bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TLR3 Serves as a Prognostic Biomarker and Associates with Immune Infiltration in the Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Microenvironment
Authors: Liao Guodong , Lv Jia , Ji Alin , Meng Shuai , Chen Chao
Published: September 2021

Background. Clear cell renal cancer (KIRC) is one of the most common cancers globally, with a poor prognosis. TLRs play a vital role in anticancer immunity and the regulation of the biological progress of tumour cells. However, the precise role of TLRs in KIRC is still ambiguous. Methods. Various bioinformatics analysis and clinical validation of tissues were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of TLRs and their correlation with immune infiltration in KIRC. Results. The expression of TLR2/3/7/8 was increased at both mRNA and protein levels in KIRC. TLRs in KIRC were involved in the activation of apoptosis, EMT, RAS/MAPK, and RTK pathways, as well as the inhibition of the cell cycle and the hormone AR pathway. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that high expression of TLR3 and low expression of TLR7/9/10 were resistant to most of the small molecules or drugs from CTRP. Enrichment analyses showed that TLRs were mainly involved in innate immune response, toll-like receptor signalling pathway, NF-kappa B signalling pathway, and TNF signalling pathway. Furthermore, a high-level TLR3 expression was associated with a favourable prognosis in KIRC. Validation research further confirmed that TLR3 expression was increased in KIRC tissues, and high TLR3 levels were associated with poor overall survival. Moreover, TLR3 in KIRC showed a positive association with an abundance of immune cells, including B-cells, CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, macrophage, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, and the expression of the immune biomarker sets. Several TLR3-associated kinase, miRNA, or transcription factor targets were also identified in KIRC. Conclusion. Our results indicate that TLR3 serves as a prognostic biomarker and associated with immune infiltration in KIRC. This work lays a foundation for further studies on the role of TLR3 in the carcinogenesis and progression of KIRC.
Image Reconstruction Algorithm Based on Total Least Squares Target Correction for ECT
Authors: Wang Lili , Lv Hexiang , Chen Deyun , Yang Hailu , Li Mingyu
Published: September 2021

In the image reconstruction of the electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) system, the application of the total least squares theory transforms the ill‐posed problem into a nonlinear unconstrained minimization problem, which avoids calculating the matrix inversion. But in the iterative process of the coefficient matrix, the ill‐posed problem is also produced. For the effect on the final image reconstruction accuracy of this problem, combined with the principle of the ECT system, the coefficient matrix is targeted and updated in the overall least squares iteration process. The new coefficient matrix is calculated, and then, the regularization matrix is corrected according to the adaptive targeting singular value, which can reduce the ill‐posed effect. In this study, the total least squares iterative method is improved by introducing the mathematical model of EIV to deal with the errors in the measured capacitance data and coefficient matrix. The effect of noise interference on the measurement capacitance data is reduced, and finally, the high‐quality reconstructed images are calculated iteratively.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Regulation of the Healing Process of Chronic Wounds
Authors: Pavlov Sergey B. , Babenko Nataliia M. , Kumetchko Marina V. , Litvinova Olga B. , Mikhaylusov Rostyslav N.
Published: September 2021

Currently, wound treatment is an urgent task of medicine around the world. In the process of wound healing, various types of cells are involved under the control and regulation of cytokines and growth factors. Disruption of the synchronization process between the various types of cells and intercellular mediators involved in the restoration of tissue damage can lead to impaired healing and the development of chronic wounds. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy promotes platelet activation and aggregation, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and accelerates cell migration and proliferation. PBM also induces the production of the extracellular matrix and the release of key growth factors, thereby improving tissue regeneration and accelerating wound healing. The aim of our work was to study the effect of photobiomodulation therapy on the regulation of reparative processes in chronic wounds monitored by biomarkers and platelet aggregation activity. 54 Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Intact animals were not manipulated. In animals of the control and experimental groups, a chronic wound was simulated by reproducing the conditions of local hypoxia and microcirculation disorders. The wounds of the experimental group received PBM therapy. The device Lika-therapist M (Ukraine) was used in a continuous mode at a wavelength of 660 nm, an output power of 10 mW, and an energy density of 1 J/cm2. The wounds of the animals in the control group were treated with sham. The animals were euthanized on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the surgery (6 animals, each from the control and experimental groups). Measurements of the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were carried out by ELISA. Results revealed the multidirectional effect of PBM therapy on the expression of the studied biomarkers. The results of the histological examination indicated a positive effect of PBM therapy with the applied parameters on the repair processes of chronic wounds. We concluded that the use of PBM therapy made it possible to regulate disturbances in reparative processes by modulating ROS, cytokines, and platelet aggregation activity.
Correlation between the Macronutrient Content of Dental Calculus and the FFQ-Based Nutritional Intake of Obese and Normal-Weight Individuals
Authors: Setiawan Ignatius , Lesmana Dian , Marhaeni Diah Herawati Dewi , Sufiawati Irna , Widyaputra Sunardhi
Published: September 2021

The growing epidemic of chronic diseases afflicting both developed and developing countries is related to diet and lifestyle. The current dietary assessment still has many constraints, particularly related to the objectivity of data gathering. Dental calculus, which is usually considered as medical waste in dental treatment, turns out to be a provider of abundant oral information. The objective of this study is to obtain the correlation between the macronutrient content of dental calculus and nutritional intake based on FFQ. This research is an analytic observational study with a case-control study design. Samples consisting of 35 obese individuals and 21 normal-weight individuals were taken using purposive sampling. The nutritional intake data were obtained using FFQ. The macronutrient content of dental calculus was checked using a colorimetric assay. The comparison between obese individuals and normal-weight individuals was tested using the Mann–Whitney test and T-test. The correlation between the macronutrient content of dental calculus and nutritional intake based on FFQ was measured using Spearman’s rank-order correlation. The results showed there was a correlation between the macronutrient content of dental calculus and macronutrient intake based on FFQ. However, strong correlation was found only between fat intake with the total lipid content of dental calculus with rs = 0.521 and between carbohydrate intake with the total carbohydrate content of dental calculus with rs = 0.519. It was concluded that carbohydrate, protein, and lipid intake can be assessed using dental calculus. Dental calculus can be an alternative source of noninvasive, inexpensive, and specific dietary biomarkers.
Influence of Plant Density and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Sinta Zerihun , Garo Gezahegn
Published: September 2021

Ethiopia is endowed with diverse agroecologies suitable for the production of tropical, subtropical, and temperate vegetables. Agronomic practices such as plant density and fertilizer management are known to affect the crop environment, which influences the growth and ultimately the yield. So far limited research has been done on plant density determination and rate of nitrogen fertilizer in Ethiopia in general and the study area in particular. Thus, this experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of plant density and nitrogen fertilizer rates on the yield and yield components of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). Four plant densities (133 333, 100 000, 80 000, and 66 666 plants per hectare) and four nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha−1) were arranged in a factorial combination in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the main and interaction effects of plant density and nitrogen fertilizer rates on total root yield, root length, root fresh weight, root diameter, and total soluble solute of beetroot were significant. The highest root yield of beetroot was achieved from the combination of 66 666, 80 000, and 10 0000 plant ha−1 with 92 kg N ha−1, whereas the lowest root yield of beet was obtained from the combination of 0 kg N ha−1 with a planting density of 133 333 plants ha−1. The economic analysis showed that higher net benefit and marginal rate of return were obtained from the application of 92 kg N ha−1 with plant densities of 66 666 plants ha−1. In order to prevent excessive production costs, the use of 66 666 plants ha−1 combined with the application of 92 kg N ha−1 is recommended.
A Fatal Case of Concurrent Disseminated Tuberculosis, Pneumocystis Pneumonia, and Bacterial Septic Shock in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Methotrexate, Glucocorticoid, and Tocilizumab: An Autopsy Report
Authors: Ohmura Shin-Ichiro , Ishihara Ryuhei , Mitsui Ayaka , Otsuki Yoshiro , Miyamoto Toshiaki
Published: September 2021

Recently, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has dramatically improved but increases the risk of bacterial and opportunistic infections. Herein, we report a fatal case of concurrent disseminated tuberculosis, pneumocystis pneumonia, and septic shock due to pyelonephritis caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who received methotrexate, glucocorticoid, and tocilizumab. Despite undergoing intensive treatment, the patient developed respiratory failure and died after 7 days of admission. An autopsy indicated that pulmonary tuberculosis were the ultimate causes of death, while pyelonephritis was controlled.
Synthesis of CuAl2O4 Nanoparticle and Its Conversion to CuO Nanorods
Authors: Andal V. , Buvaneswari G. , Lakshmipathy R.
Published: September 2021

The molten salt approach was used to convert CuAl2O4 nanoparticles to CuO nanorods in this study. Molten hydroxide (NaOH) synthesis was chosen over molten salts (NaCl/KCl) for removing aluminium oxide from copper aluminate at low temperatures. The molten salt process is environmentally beneficial. Polymeric precursors were used to make nanosized copper aluminates. Alginic acid polymer is used to gel aqueous solutions of copper acetate and aluminium nitrate, yielding precursor after further heating. The precursor provides 14 nm nanosized copper aluminates after being heated at 900°C for 5 hours. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM were used to characterize the nanosized copper aluminate powder. Solid state mixing and solution technique were used to investigate molten hydroxide treatment of spinel CuAl2O4. The products of the reaction were identified using XRD. FTIR and SEM are also used to analyze the sample. Using UV-DRS absorbance spectrum analysis, the optical characteristics of CuAl2O4 and CuO nanorods were examined. Using the Tauc plot method, the band gaps of CuAl2O4 and CuO were calculated to be 4.3 and 3.93 eV.
Putting On the Gas and Taking Off the Brakes: A Novel Combinatorial Strategy to Enhance Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Felices Martin , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2021

The advent of checkpoint blockade and use of cytokines to enhance immune responses have changed the field of immunotherapy. Yet, these approaches are not without drawbacks including systemic toxicities and acquired therapeutic resistance. In this issue, Xu and colleagues describe a novel biological molecule composed of a PD-1–targeting antibody linked to a mutated IL15 that induces better targeting of IL15 to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) to decrease systemic toxicities and enhance antitumor responses.

See related article by Xu et al., p. 1141 (1).
Impact of 30- Versus 60-Second Time Intervals Between Automated Office Blood Pressure Measurements on Measured Blood Pressure
Authors: Juraschek Stephen P. , Ishak Anthony M. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Wood Julia M. , Anderson Timothy S. , Cohen Marc L. , Li Jonathan X. , Cluett Jennifer L.
Published: September 2021

Guidelines recommend 1 to 2 minutes between repeated, automated office-based blood pressure (AOBP) measures, which is a barrier to broader adoption. Patients from a single hypertension center underwent a 3-day evaluation that included a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitor (ABPM) and one of two nonrandomized, unattended AOBP protocols. Half of the patients underwent 3 AOBP measurements separated by 30 seconds, and the other half underwent 3 BP measurements separated by 60 seconds. All measurements were compared with the average awake-time BP from ABPM and the first AOBP measurement. We used linear regression to assess whether the 30-second protocol was associated with individual or average AOBP measurements or awake-time ABPM and used an interaction term to determine whether interval modified the relationship between AOBP measurements (individual and mean) with awake-time ABPM. Among 102 patients (mean age, 59.2±16.2 years; 64% women; 24% Black), the average awake-time BP was 132.5±15.6/77.7±12.2 mm Hg among those who underwent the 60-second protocol and 128.6±13.6/76.5±12.5 mm Hg for the 30-second protocol. Mean systolic/diastolic BP was lower with the second and third AOBP measurement by −0.5/−1.7 mm Hg and −1.0/−2.3 mm Hg for the 60-second protocol versus −0.8/−2.0 mm Hg and −0.7/−2.7 mm Hg for the 30-second protocol; protocol did not significantly modify these differences. Differences between AOBP measurements (first, second, or third) and awake-time ABPM were nearly identical across protocols. In conclusion, a 30-second interval between AOBP measurements was as accurate and reliable as a 60-second interval. These findings support shorter time intervals between BP measurements, which would make AOBP more feasible in clinical practice.
Author, Author: A Short Story of the Rise, reign and ruine of the late Antinomians, Familists, and Libertines (1644) Reappraised
Authors: Hall David D.
Published: September 2021

When the great nineteenth-century antiquarian James Savage disputed the assumption that John Winthrop wrote A Short Story (London 1644), he was on to something, although the evidence he adduced was incorrect. Taking as a starting point two facts about the book-it is a compilation of documents and bears numerous marks of being an intentional text-this essay describes how the Short Story came into being and suggests who may be the "I" who mysteriously (and unidentified) speaks in the text.
A Study on Obtaining Tree Data from Green Spaces in Parks Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images: Focusing on Mureung Park in Chuncheon
Authors: Lee Do-Hyung , Kil Sung-Ho , Lee Su-Been
Published: September 2021

Background and objective The purpose of study is to analyze the three-dimensional (3D) structure by creating a 3D model for green spaces in a park using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images. Methods After producing a digital surface model (DSM) and a digital terrain model (DTM) using UAV images taken in Mureung Park in Chuncheon-si, we generated a digital tree height model (DHM). In addition, we used the mean shift algorithm to test the classification accuracy, and obtain accurate tree height and volume measures through field survey. Results Most of the tree species planted in Mureung Park were Pinus koraiensis, followed by Pinus densiflora, and Zelkova serrata, and most of the shrubs planted were Rhododendron yedoense, followed by Buxus microphylla, and Spiraea prunifolia. The average height of trees measured at the site was 7.8 m, and the average height estimated by the model was 7.5 m, showing a difference of about 0.3 m. As a result of the t-test, there was no significant difference between height values of the field survey data and the model. The estimated green coverage and volume of the study site using the UAV were 5,019 m2 and 14,897 m3, respectively, and the green coverage and volume measured through the field survey were 6,339 m2 and 17,167 m3. It was analyzed that the green coverage showed a difference of about 21% and the volume showed a difference of about 13%. Conclusion The UAV equipped with RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) modules used in this study could collect information on tree height, green coverage, and volume with relatively high accuracy within a short period of time. This could serve as an alternative to overcome the limitations of time and cost in previous field surveys using remote sensing techniques.
Fleshy scoli removed without detriment: structure and potential anti-predation function in a slug caterpillar (Limacodidae)
Authors: Dong Bing , Wang Yirong , Li Qin , Chen Zhanqi
Published: September 2021

Anti-predator outgrowths are found prevalent in animals such as stinging spines of caterpillars. However, an encounter with a predator is usually fatal as caterpillars would die easily even if just small body parts were taken. Here, we showed the larvae of Phrixolepia sp. did not get injured when the fleshy but not urticating scoli were removed. By showing the morphologic traits, we assume these particular scoli function as enlarged warning signals and substitute to be attacked so that caterpillars can warn multiple predators, with a lower chance of getting injured when encountering natural enemies, such as birds and carabid beetles.
Does recent experience affect large male advantage in a sequentially-mating fish?
Authors: Allen Emily R. , Weir Laura K.
Published: September 2021

In many mating systems, large male body size is associated with dominance in direct contests with rivals and females may exhibit preference for larger males. As such, body size is often positively associated with mating success. However, mating experience can influence the potential advantage of large body size through alterations in behaviour and depletion of sperm reserves. In Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), males mate with many females each day, and larger males mate more frequently than smaller males. In an observational experiment, we tested the following alternate predictions: (1) recent mating experience may enhance mating success through a carry-over effect of prior mating, whereby small experienced males gain an advantage over large inexperienced rivals in mating contests; or (2) recent mating experience decreases mating success through a reduction in fertilization due to sperm limitation, effectively dampening the large-male advantage against a small inexperienced rival. We examined the interactive effect of size and recent experience on mating behaviour and success. While mating contests were monopolized by large males, recent experience enhanced mating success, especially in small male winners. Experienced males courted more readily than those without recent experience, suggesting that recent prior mating enhances this behaviour. Furthermore, males who had copulated recently did not exhibit sperm depletion when in the presence of a competitor, nor did female behaviour indicate a preference for inexperienced males. This suggests that males can use sexual experience to increase their reproductive success in future mating situations, which may influence the action of sexual selection and alternative tactics in shaping mating systems.
Regulating Vessel Discharges on the International and EU Level
Authors: Proelss Alexander , Schatz Valentin J.
Published: September 2021

This study analyzes the legal requirements concerning discharges from ships, a matter that is characterized by a considerable degree of complexity. This complexity results, inter alia, from the highly technical nature of the applicable norms, but also from the fact that the relevant rules and principles are prescribed in a wide and often overlapping variety of instruments on different levels of law, namely public international law, European Union law (where applicable) and domestic law. Taking into account that the individual legal instruments within these sub-systems of law significantly differ in their spatial and substantive scopes and regulatory approaches, a risk of conflicts of norms exists both from a vertical (i.e., between different levels of law) and horizontal (i.e., between different instruments on the same level of law) perspective. This situation gives rise to legal uncertainties, which may ultimately threaten the lawful and effective application and implementation of the relevant norms. This study attempts to clarify the existing uncertainties and to suggest harmonized interpretations and applications of the pertinent rules and principles. It does not address the issue of pollution from ships in general, but focuses on three specific categories of vessel discharges, namely scrubber washwater, sewage and ballast water.
A new species of Crassula (Crassulaceae subfam. Crassuloideae), C. stylesii, from the Maputaland-Pondoland Region of Endemism in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , CROUCH NEIL R.
Published: September 2021

A new species of Crassula (Crassulaceae subfam. Crassuloideae), C. stylesii that belongs in C. sect. Rosulares, is described from the Maputaland-Pondoland Region of Endemism in KwaZulu-Natal in southeastern South Africa. Crassula stylesii shows similarities with the autonymic varieties of C. setulosa and C. obovata. However, it grows taller than both these species, and pseudo-rosettes do not develop basally in the case of C. stylesii, but are characteristically present in both C. setulosa and C. obovata, particularly the former. Crassula stylesii is illustrated and differences among the three species are tabulated.
Two new and one poorly known species of the Cryptoperla formosana species group (Plecoptera: Peltoperlidae) from China
Authors: MO RAORAO , LIU RUIJUN , WANG GUOQUAN , LI WEIHAI , MURÁNYI DÁVID
Published: September 2021

One poorly known and two new species of the Cryptoperla formosana species group from China, C. aculeata (Wu, 1973), C. bicornata sp. nov., and C. cunicidata sp. nov. are presented. Cryptoperla bicornata is the first record of the genus from Henan Province, while C. cunicidata is a new generic and family record for Guangdong Province. A complementary description of C. aculeata is given. Illustrations and color images are provided for each species and each is compared with related congeners of the C. formosana species group. A provisional key to the known species of the group is also presented.
Risk Factors of Difficult Pharyngeal Accidental Fishbones Ingestion
Authors: Huang Yi-Bo , Zhang Fan , Chen Hui-Ju , Ren Dong-Dong , Yu Hua-Peng , Du Qiang , Gao Chun-Li , Shi Yong , Liang Yu-Fang , Xu Chen-Mei , Wang Wei-Hua , Hu Hua , Sun Qin , Zhang Ru , Zhang Ji-Feng , Wu Hai-Tao , Shao Jun , He Pei-Jie
Published: September 2021

Objective:

Accidental pharyngeal fishbone ingestion is a common complaint in ear, nose, and throat clinics. Approximately two-thirds of the accidentally ingested fishbones can be removed using tongue depressors and indirect laryngoscopy. However, the remaining third is challenging to identify and remove using these methods. These difficult fishbones require identification and removal via more advanced approaches. Video-guided laryngoscope is used to deal with difficult fishbones in our center. This study aimed to explore the risk factors for difficult fishbones.

Methods:

A prospective study was performed at a teaching hospital on 2080 patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors.

Results:

The common fishbone locations were the tonsils (39.8%; defined as STEP-I), tongue base (37.1%), vallecula (13.3%; STEP-II), and hypopharynx (9.8%; STEP-III). With increasing STEP level, the ratio of difficult fishbones correspondingly increased (Z = 13.919, P < .001), and the proportions were 21.1%, 41.9%, and 70% in STEP-I, II, and III, respectively. In particular, fishbones in STEP-III (vs STEP-I) had a higher risk of difficult fishbones (odds ratio [OR]: 11.573, 95% CI: 7.987-16.769). Complaints of neck pain (yes vs no), foreign body sensation (yes vs no), and shorter length of fishbones always had a lower risk of difficult fishbones (OR: 0.455, 95% CI: 0.367-0.564; OR: 0.284, 95% CI: 0.191-0.422; OR: 0.727, 95% CI: 0.622-0.85). Missing teeth (yes vs no), swallowing behavior after fishbone ingestion (yes vs no), and male patients (vs female) had a higher risk of difficult fishbones (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.47-2.456; OR: 1.631, 95% CI: 1.293-2.059; OR: 1.278, 95% CI: 1.047-1.56).

Conclusions:

Neck pain, foreign body sensation, fishbone length, patient age and sex, tooth status, and swallowing behavior after fishbone ingestion are independent risk factors for difficult fishbones.
Outcomes of Salvage Resection and Radiosurgery Following Failed Primary Treatment of Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Kay‐Rivest Emily , Golfinos John G. , McMenomey Sean O. , Friedmann David R. , Jethanamest Daniel , Kondziolka Douglas , Roland J. Thomas
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate outcomes following salvage microsurgery (MS) and salvage stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) after failure of primary treatment for vestibular schwannomas (VS).

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Patients with more than 1 intervention for their VS were divided into 4 groups: MS followed by SRS (n = 61), MS followed by MS (n = 9), SRS followed by MS (n = 7), and SRS followed by SRS (n = 7), and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A total of 77 patients were included (84 procedures). In group 1 (MS then SRS), 3% developed a decline in facial function, 3% developed trigeminal sensory loss, and 13% patients had gradual improvement of facial nerve function following SRS. Group 2 (MS then MS) had the highest rates of facial nerve deterioration, although all but 1 patient achieved a House‐Brackmann score of II or III. Gross‐total resection (GTR) was achieved in 56% of patients. When a different approach was used for salvage resection, GTR occurred more commonly, and facial nerve outcomes were similar. In group 3 (SRS then MS), GTR occurred in 43% of cases, and 2 of 7 patients developed worsened facial function. In group 4 (SRS then SRS), no patient developed facial weakness after reirradiation, and 1 developed a trigeminal nerve deficit.

Conclusions

For MS recurrences/residuals, SRS is the mainstay of treatment and does not preclude facial function recovery. If salvage microsurgery is required, an alternate approach should be considered. For SRS failures, when MS is required, less‐than GTR may be preferable, and reirradiation is a potential safe alternative.
Development of an instrument to measure opportunities for imagination, creativity, and innovation (ICI) in schools
Authors: Renzulli Joseph , Beghetto Ronald , Brandon Laurel , Karwowski Maciej
Published: September 2021

This article describes the development of an instrument for examining schools as institutions where teaching practices and school structures provide opportunities and support for student imagination, creativity, and innovation, as well as initial comparisons using the instrument, using a sample of n = 5020 students and n = 268 teachers ( n = 161 classes of students nested within teachers). The three five-item subscales show acceptable reliability across groups (.73–.90). Paired sample t tests indicate that, on average, students reported significantly more opportunities for creativity as compared to imagination or innovation. There were also significant differences between actual student reports and teachers’ predictions only for creativity and innovation. Students reported more opportunities for creativity and innovation than their teachers predicted. However, students reported significantly less opportunity for imagination, creativity, and innovation than their teachers’ ideals. Implications for subsequent research and practice are also discussed.
Young Adolescents’ Endorsement of Restrictive Gender Norms: Evidence From a Community-Based Intervention in Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone
Authors: Leer Jane , Gassman-Pines Anna , Djé Blé Eric , Kainessie Josephine , Kennedy Catherine , Press Sarah , Schubert Heidi
Published: September 2021

This study investigated attitudes toward restrictive gender norms among adolescents in Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone (pooled N = 1,793, M age(baseline) = 10.3, M age(follow-up) = 11.6, 50% boys/girls). We examined individual and contextual predictors of gender attitudes, assessed change in gender attitudes over 2 years, and estimated the effect of a community-based norms diffusion intervention. Multiple regression analyses revealed that being a boy, exposure to violence against women, and restrictive norms among same-gender peers predicted support for a patriarchal division of adult roles, lower educational status for girls, and acceptance of gender-based violence. In contrast to evidence from Western contexts, we found limited evidence of increased flexibility in gender attitudes during early adolescence. However, the intervention significantly reduced support for restrictive gender norms, especially among boys. Findings reveal novel pathways through which young adolescents acquire beliefs about gender, and provide encouraging evidence regarding community-based approaches to shifting adolescents’ gender attitudes.
Using text as a native speckle pattern in digital image correlation
Authors: Craig Weston D , Van Leeuwen Fiona B , Jarrett Steven R , Hansen Robert S , Berke Ryan B
Published: September 2021

In certain applications, native surface patterns can be used in place of speckle patterns in digital image correlation (DIC). This paper explores the feasibility of using text as a native speckle pattern in DIC. Five text speckle patterns are tested in three different scenarios: a rigid body translation test, a rigid body rotation test, and an out of plane bending test. The patterns are benchmarked against a sixth, random speckle pattern applied using traditional DIC speckling methods. Rigid body translation tests are additionally performed on text patterns with varying font types and line spacings. In general, text patterns have good contrast, but low density as line spacing increases. Measurement uncertainty for the text patterns was comparable to measurement uncertainty in the random speckle pattern. Results from these tests show that while text patterns cannot be expected to perform better than a traditional DIC speckle pattern, text patterns can be effective speckle patterns in situations where already present on a specimen and applying a traditional speckle pattern is difficult.
Assessment of wind energy potential and characteristics in Qatar for clean electricity generation
Authors: Méndez Carlos , Bicer Yusuf
Published: September 2021

The present study analyzes the wind energy potential of Qatar, by generating a wind atlas and a Wind Power Density map for the entire country based on ERA-5 data with over 41 years of measurements. Moreover, the wind speeds’ frequency and direction are analyzed using wind recurrence, Weibull, and wind rose plots. Furthermore, the best location to install a wind farm is selected. The results indicate that, at 100 m height, the mean wind speed fluctuates between 5.6054 and 6.5257 m/s. Similarly, the Wind Power Density results reflect values between 149.46 and 335.06 W/m2. Furthermore, a wind farm located in the selected location can generate about 59.7437, 90.4414, and 113.5075 GWh/y electricity by employing Gamesa G97/2000, GE Energy 2.75-120, and Senvion 3.4M140 wind turbines, respectively. Also, these wind farms can save approximately 22,110.80, 17,617.63, and 11,637.84 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Book review: Piliavsky, A (Ed.), Nobody’s People: Hierarchy as Hope in a Society of Thieves
Authors: Narang Diksha
Published: September 2021

Piliavsky, A (Ed.), Nobody’s People: Hierarchy as Hope in a Society of Thieves. Stanford University Press, 2020, ₹1870, 253 pp. (Paperback). ISBN: 978 1 503 60464 3.
Physiological Predictors of Mental Disorders Among Police Officers in Indonesia
Authors: Abdullah Asnawi , Muhammad Amin Hamidah , Abdurrahman Faisal , Idris Jamaluddin , Marthoenis Marthoenis
Published: September 2021

Police officers may be at a higher risk of suffering from mental disorders (MDs) compared with other occupations. This study aimed to examine the physiological predictors of MDs among police officers in Indonesia. The mental health status of each participant was examined using a standardized Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) tool and underwent several laboratory examinations including hematology, urine, serology, and electrocardiogram tests. A logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio. Of the 4590 participants, 2.14% were diagnosed with MDs. The study found 19 physiological variables are potential predictors of MDs. In multivariate analysis adjusted for body mass index, sex, and age, the concentration of ketones, protein, and specific gravity in urine and the amount of lymphocyte in the blood are among important predictors of MDs. This suggests that carefully examining the results of urinalysis and hematology tests can help us detect early cases of MDs among police officers.
The importance of motivational postures to mental health regulators: Lessons for Victoria’s mental health system in reducing the use of force
Authors: Katterl Simon
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To consider whether research into “motivational postures” can assist the Victorian Government and the forthcoming Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission to regulate and implement forthcoming mental health laws.

Conclusion:

Although no research explicitly uses a motivational postures framework, there is evidence of a diverse set of postures amongst the mental health workforce. Some practitioners and disciplines reflect positive motivational postures towards mental health laws and consumer rights, while others show resistance, and others disengagement altogether. More research explicitly built on motivational postures is required to inform appropriate regulatory responses.
Development and Implementation of a Multicomponent Protocol to Promote Sleep and Reduce Delirium in a Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Darby Adrienne , Northam Kalynn , Austin C. Adrian , Chang Lydia , Campbell-Bright Stacy
Published: September 2021

Background:

Evidence suggests that poor sleep increases risk of delirium. Because delirium is associated with poor outcomes, institutions have developed protocols to improve sleep in critically ill patients.

Objective:

To assess the impact of implementing a multicomponent sleep protocol.

Methods:

In this prospective, preimplementation and postimplementation evaluation, adult patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) over 42 days were included. Outcomes evaluated included median delirium-free days, median Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) score, median optimal sleep nights, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality.

Results:

The preimplementation group included 78 patients and postimplementation group, 84 patients. There was no difference in median delirium-free days (1 day [interquartile range, IQR, = 0-2.5] vs 1 day [IQR = 0-2]; P = 0.48), median RCSQ score (59.4 [IQR = 43.2-71.6] vs 61.2 [IQR = 49.9-75.5]; P = 0.20), median optimal sleep nights (1 night [IQR = 0-2] vs 1 night [IQR = 0-2]; P = 0.95), and in-hospital mortality (16.7% vs 17.9%, P = 1.00). Duration of MV (8 days [IQR = 4-10] vs 4 days [IQR = 2-7]; P = 0.03) and hospital LOS (13 days [IQR = 7-22.3] vs 8 days [IQR = 6-17]; P = 0.05) were shorter in the postimplementation group, but both were similar between groups after adjusting for age and severity of illness.

Conclusions and Relevance:

This report demonstrates that implementation of a multicomponent sleep protocol in everyday ICU care is feasible, but limitations exist when evaluating impact on measurable outcomes. Additional evaluations are needed to identify the most meaningful interventions and best practices for quantifying impact on patient outcomes.
Pediatric Metastatic Hepatoblastoma With an ARID1A Mutation and Rhabdoid Cells
Authors: Alturkustani Murad , Gallant Rachel , Raca Gordana , Ranganathan Sarangarajan , Mahabir Roshan , Biegel Jaclyn A. , Mascarenhas Leo , Moke Diana , Szymanski Linda J.
Published: September 2021

The small cell undifferentiated component of hepatoblastoma is an uncommon histologic component and is distinguished from small cell undifferentiated like pattern (originally called hepatoblastoma and now recognized to be malignant rhabdoid tumor) by the bi-allelic SMARCB1 mutations or copy number alterations in the latter. AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A ( ARID1A) is a part of the ATP-dependent switch/sucrose non-fermentable complex assembly, but mutations have not been reported as drivers of malignant rhabdoid tumor. ARID1A mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma are associated with poor prognosis but its significance in hepatoblastoma is unknown. We report a unique case of hepatoblastoma in a 19-month-old female with an unusual/atypical small cell undifferentiated component with ARID1A and beta-catenin mutations. It had an aggressive clinical course despite treatment, with metastases to the left psoas muscle, perihepatic and paratracheal lymph nodes, spinal cord, and leptomeninges. Leptomeningeal metastases resulted in diffuse cerebral edema and death. The initial diagnostic biopsy did not reveal rhabdoid cells while all metastatic foci showed cells with rhabdoid morphology in the autopsy specimens. Although this rhabdoid component resembled malignant rhabdoid tumor morphologically, molecular analyses failed to show mutations or deletions of SMARCB1.
On the receding contact between a graded and a homogeneous layer due to a flat-ended indenter
Authors: Cao Rui , Mi Changwen
Published: September 2021

This paper solves the frictionless receding contact problem between a graded and a homogeneous elastic layer due to a flat-ended rigid indenter. Although its Poisson’s ratio is kept as a constant, the shear modulus in the graded layer is assumed to exponentially vary along the thickness direction. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the functional dependence of both contact pressures and the extent of receding contact on the mechanical and geometric properties. For verification and validation purposes, both theoretical analysis and finite element modelings are conducted. In the analytical formulation, governing equations and boundary conditions of the double contact problem are converted into dual singular integral equations of Cauchy type with the help of Fourier integral transforms. In view of the drastically different singularity behavior of the stationary and receding contact pressures, Gauss–Chebyshev quadratures and collocations of both the first and the second kinds have to be jointly used to transform the dual singular integral equations into an algebraic system. As the resultant algebraic equations are nonlinear with respect to the extent of receding contact, an iterative algorithm based on the method of steepest descent is further developed. The semianalytical results are extensively verified and validated with those obtained from the graded finite element method, whose implementation details are also given for easy reference. Results from both approaches reveal that the property gradation, indenter width, and thickness ratio all play significant roles in the determination of both contact pressures and the receding contact extent. An appropriate combination of these parameters is able to tailor the double contact properties as desired.
Negative Correlation Between Circular RNA SMARC5 and MicroRNA 432, and Their Clinical Implications in Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Zhijia , Sang Yanxia , Liu Zhengan , Shao Jinkai
Published: September 2021

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation of circular RNA SMARCA5 (circ-SMARCA5) and microRNA 432 (miR-432) with clinical characteristics and survival in bladder cancer patients. Methods: Preoperative clinicopathologic features and survival data of 156 bladder cancer patients were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 156 cases of tumor tissues, whereas 71 cases out of 156 available adjacent tissues were obtained from the Pathology Department for circ-SMARCA5 and miR-432 detections using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Circ-SMARCA5 was upregulated but miR-432 was downregulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues; meanwhile, circ-SMARCA5 expression was negatively correlated with miR-432 in bladder cancer tissues. Circ-SMARCA5 high expression was correlated with larger tumor size, higher tumor stage, and lymph node (LYN) metastasis. However, miR-432 high expression was correlated with single multiplicity, smaller tumor size, lower tumor stage, less LYN metastasis in bladder cancer patients. Regarding survival, circ-SMARCA5 high expression was correlated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS); whereas, miR-432 high expression was correlated with longer DFS and OS in bladder cancer patients. Further multivariate Cox's regression analysis displayed that circ-SMARCA5 high expression was an independent predictive factor for both worse DFS and OS in bladder cancer patients. Conclusion: Circ-SMARCA5 high expression but miR-432 low expression is correlated with advanced tumor features and poor survival of bladder cancer patients, which present as potential prognostic markers in bladder cancer.
The Value of Dimensional Models of Early Experience: Thinking Clearly About Concepts and Categories
Authors: McLaughlin Katie A. , Sheridan Margaret A. , Humphreys Kathryn L. , Belsky Jay , Ellis Bruce J.
Published: September 2021

We review the three prevailing approaches—specificity, cumulative risk, and dimensional models—to conceptualizing the developmental consequences of early-life adversity and address fundamental problems with the characterization of these frameworks in a recent Perspectives on Psychological Science piece by Smith and Pollak. We respond to concerns raised by Smith and Pollak about dimensional models of early experience and highlight the value of these models for studying the developmental consequences of early-life adversity. Basic dimensions of adversity proposed in existing models include threat/harshness, deprivation, and unpredictability. These models identify core dimensions of early experience that cut across the categorical exposures that have been the focus of specificity and cumulative risk approaches (e.g., abuse, institutional rearing, chronic poverty); delineate aspects of early experience that are likely to influence brain and behavioral development; afford hypotheses about adaptive and maladaptive responses to different dimensions of adversity; and articulate specific mechanisms through which these dimensions exert their influences, conceptualizing experience-driven plasticity within an evolutionary-developmental framework. In doing so, dimensional models advance specific falsifiable hypotheses, grounded in neurodevelopmental and evolutionary principles, that are supported by accumulating evidence and provide fertile ground for empirical studies on early-life adversity.
MRI-based brain tumor segmentation using FPGA-accelerated neural network
Authors: Xiong Siyu , Wu Guoqing , Fan Xitian , Feng Xuan , Huang Zhongcheng , Cao Wei , Zhou Xuegong , Ding Shijin , Yu Jinhua , Wang Lingli , Shi Zhifeng
Published: September 2021

Background

Brain tumor segmentation is a challenging problem in medical image processing and analysis. It is a very time-consuming and error-prone task. In order to reduce the burden on physicians and improve the segmentation accuracy, the computer-aided detection (CAD) systems need to be developed. Due to the powerful feature learning ability of the deep learning technology, many deep learning-based methods have been applied to the brain tumor segmentation CAD systems and achieved satisfactory accuracy. However, deep learning neural networks have high computational complexity, and the brain tumor segmentation process consumes significant time. Therefore, in order to achieve the high segmentation accuracy of brain tumors and obtain the segmentation results efficiently, it is very demanding to speed up the segmentation process of brain tumors.

Results

Compared with traditional computing platforms, the proposed FPGA accelerator has greatly improved the speed and the power consumption. Based on the BraTS19 and BraTS20 dataset, our FPGA-based brain tumor segmentation accelerator is 5.21 and 44.47 times faster than the TITAN V GPU and the Xeon CPU. In addition, by comparing energy efficiency, our design can achieve 11.22 and 82.33 times energy efficiency than GPU and CPU, respectively.

Conclusion

We quantize and retrain the neural network for brain tumor segmentation and merge batch normalization layers to reduce the parameter size and computational complexity. The FPGA-based brain tumor segmentation accelerator is designed to map the quantized neural network model. The accelerator can increase the segmentation speed and reduce the power consumption on the basis of ensuring high accuracy which provides a new direction for the automatic segmentation and remote diagnosis of brain tumors.