bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Are We Weighting? Understanding the Estimates From Propensity Score Weighting and Matching Methods
Authors: Ramkumar Niveditta , Iribarne Alexander , Olmstead Elaine M. , Malenka David J. , Mackenzie Todd A.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Propensity score methods are used in observational studies to compensate for the lack of random allocation by balancing measured baseline characteristics between treated and untreated patients. We sought to explain the treatment effect estimates derived from different propensity score methods.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective analysis of long-term mortality after single internal mammary artery versus bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) conduit in 47 984 index isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedures from 1992 to 2014 in the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group registry using multivariable Cox regression, 1:1 propensity score matching, inverse probability weighting (IPW) among the treated, and IPW among the overall population treatment estimates.

RESULTS:

The mean duration of follow-up was 13.2 (interquartile range, 7.4–17.7) years. In multivariable Cox regression, the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75–0.92) in patients receiving BIMA compared with a single internal mammary artery. The 1:1 propensity matched (hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.69–0.91]) and IPW among the treated (hazard ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.75–0.92]) estimates showed a protective treatment effect of BIMA use on mortality. However, the IPW estimate of treatment effect for the overall population showed an increased risk of mortality after BIMA that was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.94–1.24]).

CONCLUSIONS:

While the multivariable Cox regression, 1:1 propensity matching, and IPW treatment effect in the treated estimates demonstrate that BIMA was associated with a statistically significantly decreased risk of mortality, the IPW treatment effect in the average study population showed an increased risk of mortality associated with BIMA that was not statistically significant. This is attributed to the different populations (weighted to look like the overall study population versus treated group) represented by the 2 IPW approaches. Determining how the study population is balanced is a large driver of the treatment effect. Ultimately, the treatment effect estimate desired should drive the choice of the propensity score method.
Referral to Community-Based Rehabilitation Following Acute Stroke: Findings From the COMPASS Pragmatic Trial
Authors: Jones Berkeley Sara B. , Johnson Anna M. , Mormer Elizabeth R. , Ressel Kristin , Pastva Amy M. , Wen Fang , Patterson Charity G. , Duncan Pamela W. , Bushnell Cheryl D. , Zhang Shuqi , Freburger Janet K.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Few studies on care transitions following acute stroke have evaluated whether referral to community-based rehabilitation occurred as part of discharge planning. Our objectives were to describe the extent to which patients discharged home were referred to community-based rehabilitation and identify the patient, hospital, and community-level predictors of referral.

METHODS:

We examined data from 40 North Carolina hospitals that participated in the COMPASS (Comprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services) cluster-randomized trial. Participants included adults discharged home following stroke or transient ischemic attack (N=10  702). In this observational analysis, COMPASS data were supplemented with hospital-level and county-level data from various sources. The primary outcome was referral to community-based rehabilitation (physical, occupational, or speech therapy) at discharge. Predictor variables included patient (demographic, stroke-related, medical history), hospital (structure, process), and community (therapist supply) measures. We used generalized linear mixed models with a hospital random effect and hierarchical backward model selection procedures to identify predictors of therapy referral.

RESULTS:

Approximately, one-third (36%) of stroke survivors (mean age, 66.8 [SD, 14.0] years; 49% female, 72% White race) were referred to community-based rehabilitation. Rates of referral to physical, occupational, and speech therapists were 31%, 18%, and 10%, respectively. Referral rates by hospital ranged from 3% to 78% with a median of 35%. Patient-level predictors included higher stroke severity, presence of medical comorbidities, and older age. Female sex (odds ratio, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.12–1.38]), non-White race (2.20 [2.01–2.44]), and having Medicare insurance (1.12 [1.02–1.23]) were also predictors of referral. Referral was higher for patients living in counties with greater physical therapist supply. Much of the variation in referral across hospitals remained unexplained.

CONCLUSIONS:

One-third of stroke survivors were referred to community-based rehabilitation. Patient-level factors predominated as predictors. Variation across hospitals was notable and presents an opportunity for further evaluation and possible targets for improved poststroke rehabilitative care.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02588664.
Morphology and phylogenetic analyses reveal Neopalmiascoma gen. nov. (Bambusicolaceae, Pleosporales) on Macadamia integrifolia in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: ZHANG XIAN , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C. , SAOWALUCK TIBPROMMA  , DU TIAN-YE , ELGORBAN ABDALLAH M. , LUMYONG SAISAMORN , DONG-QIN DAI  , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: January 2024

Macadamia integrifolia, one of the cash crops widely grown in the tropical and subtropical regions produces edible kernels with high oil content. Several fungal pathogens have been reported from this host, but very few studies on saprobic fungi have been carried out. As a part of our studies on saprobic fungi of edible nuts, dead branches of Macadamia integrifolia with fungal fruiting bodies were collected from Yunnan Province of China. Molecular analyses of combined SSU, ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1-α sequence data showed that our collection belongs to Bambusicolaceae and forms a distinct branch with other genera in this family. Our collection fits well with the Bambusicolaceae, and morphology is similar to Palmiascoma but can be distinguished by molecular data. Therefore, we introduce our collection as Neopalmiascoma gen. nov., with N. macadamiae as the type species. A description, photo plate, and phylogenetic tree to show the taxonomic placement of the new species are provided.
Sparassis fanjingshanensis, a new species of Sparassidaceae from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in China
Authors: HE RONG-JIAN , YANG HUI , WEI CHUN-MOU , FENG LI-JIAN , ZHANG ZHI-CHANG , GU CHANG-HUA
Published: January 2024

Sparassis fanjingshanensis is described as a new species of Sparassidaceae based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses in this study. It was found in Abies fanjingshanensis community of the massy dwarf forest to Fanjing Mountain, China, and this is the only site of its occurrence known to date. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU) and partial gene coding RNA polymerase subunit II (rpb2) indicated that Sparassis fanjingshanensis belonged to the genus Sparassis and it formed a novel monophyletic clade next to Sparassis subalpina. Sparassis fanjingshanensis can be distinctly distinguished by its large basidiomata and light-gray to light-khaki flabellae that is compactly arranged, entire, broadly spathulate, slightly contorted, surface glabrous, top margin undulate, smooth, stem with concentric ring ornamentation (similar to the annual rings of a tree). In total, up to now, four taxa have been found in East Asia: Sparassis cystidiosa f. labelliformis, Sparassis fanjingshanensis, Sparassis labelliformis and Sparassis subalpine.
Stachytarpheta liviae (Verbenaceae): a noteworthy new species from the Espinhaço Range, Brazil
Authors: CARDOSO PEDRO HENRIQUE , SALIMENA FÁTIMA REGINA GONÇALVES , DITTRICH VINÍCIUS ANTONIO DE OLIVEIRA , MENINI NETO LUIZ , TROVÓ MARCELO
Published: January 2024

A comprehensive analysis of Stachytarpheta herbarium specimens has led to the discovery of a new species from the Espinhaço Range within the Caatinga domain. Stachytarpheta liviae is a shrub with coriaceous leaves, short inflorescences, and blue corollas. Its single collection comes from the campos rupestres of the Morro do Chapéu in the Jacaraci municipality, state of Bahia. For its recognition, a detailed description, photographs, comparison with morphologically related species, and a geographical distribution map are provided. Following the IUCN criteria this species may be considered as Data Deficient (DD).
Hydrological Projections under CMIP5 and CMIP6: Sources and Magnitudes of Uncertainty
Authors: Wu Yi , Miao Chiyuan , Slater Louise , Fan Xuewei , Chai Yuanfang , Sorooshian Soroosh
Published: January 2024

Projections of future hydrological conditions rely largely on global climate models, but model performance varies greatly. In this study, we investigated projected changes in runoff (R), precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ET), and soil moisture (SM) based on the fifth and sixth phases of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6) and quantified the uncertainties of their projected changes on annual and seasonal scales. The results indicate that all four hydrological variables show an increase over most of the global land: annual projections of R, P, ET, and SM from CMIP6 increase in 72%, 81%, 82%, and 66% of the global land area, respectively, under a high emissions scenario during the period 2080–99 relative to 1970–99. We estimated the uncertainties in CMIP6 from different sources on an annual scale and found that model uncertainty dominates the total projected uncertainties during the twenty-first century [76% (R), 73% (P), 89% (ET), and 95% (SM) in the 2090s], and the contribution of internal variability decreases with time. The low-latitude regions have the greatest uncertainty in hydrological projections. In CMIP6, the uncertainty of projected changes in P contributes the most to the uncertainty of projected changes in R, with a contribution of 93% on annual scale, followed by ET and SM. Overall, the performances of the CMIP5 and CMIP6 models are similar in terms of hydrological changes and the composition of their uncertainties. This study provides a theoretical reference for the further improvement and development of hydrological components in global climate models.
A Potential Seasonal Predictor for Summer Rainfall over Eastern China: Spring Eurasian Snowmelt
Authors: Xu Bei , Li Gen
Published: January 2024

The hydrological effect of snow over Eurasia is important for regulating regional and global climate through affecting land–atmosphere energy exchange. Based on observational and reanalysis datasets, this study investigates the effect of spring Eurasian snowmelt on the following summer rainfall over eastern China during the period of 1979–2018. The results show that a substantial meridional dipole pattern of summer rainfall anomalies over eastern China is closely associated with the preceding spring snowmelt anomalies over Eurasia, especially over remote Siberia. Excessive snowmelt anomalies over Siberia in spring could result in a wetter local soil condition from spring until the following summer, thereby increasing latent heat fluxes and reducing local surface temperature, and vice versa. Then, the anomalous summer surface cooling over Siberia increases the meridional gradient of temperature between the Eurasian midlatitudes and high latitudes, which intensifies the Eurasian atmospheric baroclinicity and motivates the eddy‐induced geopotential height responses along with the significant wave propagations spreading from the Eurasian high latitudes to Lake Baikal. As a result, excessive spring snowmelt anomalies over Siberia tend to be accompanied with an anomalous anticyclone circulation to the east of Lake Baikal and an anomalous cyclonic circulation over southeastern China in the following summer. This could lead to a meridional dipole pattern of summer rainfall anomalies over eastern China, with deficient rainfall over northern China and slightly excessive rainfall over southern China. The present findings highlight the lagged effect of spring Eurasian snowmelt on summer climate over eastern China, with implications for the regional seasonal climate prediction.

Significance Statement

Frequent summer droughts and floods over eastern China cause serious damage to the regional economy and society. This study reveals an important effect of spring Eurasian snowmelt anomalies on the following summer rainfall anomalies over eastern China. Through affecting the local land–atmosphere energy exchange and regulating the remote atmospheric circulation, excessive spring Eurasian snowmelt anomalies could induce a substantial meridional dipole pattern of summer rainfall anomalies over eastern China, with deficient rainfall over northern China and excessive rainfall over southern China, and vice versa. Therefore, this work identifies spring Eurasian snowmelt as a potential seasonal predictor for summer rainfall over eastern China, which is home to more than a billion people. This is important for the local livelihood, including agriculture, water resources, ecosystems, human health, and economies.
The unequal conversion of intended redistribution into factual redistribution in Europe and its impact on social inequalities between families
Authors: Frericks Patricia , Höppner Julia
Published: January 2024

Redistribution is one of the key elements of contemporary social order, and research has dealt with it in various ways. Most welfare state research mixes in its analysis the regulations on redistribution and actual outcomes. However, to adequately understand redistribution, one needs to distinguish between regulations and outcomes. Measuring unequal conversion in terms of deviations between redistributions as regulated and redistributive outcomes shows how far a redistribution corresponds to what has been officially agreed upon in societies and who is actually better or worse off in the end. Empirically focusing on family-related redistribution, our analysis was based on European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions data and the European microsimulation tool EUROMOD. First, we assumed that differences between regulations and outcomes vary depending on the family type. Thus, we compared the actual and simulated disposable household income for various family types. Second, we assumed that differences between regulations and outcomes vary by country. Consequently, we analysed a variety of European countries. Our findings showed that there are substantial differences between regulations on redistribution and outcomes. These differences increase income inequalities between families. This held true for all of our study countries, although to a different degree.
Time Theft: Exposing a Subtle Yet Serious Driver of Socioeconomic Inequality
Authors: Pierce Jason R. , Giurge Laura M. , Aeon Brad
Published: January 2024

Socioeconomic inequality is perpetuated and exacerbated by an overlooked yet serious epidemic of time theft: the act of causing others to lose their time without adequate cause, compensation, or consent. We explain why time theft goes unnoticed, how it drives socioeconomic inequality, and what businesses and policymakers can do to address it.
More Likely to Pay but Less Engaged: The Effects of Switching Online Courses from Scheduled to On-Demand Release on User Behavior
Authors: Lu Joy , Bradlow Eric T. , Hutchinson J. Wesley
Published: January 2024

Following trends in entertainment streaming services, online educational platforms are increasingly offering users flexible “on-demand” content options. It is important to understand how the timing of content release affects learning behaviors and firm revenue drivers. The current research studies over 67,000 users taking a marketing course before versus after a natural experiment in which the platform switched the course from a scheduled weekly-release format to an on-demand format with all content immediately available. The switch to on-demand positively impacted short-term firm revenue by increasing the number and proportion of certificate-paying users, suggesting that on-demand content can attract a broader set of consumers who value flexibility. On the downside, the switch resulted in users exhibiting lower lecture completion rates and quiz performance and taking fewer additional business courses on the platform, representing a long-term cost. The results were robust to propensity score matching and stratification. The analyses also revealed that on-demand content enabled learning patterns that deviated from a standard evenly paced schedule, including “strategic” binge learning and stretching out engagement past the recommended course period. Thus, while on-demand formats can boost revenues by bringing in more paying users, managers must consider new strategies for maintaining performance and engagement levels within these environments.
Mental Illness, Gun Access and Carrying: A Test of Competing Hypotheses
Authors: Baumann Miranda L.
Published: January 2024

Access to firearms among individuals with mental health problems has been a source of protracted debate among policymakers, the media, and the public, writ large. At the center of this controversy are questions about the nature and consequences of gun access in the context of mental illness. The lack of substantial empirical evidence, due in part to limited access to quality data, plays a significant role in perpetuating ongoing debate. To address this problem, this study uses data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication to evaluate the relative importance of several clinical, cultural, and criminological factors in explaining gun access and carrying among adults with and without mental illnesses. Multivariate analyses reveal that, whereas past year disorder (of any type or severity) and other clinical characteristics were unrelated to firearm access, several cultural factors such as childhood rurality (e.g., ORrural vs. urban: 3.59; 95% CI: 2.52, 5.12) and the criminological experience of early intimate partner violence (e.g., ORvictim only vs. noexp: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.50, 2.26) were. None were predictive of carrying. Further, none of the relationships observed were conditioned on any of the clinical characteristics. These results indicate that people with mental illnesses likely own and carry guns for the same reasons and in the same contexts as others. Additional updated and quality data is needed to further explore these issues; however, these finding suggest that suicide and violence prevention efforts targeting people with mental illnesses need to be sensitive to the cultural and personal significance of guns.
Fixed-time convergence of second-order nonlinear systems based on nonsingular fractional sliding mode
Authors: Lei Cheng , Lan Yipeng , Sun Yunpeng , Xu Zelai , Shi Xiaolei
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a fixed-time convergence scheme for fractional sliding modes is proposed for nonlinear second-order systems. Firstly, a fixed-time fractional-order sliding mode surface is designed by combining the fixed-time theory with fractional-order sliding mode control, which has a faster convergence rate and less chattering. Secondly, the proposed sliding mode controller is applied to a class of second-order nonlinear systems subject to uncertainties and external perturbations to ensure that the system is globally robust fixed-time stable. Then, a continuous fractional order approach law is designed and the proposed sliding mode controller is shown to converge in fixed time by Lyapunov function and the convergence time is related to the choice of controller parameters. Finally, the fixed-time fractional-order sliding mode control strategy is applied to a second-order nonlinear magnetic levitation system system, and the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Book review: Francis Fukuyama, Liberalism and its Discontents
Authors: Narayana Sharmila
Published: January 2024

Francis Fukuyama, Liberalism and its Discontents (London: Profile Books, 2022), xiv + 178 pp.
Preparation of MnSe/CuO on MWCNTS for synergistic photocatalysis scavenging and antibacterial efficiencies
Authors: Fatolahi Leila
Published: January 2024

In this study, manganese selenide/copper oxide nanocomposites anchored on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MnSe/CuO/MWCNTs) were fabricated with different ratios and their characteristic properties were evaluated. Microscopic images show the decoration of CuO on MnSe without changing morphology. UV–Vis analysis indicates that the best optical properties of MnSe/CuO/MWCNT nanomaterials via 2.06 eV as a band gap energy. The photocatalytic ability of the fabricated nanomaterials was evaluated by the decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) (97.23%) and malachite green (MG) (100.0%) under visible LED irradiation within 45 min. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the prepared nanosamples was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The results show that MnSe/CuO/MWCNTs can be used as a stronger antibacterial agent.
Microstructure and properties of AZ31 alloy by static recrystallisation at lower temperature
Authors: Yang Pengyun , Fan Jianfeng , Wang Binshan , Zhang Qiang , Li Weiguo , Dong Hongbiao
Published: January 2024

The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of AZ31 Mg sheets that was processed by rolling and subsequent annealing at lower temperature were investigated. The results indicated that few-pass rolling with large deformation is a better strategy to prepare AZ31 Mg sheets with higher deformation restored energy and less rolling defects. After annealing, the static recrystallisation occurred and the recrystallisation degree increases with the annealing temperature and time. Finally, the best comprehensive mechanical properties were obtained by 3-pass rolling with large deformation and annealing at 200 °C for 150 s and the corresponding YS, UTS and TEF of the AZ31 sheet were 225 MPa, 305 MPa and 32%, respectively. The improvement in the microstructure and mechanical properties can be attributed to an optimised static recrystallisation at a relatively low temperatures and in a short time.
Post-processing ageing treatment of friction surfaced Al-16Si alloy: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Bararpour Seyedeh Marjan , Jamshidi Aval Hamed , Jamaati Roohollah , Javidani Mousa
Published: January 2024

In this study, we investigated the impact of ageing heat treatment following friction surfacing of a solid solution-treated Al-16Si alloy on coating geometry, microstructure, and wear resistance. We employed a simulation using the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method alongside experimental analysis. The simulation results revealed that as the rotational speed increased from 600 to 1000 rpm, the coating efficiency decreased significantly from 31.2 to 13.1%. When comparing the coating to the substrate and the consumable rod, it was seen that after ageing heat treatment, the wear rate of the coating made at a rotational speed of 600 rpm dropped by a lot, by 70% compared to the substrate and by 53% compared to the consumable rod.
Dry sliding wear characteristics of in-situ hybrid (Al3Ni + Al2O3)–Al composites
Authors: Yu Xiaojie , Xue Jing , Yao Mingxiao , Su Fei , Yang Jin , Huang Haijun , Gong Jianbao
Published: January 2024

Dry sliding wear characteristics of in-situ hybrid (Al3Ni + Al2O3)/Al composites synthesised by solid-state combustion of Al– xNiO ( x = 8 wt%, 10 wt%, 12 wt% and 15 wt%) system were investigated. The results indicate that the in-situ hybrid Al3Ni + Al2O3 particles can markedly improve wear performance of composites. The increase of wear resistance with an increase in NiO content at room temperature can be attributed to high hardness offered by high volume fraction of hard Al3Ni and Al2O3 particles. While, at 200 °C, the increase in wear resistance of composites with higher NiO contents can be attributed to the high thermal stability of composites. With the increase of NiO content from 8% to 15%, the wear mode of composites also is discussed at room temperature and 200 °C.
Effects of ultrasonic cavitation on microstructure and surface properties of Mn–Cu alloy
Authors: Zheng Yuchong , Liu Haixia , Lu Bin , Yu Xingwei , Yu Hui , Ding Ran , Chen Jie
Published: January 2024

In the presented study, the effects of ultrasonic vibration on microstructure and surface properties of Mn–Cu alloy were investigated. At the early stage of ultrasonic cavitation treatment, grains of Mn–Cu alloy are refined, nanocrystals and amorphous bands are produced. As the ultrasonic cavitation treatment proceeds, the face-centered cubic structure is transformed into the body-centered tetragonal structure, and the martensitic phase transformation arises. The transformation is accompanied by plastic deformation and the formation of dislocations. The generation of martensite is caused by the stress and strain. Due to grain refinement, dislocations, and generation of martensite, the surface hardness of Mn–Cu alloy is enhanced, and the friction coefficient decreases. The resistance to wear is thereby improved.
Microstructure effect on sliding wear of 316L stainless steel selectively laser melted
Authors: Barrionuevo Germán Omar , Walczak Magdalena , Ramos-Grez Jorge , Mendez Patricio , Debut Alexis
Published: January 2024

Due to varying thermal cycles, the resulting microstructure of metal additive manufacturing differs from the conventionally processed counterpart alloys. Since the mechanical properties depend on the microstructure, the wear resistance of components manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is determined by the processing parameters. This work focuses on microhardness and sliding wear of 316L stainless steel, evaluated nanoindentation and pin-on-disc, respectively, analysed through optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and glow discharge emission spectrometry (GDOES). The results show that the LPBF-processed specimens have about 40% higher microhardness and ca. 30% lower wear rate than the wrought counterpart. The enhanced sliding wear resistance is associated with the higher density of dislocations at the cellular subgrain boundaries.
Effect of annealing on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg/Al clad plate
Authors: Li Yajie , Zhu Zhiyuan , Liu Cuirong
Published: January 2024

Mg/Al clad plate was prepared by a combined process of corrugated roll rolling, flat roll rolling and annealing. The results show that the grain refinement is obvious in the first corrugated roll rolling, the grain grows before the second pass annealing, and the grain refines again after the second pass flat roll. By increasing the annealing temperature, the grain growth is promoted, the hardness of Mg17Al12 compound layer is 1.378–2.812 GPa, and that of Al3Mg2 compound layer is 1.161–1.281 GPa, which is higher than that of base metal. The mechanical properties of clad plate in transverse direction (TD) are better than those in rolling direction (RD). The residual stress can be eliminated by annealing, and the mechanical properties of clad plate can be improved.
Cu-based metastable microstructural template and its role in the heat flux application
Authors: Sarkar Suman , Sinha Shyam Kanta , Mishra Vidhyadhar , Maheshwari Aditi , Bhattacharya Sanchari , Datta Sanjoy , Mukherjee Shreya , Kashyap Sanjay , Srivastava Chandan , Chattopadhyay Kamanio
Published: January 2024

The present paper focuses on developing an optimised strength-conductive alloy in Cu–Fe–Si system. We present the effect of a cost-effective rapid-casting route on modifying the microstructure. The non-equilibrium phase transformation events are tracked and the evolution sequences of metastable phases in the microstructure are elucidated. The metastable phase transformation of the precipitates from DO19- to L12-ordered structure and its role in enhancing thermal conductivity are presented. A density functional theory (DFT)-based calculation also complements the experimental evidence of the relative stability of the evolved metastable phases. One of the key findings is the evolution of L12-ordered precipitates via face centred cubic (FCC)-based interfacial matrix template.
Ophthalmoplegia with a focal lesion in the interpeduncular fossa as the initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis: 3-year follow-up
Authors: Han Kai , Wang Yixuan , Li Shasha , Ye Tianshu , Li Miao , Wang Jie
Published: January 2024

The differential diagnosis of isolated ophthalmoplegia includes a range of pathologies. In this case, a 26-year-old man of Han nationality presented with ophthalmoplegia. Neuroimaging revealed an atypical focal lesion in the interpeduncular fossa. Initial systemic workup indicated intracranial Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, but there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases (e.g., myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis). Neuroimaging follow-up over the next 3 years revealed progression from atypical solitary lesions to multifocal lesions in the white matter of the brain. Key immunological markers were observed in cerebrospinal fluid during follow-up, suggesting the evolution of multiple sclerosis. Ophthalmoplegia with a focal lesion in the interpeduncular fossa was an unusual set of symptoms indicating multiple sclerosis onset. The findings in this case suggest that M. tuberculosis infection is an important but overlooked factor involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Upon initial detection, atypical lesions should receive sufficient attention and patients should undergo systematic screening to identify M. tuberculosis infection and its associated immunological abnormalities.
Roles and signaling pathways of CITED1 in tumors: overview and novel insights
Authors: Chen Wenting , Jiang Jianing , Gao Jinqi , Wang Gang , Wang Ruoyu , Lv Jinyan , Ben Jing
Published: January 2024

CBP/p300 interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain 1 (CITED1) is a transcriptional activator belonging to the non-DNA-binding transcription co-regulator family. It regulates diverse pathways, including the transforming growth factor/bone morphogenetic protein/SMAD, estrogen, Wnt-β-catenin, and androgen-AR signaling pathways, by binding to CBP/p300 co-activators through its conserved transactivation domain CR2. CITED1 plays an important role in embryonic development and a certain regulatory role in the occurrence and development of various tumors. In this article, the biological characteristics, expression regulation, participating signaling pathways, and potential roles of CITED1 in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors are reviewed.
Effect of Tire Chips on the Shear Behavior of Steel Slag and Granite Ballast Mixture
Authors: Hussain Atif , Khaja Karimullah Hussaini Syed
Published: January 2024

With a view to reduce burden on natural resources, the use of steel slag ballast (SSB) as an alternative to the conventional granite ballast (GB) is explored in the current study. The shear behavior of GB, SSB, and slag-GB mixture with and without tire chips (TC) was evaluated under direct shear conditions. The test results indicated that SSB exhibits significantly higher friction and dilation angles ( φ and ψ) and lower particle breakage ( Bg) when compared with GB. Furthermore, it was observed that, with the addition of TC, the magnitude of φ, ψ, and Bg of both granite and steel slag samples reduced considerably. Moreover, the friction and dilation angles of slag-GB mixture were found to be directly dependent on the proportion of slag in the mixture. For instance, the values of φ, ψ, and Bg in the case of SSB20 (20% SSB and 80% GB) were 59.36°, 13.35°, and 8.26% when compared with 58.31°, 12.98°, and 8.51% in the case of GB, and 61.66°, 15.35°, and 6.81% of SSB. However, SSB80 was found to exhibit an almost similar value of φ (i.e., 61.51°) as that of SSB but with a lower value of ψ (14.89°). In this context, the optimum content of slag in the slag-GB mixture may be considered as 80%. Furthermore, the optimal range of TC to be added was determined to be 4% to 8.6% for SSB80 to attain a friction angle similar to that of GB.
Speed Tracking and Anti-Slip Control for Heavy Freight Trains Considering the Conicity of the Wheel
Authors: Yi LingZhi , Yi Yu , Li JianLing , Xie Chen , Zhang DaKe , Jiang WenBo
Published: January 2024

To ensure the safe and punctual transportation of freight trains, it is crucial for the train to travel at the targeted speed on the track. This paper proposes a scheme for speed tracking and anti-slip control for freight trains. The speed tracking is implemented through predictive auto disturbance rejection control (PADRC), which includes a flexible Smith estimation module capable of accurately predicting the output of large time delay systems, such as freight trains. The key to anti-slip control relies on the precise observation of the radial velocity and slip rate. Therefore, an unscented Kalman filter observer is designed in this article, incorporating an adaptive parameter adjustment mechanism to enhance observation accuracy. The anti-slip parameters obtained from this observer can then be used to determine the anti-slip control scheme. The effectiveness of this scheme is demonstrated through simulations of the HXD1 electric traction locomotive’s driving process, using line data from the Geku line section in China. Compared to conventional active disturbance rejection control, PADRC reduces speed fluctuation by 55%, and freight trains under anti-slip control decrease the slip speed by 90%.
Innovative Approach to Convert Geographic Information System-Based Highway Models into Multidimensional Building Information Modeling Platforms Using Dynamo
Authors: Hu Xiaoqiang , Jiang Yi , Li Shuo
Published: January 2024

This study proposes an innovative process of transforming a geographic information system (GIS)-based highway model into a robust building information modeling (BIM) platform using Dynamo visual programming tool. The existing GIS system used by the Indiana Department of Transportation for highway network representation has significant limitations of data storage and handling capacity, representation of complex entities, and inclusion of crucial traffic data from weigh-in-motion and automatic traffic recorder stations. The developed process involves converting poly-curves from the GIS model into model-curves compatible with BIM, classifying attributes into shape families, and integrating traffic data from traffic recorder stations. The resulting multidimensional BIM platform, extending from three to eight dimensions, encompasses essential project details and traffic data. To ensure interoperability, an Open BIM process involving the generation of an industry foundation classes (IFC) file is utilized, allowing efficient data exchange among different software platforms and stakeholders.
Clinical effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with mechanical ventilation: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Rong-Ju , Yuan Xi-Na , Gu Yue-Qin , Li Yong-Nan , Wu Shu-Ping , Cheng Yan-Shuang
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods:

Relevant studies were identified in the PubMed, Web of Science, National Library of Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases. A meta-analysis was performed after screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction and literature quality evaluation.

Results:

In total, 19 studies involving 2181 participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that compared with patients with conventional rehabilitation measures, patients with pulmonary rehabilitation measures had a higher offline success rate (relative risk (RR) = 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09, 1.24; p < 0.00001) and higher arterial oxygen partial pressure levels (mean difference (MD) = 8.96; 95%CI: 5.98, 11.94; p < 0.0001) and these measures significantly shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation (standardised MD (SMD) = −1.08; 95%CI: −1.58, −0.59; p < 0.0001) and ICU stay (SMD = −1.41; 95%CI: −1.94, −0.88; p < 0.0001). Aspiration significantly reduced the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.24, 0.51; p < 0.00001) and deep vein thrombosis (RR = 0.32; 95%CI: 0.13, 0.76; p = 0.01) in ICU patients with mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion:

Pulmonary rehabilitation measures can improve the success rate of weaning from mechanical ventilation in ICU patients, shorten the time of mechanical ventilation and ICU hospitalisation and reduce the incidence of related adverse reactions, but the impact on mortality requires further study.
Mobile Learning and Students’ Academic Achievement: A Second-order Meta-analysis Study
Authors: Yang Hong Li , Xiang Jing Jing
Published: January 2024

Though the relationship between mobile learning and academic achievement has increasingly gained attention by some researchers, the meta-analysis studies have yet to definitively conclude the overall impact of mobile learning on academic achievement. In order to synthesize the findings of 22 meta-analyses that are directly pertinent to the research question, encompassing papers that have been published, we examine to what extent publication year, subject category, and grade level moderate the influences of mobile learning on academic achievement as well as the moderating effect of methodological quality of first-order meta-analyses. There is the positive overall effect with significance (g = .665 p < .001, 95% CI = .443–.887) of mobile learning on students’ academic achievement compared to traditional learning. Moreover, the results confirmed that meta-analyses published in 2019–2020 had a significantly larger effect size than the ones published in 2014–2018, and the results were stable regardless of subject category, grade level, and methodological quality of first-order meta-analyses. Finally, insight and limitations were discussed.
Deep Learning for Pneumothorax Detection on Chest Radiograph: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Katzman Benjamin D. , Alabousi Mostafa , Islam Nabil , Zha Nanxi , Patlas Michael N.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Pneumothorax is a common acute presentation in healthcare settings. A chest radiograph (CXR) is often necessary to make the diagnosis, and minimizing the time between presentation and diagnosis is critical to deliver optimal treatment. Deep learning (DL) algorithms have been developed to rapidly identify pathologic findings on various imaging modalities.

Purpose:

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the overall performance of studies utilizing DL algorithms to detect pneumothorax on CXR.

Methods:

A study protocol was created and registered a priori (PROSPERO CRD42023391375). The search strategy included studies published up until January 10, 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies that used adult patients, utilized computer-aided detection of pneumothorax on CXR, dataset was evaluated by a qualified physician, and sufficient data was present to create a 2 × 2 contingency table. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Bivariate random effects meta-analyses and meta-regression modeling were performed.

Results:

Twenty-three studies were selected, including 34 011 patients and 34 075 CXRs. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 87% (95% confidence interval, 81%, 92%) and 95% (95% confidence interval, 92%, 97%), respectively. The study design, use of an institutional/public data set and risk of bias had no significant effect on the sensitivity and specificity of pneumothorax detection.

Conclusions:

The relatively high sensitivity and specificity of pneumothorax detection by deep-learning showcases the vast potential for implementation in clinical settings to both augment the workflow of radiologists and assist in more rapid diagnoses and subsequent patient treatment.
Machine Learning Detection and Characterization of Splenic Injuries on Abdominal Computed Tomography
Authors: Hamghalam Mohammad , Moreland Robert , Gomez David , Simpson Amber , Lin Hui Ming , Jandaghi Ali Babaei , Tafur Monica , Vlachou Paraskevi A. , Wu Matthew , Brassil Michael , Crivellaro Priscila , Mathur Shobhit , Hosseinpour Shahob , Colak Errol
Published: January 2024

Background:

Multi-detector contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) allows for the accurate detection and classification of traumatic splenic injuries, leading to improved patient management. Their effective use requires rapid study interpretation, which can be a challenge on busy emergency radiology services. A machine learning system has the potential to automate the process, potentially leading to a faster clinical response. This study aimed to create such a system.

Method:

Using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), spleen injuries were classified into 3 classes: normal, low-grade (AAST grade I-III) injuries, and high-grade (AAST grade IV and V) injuries. Employing a 2-stage machine learning strategy, spleens were initially segmented from input CT images and subsequently underwent classification via a 3D dense convolutional neural network (DenseNet).

Results:

This single-centre retrospective study involved trauma protocol CT scans performed between January 1, 2005, and July 31, 2021, totaling 608 scans with splenic injuries and 608 without. Five board-certified fellowship-trained abdominal radiologists utilizing the AAST injury scoring scale established ground truth labels. The model achieved AUC values of 0.84, 0.69, and 0.90 for normal, low-grade injuries, and high-grade splenic injuries, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of automating spleen injury detection using our method with potential applications in improving patient care through radiologist worklist prioritization and injury stratification. Future endeavours should concentrate on further enhancing and optimizing our approach and testing its use in a real-world clinical environment.
‘Divergent Work Ageing’ and Older Migrants’ (Un)extended Working Lives
Authors: Ferdous Sajia
Published: January 2024

This article theorises older ethnic minority women’s work attitudes and labour market behaviour from an intersectional cumulative perspective within the extended working lives contexts. Empirical evidence has been drawn from interviews with South Asian British Muslim women aged between 50 and 66 living in Greater Manchester, UK. The findings show that the cohort’s ageing process is asynchronous with the British work ageing outlook as their cultural understanding of working age, age roles and successful ageing defies the extended working lives philosophies, and cumulative factors including caring responsibilities, legacy inequalities, and health issues present additional challenges for extending their work lives. Their culture- and context-specific work ageing process remains absent in the UK’s labour market discourse and policy landscape. The article theorises their idiosyncratic work ageing including non-conformist attitudes to extending work lives by proposing a ‘divergent work ageing’ model that can guide policymakers in creating inclusive labour market policies.
Review on errors and transmission characteristics of the planetary roller screw mechanism
Authors: Cheng Zhenwen , Zu Li , Zhou Changguang
Published: January 2024

The planetary roller screw mechanism, a novel high-performance electromechanical servo drive component, holds a central position in leading-edge equipment, attracting significant attention within the engineering community. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of current research and recent breakthroughs in the analysis of errors and transmission characteristics associated with the planetary roller screw mechanism. Drawing on the unique attributes of this mechanism, the analysis of errors is undertaken from two distinct angles: motion errors and machining errors. A foundational examination of the bearing characteristics of this mechanism serves as the cornerstone for assessing its transmission properties. The report delves into the impact on transmission performance from the perspectives of both accuracy and efficiency. In this study, each model and related literature are exhaustively described and examined in detail. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the key discoveries emanating from various models and numerical simulations, shedding light on potential future directions in the realm of errors and transmission characteristics of the planetary roller screw mechanism.
School Refusal Behavior: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sahoo Manoj Kumar , Awasthi Snigdha , Biswas Harshita , Padhy Susanta Kumar
Published: January 2024

This narrative review aims to identify key concepts associated with school refusal, including various risk factors, and to discuss current practical assessment and treatment methods available or under trial. For this study, we searched MEDLINE and Scopus databases for articles containing keywords like “school refusal” and associated keywords such as “childhood,” “adolescence,” “risk factors,” “interventions,” and “assessment.” Thirty-eight original articles in English containing these keywords, published in the last 10 years on the above platforms, were included. We excluded studies focusing on school refusal solely in a subset of the population, such as autistic children or immigrant children. This review found that in India, school refusal is often ignored, especially in lower socioeconomic families, due to non-affordability and poor access to appropriate resources, and is sometimes also equated with truancy and bad behavior. Various risk factors at the parental and school level promote this behavior, and therefore, appropriate interventions at these levels are necessary. As per current evidence, psychoeducation and multidisciplinary treatments are the most effective in managing such children. Early detection of such cases and coordinated efforts by all stakeholders are crucial for effective intervention.
Book review: Isabelle Guerin, Santosh Kumar and G. Venkatasubramaniam. 2023. The Indebted Woman, Kinship, Sexuality and Capitalism
Authors: Heyer Judith
Published: January 2024

Isabelle Guerin, Santosh Kumar and G. Venkatasubramaniam. 2023. The Indebted Woman, Kinship, Sexuality and Capitalism. Stanford: Stanford University Press. pp. 228. ISBN 9781503636910 (ebook), £19; ISBN 9781503636316 (hardback), £86; ISBN 9781503636903 (paperback), £20.
Book review: Sanjeev Routray. 2022. The Right to Be Counted: The Urban Poor and the Politics of Resettlement in Delhi
Authors: Kumar Sujeet
Published: January 2024

Sanjeev Routray. 2022. The Right to Be Counted: The Urban Poor and the Politics of Resettlement in Delhi. Stanford: Stanford University Press. pp. 368, $30, ISBN 9781503632134 (paperback).