Secondary Effects Research Articles

Abstract PO5-19-09: Trial in progress: A prospective randomized, controlled study to evaluate device efficacy for cutting and/or coagulation of tissue during mastectomy procedures

Abstract Background/Purpose: The ConMed HelixAR Electrosurgical Generator with Argon Beam Coagulation Technology (CHEST) trial aims to focus on patients undergoing mastectomy, either unilateral or bilateral, with immediate breast reconstruction including breast implants, tissue expander placement, or autologous flap. The study design follows the standard of care procedure with device efficacy being measured between two devices regularly used in the operative setting: the HelixAR Electrosurgical Generator (HEG) and the Conventional Electrosurgical Coagulation (CEC) systems. The need for safe alternative surgical tools is increasing as the number of women needing surgical treatment increases. Allowing for the test and comparison of these standardized devices gives an extent to the advantages of using one over the other. To evaluate the device effectiveness between the HelixAR Electrosurgical Generator and Conventional Electrosurgical Coagulation systems for cutting and/or coagulation of tissue during mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, we report the implementation in a randomized clinical trial. The study is powered to show superiority of the HEG to the CEC as it relates to the primary objective of time from post-mastectomy to hemostasis. The HEG is designed to deliver argon gas and high frequency electrical current compared to the CEC delivering high frequency electrical current only. The primary efficacy measure is the time it takes from post-mastectomy to hemostasis with the secondary effectiveness endpoints being infection, drain duration, total drain output, blood loss and device related adverse events. The study hypothesizes that the time for post-mastectomy hemostasis is significantly less for the HEG than the CEC. Additional hypotheses include overall less device related adverse events, lower blood loss, and reduced operative time in favor of the HEG. Methods: This is a prospective 1:1 randomized controlled study of the HEG versus the CEC for patients undergoing a mastectomy with reconstruction procedure. 82 patients will be enrolled and distributed in two arms of 41 patients with a primary objective to assess the device efficacy for cutting and coagulation. The subject population includes patients with breast cancer or high risk from genetic mutations and/or family history. Exclusion factors include known history of bleeding diathesis or coagulopathy, advanced refusal of blood transfusion, active systemic or cutaneous infection or inflammation. The enrolled patients will be followed for 2 months post-operatively. Results: The study is open with 53/82 (65%) patients enrolled at the time of the abstract submission. Of those, 26 subjects were randomized to the CEC and 27 to the HEG. 27 subjects have experienced an adverse or serious adverse event including bruising, infections, and wound dehiscence, none determined to be related to the device use. For the study, analysis will focus on the primary endpoint comparing post–mastectomy procedure time to hemostasis between the two devices. Conclusion: The CHEST trial demonstrates the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial at a single center in a complex operative setting comparing two surgical modalities. The testing of these surgical devices provides rationale for the implementation of safe and regulated clinical trials. While both devices are FDA approved and regularly used, the standardization of device efficacy is becoming more prevalent as new innovations get introduced into the surgical setting. Citation Format: Jessica Montalvan, Ivan Marin, Logan Healy, Margarita Riojas-Barrett, Mary Bajomo, Elizabeth Bonefas, Alastair Thompson, Marco Maricevich, Sebastian Winocour, Stacey Carter. Trial in progress: A prospective randomized, controlled study to evaluate device efficacy for cutting and/or coagulation of tissue during mastectomy procedures [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-19-09.

Evaluating implementation of a community-focused patient navigation intervention at an NCI-designated cancer center using RE-AIM

BackgroundPatient navigation is an evidence-based intervention that reduces cancer health disparities by directly addressing the barriers to care for underserved patients with cancer. Variability in design and integration of patient navigation programs within cancer care settings has limited this intervention’s utility. The implementation science evaluation framework, RE-AIM, allows quantitative and qualitative examination of effective implementation of patient navigation programs into cancer care settings.MethodsThe Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to evaluate implementation of a community-focused patient navigation intervention at an NCI-designated cancer center between June 2018 and October 2021. Using a 3-month longitudinal, non-comparative measurement period, univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to examine associations between participant-level demographics and primary (i.e., barrier reduction) and secondary (i.e., patient-reported outcomes) effectiveness outcomes. Mixed methods analyses were used to examine adoption and delivery of the intervention into the cancer center setting. Process-level analyses were used to evaluate maintenance of the intervention.ResultsParticipants (n = 311) represented a largely underserved population, as defined by the National Cancer Institute, with the majority identifying as Hispanic/Latino, having a household income of $35,000 or less, and being enrolled in Medicaid. Participants were diagnosed with a variety of cancer types and most had advanced staged cancers. Pre-post-intervention analyses indicated significant reduction from pre-intervention assessments in the average number of reported barriers, F(1, 207) = 117.62, p < .001, as well as significant increases in patient-reported physical health, t(205) = − 6.004, p < .001, mental health, t(205) = − 3.810, p < .001, self-efficacy, t(205) = − 5.321, p < .001, and satisfaction with medical team communication, t(206) = − 2.03, p = .029. Referral patterns and qualitative data supported increased adoption and integration of the intervention into the target setting, and consistent intervention delivery metrics suggested high fidelity to intervention delivery over time. Process-level data outlined a successful transition from a grant-funded community-focused patient navigation intervention to an institution-funded program.ConclusionsThis study utilized the implementation science evaluation framework, RE-AIM, to evaluate implementation of a community-focused patient navigation program. Our analyses indicate successful implementation within a cancer care setting and provide a potential guide for other oncology settings who may be interested in implementing community-focused patient navigation programs.

Family cascade screening for equitable identification of familial hypercholesterolemia: study protocol for a hybrid effectiveness-implementation type III randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a heritable disorder affecting 1.3 million individuals in the USA. Eighty percent of people with FH are undiagnosed, particularly minoritized populations including Black or African American people, Asian or Asian American people, and women across racial groups. Family cascade screening is an evidence-based practice that can increase diagnosis and improve health outcomes but is rarely implemented in routine practice, representing an important care gap. In pilot work, we leveraged best practices from behavioral economics and implementation science—including mixed-methods contextual inquiry with clinicians, patients, and health system constituents—to co-design two patient-facing implementation strategies to address this care gap: (a) an automated health system-mediated strategy and (b) a nonprofit foundation-mediated strategy with contact from a foundation-employed care navigator. This trial will test the comparative effectiveness of these strategies on completion of cascade screening for relatives of individuals with FH, centering equitable reach.MethodsWe will conduct a hybrid effectiveness-implementation type III randomized controlled trial testing the comparative effectiveness of two strategies for implementing cascade screening with 220 individuals with FH (i.e., probands) per arm identified from a large northeastern health system. The primary implementation outcome is reach, or the proportion of probands with at least one first-degree biological relative (parent, sibling, child) in the USA who is screened for FH through the study. Our secondary implementation outcomes include the number of relatives screened and the number of relatives meeting the American Heart Association criteria for FH. Our secondary clinical effectiveness outcome is post-trial proband cholesterol level. We will also use mixed methods to identify implementation strategy mechanisms for implementation strategy effectiveness while centering equity.DiscussionWe will test two patient-facing implementation strategies harnessing insights from behavioral economics that were developed collaboratively with constituents. This trial will improve our understanding of how to implement evidence-based cascade screening for FH, which implementation strategies work, for whom, and why. Learnings from this trial can be used to equitably scale cascade screening programs for FH nationally and inform cascade screening implementation efforts for other genetic disorders.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05750667. Registered 15 February 2023—retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05750667.

Effect of a 12-Week Multi-Exercise Community Program on Muscle Strength and Lipid Profile in Elderly Women.

This study targeted elderly women over 60 years old (109 persons), divided them into an exercise group and a control group, and implemented a 12-week physical activity program for the exercise group. Body composition, muscle, blood tests, depression, quality of life (QoL), nutritional status, and physical strength were compared and analyzed. The physical activity program was organized through a consultative body of experts, was performed for about 60 min each time in the type and order of exercise appropriate for elderly women, and consisted of a combination of exercise using a band, gymnastics, and stretching. Changes in the muscle index and muscle mass before and after the program were selected as the primary efficacy evaluations. In the exercise group, waist circumference significantly decreased, and the muscle index significantly increased compared to the control group. The number of subjects who showed sarcopenia with a muscle index of 5.4 or less in the exercise group significantly decreased from 22 (38.6%) before program implementation to 13 (22.8%). According to the results of secondary effectiveness evaluation, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein (Apo) A were significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group, and Apo B, triglyceride, and c-reactive protein showed a significant decrease. Regular physical activity is very important for improving the health and QoL of elderly women, and as a result of applying a customized program, effects such as increased muscle index, improvement of sarcopenia, and improvement of blood lipid status were confirmed. Therefore, it is believed that the physical activity program developed through this study can be applied as a community program for elderly women.

The Energy Transition and Support for the Radical Right: Evidence from the Netherlands

Energy transition policies often have distributional effects that could have electoral consequences. I study this issue in the context of a Dutch policy change that increased taxes on household natural gas consumption and redistributed the revenues as subsidies for renewables. Radical right parties were the only source of political opposition. A Differences-in-Differences (DiD) analysis with panel data from 2007-2020 shows that after the policy change renters with individualized utility bills became 5–6 percentage points more likely to vote for the radical right compared to renters with utilities included in their rents. Renters with individualized utility bills also became relatively less sympathetic towards the Green party and more concerned about price increases but they did not alter their left-right self-placements nor their views on immigration or the European Union. A secondary analysis finds similar effects for individuals (including home-owners) who are energy poor. This suggests an emerging economically rooted political cleavage over energy transition policies.

Direct Through-Space Substituent-π Interactions in Noncovalent Arene-Fullerene Assemblies.

The arene-arene interactions between electron-rich and deficient aromatics have been less understood. Herein, we focus on a [60]fullerene π-surface as an electron-deficient aromatics. Using a 1H signal of H2O@C60 as a magnetic probe, the presence of benzene-fullerene interactions was confirmed. To investigate substituent effects on the noncovalent arene-fullerene interactions, NMR titration experiments were carried out using an open-[60]fullerene and a series of substituted benzenes, i. e., PhX (X=NO2, CN, Cl, OMe, H, CH3, and NH2), demonstrating a 1 : 2 stoichiometry with a positive correlation between stabilization energies upon the first association (ΔG1) and Hammet constants (σm). The destabilization of the self-assembled structure for X=OMe with a σ-withdrawing nature clearly showed direct through-space substituent-π interactions describable by the Wheeler-Houk model while the second association was suggested to be considerably perturbed by the secondary effects.

More than the sum of its parts: uncovering emerging effects of microbial interactions in complex communities.

Microbial communities are not only shaped by the diversity of microorganisms and their individual metabolic potential, but also by the vast amount of intra- and interspecies interactions that can occur pairwise interactions among microorganisms, we suggest that more attention should be drawn towards the effects on the entire microbiome that emerge from individual interactions between community members. The production of certain metabolites that can be tied to a specific microbe-microbe interaction might subsequently influence the physicochemical parameters of the habitat, stimulate a change in the trophic network of the community or create new micro-habitats through the formation of biofilms, similar to the production of antimicrobial substances which might negatively affect only one microorganism but cause a ripple effect on the abundance of other community members. Here, we argue that combining established as well as innovative laboratory and computational methods is needed to predict novel interactions and assess their secondary effects. Such efforts will enable future microbiome studies to expand our knowledge on the dynamics of complex microbial communities.

Kanker in Nederland: trends &amp; prognoses tot en met 2032. De impact voor de mondzorg in Nederland

For years, cancer has been one of the diseases that causes the greatest disease burden in the Netherlands. Cancer does not only have a huge impact on patients and their loved ones, but also on society and healthcare. If the number of cancer patients increases further in the coming years, this impact will only aggravate. This development will also impact dental practice. It is therefore important to assess what awaits us in the coming years. Both with regard to supporting and treating (former) oncology patients. Forinstance, detecting secondary effects of cancer treatments such as oral mucositis and medication- and radiation-related jaw necrosis, as well as the early detection of oral cavity carcinomas and sun-related skin damage on the lips and face. Based on this, plans can be made to meet the demand for dental care as well as possible and to reduce the impact of cancer for both the individual patient and for society as a whole.

Out-of-plane behavior of U-shaped unreinforced masonry structures

The out-of-plane behavior of masonry walls is an important aspect of their response, particularly in seismic regions. While previous studies have examined various geometries and materials, there exists a dearth of research on U-shaped walls, specifically with diverse geometric configurations. Moreover, the influence of axial load on out-of-plane behavior remains largely unexplored, limiting practical applications. This study aims to bridge these gaps by comprehensively investigating the out-of-plane behavior of U-shaped walls, focusing on the quantification of variable parameters encompassing geometry and axial load. A three-dimensional finite element model using the macro-modeling approach is used to analyze the structural response of U-shaped masonry walls under out-of-plane loading. The accuracy of the numerical modeling approach has been validated by available experimental test results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the modeling approach in predicting the out-of-plane behavior of U-shaped masonry structures. Subsequently, a series of parametric studies delves into the impacts of distinct geometrical attributes, including thickness, height, and span size, shedding light on the behavior of these walls across diverse geometric configurations. The results indicate that the capacity of the wall at the connection between out-of-plane and cross walls significantly influences the overall behavior and the failure mode. It was found that axial load substantially increases the strength of walls, in order of 1.5–3 times, and the positive effect of axial load was more significant than the secondary effects in most cases, though the significance of secondary effect drastically increases by increasing the height. It is shown that walls with longer span have much better behavior in the presence of axial load. Based on the results, for each specific geometrical parameter, a linear function can be considered for relation between strength and axial load. These findings can provide useful insights for the design and analysis of U-shaped masonry structures, particularly in seismic regions where out-of-plane behavior is a critical factor in their performance.

A High-Precision Position Estimation Method for Low Saliency Ratio Machine Based on Convolutional Neural Networks

Sensorless control of surface permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) faces great challenges in achieving high precision of rotor position estimation at low speed because the saliency of an SPMSM is only a minor secondary effect. In order to extract accurate position information for SPMSM with low and ultra-low saliency ratios, this paper presents a method that implements image recognition techniques with high-frequency (HF) rotating voltage vector injection. For building an image of the induced current vector, the information of the negative-sequence and the second harmonic of positive-sequence HF current signals in the stationary reference frame is extracted. Then, convolutional neural networks (CNN) are applied to the current vector images to establish the relationship between the vector image and the rotor position. Subsequently, the rotor position can be obtained from the result of image recognition from the neural network. Benefiting from CNN’s excellent performance in image classification, the proposed method is able to recognize subtle position signatures even under low saliency. This confirms the opportunity to increase position estimation accuracy for sensorless control of SPMSM. Finally, the experimental results have provided proof that the proposed method has significantly enhanced estimation accuracy.

The secondary transfer effects of contact in facilitating peace in a frozen conflict: The case of Turkish immigrants in Cyprus

AbstractThe present research focuses on the secondary transfer effect of contact, a relatively less researched dimension of intergroup contact, on reconciliation in the context of one of the most intractable and longest surviving interethnic conflicts in Europe, the Cyprus conflict. Currently, Cyprus is home to three groups with differential social, economic and political statuses: (1) disadvantaged low‐status Turkish immigrants, (2) simultaneously advantaged (relative to Turkish immigrants) and disadvantaged (relative to Greek Cypriots) Turkish Cypriots and (3) historically advantaged high‐status Greek Cypriots. Across two studies (Study 1 N = 270 and Study 2 N = 501), we test whether and how Turkish immigrants’ contact with Turkish Cypriots shapes Turkish immigrants' support for reconciliation and willingness to live with Greek Cypriots via attitude generalisation. We also investigate whether Turkish immigrants’ perceived ingroup reputation qualifies this process. Controlling for the effects of direct contact with Greek Cypriots, our results show that both quantity and quality of contact with proximal Turkish Cypriots were indirectly associated with greater support for reconciliation with them and more willingness to live with Greek Cypriots via positive attitudes towards the primary (Turkish Cypriots) and positive attitudes towards the secondary (Greek Cypriots), sequentially. Moreover, we found that the perceived higher ingroup reputation across the island positively moderated the indirect effects of primary group contact on support for reconciliation and willingness to live with Greek Cypriots. That is, more contact with the primary outgroup was positively linked to greater support for reconciliation with the distal secondary outgroup Greek Cypriots when perceptions of ingroup reputation were higher.

New approach to soil fertility management: Biogeosystem Technique methodology (critical review)

AbstractA standard management soil priming effect is short term. A current soil plowing, irrigation and waste utilization soil priming action shortcomings elimination is needed. The Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) priming action system was developed for soil management to provide a higher‐level priming effect. The BGT* is focused on a soil biogeochemical cycle activation similar to the biodegradation in a colon of a live organism as an efficient benchmark bioreactor. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed a cooperation of bacteria within polymicrobial biofilms and a probability of the polymicrobial biofilms biodegradation process acceleration and soil organic matter (SOM) regime improvement. The soil priming actions the BGT* technological management is capable of providing are based on the BGT* constituents, whose essence, applications and corresponding detailed data are presented in available studies. The main BGT* components are as follows. The illuvial horizon intra‐soil milling artificial soil aggregation (a form of crumbling and mixing) priming action provides the soil structuring, a SOM content increase and an annual yield increment direct priming effects. A long‐term secondary priming effect is a technology life cycle with higher profitability compared to the standard moldboard, chiseling and three‐tier plowing. The intra‐soil pulse sequential‐discrete watering priming action is performed through water injection into the soil in sequence. A next water spreading provides the soil aggregate stability, the seedling length and weight increment direct priming effect and a water‐saving secondary priming effect. The intra‐soil dispersed liquid, paste‐like and loose granular nutrition and structuring matter intra‐soil milling application priming action ensures soil structuring direct priming effects, heavy metals passivation and long‐term yield increment secondary priming effects. The BGT* methodology could be useful for soil management improvement.

Heat transfer characteristics of the air-oil heat exchanger with spiral tube

The cooling problem of hot-end components has become an important factor restricting the aero-engine performance, life and reliability. In order to improve the cooling quality of the cooling air, the supercritical aviation kerosene was used as a heat sink to cool the cooling air in a spiral heat exchanger. The flow and heat transfer process of the air-oil heat exchanger with spiral tube were numerically simulated using Fluent software. The flow and heat transfer situation of air and aviation kerosene were analyzed in detail. The optimized spiral heat exchanger with the diaphragm was presented to enhance the heat transfer capacity of the air side. It is found that the heat transfer performance of the air-oil heat exchanger is greatly enhanced by the spiral tube due to the secondary flow effect. With the increase in the turning angle of the spiral tube, the effect of the secondary flow for the heat transfer enhancement is strengthened. The PEC index of the spiral heat exchanger increases with the increase in the air flow rate. The spiral heat exchanger with the diaphragm can effectively improve the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger, and increase the PEC index of the air side by more than 20%.

Exercise and behaviour change support for individuals living with and beyond cancer: Interim results and program satisfaction of the EXCEL study

PurposeExamine the impact of the EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well's (EXCEL) 10–12-week exercise and behaviour change support intervention on secondary effectiveness outcomes, including patient-reported outcomes, physical function, and program satisfaction. MethodsIndividuals with cancer up to 3 years post treatment with any tumour type were eligible. Outcomes were measured at baseline and immediately following the 10–12-week intervention. Patient-reported outcomes included participant characteristics, overall well-being, cognition, fatigue, symptom severity, exercise barrier self-efficacy, and program satisfaction. Physical function included shoulder flexion, 30-s sit to stand, sit and reach, 2-min step test or 6-min walk test (in-person only), and single leg balance. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess changes in patient-reported outcomes and physical function assessments from baseline to 12-weeks. ResultsA total of 804 participants enrolled in the study in the first 2.5-years, with 699 completing the intervention. Wilcoxon signed rank tests and Rosenthal coefficients (r) showed significant (p ​< ​0.05) small improvements in well-being (r ​= ​0.10), fatigue (r ​= ​0.25), symptom severity (r ​= ​0.17), and self-efficacy (r ​= ​0.11). Significant (p ​< ​0.01) moderate to large improvements were observed for the 30-s sit to stand (r ​= ​0.54), sit and reach (left: r ​= ​0.46; right: r ​= ​0.41), 2-min step test (r ​= ​0.66), 6-min walk test (r ​= ​0.52), and single leg balance (left: r ​= ​0.32; right: r ​= ​0.34) assessments. Participants reported high satisfaction with program staff (average ​= ​4.5/5) and that the program was beneficial and enjoyable (average ​= ​4.6/5). ConclusionEXCEL's group-based exercise program with behaviour change support, delivered in an online supervised setting to individuals living with cancer, may improve patient-reported outcomes and physical function and is associated with high participant satisfaction.

Isotopic tracing of leachate percolation from municipal solid waste dump sites to groundwater in diverse climatic zones of India.

Groundwater resources in tropical regions are largely dependent on recharge by rainwater infiltration through soil layers with variable time. However, the rainwater infiltration through soil is a serious concern in urban tropics where it interacts with landfills at the dumpsites, potentially contaminating adjoining groundwater. In this study, the stable isotopic compositions of oxygen and hydrogen (δ18O and δ2H, respectively) in groundwater and leachates, adjoining municipal dumpsites in urban tropics (Bangalore, Kolkata and Durgapur located in diverse rainfall zonation of India), were analyzed to investigate their recharge sources and trace the possible mixing of leachate contaminants under three diverse climatology. The measured values of δ18O and δ2H suggested that the groundwater in these sites reflects higher recharge by rainwater. However, the d-excess values indicated secondary effects suggesting the groundwater has experienced significant modifications. The end member analysis using δ18O-d-excess relation pinpointed an additional leachate contribution from adjoining dumpsites. The critical fraction of leachate infiltration to groundwater quantified using two component mixing model ranged between (i) 1 and 33% in Bangalore, (ii) 5 and 13% in Kolkata and (iii) 18 and 76% in Durgapur, with its variability dependent on seasonality and aquifer connectivity. This information is crucial for groundwater management to secure water quality and to quantify potential hydrological contaminants particularly in drier seasons and drier regions, when and where the demand for groundwater is high, respectively.

The effect of a cognitive training therapy based on stimulation of brain oscillations in patients with mild cognitive impairment in a Chilean sample: study protocol for a phase IIb, 2 × 3 mixed factorial, double-blind randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe ageing population has increased the prevalence of disabling and high-cost diseases, such as dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The latter can be considered a prodromal phase of some dementias and a critical stage for interventions to postpone the impairment of functionality. Working memory (WM) is a pivotal cognitive function, representing the fundamental element of executive functions. This project proposes an intervention protocol to enhance WM in these users, combining cognitive training with transcranial electrical stimulation of alternating current (tACS). This technique has been suggested to enhance the neuronal plasticity needed for cognitive processes involving oscillatory patterns. WM stands to benefit significantly from this approach, given its well-defined electrophysiological oscillations. Therefore, tACS could potentially boost WM in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.MethodsThis study is a phase IIb randomised, double-blind clinical trial with a 3-month follow-up period. The study participants will be 62 participants diagnosed with MCI, aged over 60, from Valparaíso, Chile. Participants will receive an intervention combining twelve cognitive training sessions with tACS. Participants will receive either tACS or placebo stimulation in eight out of twelve training sessions. Sessions will occur twice weekly over 6 weeks. The primary outcomes will be electroencephalographic measurements through the prefrontal theta oscillatory activity, while the secondary effects will be cognitive assessments of WM. The participants will be evaluated before, immediately after, and 3 months after the end of the intervention.DiscussionThe outcomes of this trial will add empirical evidence about the benefits and feasibility of an intervention that combines cognitive training with non-invasive brain stimulation. The objective is to contribute tools for optimal cognitive treatment in patients with MCI. To enhance WM capacity, postpone the impairment of functionality, and obtain a better quality of life.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05291208. Registered on 28 February 2022. ISRCTN87597719 retrospectively registered on 15 September 2023.

Design and Practice of Japanese Interactive Teaching Systems in Colleges and Universities Under the Background of Big Data

Relying on the background of big data, this paper introduces the blended teaching model into the secondary vocational Japanese oral classroom and explores whether the teaching model is conducive to the improvement of the secondary vocational Japanese oral learning effect and teaching effect. In order to make this research more scientific and effective, this paper refers to a large number of literature materials. First, the purpose, content, and methods of this research are clarified; secondly, the relevant literature is sorted out and summarized. The SPOC blended teaching design was carried out, and teaching experiments were carried out accordingly. Finally, the data collected during the experiment were compared and analyzed, and the research results were verified with objective data. Research has shown that the use of a Japanese language teaching system enhances students' learning experience, promotes effective use of time, and improves overall learning outcomes.

Cortical thickness and sub-cortical volumes in post-H1N1 narcolepsy type 1: A brain-wide MRI case-control study

ObjectiveThere was more than a 10-fold increase in the incidence of narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) after the H1N1 mass vaccination in 2009/2010 in several countries. NT1 is associated with loss and increase of cell groups in the hypothalamus which may be associated with secondary affected sub-cortical and cortical gray matter. We performed a case-control comparison of MRI-based global and sub-cortical volume and cortical thickness in post-H1N1 NT1 patients compared with controls. MethodsWe included 54 post-H1N1 NT1 patients (51 with confirmed hypocretin-deficiency; 48 H1N1-vaccinated with Pandemrix®; 39 females, mean age 21.8 ± 11.0 years) and 114 healthy controls (77 females, mean age 23.2 ± 9.0 years). 3T MRI brain scans were obtained, and the T1-weighted MRI data were processed using FreeSurfer. Group differences among three global, 10 sub-cortical volume measures and 34 cortical thickness measures for bilateral brain regions were tested using general linear models with permutation testing. ResultsPatients had significantly thinner brain cortex bilaterally in the temporal poles (Cohen's d = 0.68, p = 0.00080), entorhinal cortex (d = 0.60, p = 0.0018) and superior temporal gyrus (d = 0.60, p = 0.0020) compared to healthy controls. The analysis revealed no significant group differences for sub-cortical volumes. ConclusionsPost-H1N1(largely Pandemrix®-vaccinated) NT1 patients have significantly thinner cortex in temporal brain regions compared to controls. We speculate that this effect can be partly attributed to the hypothalamic neuronal change in NT1, including loss of function of the widely projecting hypocretin-producing neurons and secondary effects of the abnormal sleep-wake pattern in NT1 or could be specific for post-H1N1 (largely Pandemrix®-vaccinated) NT1 patients.

Comet Assay: Multifaceted Options for Studies of Plant Stress Response

Contrarily to chronic stresses, acute (i.e., fast and dramatic) changes in environmental factors like temperature, radiation, concentration of toxic substances, or pathogen attack often lead to DNA damage. Some of the stress factors are genotoxic, i.e., they damage the DNA via physical interactions or via interference with DNA replication/repair machinery. However, cytotoxic factors, i.e., those that do not directly damage the DNA, can lead to secondary genotoxic effects either via the induction of the production of reactive oxygen, carbon, or nitrogen species, or via the activation of programmed cell death and related endonucleases. The extent of this damage, as well as the ability of the cell to repair it, represent a significant part of plant stress responses. Information about DNA damage is important for physiological studies as it helps to understand the complex adaptive responses of plants and even to predict the outcome of the plant’s exposure to acute stress. Single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) provides a convenient and relatively inexpensive tool to evaluate DNA strand breaks in the different organs of higher plants, as well as in unicellular algae. Comet assays are widely used in ecotoxicology and biomonitoring applications; however, they are still relatively rarely used in physiological studies. In this review, we provide an overview of the basic principles and of useful variations of the protocols of Comet assays, as well as of their use in plant studies, in order to encourage plant physiologists to include this tool in the analysis of plant stress responses.

Spur Dike Applications for the Sustainability of Channels in Incised Steep Bend Streams

Japan’s rivers are shaped by distinctive topography and abundant rainfall, and they face flooding and sediment supply escalation concerns under climate change. Small- and medium-sized rivers tend to catch unprecedented forces that exceed planned levels, leading to substantial widening and excavation. Thus, there is a demand for a method that is capable of managing significant flood flows over an extended period. The spur dike can maintain channel clearance by promoting erosion as well as providing bank protection. However, the effectiveness of this spur dike function has not been well studied in small- and medium-sized rivers and curved reaches. In this study, we evaluate the function of spur dikes in improving channel sustainability based on examples of small- and medium-sized rivers that have maintained their channel for more than ten years after spur dike installation. First, the applicability of the empirical rule was evaluated by comparing it with actual cases of erosion depths in curved sections in Japan. Next, one-dimensional simulations were performed to evaluate the sustainability of the section over a long period. Finally, a depth-averaged morphodynamic simulation, including the secondary flow effect, was applied to evaluate the location of the flow core and elevation changes due to the spur dike. The results showed that a slight difference in the ratio of river curvature radius to river width (r/B) caused the river channel to be erosive and sedimentary. The reasons for the difference were the cross-sectional expansion caused by the excavation of the bend and the difference in the plane flow regime caused by the shift of the flow core to the inside of the bend. Although it is structurally challenging to reproduce localized scour around a spur dike in a depth-averaged simulation, it is essential for designing to apply the simulation model and combine empirical knowledge.