published: June 2022

The first experimental campaigns have proven that, due to the optimization of the magnetic configuration with respect to neoclassical transport, the contribution of turbulence is essential to understand and predict the total particle and energy transport in Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X). This has spurred much work on gyrokinetic modelling for the interpretation of the available experimental results and for the preparation of the next campaigns. At the same time, new stellarator gyrokinetic codes have just been or are being developed. It is therefore desirable to have a sufficiently complete, documented and verified set of gyrokinetic simulations in W7-X geometry against which new codes or upgrades of existing codes can be tested and benchmarked. This paper attempts to provide such a set of simulations in the form of a comprehensive benchmark between the recently developed code stella and the well-established code GENE. The benchmark consists of electrostatic gyrokinetic simulations in the W7-X magnetic geometry and includes different flux tubes, linear ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) and trapped-electron-mode stability analyses, computation of linear zonal-flow responses and calculation of ITG-driven heat fluxes.
Older people's family relationships in disequilibrium during the COVID-19 pandemic. What really matters?
Authors: Derrer-Merk Elfriede , Ferson Scott , Mannis Adam , Bentall Richard , Bennett Kate M.
Published: June 2022

Inter- and intragenerational relationships are known to be important in maintaining the wellbeing of older people. A key aspect of these relationships is the exchange of both emotional and instrumental social support. However, relatively little is known about how this exchange of support changes in the context of widespread disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to examine how older people's family relationships are impacted by such social change. The present qualitative study explores how older people in the United Kingdom experienced changes in inter- and intragenerational support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (N = 33) were recruited through a large-scale nationally representative survey (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/psychology-consortium-covid19). We asked how life had been pre-pandemic, how they experienced the first national lockdown and what the future might hold in store. The data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory. This paper focuses on the importance of family relationships and how they changed as a consequence of the pandemic. We found that the family support system had been interrupted, that there were changes in the methods of support and that feelings of belonging were challenged. We argue that families were brought into disequilibrium through changes in the exchange of inter- and intragenerational support. The important role of grandchildren for older adults was striking and challenged by the pandemic. The significance of social connectedness and support within the family had not changed during the pandemic, but it could no longer be lived in the same way. The desire to be close to family members and to support them conflicted with the risk of pandemic infection. Our study found support for the COVID-19 Social Connectivity Paradox: the need for social connectedness whilst maintaining social distance. This challenged family equilibrium, wellbeing and quality of life in older people.
Vocabulary learning from reading and listening: Replications of Brown et al. (2008) and Vidal (2011)
Authors: Serrano Raquel
Published: June 2022

There has been a great deal of interest in second language vocabulary studies regarding the potential of reading as a source of incidental vocabulary learning. More recently, several studies have also focused on comparing reading with other input modes, such as listening, or reading-while-listening. Among these studies there are two – Brown et al. (2008) and Vidal (2011) – that have been extensively cited because of the evidence they provided regarding the differential effects of reading versus listening in promoting incidental vocabulary gains. The present study presents different arguments for replication of these two original studies as well as specific ideas on how such replications could be conducted.
Screening and diagnostic imaging at centres performing congenital heart surgery in middle-income countries
Authors: Majeed Amara , Jenkins Kathy , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Forero Julian F. , Pérez Juárez Fabiola , Kulkarni Snehal , Minh Phuc Vu , Schidlow David
Published: June 2022

Background:

Surgical care for CHD is increasingly available in low- and middle-income countries, and efforts to optimise outcomes are growing. This study characterises cardiac imaging and prenatal diagnosis infrastructure in this setting.

Methods:

An infrastructure survey was administered to sites participating in the International Quality Improvement Collaborative for CHD. Questions regarding transthoracic, transesophageal and epicardial echocardiography, cardiac CT, cardiac magnetic resonance, prenatal screening and fetal echocardiography were included. Associations with in-hospital and 30-day mortality were assessed.

Results:

Thirty-seven sites in 17 countries responded. Programme size and geography varied considerably: < 250 cases (n = 13), 250–500 cases (n = 9), > 500 cases (n = 15); Americas (n = 13), Asia (n = 18), and Eastern Europe (n = 6). All had access to transthoracic echo. Most reported transesophageal and epicardial echocardiography availability (86 and 89%, respectively). Most (81%) had cardiac CT, but only 54% had cardiac magnetic resonance. A third reported impediments to imaging, including lack of portable machines, age/size-appropriate equipment and advanced cardiac imaging access and training. Only 19% of centres reported universal prenatal CHD screening in their catchment area, and only 46% always performed fetal echocardiography if screening raised concern for CHD. No statistically significant associations were identified between imaging modality availability and surgical outcomes.

Conclusions:

Although access to echocardiography is available in most middle-income countries; advanced imaging modalities (cardiac CT and magnetic resonance) are not always accessible. Prenatal screening for CHD is low, and availability of fetal echocardiography is limited. Imaging infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries and associations with outcomes merits additional study.
A Statistical Study of Auroral Medium Frequency Bursts and Anomalous Incoherent Scatter Radar Echoes
Authors: Hudson Emily , LaBelle James , Reimer Ashton , Akbari Hassanali
Published: June 2022

Different types of incoherent scatter radar (ISR) echoes are observed associated with aurora, including some which have been interpreted as signatures of cavitating Langmuir turbulence (CLT). Akbari et al. (2013) https://doi.org/10.1002/jgra.50314 discussed two instances of correlation between CLT and naturally occurring radio emissions called medium frequency burst (MFB) which occur at substorm onsets. Based on that observation, radio detections of MFB from Toolik Lake Observatory have been applied to investigate occurrence of CLT in ISR data from Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar and their possible correlation with MFB. Of 131 MFB events, 25 occurred within 15 min of an ISR echo detection, compared to 6 of 116 intervals of a control set with similar local time and seasonal distribution. The difference is significant at the 10−4 level, suggesting that ISR echoes are more probable during substorm onset times identified using MFB as a proxy. However, only four observed ISR echoes coincident with one MFB event showed both specific characteristics consistent with CLT. Furthermore, investigation of the angle of arrival of MFB suggests that the electromagnetic emissions do not originate from the plasma volume where the ISR detects the echoes. The small number of coincident ISR echoes and MFB is expected due to the different volumes in which the emissions and the echoes are detected. 50% of the MFB events occurred within 20 min of a substorm onset independently identified versus 8% of the control set intervals, confirming the correlation of MFB with substorm onsets.
Newly Discovered Lake May Offer a Glimpse into Antarctica’s Past
Authors: Wight Andrew
Published: June 2022

Scientists dive in—metaphorically—to Lake Snow Eagle, only recently revealed through ice-penetrating radar.
The World Hypertension League Science of Salt: a regularly updated systematic review of salt and health outcomes studies (Sept 2019 to Dec 2020)
Authors: Wang Nan Xin , Arcand JoAnne , Campbell Norm R. C. , Johnson Claire , Malta Daniela , Petersen Kristina , Rae Sarah , Santos Joseph Alvin , Sivakumar Bridve , Thout Sudhir Raj , McLean Rachael
Published: June 2022

The World Hypertension League Science of Salt health outcomes review series highlights high-quality publications relating to salt intake and health outcomes. This review uses a standardised method, outlined in previous reviews and based on methods developed by WHO, to identify and critically appraise published articles on dietary salt intake and health outcomes. We identified 41 articles published between September 2019 to December 2020. Amongst these, two studies met the pre-specified methodological quality criteria for critical appraisal. They were prospective cohort studies and examined physical performance and composite renal outcomes as health outcomes. Both found an association between increased/higher sodium intake and poorer health outcomes. Few studies meet criteria for high-quality methods. This review adds further evidence that dietary salt reduction has health benefits and strengthens evidence relating to health outcomes other than blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. We observe that most studies on dietary sodium do not have adequate methodology to reliably assess sodium intake and its association with health outcomes.
IGF1R acts as a cancer-promoting factor in the tumor microenvironment facilitating lung metastasis implantation and progression
Authors: Alfaro-Arnedo Elvira , López Icíar P. , Piñeiro-Hermida Sergio , Canalejo Marta , Gotera Carolina , Sola Jesús Javier , Roncero Alejandra , Peces-Barba Germán , Ruíz-Martínez Carlos , Pichel José G.
Published: June 2022

Given the long-term ineffectiveness of current therapies and late-stage diagnoses, lung cancer is a leading cause of malignant diseases. Tumor progression is influenced by cancer cell interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) was reported to affect the TME; however, the role of IGF1R in lung TME has not been investigated. First, we assessed IGF1R genomic alterations and expression in NSCLC patient tissue samples, as well as IGF1R serum levels. Next, we performed tumor heterotopic transplantation and pulmonary metastases in IGF1R-deficient mice using melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. Herein we report increased amplification and mRNA expression, as well as increased protein expression (IGF1R/p-IGF1R) and IGF1R levels in tumor samples and serum from NSCLC patients, respectively. Moreover, IGF1R deficiency in mice reduced tumor growth, proliferation, inflammation and vascularization, and increased apoptosis after tumor heterotopic transplantation. Following induction of lung metastasis, IGF1R-deficient lungs also demonstrated a reduced tumor burden, and decreased expression of tumor progression markers, p-IGF1R and p-ERK1/2. Additionally, IGF1R-deficient lungs showed increased apoptosis and diminished proliferation, vascularization, EMT and fibrosis, along with attenuated inflammation and immunosuppression. Accordingly, IGF1R deficiency decreased expression of p-IGF1R in blood vessels, fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages and FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Our results demonstrate that IGF1R promotes metastatic tumor initiation and progression in lung TME. Furthermore, our research indicates that IGF1R could be a potential biomarker for early prediction of drug response and clinical evolution in NSCLC patients.