bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rare Presentation of Lisegang Rings in Adrenal Cavernous Hemangioma : Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Almotairi Wejdan , Alhamam Abdullah , Alotaibi Aali , El Sharkawy Tarek , Alsaif Hind S. , Almousa Abdulatif , Alsowayan Ossamah , Eldarawany Hamed , Fadaak Kamel
Published: August 2021

Background. Adrenal cavernous hemangiomas (AH) are benign nonfunctional vascular tumors rarely discovered as incidental findings on imaging studies or autopsies. This study presents a single case report of AH with another rare finding of the Liesegang ring. Also, we reviewed 73 case reports of cavernous adrenal hemangioma to provide an overview of AH’s clinical characteristics. Case Report. A nonfunctional AH was incidentally discovered in a 59-year-old morbidly obese female patient with a 10-year history of hypertension and thyroidectomy. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a left suprarenal mass of ∼16 cm in diameter. While the patient had no clinical manifestations from the hemangioma, all laboratory tests were within the normal values with no indication of a functional adrenal tumor. The mass was removed by open left adrenalectomy. The microscopic histological examination revealed a laminated structure with wide blood-filled spaces with a central core of necrotic and hemorrhagic changes, characteristic of a cavernous AH with the presence of a rare Liesegang ring. Conclusion. Although rare, AH should be considered as a differential diagnosis for adrenal masses. This is the first reported case of a cavernous AH with rare microscopic findings of the Liesegang ring.
Rlf–Mycl Gene Fusion Drives Tumorigenesis and Metastasis in a Mouse Model of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ciampricotti Metamia , Karakousi Triantafyllia , Richards Allison L. , Quintanal-Villalonga Àlvaro , Karatza Angeliki , Caeser Rebecca , Costa Emily A. , Allaj Viola , Manoj Parvathy , Spainhower Kyle B. , Kombak Faruk E. , Sanchez-Rivera Francisco J. , Jaspers Janneke E. , Zavitsanou Anastasia-Maria , Maddalo Danilo , Ventura Andrea , Rideout William M. , Akama-Garren Elliot H. , Jacks Tyler , Donoghue Mark T.A. , Sen Triparna , Oliver Trudy G. , Poirier John T. , Papagiannakopoulos Thales , Rudin Charles M.
Published: August 2021

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has limited therapeutic options and an exceptionally poor prognosis. Understanding the oncogenic drivers of SCLC may help define novel therapeutic targets. Recurrent genomic rearrangements have been identified in SCLC, most notably an in-frame gene fusion between RLF and MYCL found in up to 7% of the predominant ASCL1-expressing subtype. To explore the role of this fusion in oncogenesis and tumor progression, we used CRISPR/Cas9 somatic editing to generate a Rlf–Mycl-driven mouse model of SCLC. RLF–MYCL fusion accelerated transformation and proliferation of murine SCLC and increased metastatic dissemination and the diversity of metastatic sites. Tumors from the RLF–MYCL genetically engineered mouse model displayed gene expression similarities with human RLF–MYCL SCLC. Together, our studies support RLF–MYCL as the first demonstrated fusion oncogenic driver in SCLC and provide a new preclinical mouse model for the study of this subtype of SCLC.

Significance:

The biological and therapeutic implications of gene fusions in SCLC, an aggressive metastatic lung cancer, are unknown. Our study investigates the functional significance of the in-frame RLF–MYCL gene fusion by developing a Rlf–Mycl-driven genetically engineered mouse model and defining the impact on tumor growth and metastasis.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2945
Scalable Manufacturing of CAR T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Abou-el-Enein Mohamed , Elsallab Magdi , Feldman Steven A. , Fesnak Andrew D. , Heslop Helen E. , Marks Peter , Till Brian G. , Bauer Gerhard , Savoldo Barbara
Published: August 2021

As of April 2021, there are five commercially available chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies for hematologic malignancies. With the current transition of CAR T cell manufacturing from academia to industry, there is a shift toward Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)–compliant closed and automated systems to ensure reproducibility and to meet the increased demand for patients with cancer. In this review, we describe current CAR T cell clinical manufacturing models and discuss emerging technologic advances that embrace scaling and production optimization. We summarize measures being used to shorten CAR T cell manufacturing times and highlight regulatory challenges to scaling production for clinical use.

Significance:

As the demand for CAR T cell cancer therapy increases, several closed and automated production platforms are being deployed, and others are in development. This review provides a critical appraisal of these technologies, which can be leveraged to scale and optimize the production of next-generation CAR T cells.

See related video: https://aacrjournals.org/content/webinar-car-t-cell-manufacturing
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Common Denominator in Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
Authors: Ortiz-González Xilma R.
Published: August 2021

Mitochondria, the organelles classically seen as the powerhouse of the cell, are increasingly associated with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. Although individually rare, a myriad of pediatric neurogenetic disorders have been identified in the last few years, thanks to advances in clinical genetic sequencing and data analysis. As this exponential growth continues, mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly implicated in childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, with clinical presentations ranging from syndromic autism, intellectual disability, and epileptic encephalopathies to childhood onset neurodegeneration. Here we review recent evidence demonstrating mitochondrial involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders, identify emerging mechanistic trends, and reconsider the long-standing question of the role of mitochondria in light of new evidence: causation versus mere association.
Dissonância micrométrica como possibilidade analítica da música dos séculos XX e XXI
Authors: Gumboski Leandro
Published: August 2021

A dissonância métrica, conceito que surge no século XIX como uma ferramenta composicional, foi sistematicamente teorizada por Krebs (1999), compreendendo situações de desalinhamento métrico entre estratos interpretativos distintos. Um axioma teórico compreende que as dissonâncias métricas apresentam um estrato comum e mais rápido ou em nível menor àqueles estratos interpretativos que dissonam, chamado de estrato de pulso. Em oposição estrutural à dissonância hipermétrica, já discutida em bibliografia teórica recente, este trabalho propõe uma definição para a dissonância micrométrica. Conceituada enquanto situação em que o estrato de pulso se torna, também, um dos estratos em conflito métrico (estrato interpretativo), a dissonância micrométrica pode ser segmentada em categorias analíticas específicas. Ao teorizar três categorias possíveis, a saber, por andamento, por deslocamento e por aceleração ou retenção contínua, este trabalho ainda apresenta concisos exemplos analíticos para cada qual. Considera-se que o conceito de dissonância micrométrica é de grande relevância para se analisar o plano temporal de muitas composições dos séculos XX e XXI.
Assessment of Satellite-based Precipitation Products Performance over the Hyper-arid Climate of Kuwait
Authors: AlMutairi Bandar S.
Published: August 2021

Precipitation is a complex natural parameter that is essential for water and environmental systems. Due to its variability on the spatial and temporal scales, satellite-based precipitation products (SPPs) have arisen interest in hydrology and meteorology applications. This study measures the performance of six high resolutions SPPs (GPM IMERG products (IMERG-E, IMERG-L, and IMERG-F), TMPA products (3B42 V7, 3B42RT V7), and PERSIANN product) in producing the observed precipitation over a hyper-arid climate, water scarce region for the period 2013-2018. It also evaluates their performance dependency on the aggregation time-step and topographic elevations. According to a number of continuous and categorical evaluation metrics: (a) SPPs overestimate the observed daily annual and seasonal precipitation, particularly with near real-time products, (b) all SPPs estimates depict correlation ranging from 0.68 to 0.84 with the annual and seasonal precipitation and weak correlations in dry season, and (c) their ability to detect rain/no-rain events is measured by Peirce Skill Score (PSS), ranging from 0.73 to 0.92 across annual and seasonal scales, whereas 3B42RT V7 reproduces lower PSSs. Furthermore, the study finds that aggregation to a monthly time-step improves only SPPs correlations. The performance of near real-time products shows significant dependency on elevations, especially with 3B42RT V7 that shows low skills at coastlands. The TMPA products ability to detect rain/no-rain events dramatically drops from highlands to coastlands, with low skills to generate observed no/tiny and light precipitation classes. The study addresses an adequate ability of IMERG-F and PERSIANN to be utilized in water and environmental studies over hyper-arid climate regions, with highlighting for the superiority of IMERG-F.
Classification of Semiconductors Using Photoluminescence Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Yu Yinchuan , McCluskey Matthew D.
Published: August 2021

Photoluminescence spectroscopy is a nondestructive optical method that is widely used to characterize semiconductors. In the photoluminescence process, a substance absorbs photons and emits light with longer wavelengths via electronic transitions. This paper discusses a method for identifying substances from their photoluminescence spectra using machine learning, a technique that is efficient in making classifications. Neural networks were constructed by taking simulated photoluminescence spectra as the input and the identity of the substance as the output. In this paper, six different semiconductors were chosen as categories: gallium oxide (Ga2O3), zinc oxide (ZnO), gallium nitride (GaN), cadmium sulfide (CdS), tungsten disulfide (WS2), and cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3). The developed algorithm has a high accuracy (>90%) for assigning a substance to one of these six categories from its photoluminescence spectrum and correctly identified a mixed Ga2O3/ZnO sample.
Challenges Faced by Community Volunteers in Community Development: Voices from Volunteers in Chegutu District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Kabonga Itai , Zvokuomba Kwashirai
Published: August 2021

Volunteer scholarship in Zimbabwe tends to focus on volunteer motivations, volunteers’ role in community development and, to a lesser extent, volunteers’ challenges. In this study, we captured the lived experiences of volunteers in the current milieu of socio-economic challenges. We discovered that the major challenges affecting community volunteers in the Chegutu District are poverty and vulnerability, burnout, too much work, lack of community appreciation of volunteerism and lack of adequate volunteer paraphernalia. We move beyond other studies to explore how volunteers are coping with the challenges. Volunteers are reliant on spiritual support and encouragement by some community members. The study adopts a qualitative approach with data collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. The findings are presented and discussed thematically.
The Racial Divide at Micro Places: A Pre/Post Analysis of the Effects of the Newark Consent Decree on Field Inquiries (2015–2017)
Authors: Chillar Vijay F.
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

An initial investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) found that the Newark Police Department (NPD) had engaged in a “pattern or practice” of constitutional violations with regard to stop and arrest practices, prompting the city to enter a consent decree.

Methods:

This study draws on official event-level data on FIs recorded by NPD officers (N = 50,322) and uses random effects panel regression models to examine how socioeconomic characteristics interact with the implementation of the consent decree at micro places in the short term.

Results:

Spatial analyses indicate a concentration of FI encounters. The implementation of the consent decree coincided with improvements in the quality of data collected by officers conducting FIs of citizens. It was also associated with decreased rates of reported FIs for the city’s Black and Latino citizens relative to their share of the local population, and patterns of FI encounters.

Conclusions:

Newark’s consent decree improved the quality of data collection. However, the spatial concentration of reported FIs and subsequent arrest of Black and Latino individuals have not experienced the same effect as they presumably require a culture change that is likely to necessitate a longer time frame to manifest.
A CRITICAL JUNCTURE? COVID‐19 AND THE FATE OF THE U.S.–CHINA STRUGGLE FOR SUPREMACY
Authors: Ameyaw‐Brobbey Thomas
Published: August 2021

This article compares the United States’ and China's international efforts of responding to the current coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic and considers how the global public is receiving both to project how such measures would likely shape the international leadership competition. How do the international efforts of the United States and China on COVID‐19 affect their respective soft power? How does the global public perception of the United States' and China's COVID‐19 efforts affect their competitive advantage for global leadership? Based on the theory of soft power, I use Europe and Africa as cases with global perception data from the Pew Research Center (2017–2020) to argue that China would likely win some admiration for its COVID‐19 efforts. However, it is unlikely to substantially shape positive global public perception of China to gain a competitive edge over the United States. This argument is based on the narrative China presents in the pandemic, its diplomatic style, and the ideational attachment the U.S. style has established. I utilize a phenomenological approach with narrative analysis.
Path Analysis for Binary Random Variables
Authors: Raggi Martina , Stanghellini Elena , Doretti Marco
Published: August 2021

The decomposition of the overall effect of a treatment into direct and indirect effects is here investigated with reference to a recursive system of binary random variables. We show how, for the single mediator context, the marginal effect measured on the log odds scale can be written as the sum of the indirect and direct effects plus a residual term that vanishes under some specific conditions. We then extend our definitions to situations involving multiple mediators and address research questions concerning the decomposition of the total effect when some mediators on the pathway from the treatment to the outcome are marginalized over. Connections to the counterfactual definitions of the effects are also made. Data coming from an encouragement design on students’ attitude to visit museums in Florence, Italy, are reanalyzed. The estimates of the defined quantities are reported together with their standard errors to compute p values and form confidence intervals.
Predictive Properties of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) in a Northern Canadian Prairie Sample
Authors: hegel Jennifer , Pelletier Karen D. , Olver Mark E.
Published: August 2021

This study examined the predictive properties of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) in a large Canadian, predominantly Indigenous, sample from a geographic region with the highest rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the country. A random stratified sample of 300 men (92.7% Indigenous) court adjudicated for an IPV offense was drawn from six Northern Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment regions. The ODARA was rated from police records and recidivism data were obtained via official criminal records over a mean 4.7-year follow-up. ODARA scores had small to moderate predictive accuracy (AUC/C = .58–.67) for IPV and other recidivism outcomes in the aggregate sample and Indigenous subsample. E/O index analyses demonstrated that the ODARA Ontario norms overpredicted IPV recidivism at high scores but underpredicted it at lower mid-range scores. Implications for use of the ODARA to assist frontline police personnel in IPV risk assessment and management are discussed.
The mediating effects of adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems on the relationship between emotion regulation, mindfulness and bullying/victimization at school
Authors: Georgiou Stelios N. , Charalambous Kyriakos , Stavrinides Panayotis
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was two-fold: to investigate the relationship between emotion regulation, dispositional mindfulness and bullying/victimization experiences at school, and to examine the mediating effects of internalizing and externalizing problems on this relationship. Self-reports measuring the above variables were completed by 444 adolescents (mean age 15.3) who attended high school in Cyprus. Data were collected at three points in time. Specifically, data were collected during the second week of October, 2018 (T1), the third week of January, 2019 (T2) and the first week of June, 2019 (T3). It was found that mindfulness at T1 had a significant negative effect on both internalizing and externalizing symptoms and through these variables, it had an indirect negative effect on both bullying and victimization at T3. Similarly, adaptive emotion regulation at T1 had an indirect effect on victimization, fully mediated by internalizing problems. In contrast, maladaptive emotion regulation had a positive, direct effect on both bullying and victimization.
Value of pre-intervention computed tomography perfusion imaging in the assessment of tissue outcome and long-term clinical prognosis in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke receiving reperfusion therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Katyal Anubhav , Bhaskar Sonu Menachem Maimonides
Published: August 2021

Background

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging has emerged as an important adjunct to the current armamentarium of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) workflow. However, its adoption in routine clinical practice is far from optimal.

Purpose

To investigate the putative association of CTP imaging biomarkers in the assessment of prognosis in acute ischemic stroke.

Material and Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials focusing on CTP biomarkers, tissue-based and clinical-based patient outcomes. We included randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and case-controlled studies published from January 2005 to 28 August 2020. Two independent reviewers conducted the study appraisal, data extraction, and quality assessment of the studies.

Results

A total of 60 full-text studies were included in the final systematic review analysis. Increasing infarct core volume is associated with reduced odds of achieving functional independence (modified Rankin score 0–2) at 90 days and is correlated with the final infarct volume when reperfusion is achieved.

Conclusion

CTP has value in assessing tissue perfusion status in the hyperacute stroke setting and the long-term clinical prognosis of patients with AIS receiving reperfusion therapy. However, the prognostic use of CTP requires optimization and further validation.
Fingolimod attenuates renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis and modulating S1P metabolism
Authors: Shi Zu-an , Li Ting-ting , Kang Dao-ling , Su Hang , Tu Fa-ping
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study examined whether the immunomodulator fingolimod (FTY720) could alleviate renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced lung injury and explored the potential mechanisms.

Methods

Renal I/R was established in a rat model, and FTY720 (0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally after 15 minutes of ischemia. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the mRNA expression of the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-related signaling pathway genes sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) and sphingosine kinase-2 were analyzed in lung tissue.

Results

Increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels; decreased total superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels; increased apoptosis; and increased S1P lyase and SphK1 expression were observed following renal I/R. FTY720 reversed renal I/R-induced changes and effectively attenuated lung injury.

Conclusion

FTY720 protected against acute lung injury in rats subjected to renal I/R by decreasing pulmonary inflammation and apoptosis, increasing oxidative stress, and modulating S1P metabolism.
Review of large-scale fire tests on cross-laminated timber
Authors: Ronquillo Gerard , Hopkin Danny , Spearpoint Michael
Published: August 2021

Concerns about the environmental impact of building construction is leading to timber being more commonly used. However, it often faces scepticism regarding its safety in the event of fire. This article provides a point of reference on the fire performance of cross-laminated timber through a review of large-scale tests. Although adequately protecting CLT can make its contribution to fire insignificant, some of the internal surface of an enclosure can be exposed whilst still achieving adequate fire performance. Natural fire tests show that the charring rate and zero-strength layer thickness are higher than commonly used in guidance documents. The type of adhesive used to bond lamellae influences performance where delamination can lead to secondary flashovers, particularly in smaller enclosures. Structural elements can potentially collapse without self-extinction and/or suppression intervention. Tests to date have focussed on a residential context and knowledge gaps remain regarding larger enclosures, such as office-type buildings.
Ideological motives and taxation by armed groups
Authors: Breslawski Jori , Tucker Colin
Published: August 2021

Which armed groups are the most likely to tax civilians? A common assumption is that armed groups only tax civilians when they lack access to other sources of revenue. However, recent insights have pointed to the fact that economic considerations are not the only influence on groups’ decisions to tax civilian populations. In this article, we argue that armed groups with a communist ideology are more likely to tax civilians than other groups because it serves as a testament to their ideological goals. We conduct a statistical analysis of armed groups operating from 1990 to 2015 and find support for our argument.
Too Much Grit to Quit? An Examination of Grit in Two Separate Within-Institution Contexts
Authors: Hamilton William
Published: August 2021

Although the grit narrative—the idea that individual success is as much a product of passion and perseverance as it is a result of intelligence and talent—has captured the public’s imagination, much of the empirical literature has focused almost exclusively on traditional-age college students attending more selective residential universities. The current investigation leveraged two distinct samples of students to explore the association between grit and a wide range of educational outcomes for location-bound and online adult college students. Regression results indicated that the perseverance subscale of grit tended to be a better predictor of persistence and graduation intentions, and social and academic integration, particularly for location-bound adult students, while the passion subscale was a better predictor of actual persistence. The results also suggest that the predictive utility of grit is weaker for online adult college students.
Ambient Temperature as a Strong Zeitgeber of Circadian Rhythms in Response to Temperature Sensitivity and Poor Heat Dissipation Abilities in Subterranean African Mole-Rats
Authors: Hart Daniel W. , van Jaarsveld Barry , Lasch Kiara G. , Grenfell Kerryn L. , Oosthuizen Maria K. , Bennett Nigel C.
Published: August 2021

Mammals have evolved circadian rhythms in internal biological processes and behaviors, such as locomotor activity (LA), to synchronize to the environmental conditions they experience. Photic entrainment of LA has been well established; however, non-photic entrainment, such as ambient temperature ( Ta), has received much less attention. To address this dearth of knowledge, we exposed two subterranean endothermic-homeothermic African mole-rat species, the solitary Cape mole-rat ( Georychus capensis [GC]) and social Mahali mole-rat ( Cryptomys hottentotus mahali [CHM]), to varying Ta cycles in the absence of light. We showed that the LA rhythms of these two species entrain to Ta cycles and that the majority of LA occurred during the coolest 12-h period. LA confined to the coolest Ta periods may be the direct consequence of the poor heat dissipation abilities of African mole-rats brought about by physiological and ecological constraints. Recently, it has been hypothesized that Ta is only a strong zeitgeber for circadian rhythms in species whose thermoregulatory abilities are sensitive to changes in Ta (i.e., heterotherms and ectotherms), which previously has excluded endothermic-homeothermic mammals. However, this study demonstrates that Ta is a strong zeitgeber or entrainer for circadian rhythms of LA in subterranean endothermic-homeothermic mammals as a consequence of their sensitivity to changes in Ta brought about by their poor heat dissipation abilities. This study reinforces the intimate link between circadian rhythms and thermoregulation and conclusively, for the first time, provides evidence that Ta is a strong zeitgeber for endothermic-homeothermic mammals.
A study on researcher use behavior changes since Covid-19
Authors: Noh Younghee
Published: August 2021

In December 2019, Covid-19 virus spread from Wuhan, China, to the rest of the world and had profound impact on politics, economy, society, and culture as well as significant effect on libraries and information utilization. This study aimed to propose future directions for library service by analyzing information use behavior of researchers and deriving the requirements through a survey method. As a result, it was initially identified that the data types and search paths used by researchers have changed to using electronic or online resources. Second, it was difficult to access and acquire certain data only available offline along with difficulty in searching and selecting data suitable for the purpose of research, difficulty in grasping the material, and technical problems such as usage method, search, and information use environment were identified. Third, after Covid-19, there has been a change in demand for services people need from libraries. Including the expansion of budget support for securing digital content, free provision of e-books and e-journals for a limited time by publishers, free provision of paid educational content for a certain period, and temporary copyright agreement for works, libraries were required to make efforts to secure information resources available online in response to Covid-19.
Social innovation and austerity governance in Athens and Madrid: Rethinking the changing contours of policy and practice
Authors: Arampatzi Athina
Published: August 2021

The notion of social innovation (SI) has received significant attention in academic debates and policy, denoting the potential for bottom-up and ‘bottom-linking’ sociospatial transformations and solutions to societal challenges in times of crises. This article takes on a critical approach to how SI is being employed in institutional channels and urban policy, by suggesting a reconceptualization of the different dimensions or forms it may acquire in the context of austerity governance. The article engages with case studies of policy initiatives developed in the cities of Athens and Madrid in the post-economic crisis period, in order to contribute to a new line of investigation into how policy through the ‘co-paradigm’ reconfigures the meaning and practice of SI, by tapping into the innovative dynamic of the civil society. It then critically evaluates the possibilities and limitations for grassroots innovations to influence urban governance in an era of austerity.
Differential Item Functioning in the WHODAS 2.0 Scale in Schizophrenia: An Application of the Rasch Trees Method Based on Demographic and Clinical Covariates
Authors: Berrío Ángela I. , Gómez-Benito Juana , Guilera Georgina
Published: August 2021

Identifying disability score differences in people with schizophrenia according to sociodemographic and clinical variables can help design better rehabilitation or care programs, but in order to compare the scores, it is necessary to confirm the measurement invariance. This study analyses differential item functioning (DIF) in the WHODAS 2.0 (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule) by applying two procedures based on Rasch trees (TREE-PCM and PCM-IFT). A total of 352 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder aged between 18 and 55 years took part. Sociodemographic (gender, age, marital status, and education) and clinical (depressive symptomatology, and presence of positive and negative symptoms) covariates were analysed in each of the WHODAS 2.0 domains. The TREE-PCM did not detect DIF, while with PCM-IFT an item with DIF was detected for the age variable. Although the findings suggest that only one item presents DIF, this refers to important issues when assessing functioning in patients with schizophrenia and should be reviewed.
Awareness of Colorectal Cancer and Associated Factors Among Adult Patients in Jimma, South-West Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hamza Abdulmenan , Argaw Zeleke , Gela Debela
Published: August 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the first commonest diagnosed cancer in men and the fourth commonest in women in Ethiopia. Awareness of CRC and associated factors is crucial in the prevention of CRC. However, there have not been studies about the awareness of CRC and associated factors among adult patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the awareness of CRC and associated factors among adult patients in Jimma, South-West Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

This institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 422 adult patients. The study respondents were recruited by a systematic random sampling method. The Cancer Awareness Measure questions were used to measure awareness of CRC of adult patients. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

More than half (57.6%) of respondents had low-level awareness of CRC. Respondents who were females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.75), who are residing in urban areas (AOR = .45; 95% CI: .30, .67), who had a monthly income of 3000 Ethiopian Birr and above (AOR = 4.72; 95% CI: 3.11, 7.15), who heard about CRC (AOR = 4.48; 95% CI: 2.90, 6.93), who get information through social media about CRC (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.18, 5.37), and who had a family history of CRC (AOR = 3.27; 95% CI: 1.45, 7.36) had a high level of awareness of CRC, while those who cannot read and write (AOR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.49, 5.37) and learn elementary school (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.93) had a low level of awareness of CRC.

Conclusion

This study indicated that awareness of CRC of adult patients was inadequate. Adult patients’ gender, residency, level of education, monthly income, heard about CRC, sources of information about CRC, and a family history of CRC were found to be independent predictors of the awareness of CRC. Therefore, there is a need for health education and awareness campaigns for promoting awareness of CRC of adult patients, and the government should develop policy on CRC prevention and screening program.
A chemo-mechano-thermodynamical contact theory for adhesion, friction, and (de)bonding reactions
Authors: Sauer Roger A. , Duong Thang X. , Mandadapu Kranthi K.
Published: August 2021

This work presents a self-contained continuum formulation for coupled chemical, mechanical, and thermal contact interactions. The formulation is very general and, hence, admits arbitrary geometry, deformation, and material behavior. All model equations are derived rigorously from the balance laws of mass, momentum, energy, and entropy in the framework of irreversible thermodynamics, thus exposing all the coupling present in the field equations and constitutive relations. In the process, the conjugated kinematic and kinetic variables for mechanical, thermal, and chemical contact are identified, and the analogies between mechanical, thermal, and chemical contact are highlighted. Particular focus is placed on the thermodynamics of chemical bonding distinguishing between exothermic and endothermic contact reactions. Distinction is also made between long-range, non-touching surface interactions and short-range, touching contact. For all constitutive relations, examples are proposed and discussed comprehensively with particular focus on their coupling. Finally, three analytical test cases are presented that illustrate the thermo-chemo-mechanical contact coupling and are useful for verifying computational models. Although the main novelty is the extension of existing contact formulations to chemical contact, the presented formulation also sheds new light on thermo-mechanical contact, because it is consistently derived from basic principles using only a few assumptions.
Experimental analysis of the system behavior of a two-stage variable compression ratio (VCR) system in fired SI-engine operation
Authors: Hammermueller Benedikt , Orlowsky Kolja , Hanciogullari Daniel , Pischinger Stefan
Published: August 2021

Especially for turbocharged SI engines, systems that allow to adapt the geometrical compression ratio offer advantages in terms of part load efficiency and maximum power output. In this study a conrod based two-stage VCR system with an eccentric piston pin bearing is investigated in fired engine operation by means of a specially designed measurement technique. For this purpose different sensor technologies were equipped to a VCR conrod and the oil supply system of a prototype crankshaft. The data transmission was realized by an optimized mechanical linkage system and a digital rotation telemetry system. The high-performance measurement technique presented in this paper enables a detailed analysis of the influencing parameters resulting from the fired engine operation, such as dynamic pressure stimulation in the crankshaft oil supply or the acceleration of the internal oil columns. The presented crank angle based measurement results of the system are obtained through fired testbench investigations on a three-cylinder full engine in the entire engine map, focusing on the speed range up to [Formula: see text] and loads up to [Formula: see text]. A detailed analysis of the conrod system behavior in high and low compression ratio is shown. A key finding is, that the so called “hydraulic pretension” of the support chamber is necessary to meet the requirements for a stiff force transmission in the low compression ratio stage. The in-depth investigation contributes to the build up of a comprehensive system understanding and represents a solid base to expand the development process of conrod based two-stage VCR systems.
Combustion modelling of turbulent jet ignition in a divided combustion chamber
Authors: Olcuire Mattia , Iacovano Clara , d’Adamo Alessandro , Breda Sebastiano , Lucchini Tommaso , Fontanesi Stefano
Published: August 2021

Turbulent jet ignition is seen as one of the most promising strategies to achieve stable lean-burn operation in modern spark-ignition engines thanks to its ability to promote rapid combustion. A nearly stoichiometric mixture is ignited in a small-volume pre-chamber, following which multiple hot turbulent jets are discharged in the main chamber to initiate combustion. In the present work, a detailed computational investigation on the turbulent combustion regime of premixed rich propane/air mixture in a quiescent divided chamber vessel is carried out, to study the characteristics of the jet flame without the uncertainties in mixing and turbulent conditions typical of real-engine operations. In particular, the paper investigates the dependency of flame propagation on nozzle diameter (4, 6, 8, 12 and 14 mm) and pre-chamber/main-chamber volume ratio (10% and 20%); CFD results are compared to the experimental outcomes. Results show that the combustion regime in the quiescent pre-chamber follows a well-stirred reaction mode, rendering the limitation in using conventional flamelet combustion models. Furthermore, due to the very high turbulence levels generated by the outflowing reacting jets, also the main chamber combustion develops in a well-stirred reactor type, confirming the need for a kinetics-based approach to combustion modelling. However, the picture is complicated by thickened flamelet conditions possibly being verified for some geometrical variations (nozzle diameter and pre-chamber volume). The results show a general good alignment with the experimental data in terms of both jet phasing and combustion duration, offering a renewed guideline for combustion simulations under quiescent and low Damköhler number conditions.
Exploring the world together: The colonial continuity of family adventure travel
Authors: Mattsson Katarina
Published: August 2021

The article examines notions of family holidays in the marketing of family adventure travel, a small but growing segment of the alternative tourism sector in Sweden. In family adventure travel, the family vacation is oriented toward exotic destinations in the Global South. The analysis is conducted through a multimodal discourse analysis of web-based marketing material from seven Swedish travel agencies. It shows that the travel style of family adventure travel is constructed through a novel discourse, filled with overlapping meanings of family life, authenticity, and adventure. The article offers a unique approach to family tourism research by theorizing family adventure travel from a post-colonial perspective. It demonstrates how family adventure travel entails a colonial continuity, where notions of exploring and discovering the world become reproduced and re-negotiated in the context of family tourism. In the marketing of family adventure travel, the family vacation is reimagined as a journey of discovery.
A Parsimonious Prognostic Model and Heat Map for Predicting Survival Following Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Parotid Gland Carcinoma With Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Jiang Wen-Mei , Wu Lei-Lei , Wei Huan-Ye , Ma Qi-Long , Zhang Quan
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

To construct a simplified prognostic risk model to predict overall survival after adjuvant radiotherapy for parotid gland carcinoma patients with stage T1-4aN1-3M0.

Materials and Methods:

We evaluated 879 patients who were pathological diagnosed as stage T1-4aN1-3M0 parotid gland cancer. Those eligible patients treated with parotidectomy and neck lymph node dissection between 2004 and 2015 in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. All cases received adjuvant radiotherapy. Independent prognostic factors included in the original model were identified by Cox regression analysis. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The model’s prediction power was evaluated by the concordance index. The entire cohort was categorized into new low- and high-risk groups using X-tile software according to the results of prognostic model. Kaplan-Meier method was used to depict the survival curves. And the statistical significance was determined by log-rank test. Besides, a heat map was visually described the association between the survival time and 2 most significant prognostic factors.

Results:

In the univariable and multivariate analyses, 4 independent factors for overall survival were age, tumor size, pTNM stage, and the number of positive lymph nodes, which were all selected in the parsimonious prognostic model. The concordance indices of the prognostic model and pTNM stage were 0.652 and 0.565, respectively. Patients in the low-risk group had better overall survival over patients in the high-risk group [unadjusted hazard ratio =  2.578, 95% confidence interval 2.095-3.172, P  < 0.001]. The results of the heat map revealed that patients with smaller tumor size and fewer positive lymph nodes had much longer survival time.

Conclusions:

This parsimonious prognostic model could estimate the long-term survival after adjuvant radiotherapy for parotid gland carcinoma with stage T1-4aN1-3N0M0. The tools may be valuable to guide multidisciplinary team in making treatment decisions.
Australian Chaplains and Their Professional Quality of Life
Authors: Stanford Sarah , Timms Carolyn
Published: August 2021

Chaplains often express a sense of satisfaction in helping others. But their work renders them vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress and burnout. We investigated mindful self-care, comparing the experiences of chaplains and other workers. Measures used included mindful selfcare, social support, and professional quality of life. We found self-care practices did not predict the professional quality of life. Lack of supportive structures and mindful awareness predicted burnout. Compassion satisfaction might arise from other sources.
Diallyl Disulfide Attenuates Ionizing Radiation-Induced Migration and Invasion by Suppressing Nrf2 Signaling in Non–small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Xu Shuai , Huang Hefa , Tang Deping , Xing Mengjie , Zhao Qiuyue , Li Jianping , Si Jing , Gan Lu , Mao Aihong , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2021

Non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths. Radiotherapy remains the primary treatment method for NSCLC. Despite great advances in radiotherapy techniques and modalities, recurrence and resistance still limit therapeutic success, even low-dose ionizing radiation (IR) can induce the migration and invasion. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a bioactive component extracted from garlic, exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities including antitumor effects. However, the effect of DADS on IR-induced migration and invasion remains unclear. The present study reported that IR significantly promoted the migration and invasion of A549 cells. Pretreatment with 40 μM DADS enhanced the radiosensitivity of A549 cells and attenuated IR-induced migration and invasion. In addition, 40 μM DADS inhibited migration-related protein matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 (MMP-2/9) expression and suppressed IR-aggravated EMT by the upregulation of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, and downregulation of the mesenchymal marker, N-cadherin, in A549 cells. Furthermore, DADS was found to inhibit the activation of Nrf2 signaling. Based on our previous results that knockdown of Nrf2 by siRNA suppressed IR-induced migration and invasion in A549 cells, we speculated that DADS attenuated IR-induced migration and invasion by suppressing the activation of Nrf2 signaling in A549 cells.
Pass2vec: Analyzing soccer players’ passing style using deep learning
Authors: Cho Hyeonah , Ryu Hyunyoung , Song Minseok
Published: August 2021

The aim of this research was to analyze the player’s pass style with enhanced accuracy using the deep learning technique. We proposed Pass2vec, a passing style descriptor that can characterize each player’s passing style by combining detailed information on passes. Pass data was extracted from the ball event data from five European football leagues in the 2017–2018 season, which was divided into training and test set. The information on location, length, and direction of passes was combined using Convolutional Autoencoder. As a result, pass vectors were generated for each player. We verified the method with the player retrieval task, which successfully retrieved 76.5% of all players in the top-20 with the descriptor and the result outperformed previous methods. Also, player similarity analysis confirmed the resemblance of players passes on three representative cases, showing the actual application and practical use of the method. The results prove that this novel method for characterizing player’s styles with improved accuracy will enable us to understand passing better for player training and recruitment.
Assess reliability of a tourism transport network considering limited-budget and late arrivals
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Phuong , Lin Yi-Kuei
Published: August 2021

Tourism transport is becoming a crucial part of the tourism industry. Determining the reliability of tourism transport networks is required by travel agencies and other practitioners. However, much of recent reliability assessments cannot utilize directly for tourism transport networks. Moreover, there exists a lack of passengers-oriented reliability evaluation that involves the impacts of latency. Therefore, this study assesses reliability regarding carrying the required number of passengers to their destination under budget and time constraints when considering late arrivals. For reliability assessment, an algorithm, which combines the concept of the minimal path adding a searching procedure with the Recursive Sum of Disjoint Products method, is proposed. An illustrative example is adopted to provide travel agencies with an intuitive visualization of the proposed algorithm. Reliability analysis suggests improving the performance of tourism transport networks.
Comparison of 4 Different Fixation Strategies for Midfoot Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Lee Wonyong , Prat Dan , Wapner Keith L. , Farber Daniel C. , Chao Wen
Published: August 2021

Background

Midfoot arthrodesis is a common procedure performed both for arthritis and correction of deformity. The optimal fixation for midfoot arthrodesis has not been established, though numerous studies have been investigating the fixation techniques of midfoot arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the union rate of midfoot arthrodesis using 4 different fixation strategies and investigate risk factors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent midfoot joint arthrodesis between January 2014 and May 2019. The rates of nonunion and postoperative complication were compared among 4 different fixation constructs: staple fixation, compression plate fixation, compression plate with lag screw fixation, and compression screw fixation. Predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis were investigated through a multivariable logistic regression analysis. A total of 95 patients (99 feet), including 240 midfoot joints were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 78.4 weeks.

Results

Overall, bony union was achieved in 86 out of 99 (86.9%) patients, which included 218 out of 240 (90.8%) midfoot joints. A significant difference in the nonunion rate according to the type of fixation construct was found ( P = .011); the compression screw alone fixation construct was noted to have a significantly higher nonunion rate than other fixation constructs. Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] = 0.179 [95% CI: 0.059, 0.542]), the type of fixation construct (compression screw alone; OR =1.789 [95% CI: 1.071, 2.978]), lack of adjuvant bone graft (OR = 2.803 [95% CI: 1.081, 7.268], and postoperative nonanatomical alignment (OR = 3.937 [95% CI: 1.278, 12.126]) were identified as independent predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis.

Conclusion

The rate of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis among 4 different commonly used fixation constructs was compared in this study. Risk factors of nonunion were investigated revealing that diabetes mellitus, compression screw fixation alone, lack of adjuvant bone graft, and postoperative nonanatomical alignment are independent predictors of nonunion following midfoot arthrodesis.

Levels of Evidence:

Level III: Comparative cohort study