Spatial aspects of spin polarization of structurally split surface states in thin films with magnetic exchange and spin-orbit interaction

A theoretical study is presented of the effect of an in-plane magnetic exchange field on the band structure of centrosymmetric films of noble metals and topological insulators. Based on an ab initio relativistic k·p theory, a minimal effective model is developed that describes two coupled copies of a Rashba or Dirac electronic system residing at the opposite surfaces of the film. The coupling leads to a structural gap at Γ and causes an exotic redistribution of the spin density in the film when the exchange field is introduced. We apply the model to a nineteen-layer Au(111) film and to a five-quintuple-layer Sb2Te3 film. We demonstrate that at each film surface the exchange field induces spectrum distortions similar to those known for Rashba or Dirac surface states with an important difference due to the coupling: At some energies, one branch of the state loses its counterpart with the oppositely directed group velocity. This suggests that a large-angle electron scattering between the film surfaces through the interior of the film is dominant or even the only possible for such energies. The spin-density redistribution accompanying the loss of the counterpart favors this scattering channel.

Applying Self-Directed Groupwork and Social Action Research Methodology with francophone parents of trans children and youth in Rural Quebec

Parental support is an important protective factor in preventing suicide among trans youth. However, parents often struggle to accept their child’s gender transition. Having access to a group and to meeting other parents facilitates the acceptance process, but support groups are rare and even more so outside urban areas. The research project discussed in this article was developed to understand specifically the experience of parents of francophone trans youth living in rural and remote communities in Quebec. A Self-Directed Group approach (Mullender, Ward and Fleming 2013), combined with Social Action Research (Author et al. 2015) was initiated to offer a platform for parents to explore the specificities of parenting a trans child in rural francophone Quebec. Parents were recruited through social and traditional media and a series of group meetings was planned to collect data and as well as to facilitate the parents' mobilization. Despite applying the Self-Directed Groupwork principles and process, many challenges were encountered, stimulating a number of reflections on the use of self-directed group work and social action in remote geographical areas. This paper explores some of those challenges and discusses a possible way forward for research.

Randomized Trial Comparing Instructor-Delivered Feedback with Self-Assessment Using Video During Basic Skills Training

Feedback has been shown to be one of the most powerful and effective influences on student achievement; however, the optimal method for providing feedback to trainees during veterinary skills training has yet to be determined. A prospective mixed-methods study was undertaken to evaluate student perceptions and performance outcomes with self-assessment using video- or instructor-delivered feedback during skills training using a model. Forty participants naïve to intravenous (IV) catheter placement were randomly assigned either to self-assessment using video or to instructor-directed feedback. A questionnaire probing participants’ perceptions of their knowledge level and confidence in their skills was completed before and after the training, and an interview was done at study completion. Final skill performance was recorded using video capture to permit blind evaluations using a standard assessment tool. A quantitative evaluation of the performance and questionnaire scores, as well as a qualitative assessment of the interviews, was performed. Questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the post-study questionnaire for 12 of the 14 questions in both groups. Students assigned to the instructor-directed group had significantly higher scores than students in the self-directed group on the skill performance ( p < .05). Self-reported confidence in knowledge and skill related to the IV catheterization technique improved with both self-directed feedback using video and instructor-directed feedback. Skill performance, however, was superior following instructor-directed feedback. Participants expressed positive experiences associated with use of the models for skills training, the value of the learning materials including the video, and guidance during learning.

Effects of a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention and Metformin Treatment on Serum Urate: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Lower body mass index (BMI) has been associated with lower serum urate (SU), but only in observational studies. We sought to determine the effects of behavioral weight loss and metformin treatment on SU in a randomized trial. Methods and Findings: The Survivorship Promotion In Reducing IGF-1 Trial (SPIRIT) was a parallel three-arm randomized controlled trial of overweight/obese adult cancer survivors without gout at a single center in Maryland, United States. Participants were randomized to: (1) coach-directed weight loss (behavioral telephonic coaching), (2) metformin (up to 2000 mg daily), or (3) self-directed weight loss (informational brochures; reference group). SU and BMI were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-randomization. The 121 participants had a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 60 ± 9 years, 79% were female, and 45% were Black. At baseline, BMI was 35 ± 5 kg/m2, and SU was 5.6 ± 1.3 mg/dL. Compared to the self-directed group, at 12 months, the coach-directed group reduced BMI by 0.9 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval (CI): −1.5, −0.4) and metformin reduced BMI by 0.6 kg/m2 (95% CI: −1.1, −0.1). However, compared to the self-directed group, the coach-directed group unexpectedly increased SU by 0.3 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.05, 0.6), and metformin non-significantly increased SU by 0.2 mg/dL (95% CI: −0.04, 0.5); these effects were attenuated when analyses included change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conclusions: In this randomized trial of cancer survivors without gout, reductions in BMI either increased or did not change SU, potentially due to effects on eGFR. These results do not support a focus on BMI reduction for SU reduction; however, long-term studies are needed. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: NCT02431676.

An Action Research Study of Promoting Teachers’ Confidence and Competence in Teaching English Meaningfully

This action research study investigates the introduction, implementation and evaluation of a training course—Meaningful Communication in English (MCE)—designed for English teachers at Saudi public schools. The course aims to promote the teachers’ confidence and competence to use alternatives in classroom practices and develop an English communicative and interactive syllabus. Saudi public schools aim to educate students to use English in real-life communication. However, the current classroom practices do not meet these expectations. Despite having been taught English from Grade 4, most Saudi high school students graduate with low levels of understanding and competence when communicating in English. Saudi teachers and students are afraid of change because they are confused and suspicious about the functions and effectiveness of interactive classroom activities. This situation in schools demands the development of a training course based on communicative and interactive pedagogies and topics related to real life situations. The study is conducted in two cycles to investigate the training strategies and acquisition associated with MCE over 180 hours of training. Each cycle of MCE is based on the themes of the first three stages of research: theme 1- ‘identifying the problem’, theme 2- ‘reviewing literature’ and theme 3- ‘developing a plan’. Upon the completion of MCE in each cycle, participant teachers were encouraged to conduct the following two stages ‘implement the plan’ and ‘evaluate the outcomes’ at their classrooms while providing remote supervision and support. The MCE training course differs from the traditional trainer-directed approach to introducing a learner-centered approach. Two hundred and forty-three English teachers contributed to this study and participated in observations, directed group discussions and surveys. The study found that MCE contributes positively to teachers’ professional confidence and competence. The outcomes from this study will inform current practice and policy in the teaching and learning of English in Saudi Arabian training rooms as well as classrooms, and will contribute to creating an engaging, interactive and learner-centered training courses for the future.

Effects of Behavioral Weight Loss and Metformin on Insulin-like Growth Factors in Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Trial

Context Higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are associated with increased risk of cancers and higher mortality. Therapies that reduce IGF-1 have considerable appeal as means to prevent recurrence. Design Randomized, 3-parallel-arm controlled clinical trial. Interventions and Outcomes Cancer survivors with overweight or obesity were randomized to 1) self-directed weight loss (comparison), 2) coach-directed weight loss, or 3) metformin treatment. Main outcomes were changes in IGF-1 and IGF-1:IGFBP3 molar ratio at six months. The trial duration was 12 months. Results Of the 121 randomized participants, 79% were women, 46% were African Americans, and the mean age was 60 years. At baseline, the average BMI was 35 kg/m 2; mean IGF-1 was 72.9 (SD, 21.7) ng/ml; and mean IGF1:IGFBP3 molar ratio was 0.17 (SD, 0.05). At 6 months, weight changes were -1.0% (p=0.07), −4.2% (p&lt;0.0001), and -2.8% (p&lt;0.0001) in self-directed, coach-directed, and metformin groups, respectively. Compared to the self-directed group, participants in metformin had significant decreases on IGF-1 (mean difference in change: -5.50 ng/ml, p=0.02) and IGF1:IGFBP3 molar ratio (mean difference in change: -0.0119, p=0.011) at 3 months. The significant decrease of IGF-1 remained in participants with obesity at 6 months (mean difference in change: -7.2 ng/ml; 95% CI: -13.3 to -1.1), but not in participants with overweight (p-for interaction=0.045). There were no significant differences in changes between the coach-directed and self-directed groups. There were no differences in outcomes at 12 months. Conclusions In cancer survivors with obesity, metformin may have a short-term effect on IGF-1 reduction that wanes over time.

Abstract P225: Effect of Weight Loss Strategies on Serum Uric Acid in Cancer Patients in the Spirit Study

Introduction: Obesity is strongly associated with elevated serum uric acid (SUA), a hypothesized mediator of cardiovascular disease. In observational studies, weight loss is associated with lower SUA. However, trial evidence on weight loss and SUA is lacking. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that in a randomized, controlled setting, intentional weight loss would reduce SUA. Methods: The Survivorship Promotion In Reducing IGF-1 Trial (SPIRIT) was a three-arm, parallel trial of overweight or obese adult cancer survivors that compared the effects of a coach-directed weight loss intervention or metformin to self-directed weight loss (ref) on insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) over a 1-year period. Participants in the coach-directed arm underwent behavioral-based telephonic coaching with web-based support to promote healthy lifestyle and weight loss, targeting a 5% weight loss in the first 6 months. Participants assigned metformin received up to 2,000 mg daily. In our study, SUA was measured in specimens collected at baseline, 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months. Results: There were 121 participants, with a mean age of 60 years (standard deviation [SD]: 9), and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m 2 (SD: 5). Compared to the self-directed group, coach-directed weight loss reduced BMI by 0.6 kg/m 2 (95% CI: 0.1, 1.1) and metformin reduced BMI by 0.9 kg/m 2 (95% CI: 0.4, 1.5) over 12 months. However, compared to the self-directed group, coach-directed weight loss significantly increased SUA by 0.3 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.1, 0.6) over 12 months, while metformin did not significantly affect SUA (0.2 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.5). The increase observed with the coach-directed weight loss intervention occurred primarily within the first 3 months of the intervention (Figure). Conclusions: Contrary to our expectations, intentional weight loss increased SUA in the short-term. These results question weight loss as a strategy for SUA reduction. Studies testing the long-term effects of weight loss on SUA are needed.

On weak isometries in directed groups

In the paper weak isometries in directed groups are investigated. It is proved that for every weak isometry f in a directed group G the relation f(UL(x, y) ∩ LU(x, y)) = UL(f(x), f(y)) ∩ LU(f(x), f(y)) is valid for each x, y ∈ G. The notions of an orthogonality of two elements and of a subgroup symmetry in directed groups are introduced and it is shown that each weak isometry in a 2-isolated directed group or in an abelian directed group is a composition of a subgroup symmetry and a right translation. It is also proved that stable weak isometries in a 2-isolated abelian directed group G are directly related to subdirect decompositions of the subgroup G2 = {2x; x ∈ G} of G.

Changes in Dietary Intake After Metformin Treatment and Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention in Overweight or Obese Cancer Survivors: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial (P05-029-19)

Objectives Metformin and behavioral weight loss are postulated to lower the risk of cancer development and recurrence in overweight/obese individuals. Few studies have compared dietary changes longitudinally associated with these interventions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of metformin treatment and coach-directed behavioral weight loss intervention on overweight/obese cancer survivors’ food consumption, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, fiber, and fat intakes. Methods Overweight and obese cancer survivors enrolled in the SPIRIT trial (n = 121) were randomized into three arms consisting of self-directed weight loss (control), coach-directed weight loss and metformin treatment. Fruit, vegetable and fat screeners were used to assess the diet of the participants at baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month visit. Linear regression models and Generalized Estimated Equations were performed in STATA 15.1 to analyze the associations between interventions and food consumption throughout the study. Results Groups did not differ by sex (79% female), race (45% black) or age (mean 60 years). Metformin treatment was associated with decreased dietary fiber intake versus self-directed group (difference in slope β = −0.13, 95%CI: −0.01, −0.25; P = 0.04) and versus coach-directed group (−0.130, 95%CI: −0.02, −0.24; P = 0.02). After adjusting for baseline intake, participants assigned to metformin treatment consumed less dietary fiber daily than did participants in the self-directed (−2.0 grams, 95%CI: −0.47, −3.53; P = 0.01) and coach directed groups (−1.54 grams, 95%CI: −0.12, −2.95; P = 0.03) at the 12-month visit. Fruit and vegetable servings also decreased among participants in the metformin group versus non-metformin groups (difference at 12 months = −0.47 servings, 95%CI: 0.00, −0.94; P = 0.05). Coach-directed weight loss reduced % calories from fat compared to self-directed (−1.5% P = 0.03). Conclusions Metformin treatment in overweight/obese cancer survivors was associated with reduced intake of fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber. The unintended and negative changes of diet that could result in negative impacts on health in metformin users should be noticed in clinical practices and deserve further research. Funding Sources Maryland Cigarette Restitution Funds and SKCCC. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs