bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiobjective Neuro-Fuzzy Controller Design and Selection of Filter Parameters of UPQC Using Predator Prey Firefly and Enhanced Harmony Search Optimization
Authors: Srilakshmi Koganti , Rao Gummadi Srinivasa , Swarnasri Katragadda , Inkollu Sai Ram , Kondreddi Krishnaveni , Balachandran Praveen Kumar , Dhanamjayulu C. , Khan Baseem
Published: March 2024

This research introduces a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) that integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) system and battery energy systems (SBES) to address power quality (PQ) issues. The reference signals for voltage source converters of UPQC are produced by the Levenberg–Marquardt back propagation (LMBP) trained artificial neural network control (ANNC). This method removes the necessity for conventional dq0, abc complex shifting. Moreover, the optimal choice of parameters for the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was achieved through the integration of the enhanced harmony search algorithm (EHSA) and the predator-prey-based firefly algorithm (PPFA) in the form of the hybrid metaheuristic algorithm (PPF-EHSA). In addition, the algorithm is employed to optimize the selection of resistance and inductance values for the filters in UPQC. The primary objective of the ANNC with predator-prey-based firefly algorithm and enhanced harmony search algorithm (PPF-EHSA) is to enhance the stability of the DC-link capacitor voltage (DLCV) with reduced settling time amid changes in load, solar irradiation (G), and temperature (T). Moreover, the algorithm seeks to achieve a reduction in total harmonic distortion (THD) and enhance power factor (PF). The method also focuses on mitigating fluctuations such as swell, harmonics, and sag and also unbalances at the grid voltage. The proposed approach is examined through four distinct cases involving various permutations of loads and sun irradiation (G). However, in order to demonstrate the performance of the suggested approach, a comparison is conducted with the ant colony and genetic algorithms, i.e., (ACA) (GA), as well as the standard methods of synchronous reference frame (SRF) and instantaneous active and reactive power theory (p-q). The results clearly demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits a reduced mean square error (MSE) of 0.02107 and a lower total harmonic distortion (THD) of 2.06% compared to alternative methods.
Identification of a Novel Non-V600E BRAF Mutation in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Capezzone Marco , Rossi Maja , Macerola Elisabetta , Cantara Silvia , Pepe Francesco , Morabito Eugenia Maria , Dalmazio Gilda , Bardi Sara , Ognibene Agostino , Alessandri Massimo , Materazzi Gabriele , De Napoli Luigi , Cirianni Michele , Torregrossa Liborio
Published: March 2024

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a common endocrine malignancy, and its incidence is reported to be constantly increasing. BRAF mutation is detected in approximately 44% of PTCs, and the most common BRAF mutation is thymine (T) to adenine (A) missense mutation in nucleotide 1796 (T1796A, V600E). Although BRAFV600E represents 95% of all BRAF mutations, uncommon BRAF mutations have been reported in thyroid carcinomas and represent an alternative mechanism of BRAF activation with unclear clinical significance. We report a novel non-V600E mutation (c.1799_1812delinsAT, p.V600_W604delinsD), identified preoperatively with next-generation sequencing (NGS) on the material obtained with fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) performed on a thyroid nodule cytologically suspicious for malignancy in a 35-year-old male patient. The presence of this new variant of BRAF mutation was subsequently confirmed in the postoperative phase by direct Sanger sequencing. In conclusion, we report a new non-V600E variant previously undetected in papillary thyroid cancer. In addition, this case report shows that the NGS technique on cytological tissue allows to detect the presence of rare mutations, thus increasing the diagnostic specificity of molecular analysis.
A Two-Objective Model for the Multilevel Supply Chain of Blood Products with the Approach of Reducing the Rate of Contagion under the (COVID-19) Epidemic Outbreak Conditions
Authors: Esfandabadi Abolfazl Moghimi , Shishebori Davood , Fakhrzad Mohammad-Bagher , Zare Hassan Khademi
Published: March 2024

The conditions of the coronavirus epidemic have put much pressure on the healthcare system. This disease has hurt the blood supply through the reduction of blood donation and the reduction of access to suitable collection facilities due to dysfunction. Considering the importance of the subject, the purpose of this paper is to design a two-level supply chain network for blood products with the approach of reducing costs and the rate of contagion under the conditions of epidemic outbreaks (COVID-19). After examining the solution methods for multilevel supply chain networks of blood products under the conditions of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, three exact solution methods, including LP-metric, an improved version of the augmented ε-constraint (AUGMECON2), and an improved weighted Chebyshev, are proposed. They are used to solve the model in small dimensions. In order to compare the methods in the obtained solutions, several numerical examples of different sizes are generated and solved. Then, using the statistical assumption test, the obtained results are compared in all numerical examples by Tukey’s technique. Also, the TOPSIS is applied to select the best method. Finally, in order to investigate the reaction of the objectives to the changes in the contagion probability parameter, a sensitivity analysis has been performed. The results emphasize that improving the performance of the blood supply chain (BSC) can lead to a reduction in BSC costs and improved service to patients. Also, the adaptation of different components of the BSC and regular coordination between them play an efficient role in controlling and improving this disease and reducing the costs of the BSC. Also, receiving the plasma product of recovered people from type (II) donors can play a vital role in reducing the percentage of disease transmission.
Cigarette Smoking and E-cigarette Use Induce Shared DNA Methylation Changes Linked to Carcinogenesis
Authors: Herzog Chiara , Jones Allison , Evans Iona , Raut Janhavi R. , Zikan Michal , Cibula David , Wong Andrew , Brenner Hermann , Richmond Rebecca C. , Widschwendter Martin
Published: March 2024

Tobacco use is a major modifiable risk factor for adverse health outcomes, including cancer, and elicits profound epigenetic changes thought to be associated with long-term cancer risk. While electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been advocated as harm reduction alternatives to tobacco products, recent studies have revealed potential detrimental effects, highlighting the urgent need for further research into the molecular and health impacts of e-cigarettes. Here, we applied computational deconvolution methods to dissect the cell- and tissue-specific epigenetic effects of tobacco or e-cigarette use on DNA methylation (DNAme) in over 3,500 buccal/saliva, cervical, or blood samples, spanning epithelial and immune cells at directly and indirectly exposed sites. The 535 identified smoking-related DNAme loci [cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (CpG)] clustered into four functional groups, including detoxification or growth signaling, based on cell type and anatomic site. Loci hypermethylated in buccal epithelial cells of smokers associated with NOTCH1/RUNX3/growth factor receptor signaling also exhibited elevated methylation in cancer tissue and progressing lung carcinoma in situ lesions, and hypermethylation of these sites predicted lung cancer development in buccal samples collected from smokers up to 22 years prior to diagnosis, suggesting a potential role in driving carcinogenesis. Alarmingly, these CpGs were also hypermethylated in e-cigarette users with a limited smoking history. This study sheds light on the cell type–specific changes to the epigenetic landscape induced by smoking-related products.

Significance:

The use of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes elicits cell- and exposure-specific epigenetic effects that are predictive of carcinogenesis, suggesting caution when broadly recommending e-cigarettes as aids for smoking cessation.
Supplementary Table S1 from Activity of the Ubiquitin-activating Enzyme Inhibitor TAK-243 in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, Patient-derived Organoids, and Murine Xenografts
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Sun Nai-Yun , Elloumi Fathi , Thomas Anish , Roper Nitin , Varghese Diana Grace , Takebe Naoko , Zhang Xiaohu , Ceribelli Michele , Holland David O. , Beck Erin , Itkin Zina , McKnight Crystal , Wilson Kelli M. , Travers Jameson , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Thomas Craig J. , Hoang Chuong D. , Hernandez Jonathan M. , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: March 2024

High-throughput drug screens in ACC cell lines
Supplementary Figure S6 from Activity of the Ubiquitin-activating Enzyme Inhibitor TAK-243 in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, Patient-derived Organoids, and Murine Xenografts
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Sun Nai-Yun , Elloumi Fathi , Thomas Anish , Roper Nitin , Varghese Diana Grace , Takebe Naoko , Zhang Xiaohu , Ceribelli Michele , Holland David O. , Beck Erin , Itkin Zina , McKnight Crystal , Wilson Kelli M. , Travers Jameson , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Thomas Craig J. , Hoang Chuong D. , Hernandez Jonathan M. , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: March 2024

High UBA1 expression, and hyperactivation of the E1 and E2 enzymes of the ubiquitin pathways in ACC.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Activity of the Ubiquitin-activating Enzyme Inhibitor TAK-243 in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, Patient-derived Organoids, and Murine Xenografts
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Sun Nai-Yun , Elloumi Fathi , Thomas Anish , Roper Nitin , Varghese Diana Grace , Takebe Naoko , Zhang Xiaohu , Ceribelli Michele , Holland David O. , Beck Erin , Itkin Zina , McKnight Crystal , Wilson Kelli M. , Travers Jameson , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Thomas Craig J. , Hoang Chuong D. , Hernandez Jonathan M. , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: March 2024

Synergistic effect of TAK-243 on Navitoclax. Analysis of synergistic effects
using the MTT assay.
Data from Activity of the Ubiquitin-activating Enzyme Inhibitor TAK-243 in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, Patient-derived Organoids, and Murine Xenografts
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Sun Nai-Yun , Elloumi Fathi , Thomas Anish , Roper Nitin , Varghese Diana Grace , Takebe Naoko , Zhang Xiaohu , Ceribelli Michele , Holland David O. , Beck Erin , Itkin Zina , McKnight Crystal , Wilson Kelli M. , Travers Jameson , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Thomas Craig J. , Hoang Chuong D. , Hernandez Jonathan M. , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Current treatment options for metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) have limited efficacy, despite the common use of mitotane and cytotoxic agents. This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic options for ACC. An extensive drug screen was conducted to identify compounds with potential activity against ACC cell lines. We further investigated the mechanism of action of the identified compound, TAK-243, its synergistic effects with current ACC therapeutics, and its efficacy in ACC models including patient-derived organoids and mouse xenografts. TAK-243, a clinical ubiquitin-activating enzyme (UAE) inhibitor, showed potent activity in ACC cell lines. TAK-243 inhibited protein ubiquitination in ACC cells, leading to the accumulation of free ubiquitin, activation of the unfolded protein response, and induction of apoptosis. TAK-243 was found to be effluxed out of cells by MDR1, a drug efflux pump, and did not require Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) expression for its activity. Combination of TAK-243 with current ACC therapies (e.g., mitotane, etoposide, cisplatin) produced synergistic or additive effects. In addition, TAK-243 was highly synergistic with BCL2 inhibitors (Navitoclax and Venetoclax) in preclinical ACC models including patient-derived organoids. The tumor suppressive effects of TAK-243 and its synergistic effects with Venetoclax were further confirmed in a mouse xenograft model. These findings provide preclinical evidence to support the initiation of a clinical trial of TAK-243 in patients with advanced-stage ACC. TAK-243 is a promising potential treatment option for ACC, either as monotherapy or in combination with existing therapies or BCL2 inhibitors.
Significance:
ACC is a rare endocrine cancer with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. We report that TAK-243 is active alone and in combination with currently used therapies and with BCL2 and mTOR inhibitors in ACC preclinical models. Our results suggest implementation of TAK-243 in clinical trials for patients with advanced and metastatic ACC.
Posttransplant Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia with Anti-D Specificity Successfully Treated with Daratumumab: A Case Report
Authors: Frioni Filippo , Metafuni Elisabetta , Limongiello Maria Assunta , Piccirillo Nicola , Massini Giuseppina , Pellegrino Claudio , Giammarco Sabrina , Sorà Federica , Autore Francesco , Teofili Luciana , Sica Simona , Chiusolo Patrizia
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) occurs in 0.7–5.6% of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, especially from unrelated or haploidentical donor or after lympho-depleted transplant; the majority of cases are represented by warm AIHA, occurring in a full donor chimerism setting. Standard treatments (corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, splenectomy, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, plasma exchange) lead to lower response rates than those reported in primary AIHA. Daratumumab use has been proposed in many autoimmune conditions (immune thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anemia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis), but only few reports have been published on its use for post-HSCT AIHA, mainly in pediatric patients. Case Presentation: We report the successful use of daratumumab in a 68-year-old patient, suffering from post-HSCT AIHA. Five months after Rh-mismatched HSCT, the patient was diagnosed with anti-D AIHA. After first-line treatment (oral prednisone, rituximab, and plasma exchange) failure, being still transfusion-dependent with symptomatic anemia, he underwent treatment with daratumumab, achieving both clinical and laboratory responses. Discussion: Daratumumab may represent a safe and effective alternative to conventional immunosuppressive therapy, and it deserves further investigations.
Impact of Incomplete Revascularization After PCI in Left Main Disease: The EXCEL Trial
Authors: Ali Ziad A. , Garcia Javier Jas , Karimi Galougahi Keyvan , Horst Jennifer , Gallo Anthony , Shin Doosup , Ben-Yehuda Ori , Chen Shmuel , Redfors Björn , Kappetein Arie Pieter , Sabik Joseph F. , Serruys Patrick W. , Stone Gregg W.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

The importance of complete revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with left main coronary artery disease is uncertain. We investigated the clinical impact of complete revascularization in patients with left main coronary artery disease undergoing PCI in the EXCEL trial (Evaluation of XIENCE Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization).

METHODS:

Composite rates of death or myocardial infarction (MI) following PCI during 5-year follow-up were examined in 903 patients based on core laboratory definitions of anatomic and functional complete revascularization, residual SYNTAX score (The Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery), and residual Jeopardy Score (rJS).

RESULTS:

The risk of death or MI did not vary based on anatomic, functional, or residual SYNTAX score complete revascularization but did differ according to the rJS (5-year rates 17.6%, 19.5%, and 38.9% with rJS 0, 2, and ≥4, respectively;
P
=0.006). The higher rate of death or MI with rJS≥4 versus rJS≤2 was driven conjointly by increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.11–4.71];
P
=0.02) and spontaneous MI (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.89 [95% CI, 1.17–7.17];
P
=0.02). The most common location for untreated severe stenoses in the rJS≥4 group was the left circumflex artery (LCX), and the post-PCI absence, compared with the presence, of any untreated lesion with diameter stenosis ≥70% in the LCX was associated with reduced 5-year rates of death or MI (18.9% versus 35.2%; hazard ratio, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.32–0.74];
P
<0.001). The risk was the highest for residual ostial/proximal LCX lesions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients undergoing PCI in EXCEL trial, incomplete revascularization according to the rJS was associated with increased rates of death and spontaneous MI. Post-PCI untreated high-grade lesions in the LCX (especially the ostial/proximal LCX) drove these outcomes.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01205776.
Compression-Only or Standard Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Trained Laypersons in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Nationwide Randomized Trial in Sweden
Authors: Riva Gabriel , Boberg Erik , Ringh Mattias , Jonsson Martin , Claesson Andreas , Nord Anette , Rubertsson Sten , Blomberg Hans , Nordberg Per , Forsberg Sune , Rosenqvist Mårten , Svensson Leif , Andréll Cecilia , Herlitz Johan , Hollenberg Jacob
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

The ongoing TANGO2 (Telephone Assisted CPR. AN evaluation of efficacy amonGst cOmpression only and standard CPR) trial is designed to evaluate whether compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by trained laypersons is noninferior to standard CPR in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This pilot study assesses feasibility, safety, and intermediate clinical outcomes as part of the larger TANGO2 survival trial.

METHODS:

Emergency medical dispatch calls of suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were screened for inclusion at 18 dispatch centers in Sweden between January 1, 2017, and March 12, 2020. Inclusion criteria were witnessed event, bystander on the scene with previous CPR training, age above 18 years of age, and no signs of trauma, pregnancy, or intoxication. Cases were randomized 1:1 at the dispatch center to either instructions to perform compression-only CPR (intervention) or instructions to perform standard CPR (control). Feasibility included evaluation of inclusion, randomization, and adherence to protocol. Safety measures were time to emergency medical service dispatch CPR instructions, and to start of CPR, intermediate clinical outcome was defined as 1-day survival.

RESULTS:

Of 11 838 calls of suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest screened for inclusion, 2168 were randomized and 1250 (57.7%) were out-of-hospital cardiac arrests treated by the emergency medical service. Of these, 640 were assigned to intervention and 610 to control. Crossover from intervention to control occurred in 16.3% and from control to intervention in 18.5%. The median time from emergency call to ambulance dispatch was 1 minute and 36 s (interquartile range, 1.1–2.2) in the intervention group and 1 minute and 30 s (interquartile range, 1.1–2.2) in the control group. Survival to 1 day was 28.6% versus 28.4% (
P
=0.984) for intervention and control, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this national randomized pilot trial, compression-only CPR versus standard CPR by trained laypersons was feasible. No differences in safety measures or short-term survival were found between the 2 strategies. Efforts to reduce crossover are important and may strengthen the ongoing main trial that will assess differences in long-term survival.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02401633.
Cyrtosperma hayii (Araceae, Lasioideae), a unique new species with downward-pointing spines from Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia
Authors: RAYNALTA ERICK , HARIRI MUHAMMAD RIFQI , IRSYAM ARIFIN SURYA DWIPA
Published: March 2024

N/A
Oostenbrinkellus gen. n. and a new species of the rare nematode genus Lawtonema Siddiqi, 1998 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida: Tylencholaimoidea) from the Western Ghats
Authors: ISLAM MD NIRAUL , AHMAD WASIM
Published: March 2024

One new genus and a new species belonging to the superfamily Tylencholaimoidea from the Western Ghats, India are described and illustrated. Oostenbrinkellus gen. n. is characterized by being a medium sized nematode with a 0.92–1.3 mm long body; lip region cap-like with distinct labia disc; amphidial fovea cup-shaped, aperture occupying about two-thirds to four-fifths of the lip region diameter; odontostyle 10.5–12.0 µm long, slender, slightly sinuate, mid region bent slight dorsally, anterior beak-like, with a distinct ventral stiffening piece covering the posterior half of the ventral arm; its aperture about one-fifth of the odontostyle length, 1.6–2.0 times the lip region diameter long; odontophore 7.5–9.0 µm long, with distinct basal knobs, total stylet 18.5–20.5 µm; pharynx consisting of an anterior slender part, expanding posteriorly into a short cylindrical basal bulb, 19–25% of total pharyngeal length; female genital system mono-opisthodelphic with anterior uterine sac; tail long filiform both the sexes; males with 24–29 μm long spicules. Lawtonema indicum sp. n. is characterized by having a 1.25–1.28 mm long body; lip region cap-like with distinct labial disc; amphidial fovea cup-shaped, aperture occupying about three-fourths of the lip region diameter; odontostyle 10–10.5 μm long, its tip bent dorsally; odontophore 9.5–10 μm long, total stylet length 19.5–20.0 μm; pharynx expanding gradually into a short cylindrical bulb, 19–20% of total pharyngeal length; female genital system amphidelphic; tail long filiform; male with 24 μm long spicules.
A new skink of the genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Hoa Binh Province, northern Vietnam
Authors: PHAM ANH VAN , PHAM CUONG THE , LE MINH DUC , NGOC HAI NGO , ZIEGLER THOMAS , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG
Published: March 2024

A new species of the genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 is described from northern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence. Scincella ouboteri sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: Size medium (SVL up to 58.6 mm); primary temporals 2; external ear opening present, with 3 or 4 lobules on anterior margin; loreals 2; supralabials 7; infralabials 6 or 7; nuchals in 2–4 pairs; midbody scales in 30–32 rows; dorsal scales smooth, in 6 rows across the back; paravertebral scales 65–73, not widened; ventral scales in 65–71 rows; 10–12 smooth lamellae beneath finger IV and 18–20 beneath toe IV; toes overlapping fingers when limbs adpressed along body; dorsal surface of body and tail bronze-brown with a black vertebral stripe, in width of two dorsal scales, two bright dorsolateral stripes extending from behind the head to middle of tail, a dark stripe running from nostril to eye and extending from posterior margin of eye along upper part of flank and tail. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species and S. ochracea form an independent lineage sister to all other congeners included in the study.
Neomerinthe ornithoptera, a new species of scorpionfish (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae) from the southwestern Pacific Ocean, with a reassessment of the diagnosis for N. pallidimacula (Fowler 1938)
Authors: MATSUMOTO TATSUYA , MOTOMURA HIROYUKI
Published: March 2024

Neomerinthe ornithoptera n. sp., described on the basis of three specimens from Fiji and the Wallis and Futuna Islands, southwestern Pacific Ocean, was previously reported as Neomerinthe pallidimacula (Fowler 1938), due to its characteristic lack of both lateral lacrimal and second preopercular spines. The new species is clearly distinguished from Indo-Pacific congeners, including N. pallidimacula, by the following combination of characters: pectoral-fin rays 18; scale rows in longitudinal series 44 or 45; pored lateral-line scales 23; scale rows above lateral line 6 or 7, below lateral line 12, between sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 5, between last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 5; upper gill rakers 6, lower gill rakers 13, total gill rakers 19; longitudinal ridge on lateral surface of maxilla absent; many small cycloid scales on base of pectoral fin and ventral surface of body between isthmus and posterior to pelvic fin; pectoral-fin ray length 37.6–40.0% of SL; first anal-fin spine length 6.9–8.5% of SL; second anal-fin spine length 23.3–25.5% of SL; third anal-fin spine length 22.7–23.1% of SL; pelvic-fin spine length 17.9–18.1% of SL; longest pelvic-fin soft ray length 26.6–29.2% of SL; and several lower pectoral-fin rays markedly elongated. In addition, the diagnosis of N. pallidimacula shows the species to be similar to Neomerinthe bucephalus (Alcock 1896), although distinguished from the latter by the following features: upper-jaw length 25.0% of SL; maxilla depth 8.2% of SL; eleventh dorsal-fin spine length 5.7% of SL; and 22 pored lateral-line scales.
Radar Outage Costs and the Value of Alternate Datasets
Authors: Rudlosky Scott D. , Patton Joseph , Palagonia Eric , Cho John Y. N. , Kurdzo James M.
Published: March 2024

Quantifying the costs of radar outages allows value to be attributed to the alternate datasets that help mitigate outages. When radars are offline, forecasters rely more heavily on nearby radars, surface reports, numerical weather prediction models, and satellite observations. Monetized radar benefit models allow value to be attributed to individual radars for mitigating the threat to life from tornadoes, flash floods, and severe winds. Eighteen radars exceed $20 million in annual benefits for mitigating the threat to life from these convective hazards. The Jackson, Mississippi, radar (KDGX) provides the most value ($41.4 million), with the vast majority related to tornado risk mitigation ($29.4 million). During 2020–23, the average radar is offline for 2.57% of minutes or 9.27 days per year and experiences an average of 58.9 outages per year lasting 4.32 h on average. Radar outage cost estimates vary by location and convective hazard. Outage cost estimates concentrate at the top, with 8, 2, 4, and 5 radars exceeding $1 million in outage costs during 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. The KDGX radar experiences outage frequencies of 4.92% and 5.50% during 2020 and 2023, resulting in outage cost estimates > $2 million in both years. Combining outage cost estimates for all radars suggests that approximately $29.1 million in annual radar outage costs may be attributable as value to alternative datasets for helping mitigate radar outage impacts.

Significance Statement

This study combines information on radar status and monetized radar benefit models to attribute value to individual radars, estimate radar outage costs, and quantify the potential value of alternative datasets during outage-induced gaps in coverage. Eighteen radars exceed $20 million in annual benefits for mitigating the combined threat to life from tornadoes, flash floods, and severe winds. The first and third most valuable radars, both in Mississippi, experience outage frequencies twice the national average, accounting for a disproportionate share of the overall outage costs. Our findings suggest that characterizing and mitigating these outages might provide a near-term solution to better protect these communities from convective hazards. Combining outage cost estimates for all radars suggests that approximately $29.1 million in annual radar outage costs may be attributable as value to alternative datasets for helping mitigate the impacts of radar outages.
Production line balance problem identification and improvement based on decision tree: A case study of commercial air conditioner production line
Authors: Wang Rui , Xin Tengyuan , Jia Shun , Ren Dawei , Li Meiyan
Published: March 2024

In the production of air conditioners, there are various issues such as complex requirements, redundant stations, excessive man-hours, and low production line balance rate. This paper aims to address these problems by analyzing the historical data of H Company's commercial air conditioner production line. The data is categorized into five aspects: station, working hours, standard working hours, labor capacity, and presence of bottleneck processes. To optimize and improve the second production line, this paper applies the production line balance management method based on data mining. It utilizes the decision tree model in data mining and incorporates lean production knowledge from industrial engineering. The goal is to identify crucial factors that affect the balance of the production line and address the issues caused by these factors. The aim is to reduce and eliminate redundant working hours and enhance the balance rate of the production line. By implementing the approach outlined in this paper, the bottleneck time of the second production line was reduced from 96.67 s to 74.6 s, and the production line balance rate increased from 68% to 85%.
Mental Health and Quality of Life in Ecuadorian Women Exposed to Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Meneses Alexandra Yakeline , Galárraga Anabela , Poenitz Ana , Jodar Mercè
Published: March 2024

Violence Against Women is a global problem that affects millions of women around the world. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the Mental Health and Quality of Life of Ecuadorian women exposed or not exposed to Gender Violence mediated by sociodemographic factors. A total of 433 Ecuadorian women, 18 to 64 years of age, most of whom (69%) reported being exposed to gender violence. Most of the women lived in the province of Pichincha and were selected through a type of nonprobabilistic sampling based on a survey about gender violence. Women exposed to gender violence showed a greater impact on personality profiles, clinical tests, and quality of life in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains compared to women not exposed to violence. In addition, these effects were mediated by age, economic level, education, marital status, and exposure to physical violence and psychological or sexual abuse within the socio-family or work contexts. The results of this study could contribute to improving public health systems, showing improvements in care programs for victims of violence.
Effects of Fibular Plate Fixation on Ankle Stability in a Weber B Fracture Model With Partial Deltoid Ligament Sectioning
Authors: Gregersen Martin G. , Dalen Andreas F. , Skrede Aleksander L. , Bjelland Øystein , Nilsen Fredrik A. , Molund Marius
Published: March 2024

Background:

Weber B fractures with concomitant deltoid ligament injury have traditionally been operated with open reduction and internal fixation of the fibular fracture. More recently, clinical studies have suggested that some fractures have concomitant partial deltoid ligament injury with the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament intact (SER4a), allowing for nonoperative treatment in this subgroup. This study explores whether plate fixation of the fibula improves ankle stability in an SER4a injury model. And if so, does it restore native ankle stability?

Methods

Fifteen cadaver ankle specimens were tested in 3 states using an industrial robot: intact joint, SER4a models without plate fixation of the fibula, and SER4a models with plate fixation of the fibula. The robot measured ankle stability in lateral translation, valgus, and internal and external rotation in 3 talocrural joint positions: 10 degrees dorsiflexion, neutral, and 20 degrees plantar flexion. Furthermore, fluoroscopic mortise view radiographs were taken to measure isolated talar shift and talar tilt.

Results:

The talar shift and tilt tests showed no differences between the SER4a injury model with and without fibular plate fixation at neutral ankle position with a mean difference of −0.16 mm (95% CI −0.33 to 0.01 mm, P = .071) for talar shift and −0.15 degrees (95% CI −0.01 to 0.30 degrees, P = .068) for talar tilt. However, plate fixation increased external rotation stability, with mean improvements ranging from −7.43 to −9.52 degrees ( P < .001 for all comparisons), but did not restore intact ankle stability. For internal rotation, plate fixation resulted in minor differences.

Conclusion:

The results of this suggest that plate fixation of the fibular fracture primarily improves external rotation stability but does not substantially improve lateral translation, valgus, or internal rotation stability in SER4a injury models. In this robotic cadaver model, fibular plate fixation did not fully restore intact ankle stability after simulated SER4a injury.

Clinical Relevance:

This study offers insights into the effects of fibular plate fixation on Weber B/SER4a injury models and may assist informed decisions when selecting treatments for these types of fractures.
Serving IPV Survivors in Culturally Diverse Communities: Perspectives From Current Service Providers
Authors: Taylor Sarah , Stallings Audrey , Greenstein Sage , Ochoa Alexis , Said Ayah , Salinas Norma , Becerril Noemi , Guevara William , Phan Michelle
Published: March 2024

This qualitative study examines current IPV service providers’ perspectives on service delivery methods that best reach and serve IPV survivors from culturally diverse communities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 service providers, and transcripts were analyzed for themes related to service providers’ experiences. Five themes emerged from the data that suggest best practices for reaching and serving survivors from culturally diverse backgrounds, including understanding survivors’ backgrounds, promoting trust and inclusivity, building community relationships, providing culturally responsive education on IPV, and supporting current and future staff with training. Study findings provide implications for the education and training of future service providers.
Using the “Cool Versus Not Cool” Discrimination Procedure to Teach Social Skills Remotely to Adults With Autism
Authors: Kearney Kelly B. , Wood Jacqueline , Berlingo Lauren , Dukes Charles
Published: March 2024

This study used a single-subject design to determine the effectiveness of the Cool versus Not Cool (CNC) discrimination procedure to teach social skills to three young U.S. adults with autism. The CNC procedure was administered remotely during this study. The specific social skills targeted were asking open-ended questions and responding appropriately to a conversation partner’s answers. All participants significantly increased the accuracy of the targeted social skills after receiving the intervention. The skills also maintained at relatively high levels once the intervention was removed. Future research and implications are discussed.
Multiscale permutation entropy based on natural visibility graph and its application to rolling bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Ma Ping , Liang Weilong , Zhang Hongli , Wang Cong , Li Xinkai
Published: March 2024

Rolling bearings being important components of mechanical equipment, the accurate fault diagnosis method of rolling bearings is of great importance to ensure production safety. Permutation entropy is a nonlinear measure of the irregularity of time series, which involves calculating permutation patterns, that is, defining permutations by comparing adjacent values of the time series. When using graph signal processing technology to analyze the vibration signal of rolling bearing, the natural visibility graph (NVG) can better reflect the dynamic characteristics of the vibration signal than path graph (PG). In this paper, the multiscale permutation entropy (MPE) is defined on NVG, and it is used to characterize the different fault characteristics of rolling bearings. The sand cat swarm optimization (SCSO) algorithm is employed to optimize the parameters of support vector machine (SVM); The MPEs of different faults of rolling bearing which defined on NVG are regarded as the fault feature set input into optimized SVM, and it is applied to characterize the different fault characteristics of rolling bearings, realizing fault diagnosis of rolling bearing. The proposed method is used to analyze the experimental data which contain both normal and faulty rolling bearings. The experiment results show that the proposed method can diagnose the bearing faults effectively. The MPE based on NVG is superior to MPE based on PG and MPE based on the vibration signal in distinguishing the different damage states of rolling bearings. The classification accuracy of optimized SVM based on SCSO algorithm is higher than other classical models. The effectiveness and feasibility of defining entropy on the graph signal and as the fault feature vectors for rolling bearing to realize fault diagnosis is validated. The results indicate that the proposed method can effectively detect bearing faults, and demonstrate its effectiveness and robustness for rolling bearing fault diagnosis.
Generative artificial intelligence chatbots may provide appropriate informational responses to common vascular surgery questions by patients
Authors: Chervonski Ethan , Harish Keerthi B. , Rockman Caron B. , Sadek Mikel , Teter Katherine A. , Jacobowitz Glenn R. , Berland Todd L. , Lohr Joann , Moore Colleen , Maldonado Thomas S.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool to engage with patients. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of AI responses to common patient questions regarding vascular surgery disease processes.

Methods

OpenAI’s ChatGPT-3.5 and Google Bard were queried with 24 mock patient questions spanning seven vascular surgery disease domains. Six experienced vascular surgery faculty at a tertiary academic center independently graded AI responses on their accuracy (rated 1–4 from completely inaccurate to completely accurate), completeness (rated 1–4 from totally incomplete to totally complete), and appropriateness (binary). Responses were also evaluated with three readability scales.

Results

ChatGPT responses were rated, on average, more accurate than Bard responses (3.08 ± 0.33 vs 2.82 ± 0.40, p < .01). ChatGPT responses were scored, on average, more complete than Bard responses (2.98 ± 0.34 vs 2.62 ± 0.36, p < .01). Most ChatGPT responses (75.0%, n = 18) and almost half of Bard responses (45.8%, n = 11) were unanimously deemed appropriate. Almost one-third of Bard responses (29.2%, n = 7) were deemed inappropriate by at least two reviewers (29.2%), and two Bard responses (8.4%) were considered inappropriate by the majority. The mean Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, and Gunning Fog Index of ChatGPT responses were 29.4 ± 10.8, 14.5 ± 2.2, and 17.7 ± 3.1, respectively, indicating that responses were readable with a post-secondary education. Bard’s mean readability scores were 58.9 ± 10.5, 8.2 ± 1.7, and 11.0 ± 2.0, respectively, indicating that responses were readable with a high-school education ( p < .0001 for three metrics). ChatGPT’s mean response length (332 ± 79 words) was higher than Bard’s mean response length (183 ± 53 words, p < .001). There was no difference in the accuracy, completeness, readability, or response length of ChatGPT or Bard between disease domains ( p > .05 for all analyses).

Conclusions

AI offers a novel means of educating patients that avoids the inundation of information from “Dr Google” and the time barriers of physician-patient encounters. ChatGPT provides largely valid, though imperfect, responses to myriad patient questions at the expense of readability. While Bard responses are more readable and concise, their quality is poorer. Further research is warranted to better understand failure points for large language models in vascular surgery patient education.
Evaluation of Costs Associated With Acute Achilles Tendon Repair
Authors: Wagers Kade , Ofori-Atta Blessing S. , Tucker William , Presson Angela P. , Nixon Devon
Published: March 2024

Background:

Increasing attention is being paid to the costs associated with various orthopaedic surgeries. Here, we studied the factors that influence costs associated with surgically treated acute Achilles tendon tears.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified patients with surgically repaired acute Achilles tendon tears, excluding insertional ruptures or chronic tendon issues. Using the Value Driven Outcome (VDO) tool from our institution, we assessed total direct costs as well as facility costs. Briefly, the VDO tool includes an item-level database that can capture detailed cost data—costs are then reported as relative mean data. Cost variables were adjusted to 2022 US dollars, and total direct cost was compared with patient characteristics using gamma regressions to report cost ratios with 95% CIs.

Results:

Our cohort consisted of 224 patients with Achilles tendon tears surgically repaired by one of 4 fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons. There were no differences in demographics, total direct costs, or facility costs based on surgical positioning (prone n = 156, supine n = 68). Open repairs (n = 215), compared with percutaneous techniques (n = 9) that used commercially available instrumentation, had 37% less total direct costs ( P < .001, 95% CI 0.55-0.72). Compared with surgery at a main academic hospital (n = 15), procedures at an ambulatory care center (n = 207) had 19% lower total direct costs ( P = .040, 95% CI 0.66-0.99) and 41% lower facility costs ( P < .001, 95% CI 0.5-0.7).

Conclusion:

Improving cost-effective orthopaedic care remains an increasingly important goal. Patient positioning for Achilles tendon repair does not appear to have meaningful impacts on cost. When clinically appropriate, considering surgery location at an ambulatory center appears to reduce surgical costs.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Exploring sustainable management by using green nano-silver to combat three post-harvest pathogenic fungi in crops
Authors: Shende Sudhir S. , Gade Aniket K. , Minkina Tatiana M. , Ingle Pramod U. , Rajput Vishnu D. , Sushkova Svetlana N. , Mandzhieva Saglara S. , Rai Mahendra , Wong Ming H.
Published: March 2024

Global crop protection and food security have become critical issues to achieve the ‘Zero Hunger’ goal in recent years, as significant crop damage is primarily caused by biotic factors. Applying nanoparticles in agriculture could enhance crop yield. Nano-silver, or AgNPs, have colossal importance in many fields like biomedical, agriculture, and the environment due to their antimicrobial potential. In this context, nano-silver was fabricated by Citrus medica L. (Cm) fruit juice, detected visually and by UV–Vis spectrophotometric analysis. Further, AgNPs were characterized by advanced techniques. UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis revealed absorbance spectra at around 487 nm. The zeta potential measurement value was noted as -23.7 mV. Spectral analysis by FT-IR proved the capping of the acidic groups. In contrast, the XRD analysis showed the Miller indices like the face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline structure. NTA revealed a mean size of 35 nm for nano-silver with a 2.4 × 108 particles mL−1 concentration. TEM analysis demonstrated spherical Cm-AgNPs with 20–30 nm sizes. The focus of this research was to evaluate the antifungal activity of biogenic AgNPs against post-harvest pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and Alternaria alternata. The Cm-AgNPs showed significant antifungal activity in the order of A. niger > A. flavus > A. alternata. The biogenic Cm-AgNPs can be used for the inhibition of toxigenic fungi.
Post-discharge nutritional management for patients with coronary heart disease and frailty: a qualitative study
Authors: Yang Yifei , Gong Jing , Yang Binxu , Chen Chan , Deng Xintong , Chen Kejun , Zhao Yingying , Cai Xusihong , Li Jingjing , Zhou Jing
Published: March 2024

Background

Frail elderly patients experience physiological function and reserve depletion, leading to imbalances in their internal environment, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease recurrence and malnutrition. However, the majority of these patients, who primarily have a low level of education and lack self-management skills, face difficulties actively dealing with obstacles during the transition period after their discharge from hospitalization. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and discuss in depth the nutrition management experience of discharged elderly patients with coronary heart disease and frailty (ages 65-80 years old) and to analyze the promoting and hindering factors that affect scientific diet behavior during the discharge transition period.

Methods

Fifteen elderly patients with coronary heart disease and frailty who had been discharged from the hospital for 6 months were interviewed using a semistructured method. The directed content analysis approach to descriptive research was used to extract topics from the interview content.

Results

All participants discussed the problems in health nutrition management experience of discharged. Five topics and ten subtopics were extracted, such as ①Weak perceptions and behaviors towards healthy eating (personal habit solidification, negative attitudes towards nutrition management), ②Lack of objective factors for independently adjusting dietary conditions (reliance on subjective feelings, times of appetite change), ③Personal hindrance factors (memory impairment, deficiencies in self-nutrition management), ④Expected external support (assistance care support, ways to obtain nutritional information), ⑤Lack of continuous nutrition management (interruption of professional guidance, avoidance of medical treatment behavior).

Conclusions

Nutrition management after discharge places a burden on elderly patients with coronary heart disease and frailty. According to the patients' physical conditions, we should develop a diet support system that is coordinated by individuals, families and society.