bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape of somatic mutated genes and inherited susceptibility genes in gynecological cancer
Authors: Watanabe Takafumi , Soeda Shu , Okoshi Chihiro , Fukuda Toma , Yasuda Shun , Fujimori Keiya
Published: August 2023

Traditionally, gynecological cancers have been classified based on histology. Since remarkable advancements in next‐generation sequencing technology have enabled the exploration of somatic mutations in various cancer types, comprehensive sequencing efforts have revealed the genomic landscapes of some common forms of human cancer. The genomic features of various gynecological malignancies have been reported by several studies of large‐scale genomic cohorts, including The Cancer Genome Atlas. Although recent comprehensive genomic profiling tests, which can detect hundreds of genetic mutations at a time from cancer tissues or blood samples, have been increasingly used as diagnostic clinical biomarkers and in therapeutic management decisions, germline pathogenic variants associated with hereditary cancers can also be detected using this test. Gynecological cancers are closely related to genetic factors, with approximately 5% of endometrial cancer cases and 20% of ovarian cancer cases being caused by germline pathogenic variants. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome are the two major cancer susceptibility syndromes among gynecological cancers. In addition, several other hereditary syndromes have been reported to be associated with gynecological cancers. In this review, we highlight the genes for somatic mutation and germline pathogenic variants commonly seen in gynecological cancers. We first describe the relationship between clinicopathological attributes and somatic mutated genes. Subsequently, we discuss the characteristics and clinical management of inherited cancer syndromes resulting from pathogenic germline variants in gynecological malignancies.
Differences in radiopacity among CT contrast agents and concentrations: A quantitative study
Authors: Mehta Amit , Roa Jorge A. , Cannavale Kelly , Sur Samir , Singh I. Paul
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

Several studies in the literature have attempted to subjectively assess the degree of visualization of different neurovascular structures using different contrast agents and concentrations. Given the recent contrast shortages, we aim to objectively compare the radiopacity achieved with four angiographic contrast agents used in clinical practice.

Methods

Isovue 370, Visipaque 320, Omnipaque 300, and Isovue 300 were each drawn up at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% concentrations and compared against normal saline and air syringes. CT scans were obtained, and regions of interest were analyzed for radiopacity using Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements. An aneurysm model with different contrast concentrations was also scanned and dimensions compared. Two‐tailed t‐tests and Cohen's d coefficients were applied to assess for differences in mean HU measurements.

Results

Isovue 370 and Isovue 300 had the highest and lowest mean HU, respectively (p < .001). Visipaque 320 at 25% concentration had the lowest mean HU at −.76. Statistically similar agents (p < .05) were Visipaque 320 and Omnipaque 300 at a 100% concentration (p = .30), and Omnipaque 300 and Isovue 300 at a 25% concentration (p = .73). Aneurysm dimensions among Isovue 370, Visipaque 320, and Omnipaque 300 were all similar, whereas with Isovue 300, the dimensions were significantly smaller (p < .05).

Conclusion

Isovue 370 provides the highest HU radiopacity and the most accurate aneurysm measurements. Angiographic measurements obtained with Isovue 300 may underestimate the actual aneurysmal dimensions. Visipaque 320 and Omnipaque 300 at 100% concentration have similar mean HUs and are beneficial for patients with chronic kidney or cardiac disease.
Interface adhesion on layered zirconia: Effects of the veneering ceramic material and veneering technique
Authors: Nogueira Vanessa de Fátima , Rodrigues Camila da Silva , Grangeiro Manassés Tercio Vieira , Contreras Lisseth Patricia Claudio , Marinho Renata Marques de Melo , Bottino Marco Antônio
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of different veneering ceramics and veneering techniques on the bond strength to zirconia.

Materials and Methods

3Y‐TZP zirconia blocks were sliced into 60 slabs, polished, and sintered. Each slab received one ceramic cylinder (Ø = 3.4 mm, 5 mm‐high), according to the veneering ceramic type (feldspathic—FEL or lithium disilicate‐based—LD) and the veneering technique (file‐splitting with resin‐based luting agent—RC, file‐splitting with fusion ceramic—FC, or heat‐pressing—HT), which resulted in six groups: FEL‐RC, FEL‐FC, FEL‐HT, LD‐RC, LD‐FC, LD‐HT. After preparation, the samples were immersed in distilled water for 24 h before the shear bond strength (SBS) test. The failure modes were classified as adhesive, predominantly adhesive, or cohesive. Representative failure mode images were taken in a Scanning Electron Microscope. The SBS data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test.

Results

Both type of veneering ceramic and technique affected the bond strength. FC led to the highest SBS values. RC and HP provided similar results when compared within each veneering ceramic. Lithium disilicate achieved lower bond strength than feldspathic ceramic when the heat‐pressing technique was applied. The most frequent failure modes were predominantly adhesive and adhesive for FEL and LD, respectively.

Conclusion

File‐splitting with fusion ceramic provided the highest adhesion to zirconia when feldspathic or lithium disilicate‐based ceramics were used. The heat‐pressing technique for veneering with lithium disilicate significantly decreased the bond strength when compared to the feldspathic ceramic.
Pilot feasibility testing of biomathematical model recommendations for personalising sleep timing in shift workers
Authors: Varma Prerna , Postnova Svetlana , Phillips Andrew J. K. , Knock Stuart , Howard Mark E. , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W. , Sletten Tracey L.
Published: August 2023

Sleep disturbances and circadian disruption play a central role in adverse health, safety, and performance outcomes in shift workers. While biomathematical models of sleep and alertness can be used to personalise interventions for shift workers, their practical implementation is undertested. This study tested the feasibility of implementing two biomathematical models—the Phillips–Robinson Model and the Model for Arousal Dynamics—in 28 shift‐working nurses, 14 in each group. The study examined the overlap and adherence between model recommendations and sleep behaviours, and changes in sleep following the implementation of recommendations. For both groups combined, the mean (SD) percentage overlap between when a model recommended an individual to sleep and when sleep was obtained was 73.62% (10.24%). Adherence between model recommendations and sleep onset and offset times was significantly higher with the Model of Arousal Dynamics compared to the Phillips–Robinson Model. For the Phillips–Robinson model, 27% of sleep onset and 35% of sleep offset times were within ± 30 min of model recommendations. For the Model of Arousal Dynamics, 49% of sleep onset, and 35% of sleep offset times were within ± 30 min of model recommendations. Compared to pre‐study, significant improvements were observed post‐study for sleep disturbance (Phillips–Robinson Model), and insomnia severity and sleep‐related impairments (Model of Arousal Dynamics). Participants reported that using a digital, automated format for the delivery of sleep recommendations would enable greater uptake. These findings provide a positive proof‐of‐concept for using biomathematical models to recommend sleep in operational contexts.
Relationship course theory: An interdisciplinary integrative proposition to address the complexification of interpersonal relationships
Authors: Rodrigue Carl
Published: August 2023

Researchers have been observing a complexification of interpersonal relationships in contemporary societies. However, current theoretical perspectives on relationships fall short of comprehensively grasping increasingly diverse and fluid relationship types (e.g., friends with benefits, polyamory, living‐apart‐together, coparenting, etc.) and patterns of change. In an attempt to meet the need for more integrative and interdisciplinary theorizing, this paper introduces a first outline of relationship course theory to better comprehend the complexity of relationships. In contrast to previous theoretical perspectives that conceptualize relationships as a single trajectory, I posit that the course of a relationship is composed of multiple intertwined trajectories, each of which stemming from differentiated domains such as sexuality, friendship, love, family, domesticity, and occupation. These relationship domains constitute a metatypology from which to examine the multiple sets of meanings and temporalities that intertwine throughout the course of a relationship. I propose that relationships are defined based on the combination of relationship domains, with different iterations and permutations of these domains producing various relationship configurations. Furthermore, the theory defines three levels of relationship courses: Sociocultural (i.e., stories that circulate about relationships in given sociocultural contexts), interpersonal (i.e., stories that individuals co‐construct about the particular relationships they experience), and life courses (i.e., stories that individuals co‐construct about themselves as relational beings). This proposition will hopefully stimulate the theoretical conversation on the complexity of relationships and foster dialogue between researchers from different theoretical and disciplinary affiliations.
Effects of parents' voice on reducing heel puncture pain in high‐risk newborns: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Chi‐Wei , Liu Huei‐Mei , Liu Chieh‐Yu , Chu Yen‐Hung , Wang Shou‐Tzu , Chen Chi‐Wen
Published: August 2023

Background

High‐risk newborns, such as premature or severely ill infants, often experience painful treatments and separation from their parents. While previous studies have focused on the positive impacts of a mother's voice on newborns' physiology and pain response, research on the father's voice and vocal acoustics in high‐risk newborns is limited.

Aim

To examine whether parents' voices reduce heel puncture pain in high‐risk newborns and the relationship between parents' vocal acoustics, physiological parameters and pain response.

Study Design

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 105 high‐risk newborn–parent dyads. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: recorded mother's voice, recorded father's voice or control group without any recorded voice. Outcome measures included heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and pain response assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Data analysis utilized generalized estimation equations, and parents' vocal acoustics were analysed using Praat voice credit software.

Results

The mother's voice group exhibited significantly lower heart rates at 1, 5 and 10 min after the procedure, along with lower respiratory rates and pain levels at 5 and 10 min after the procedure compared with the control group. Similarly, the father's voice group demonstrated significantly lower heart rates at 1 and 5 min after the procedure, decreased respiratory rates at 5 and 10 min after the procedure and reduced pain levels at 1 and 5 to 10 min after the procedure compared with the control group. Higher minimum and mean pitches in parents' voices correlated with slower heart rates, while slower parental speech was associated with reduced newborn pain.

Conclusion

Both maternal and paternal vocal interventions alleviated pain during heel puncture procedures among high‐risk newborns.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The noninvasive intervention serves as a reference for parental participation in care. Nurses can help parents to intervene with the acoustic characteristics that alleviate pain among high‐risk newborns.
How deep should we go to understand roots at the top of the world?
Authors: Weber Sören E. , Iversen Colleen M.
Published: August 2023

This article is a Commentary on Blume‐Werry et al. (2023), 240: 502–514.
When snowball sampling leads to an avalanche of fraudulent participants in qualitative research
Authors: Sefcik Justine S. , Hathaway Zachary , DiMaria‐Ghalili Rose Ann
Published: August 2023

Background

Fraudulent research participants create negative consequences for the rigour and soundness of research.

Aims

A case study is presented from a qualitative study where the research team believed several fraudulent participants fabricated information during an interview about being a caregiver for a person living with dementia and chronic wounds.

Materials & Methods

Participants were recruited through a free online research registry. Individual semi‐structured interviews were held virtually.

Results

The study was paused after the nurse scientist with qualitative methodology experience identified that participants were giving illogical and repetitive responses across interviews. The team developed a revised screening tool to help reduce fraudulent participants from enrolling in the study. None of the data collected were used for analysis.

Discussion

Information is provided on how the team dealt with the situation, lessons learned for future studies, and recommendations for gerontological nurse researchers.

Conclusion

Researchers should be aware that some participants are misrepresenting themselves for financial incentives and this can compromise the soundness of findings. Thorough screening tools are one way to identify and prevent fraud.
Analysis of spinal canal diameter in the placement of thoracic spinal cord stimulator paddle leads
Authors: Ragel Brian T. , Riedman Tressa , McGehee Matthew , Raslan Ahmed M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Neurologic deficit is known as a rare complication of thoracic spinal cord stimulator (SCS) paddle lead implantation, but many believe its incidence after SCS paddle lead placement is under‐reported. It is possible that imaging characteristics may be used to help predict safe paddle lead placement.

Objective

This imaging study was undertaken to determine the minimum canal diameter required for safe paddle lead placement.

Methods

Patients who underwent thoracic laminotomy for new SCS paddle lead placement from January 2018 to March 2023 were identified retrospectively. Preoperative thoracic canal diameter was measured in the sagittal plane perpendicular to the disc space from T5/6 to T11/12. These thoracic levels were chosen because they span the most common levels targeted for SCS placement. Patients with and without new neurologic deficits were compared using a Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Of 185 patients initially identified, 180 had thoracic imaging available for review. One (0.5%) and 2 (1.1%) of 185 patients complained of permanent and transient neurologic deficit after thoracic SCS placement, respectively. Patients with neurologic deficits had average canal diameters of <11 mm. The average canal diameter of patients with and without neurologic deficits was 10.2 mm (range 6.1–12.9 mm) and 13.0 mm (range 5.9–20.2), respectively (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Postoperative neurologic deficit is an uncommon complication after thoracic laminotomy for SCS paddle lead placement. The authors recommend ensuring a starting thoracic canal diameter of at least 12 mm to accommodate a SCS paddle lead measuring 2 mm thick to ensure a final diameter of >10 mm. If canal diameter is <12 mm, aggressive undercutting of the lamina, a second laminotomy, or placement of smaller SCS wire leads should be considered.
Trajectories of antepartum depressive symptoms and birthweight: a multicenter and prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Jichun , Qu Yimin , Zhan Yongle , Ma Haihui , Li Xiaoxiu , Man Dongmei , Wu Hongguo , Huang Ping , Ma Liangkun , Jiang Yu
Published: August 2023

Background

Antepartum depression is a prevalent unhealthy mental health problem worldwide, particularly in low‐income countries. It is a major contributor to adverse birth outcomes. Previous studies linking antepartum depression to birthweight have yielded conflicting results, which may be the reason that the depressive symptoms were only measured once during pregnancy. This study aimed to explore the associations between trajectories of antepartum depressive symptoms and birthweight.

Methods

Depressive symptoms were assessed prospectively at each trimester in 3699 pregnant women from 24 hospitals across 15 provinces in China, using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Higher scores of EPDS indicated higher levels of depressive symptoms. Associations between trajectories of depressive symptoms and birthweight were examined using group‐based trajectory modeling (GBTM), propensity score‐based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and logistic regression.

Results

GBTM identified five trajectories. Compared with the low‐stable trajectory of depressive symptoms, only high‐stable (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.15–2.52) and moderate‐rising (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.12–1.85) had an increased risk of low birthweight (LBW) in the adjusted longitudinal analysis of IPTW. There was no significant increase in the risk of LBW in moderate‐stable and high‐falling trajectories. However, trajectories of depressive symptoms were not associated with the risk of macrosomia.

Conclusion

Antepartum depressive symptoms were not constant. Trajectories of depressive symptoms were associated with the risk of LBW. It is important to optimize and implement screening, tracking, and intervention protocols for antepartum depression, especially for high‐risk pregnant women, to prevent LBW.
The emotional consequences of novel political identities: Brexit and mental health in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bentall Richard P. , Alsuhibani Azzam , Bennett Kate , Braddick Michael , Butter Sarah , Hyland Philip , McBride Orla , McKay Ryan , Shevlin Mark , Stocks Thomas V. A. , Hartman Todd K.
Published: August 2023

Following the 2016 EU referendum on Britain's membership in the European Union, many people described themselves as “Leavers” or “Remainers.” Here, we examine the emotional responses associated with Brexit identities using survey data collected from two nationally representative samples of the British public in 2019 (N = 638) and 2021 (N = 2,058). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that many in both samples had coherent Leave or Remain identities. Remain and, to a lesser extent, Leave identities (regardless of how people actually voted in the referendum) predicted distress about Brexit‐related events and clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety at both time points. Structural equation models suggested that the effect of identities on symptoms was largely mediated by distress about Brexit‐related events. We demonstrate a lasting impact of Brexit on the mental health of UK citizens and show that the formation of novel political identities has been more important in this process than voting behavior.
Structure, essence and existence in chemistry
Authors: Hendry Robin Findlay
Published: August 2023

Philosophers have often debated the truth of microstructural essentialism about chemical substances: whether or not the structure of a chemical substance at the molecular scale is what makes it the substance it is. Oddly they have tended to pursue this debate without identifying what a structure is, and with some confusion and about what a chemical substance is. In this paper I draw on chemistry to rectify those omissions, providing a pluralist account of structure, clarifying what (according to chemistry) a chemical substance is and defending microstructural essentialism, as I understand that position. I then give an account of the existence of composite substances and objects in chemistry, an issue that goes back to Aristotle.
Three‐dimensional stratigraphic architecture, secondary pore system development and the Middle Pleistocene transition, Sandy Point area, San Salvador Island, Bahamas
Authors: Nolting Andrea , Kerans Charles , Fernandez‐Ibanez Fermin , Fullmer Shawn , Moore Paul Joseph , Breithaupt Charles I. , LeBlanc Stephanie , Dafov Michelle , Bunge Eric , Gulley Jason
Published: August 2023

The Bahamian Archipelago has been the subject of extensive studies of stratigraphy, carbonate island morphology and diagenetic overprinting for many decades. A recently‐acquired dataset comprised of high‐resolution light detection and ranging, tightly spaced cored boreholes with image logs, thin sections, porosity and permeability measurements, and isotopic geochemical analyses provides a unique opportunity to perform detailed sequence stratigraphic analysis. This multi‐faceted study first establishes a new high‐resolution sequence stratigraphic framework for the Sandy Point area of San Salvador Island, encompassing six unconformity bound sequences (exposure surfaces) representing varying lengths of missing time. The stratigraphically lowest sequence is Late Pliocene in age and is dominated by reef facies capped by an extensive laminar caliche that represents 1.5 million years of exposure. The overlying Early Pleistocene is split into two sequences, EP1 and EP2, which are both dominated by low‐energy subtidal facies. The upper three sequences are tied to the Marine Isotope Stage 11, 9 and 5e interglacials, and are distinctly different in facies composition and architecture, being dominated by higher energy facies distributed in a more complex mosaic. The new stratigraphic framework highlights significant changes in depositional style and facies architecture that can be linked to increasing sea‐level amplitude oscillations and greater climate gradient at the Mid Pleistocene Transition. The well‐constrained framework is then used to provide key context for observed complex diagenetic evolution through repeated sea‐level inundation and subaerial exposure. These results suggest that well‐developed subaerial exposure surfaces drive increases in non‐matrix features in the subsequent stratigraphic package following exposure as the well‐cemented exposure surface acts to concentrate fluid flow and dissolution. Integration of non‐matrix features within this framework highlights the importance of dissolution/cementation patterns on formation of these modified unconformity surfaces for focusing later meteoric diagenesis and creating enhanced fluid flow pathways for continued multicyclic diagenetic events.
Police‐perpetrated racism and health in African American and Black communities
Authors: Hoggard Lori S. , Lutchman Mariah T.
Published: August 2023

This brief review article focuses on police‐perpetrated racism against African American and Black (AAB) communities, typically in the form of police brutality, police violence, and aggressive policing. We assert that police‐perpetrated racism constitutes a racial justice and public health problem. A growing body of literature supports this assertion, with the consequences and correlates of direct police contact, vicarious police contact, and place‐based exposure to aggressive policing including mental health (e.g., anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, trauma) and physical health (e.g., poorer self‐rated health, hypertension) sequelae. We assert that eradicating police‐perpetrated racism requires acknowledgement of the historical landscape of policing as well as the ways in which police‐perpetrated racism maintains racial hierarchies. We conclude by making recommendations for promoting racial equity in policing.
Sense of purpose and food insecurity during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hill Patrick L. , Oshiro Caryn E. , Hillier Teresa A. , Strecher Victor J.
Published: August 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic brought new attention to the issues of food insecurity faced by individuals throughout the United States, a stressor exacerbated by disruptions to work status and supply chains. The burden of food insecurity likely carries consequences for whether individuals feel capable of pursuing their broad goals and life engagements; put differently, food insecurity may pose a threat to people perceiving a sense of purpose in life. The current study tested this claim across three samples taken during 2020 (n = 2009), 2021 (n = 1666), and 2022 (n = 1975). Participants completed inventories for perceived food insecurity, sense of purpose, depressive symptoms, and anxiety, among other measures. Results found consistent negative associations between food insecurity and sense of purpose across all three samples. In addition, food insecurity moderated associations between sense of purpose and depressive or anxiety symptoms. Sense of purpose was more strongly negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms for those participants who reported no food insecurity. That said, sense of purpose remained negatively associated with psychological distress even among those reporting food insecurity.
The power of written word: Reflection reduces errors of omission
Authors: Rao Aditi , Heidemann Lauren A. , Hartley Sarah , Morgan Helen K. , Gruppen Larry D. , Huey Amanda , Sieloff Kurt M. , Allen Brittany B. , Kempner Samantha
Published: August 2023

Background

Medical trainees are expected to perform complex tasks while experiencing interruptions, which increases susceptibility to errors of omission. In our study, we examine whether documentation of clinical encounters increases reflective thinking and reduces errors of omission among novice learners in a simulated setting.

Methods

In 2021, 56 senior medical students participated in a simulated paging curriculum involving urgent inpatient cross‐cover scenarios (sepsis and atrial fibrillation). Students responded to pages from standardized registered nurses (SRNs) via telephone, gathered history, and discussed clinical decision‐making. Following the phone encounter, students documented a brief note (documentation encounter). A ‘phone’ score (number of checklist items completed in the phone encounter) and a ‘combined’ score (number of checklist items completed in the phone and documentation encounters) were calculated. Data were analyzed for differences between the phone scores (control) and combined scores using T‐tests and McNemar test of symmetry.

Findings

Fifty‐four students (96%) participated. Combined scores were higher than phone scores for sepsis (72.8 ± 11.3% vs. 67.9 ± 11.9%, p < 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (74.0 ± 10.1% vs. 67.6 ± 10.0%, p < 0.001) cases. Important items, such as ordering blood cultures for sepsis (p = 0.023) and placing the patient on telemetry for atrial fibrillation (p = 0.013), were more likely to be present when a note was documented.

Discussion

This study suggests that documentation provides a mechanism for learners to reflect, which could increase important diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Conclusion

Documentation by novice medical learners may improve patient care by allowing for reflection and reducing errors of omission.
Development of hidden curriculum skills in a COVID‐19 vaccination centre
Authors: Driessen Johannes , Hearn Russell
Published: August 2023

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, many medical students were deployed as vaccinators. This study set out to capture the lived experience of students at a London‐based mass vaccination site, understand what they learned, how this learning compared to their experience of usual medical education and how any identified benefits might be leveraged in a post‐pandemic context.

Methods

Student vaccinators (n = 8) were recruited from the vaccine clinic workforce and invited to complete semi‐structured interviews about their experiences. Thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts to identify significant concepts, which were interpreted in the context of available literature.

Findings

Participants' experiences aligned broadly with the undergraduate curriculum. However, many also identified hidden curriculum areas developed through their work as vaccinators, including professionalism, self‐regulating learning and ethical decision‐making.

Discussion

The need for adequate support, whilst promoting autonomy, was highlighted as vital in supporting professional identity formation within a community of practice, benchmarking clinical knowledge and performance, and in support of student wellbeing, in the face of challenging real‐world clinical encounters.

Conclusion

Increased entrustment of clinical activity could be implemented in primary and secondary care settings to reproduce the benefits experienced by student vaccinators in front‐line roles during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further work might consider how to maximise these benefits and increase inclusion and participation.
A single center experience for clinical evaluation of paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria and Donath‐Landsteiner testing
Authors: Villar‐Prados Alejandro , Abdelmonem Mohamed , Duda Molly , Chien May , Yunce Muharrem
Published: August 2023

Background

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) is a rare form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), mainly affecting children. The diagnosis and management are challenging due to similarities to other causes for AIHA and limited availability to Donath‐Landsteiner (DL) testing.

Study Design and Methods

In this single‐center retrospective study, we aimed to characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes of PCH patients, defined as having positive Donath‐Landsteiner antibodies, compared to a cohort of AIHA patients.

Results

DL‐positive patients were observed to have higher lactate dehydrogenase levels and lower reticulocyte counts compared to DL‐negative patients, although this was not statistically significant. We also observed that using steroids in DL‐positive patients did not significantly impact their recovery.

Discussion

Our findings support the limited published data on PCH patients and further prompt larger multicenter studies to further characterize these patients so that they are more readily identified, especially in centers where DL antibody testing is not readily available.
Notes on the ecology and distribution of a water flea complex (Anomopoda, Daphniidae) revealed by new DNA barcodes in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: López‐Blanco Charo , Sahuquillo María , Vicente Eduardo , García‐Alix Antonio , Epp Laura S.
Published: August 2023

Available DNA barcodes of freshwater zooplankton are scarce in regions like the Iberian Peninsula, which harbours many rare and endemic species and is considered a hotspot of crustacean biodiversity. Recently, a new species of Ceriodaphnia (Cladocera: Daphniidae) was described using morphological analysis of specimens in the Mediterranean region and molecular data on a single locality in southern Spain. In our study, we detected the presence of the newly discovered taxa and here, we provide new DNA sequences on the barcoding region mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I together with ecological information of the recently described Ceriodaphnia smirnovi. Additionally, we built a molecular phylogenetic tree and genetically compared these specimens with previously available mitochondrial DNA sequences and with new sequences of the genus recovered in Iberia. Our data suggest that this morphospecies might contain some cryptic taxa and might be more common than previously thought, occupying temporary to semi‐permanent ecosystems, with vegetation and highly variable pH and turbidity conditions. Moreover, the existence of a non‐identified clade within our phylogenetic tree requires additional morphological research. Our study highlights the need for further research on microcrustacean biota to better constrain its spatial boundaries, phylogenetic relationship and determine species hiding cryptic diversity.
The top homology group of the genus 3 Torelli group
Authors: Spiridonov Igor A.
Published: August 2023

The Torelli group of a genus oriented surface is the subgroup of the mapping class group consisting of all mapping classes that act trivially on . The quotient group is isomorphic to the symplectic group . The cohomological dimension of the group equals to . The main goal of the present paper is to compute the top homology group of the Torelli group in the case as ‐module. We prove an isomorphism
where is the quotient of by its diagonal subgroup with the natural action of the permutation group (the action of is trivial). We also construct an explicit set of generators and relations for the group .
Effect of Gender and Celebrity Status of Models in Printed Advertisements Promoting Physical Activity
Authors: Leng Ho Keat , Yap Denise , Thangavelu Lishanth , Phua Yi Xian Philip
Published: August 2023

Public health organizations have embarked on various campaigns to increase the level of physical activity in the population. The aim of this study is to examine whether printed advertisements promoting physical activity can be made more effective by manipulating the model used in advertisements. Two experiments were conducted. The aim of the first experiment was to examine whether the gender of the model affects the effectiveness of the advertisement. Seventy-five respondents were randomly split into a control group featuring no model, experimental group 1 featuring a female model, and experimental group 2 featuring a male model. The study found that while respondents spend more time looking at advertisements with models, male respondents in the male model group reported an intent to participate in higher levels of physical activity compared with the other 2 groups. The aim of the second experiment was to examine whether the celebrity status of the model affects the effectiveness of the advertisement. Fifty-nine respondents were randomly split either into a group featuring a sports celebrity or an unknown athlete. The results show that while the sports celebrity was more attractive, it was respondents in the noncelebrity group that reported an intent to participate in higher levels of physical activity. The findings from this study suggest that noncelebrity male models in printed advertisements promoting physical activity are more effective.
The role of spatial curvature in constraining the Universe anisotropies across a Big Bounce
Authors: Giovannetti Eleonora , Montani Giovanni
Published: August 2023

We study the implementation of Polymer Quantum Mechanics (PQM) to a system decomposed into a quasi-classical background and a small quantum subsystem, according to the original Vilenkin proposal. We develop the whole formalism in the momentum representation that is the only viable in the continuum limit of the polymer paradigm and we generalize the fundamental equations of the original Vilenkin analysis in the considered context. Then, we provide a Minisuperspace application of the theory, first considering a Bianchi I cosmology and then extending the analysis to a Bianchi IX model in the limit of small anisotropies. In both these cases, the quasi-classical background is identified with an isotropic bouncing Universe whereas the small quantum subsystem contains the anisotropic degrees of freedom. When the Big Bounce scenario is considered, we obtain that in the Bianchi I model the anisotropies standard deviation is regular at $$t=0$$

t
=
0

but still increases indefinitely, whereas in the presence of the harmonic Bianchi IX potential such same quantity is bounded and oscillate around a constant value. As a consequence, we demonstrate that the picture of a semiclassical isotropic Bounce can be extended to more general cosmological settings if the spatial curvature becomes relevant when the anisotropic degrees of freedom are still small quantum variables.
Exact solutions of Wu–Zhang equation via complete discrimination system for polynomial method
Authors: Yang Xuefei
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the complete discrimination system for the polynomial method is applied to solve the Wu–Zhang system, and all the possible exact solutions are obtained, these exact solutions can be applied to the exploration of nonlinear physical phenomena, the method in this paper is different from the existing literature studies on the Wu–Zhang equation. By taking different parameters, interesting graphs are plotted for all the obtained solutions. The results confirm that the proposed method is effective and can be used to solve a variety of nonlinear consistency time fractional partial differential equations.
Study on sound absorption properties of micro perforated plates with acoustic black hole back cavities
Authors: Liang Haofeng , Zhou Guojian , Liang Xiao , Chu Jiaming , Zhou Zhuo , Wang Wenjie , Wu Jiuhui
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the finite element method is used to investigate the sound absorption performance of the micro perforated plates (MPPs) with acoustic black hole (ABH) back cavities. First, the finite element models of MPPs with sealed back cavities and ABH back cavities are developed. The simulation results show that the absorption bandwidth of ABH back cavities increases by 63.8% compared to the sealed back cavity of the same size, but the frequency of the highest absorption coefficient is increased. Second, the mechanism for expanding the band width is illustrated by the pressure distribution inside two cavities. Finally, the effect of different cavity numbers of stages and lengths on the sound absorption performance is analyzed. This study broadens the application scenario of MPPs by incorporating ABH back cavities and can provide a reference value for acoustic modulation.
Laminar rarefied flow analysis in a microchannel with H2O-Cu nanofluid: A thermal lattice Boltzmann study
Authors: Hammid Siham , Naima Khatir , Alqahtani Sultan , Alshehery Sultan , Oudah Khulood H. , Ikumapayi Omolayo M. , Menni Younes
Published: August 2023

This research paper presents an investigation into the behavior of rarefied flow and heat transfer in a rectangular microchannel utilizing a Cu-water nanofluid. The study employs the thermal lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with a lattice featuring a double distribution function and a BGK collision model. The simulations are performed using Python software, incorporating slip velocity and temperature jump effects. The primary objective is to analyze the influence of various thermophysical parameters of the coolant fluid on the microchannel, specifically focusing on the characteristics of the Cu-water nanofluid. The study considers laminar flow conditions with nanofluid volume fractions of 2%, 4% and 6%. The findings reveal that both rarefaction effect and Reynolds numbers, as well as the nanoparticle volume fraction, significantly impact the system. Moreover, the investigation evaluates key parameters such as the Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient, temperature jump slip velocity and velocity and temperature profiles. Notably, the nanoparticle volume fraction exhibits minimal influence on the velocity distribution or temperature field, whereas the Nusselt number increases with higher nanoparticle volume fractions. Additionally, the rarefaction effect leads to a reduction in velocity and temperature. At a nanoparticle volume fraction of 2%, increasing the Reynolds number results in elevated velocities and lower temperatures. The skin friction coefficient displays a decreasing trend along the microchannel with increasing Reynolds numbers. Furthermore, an increase in Knudsen numbers corresponds to a decrease in the skin friction coefficient. Finally, an increase in the nanoparticle volume fraction is associated with a decrease in the skin friction coefficient.
Online Learning for Dynamic Impending Collision Prediction using FMCW Radar
Authors: Singh Aarti , Patwari Neal
Published: August 2023

Radar collision prediction systems can play a crucial role in safety critical applications, such as autonomous vehicles and smart helmets for contact sports, by predicting an impending collision just before it will occur. Collision prediction algorithms use the velocity and range measurements provided by radar to calculate time to collision. However, radar measurements used in such systems contain significant clutter, noise, and inaccuracies which hamper reliability. Existing solutions to reduce clutter are based on static filtering methods. In this paper, we present a deep learning approach using frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar and inertial sensing that learns the environmental and user-specific conditions that lead to future collisions. We present a process of converting raw radar samples to range-Doppler matrices (RDMs) and then training a deep convolutional neural network that outputs predictions (impending collision vs. none) for any measured RDM. The system is retrained to work in dynamically changing environments and maintain prediction accuracy. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach of using the information from radar data to predict impending collisions in real-time via real-world experiments, and show that our method achieves an F1-score of 0.91 and outperforms a traditional approach in accuracy and adaptability.
Probabilistic Safe WCET Estimation for Weakly Hard Real-time Systems at Design Stages
Authors: Lee Jaekwon , Shin Seung Yeob , Briand Lionel C. , Nejati Shiva
Published: August 2023

Weakly hard real-time systems can, to some degree, tolerate deadline misses, but their schedulability still needs to be analyzed to ensure their quality of service. Such analysis usually occurs at early design stages to provide implementation guidelines to engineers so they can make better design decisions. Estimating worst-case execution times (WCET) is a key input to schedulability analysis. However, early on during system design, estimating WCET values is challenging, and engineers usually determine them as plausible ranges based on their domain knowledge. Our approach aims at finding restricted, safe WCET sub-ranges given a set of ranges initially estimated by experts in the context of weakly hard real-time systems. To this end, we leverage (1) multi-objective search aiming at maximizing the violation of weakly hard constraints to find worst-case scheduling scenarios and (2) polynomial logistic regression to infer safe WCET ranges with a probabilistic interpretation. We evaluated our approach by applying it to an industrial system in the satellite domain and several realistic synthetic systems. The results indicate that our approach significantly outperforms a baseline relying on random search without learning and estimates safe WCET ranges with a high degree of confidence in practical time (< 23 h).
A Self-adaptive and Secure Approach to Share Network Trace Data
Authors: Xenakis Antonios , Nourin Sabrina Mamtaz , Chen Zhiyuan , Karabatis George , Aleroud Ahmed , Amarsingh Jhancy
Published: August 2023

A large volume of network trace data are collected by the government and public and private organizations and can be analyzed for various purposes such as resolving network problems, improving network performance, and understanding user behavior. However, most organizations are reluctant to share their data with any external experts for analysis, because they contain sensitive information deemed proprietary to the organization, thus raising privacy concerns. Even if the payload of network packets is not shared, header data may disclose sensitive information that adversaries can exploit to perform unauthorized actions. So network trace data need to be anonymized before being shared. Most of the existing anonymization tools have two major shortcomings: (1) they cannot provide provable protection, and (2) their performance relies on setting the right parameter values such as the degree of privacy protection and the features that should be anonymized, but there is little assistance for a user to optimally set these parameters. This article proposes a self-adaptive and secure approach to anonymize network trace data and provides provable protection and automatic optimal settings of parameters. A comparison of the proposed approach with existing anonymization tools via experimentation demonstrated that the proposed method outperforms the existing anonymization techniques.
Joint Credibility Estimation of News, User, and Publisher via Role-relational Graph Convolutional Networks
Authors: Shrestha Anu , Duran Jason , Spezzano Francesca , Serra Edoardo
Published: August 2023

The presence of fake news on online social media is overwhelming and is responsible for having impacted several aspects of people’s lives, from health to politics, the economy, and response to natural disasters. Although significant effort has been made to mitigate fake news spread, current research focuses on single aspects of the problem, such as detecting fake news spreaders and classifying stories as either factual or fake. In this article, we propose a new method to exploit inter-relationships between stories, sources, and final users and integrate prior knowledge of these three entities to jointly estimate the credibility degree of each entity involved in the news ecosystem. Specifically, we develop a new graph convolutional network, namely, Role-Relational Graph Convolutional Networks (Role-RGCN), to learn, for each node type (or role), a unique node representation space and jointly connect the different representation spaces with edge relations. To test our proposed approach, we conducted an experimental evaluation on the state-of-the-art FakeNewsNet-Politifact dataset and a new dataset with ground truth on news credibility degrees we collected. Experimental results show a superior performance of our Role-RGCN proposed method at predicting the credibility degree of stories, sources, and users compared to state-of-the-art approaches and other baselines.
Container-based Virtualization for Real-time Industrial Systems—A Systematic Review
Authors: Queiroz Rui , Cruz Tiago , Mendes Jérôme , Sousa Pedro , Simões Paulo
Published: August 2023

Industrial Automation and Control systems have matured into a stable infrastructure model that has been kept fundamentally unchanged, using discrete embedded systems (such as Programmable Logic Controllers) to implement the first line of sensorization, actuation, and process control and stations and servers providing monitoring, supervision, logging/database and data-sharing capabilities, among others. More recently, with the emergence of the Industry 4.0 paradigm and the need for more flexibility, there has been a steady trend towards virtualizing some of the automation station/server components, first by using virtual machines and, more recently, by using container technology. This trend is pushing for better support for real-time requirements on enabling virtualization technologies such as virtual machines and containers.

This article provides a systematic review on the use of container virtualization in real-time environments such as cyber-physical systems, assessing how existing and emerging technologies can fulfill the associated requirements. Starting by reviewing fundamental concepts related to container technology and real-time requirements, it goes on to present the methodology and results of a systematic study of 37 selected papers covering aspects related to the enforcement of real-time constrains within container hosts and the expected task latency on such environments, as well as an overview of container platforms and orchestration mechanisms for RT systems.