bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking Under the Hood at the Cytoskeletal Engine of Platelet Production
Authors: Italiano Joseph E. , Payne Clementine , Bekendam Roelof H.
Published: December 2024

Blood platelets are anucleate cells essential for normal blood hemostasis. To maintain a normal platelet count of 150 000 to 400 000 per μL of blood, 10
11
platelets must be released each day from precursor cells called megakaryocytes. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of platelet production and evaluate the proposed mechanisms of platelet generation. We will discuss novel cytoskeletal mechanisms of platelet production, including microtubule and actin-based systems. We present new evidence that supports a cytoplasmic trigger for platelet production, discuss centrosome clustering as a new mechanism to trigger proplatelet production, and review new data supporting the bone marrow as the major location of platelet production.
New Ways of Reading Drones in Art: Drones as Existential Technologies
Authors: Chua Han Au
Published: December 2024

Scholars of drone technologies have focused on how consumer drones are regularly exploited for surveillance and violence. But the emphasis on how consumer drones are associated with brutality and reconnaissance narrows drone research and remains unfair to those who have used these technologies differently. This article studies consumer drones in Korakrit Arunanondchai’s video installation Painting with history in a room filled with people with funny names 3 and the documentary film Human Flow by Ai Weiwei. It argues that reading these drones as existential technologies helps us see how these artists use them in ways that undermine putative assumptions of human vision and knowledge, gesturing toward a more meaningful coexistence with these machines.
Constructing an Alternative African Literature Canon in Socialist China (1959–1964)
Authors: Chen Qiyu
Published: December 2024

This essay examines the emergence and canonization of African literature in China from 1959 to 1964. Focusing on Ousmane Sembène and Lusophone African literature in two Chinese literary journals, Literary Gazette and World Literature, and full-length translations, as well as tracing the routes through which they were circulated and translated into Chinese, I argue that the construction of this alternative African literature canon was contingent, improvisational, but nevertheless, strategic. This alternative canon was both a product of the collaborative efforts of numerous cultural institutions and individuals, and a product of Cold War politics reflected through Socialist China’s entanglement within the bipolar Cold War structure and, at times, its transcendence of it. Ultimately, this essay challenges the normative story of postcolonial African literary canonization that centers on the Anglophone African novel based in the West and reveals the processes of how powers operated and shaped this alternative canon.
Over There
Authors: Roussel Flora
Published: December 2024

In Talisman (1996) and Überseezungen (2002), Yoko Tawada destabilizes languages in their nationalized definition. Through exophony, she develops a process of defamiliarization. She fruitfully reshapes literary perspectives and opens new horizons by transgressing borders. The intertwining of both the sensuality and the fragility of language provides two key texts, “Erzähler ohne Seele” and “Zungentanz”, with a broader discussion of the desire for what I call an “over there”. Eroticism and death are central to an understanding of Tawada’s practice of defamiliarization that critiques the national and gendered aspects of language and reveals the problematic family romance attributed to language. By elaborating on Yildiz’s postmonolingualism and Tawada’s exophony through nuanced Deleuzian and Guattarian concepts, I analyze the author’s poetic of multiple desires through multiple languages by exaggerating the senses (notably, hearing and sight) and propose the “over there” as an alternative way of experiencing world literature.
“Rock’s Land and Goullart’s”
Authors: Poupard Duncan
Published: December 2024

Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lijiang in China’s mountainous southwest is not a renowned city in world history, yet there is no doubt that, after reading the works of Joseph Rock (1884–1962) and Peter Goullart (1901–1978), Ezra Pound perceived it as befitting such a status. Lijiang in Pound’s Cantos becomes both an ideal construct of the poetic mind and a real, achievable paradiso terrestre. In this glorified hieratic landscape, Pound places his friends who introduced him to the Naxi people and culture: Rock and Goullart. While Rock’s influence on Pound is clear to see in the published Cantos, to find Goullart’s name we must read Pound’s unpublished poetry drafts. By investigating Goullart’s previously unstudied correspondence, this essay makes the case that Goullart played an equally important role in Pound’s poetic construction of Lijiang.
Is Artificial Intelligence the Future of Collective Memory?
Authors: Gensburger Sarah , Clavert Frédéric
Published: December 2024

This Memory Studies Review special issue explores the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (ai) and collective memory. In the one hand, the emergence of generative ai, exemplified by ChatGPT’s 2022 release, appears to herald a new infrastructure for collective memory. On the other, the memory studies work highlights the limits and the backlashes of this new form of memory in its social dimension. This leads to raise a provocative, open-ended question: Is artificial intelligence the future of collective memory? Our issue brings together diverse perspectives from memory studies scholars of different backgrounds and machine learning practitioners, fostering critical engagement with ai in memory practices. This multidisciplinary approach offers an initial exploration of the interactions between ai-powered software, platforms, and collective memory. The articles herein present a multifaceted analysis of ai’s role in shaping collective memory’s future. We advocate for increased interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical reflection in this rapidly evolving domain, providing memory studies scholars with a foundation for understanding and engaging with these technological transformations.
First catalog (1964–2024) of type insects in the Invertebrates Collection of the Charles Darwin Research Station (ICCDRS), Galápagos Islands—Ecuador
Authors: BETANCOURT-CARGUA LENYN , ROMÁN ANDREA C. , VILEMA-RAMOS BRYAN , PINTO C. MIGUEL
Published: December 2024

The type material in small collections constitutes unique specimens for detailed knowledge of local biota that bridge critical gaps in our taxonomic and geographic understanding of global biodiversity. We present the first catalog of all dry-type insects deposited in the Invertebrates Collection at the Charles Darwin Research Station between Oct 1964 and May 2024. For each species, we compiled collection data, including: taxonomic rank, original combination, number of the page in the publication where the species was described, photograph, accepted name, type material category, sex, collection codes, condition, and additional data found on the labels. As result of our work, we provide information of four holotypes and 501 paratypes, belonging to 89 species of the orders Blattodea, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera. The decade of the 1990s and the first years prior to 2010 is the period when the greatest collections of Lepidoptera were conducted. The specimens were collected mostly from Isabela. With this catalog we follow Recommendation 72.F4 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), this catalog was prepared to facilitate taxonomic research by integrating and disclosing collection data. We provided detailed information about our type specimens which enhances the accessibility of extant species and their physical location.
A new species of the genus Melita (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Melitidae) and a new record for Melita shimizui from Korean Brackish Waters
Authors: CHOI JAE-HONG , KIM YOUNG-HYO
Published: December 2024

Two melitid amphipod species belonging to the genus Melita were collected from Korean brackish waters, with one of species is new and is described as Melita aestuarina. The new species was identified as the dominant species in the Korean brackish water region, yet its morphological characteristics had not been studied until now. The morphology of the propodus of gnathopod 2 elongate-ovate and outer ramus of uropod 3 about 9 times longer than wide, are the major characteristics which differentiate the new species from its congeners. Additionally, nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of M. aestuarina sp. nov. support divergence at the species level. The other species, Melita shimizui was previously known from Chinese and Japanese waters. It exhibits similarities with M. choshigawaensis and M. setiflagella. However, M. shimizui can be obviously distinguished by having linear outer ramus of uropod 3, which is distinct from M. choshigawaensis and weakly setose antenna 2, which is distinct from M. setiflagella. Both species are illustrated and compared to related species and a key is also provided to the species of genus Melita from Korea.
Asian Americans’ Attitudes Toward the Police in a Time of Heightened Anti-Asian Racism
Authors: Ha Stephanie , Sun Ivan , Wu Yuning
Published: December 2024

Drawing upon the theories of system justification and cultural inertia, this study qualitatively assesses Asian American perceptions of the police, focusing on how such perceptions may have been impacted by the rise of anti-Asian racism since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this study was conducted with Asian Americans in the mid-Atlantic region. Results show that most participants displayed favorable attitudes toward the police, believing they are integral to keeping communities safe. Some argued that the police should address hate crimes, while others believed that the police are unable to effectively control hate crimes due to a lack of resources and the ambiguous definition of hate crime. Meanwhile, fear of the police was common primarily due to police use of force, firearm-carrying, and racial discrimination. There is a shared belief that the relationship between Asian Americans and the police needs to be improved.
Internalized Heterosexism and Psychological Distress: The Longitudinal Mediating Effect of LGBTQ+ Community Connectedness
Authors: Huynh Kiet D. , Colson Alex , Matsuno Em , Balsam Kimberly
Published: December 2024

This study examined the influences of internalized heterosexism (IH) and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community connectedness on distress by testing two competing hypotheses: the connectedness as a form of coping hypothesis and the connectedness as an explanatory process hypothesis. These hypotheses were tested with a random intercept cross-lagged panel model using a three-wave archival longitudinal dataset with a nationally represented probability sample of 1,518 cisgender and nonbinary LGBQ+ individuals. Results supported the connectedness as a form of coping hypothesis, showing that the effect of IH on distress was mediated by increased connectedness, such that increased IH at time 1 predicted increased connectedness at time 2, which predicted decreased distress at time 3. These results provide evidence that LGBQ+ individuals may cope with IH by seeking connections with other LGBQ+ people, which has positive benefits for mental health. Implications for research, clinical practice, and policy are discussed.
Got Resilience? The Role of an Attribute in the Employment of Persons With a Felony or Prison Record
Authors: Lucken Karol , Brancale Julie
Published: December 2024

The employment of persons with a felony or prison record has been a longstanding problem in the U.S. Despite vocational programming and other efforts to address this problem, the results of these efforts have often fallen short. To fill the remaining void in understanding this problem, scholars have given increased attention to the cognitions or personality traits that can affect job attainment. One trait that is receiving some attention in this research is resilience. The current study uses logistic regression to examine the role of resilience in the current employment of 179 adult males on community supervision. Findings indicate there is a relationship between employment and certain resilience building factors, such as social support via marriage, job-based optimism, and faith.
The China Factor in Pakistan’s Geo-economic Tilt
Authors: Jahanzaib Muhammad , Ahmed Zahid Shahab
Published: December 2024

In 1947, the establishment of Pakistan was accompanied by a profound security dilemma, particularly concerning its relationship with India, a dynamic that continues to significantly influence its foreign policy trajectory. Historically, Pakistan’s focus on state security has driven its alliances, notably with the United States and, more recently, with China. The dual objectives of achieving security through economic development have become increasingly pronounced in the context of Pakistan’s deepening partnership with China, especially as evidenced by the substantial investments made in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Since the inception of CPEC in 2015, Pakistan has actively sought to leverage this initiative to provide landlocked Central Asian Republics with critical access to maritime routes via the Gwadar Port. Confronted with numerous challenges, including a severe economic crisis, Islamabad is progressively recognizing the necessity of prioritizing geo-economics over traditional geopolitical considerations. This pivot aims to capitalize on its strategic location to foster economic growth through enhanced trade and connectivity, which is largely dependent on the partnership with China. This study undertakes an in-depth analysis of archival data from both primary and secondary sources to explore this phenomenon. This study argues that Pakistan’s foreign policy increasingly reflects an embrace of geo-economics, driven by a combination of domestic factors and China’s pronounced emphasis on the geo-economic potential of CPEC. While Pakistan asserts a commitment to prioritizing geo-economics, its relationship with China remains influenced by enduring geostrategic considerations, particularly in relation to India.
Delamination and thrust force analysis in GLARE: Influence of tool geometry and prediction with machine learning models
Authors: Ekici Ergün , Pazarkaya İbrahim , Uzun Gültekin
Published: December 2024

The multi-layered (fiber/metal) structure of glass fibre aluminium reinforced epoxy (GLARE) makes it difficult to obtain acceptable damage-free holes that meet aerospace standards. This paper investigated the effects of tool geometry and drilling parameters on reducing delamination damage and uncut fibers at the hole exit surface in drilling GLARE. The hole surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) at various magnifications. In addition, deep neural network (DNN) and long-short-term memory (LSTM) machine learning models were used to predict delamination (Fda), uncut fiber (UCF), and thrust forces using experimental data. No positive contribution of the special geometry tool was observed, while the standard geometry tool was found to be ideal for drilling conditions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that feed rate contributed 57.83% to delamination damage, while tool geometry contributed 74.31% and 92.33% for uncut fiber and thrust force, respectively. SEM analysis revealed high deformation zones in the aluminum layers and fiber fracture and separation in the glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) layers. DNN and LSTM models were found to provide accurate predictions with R2 values greater than 95% and 98%, respectively.
Perceptually Easy Second-Language Phones Are Not Always Easy: The Role of Orthography and Phonology in Schwa Realization in Second-Language French
Authors: Heiszenberger Elisabeth , Reinisch Eva , Hartmann Frederik , Brown Elizabeth , Pustka Elissa
Published: December 2024

Encoding and establishing a new second-language (L2) phonological category is notoriously difficult. This is particularly true for phonological contrasts that do not exist in the learners’ native language (L1). Phonological categories that also exist in the L1 do not seem to pose any problems. However, foreign-language learners are not only presented with oral input. Instructed L2 learning often involves heavy reliance on written forms of the target language. The present study investigates the contribution of orthography to the quality of phonolexical encoding by examining the acoustics of French schwa by Austrian German learners—a perceptually and articulatorily easy L2 phone with incongruent grapheme-phoneme correspondences between the L1 and L2. We compared production patterns in an auditory word-repetition task (without orthographic input) with those in a word-reading task. We analyzed the formant values (F1, F2, F3) of the schwa realizations of two groups of Austrian high-school students who had been learning French for 1 and 6 years. The results show that production patterns are more likely to be affected by L1 grapheme-to-phoneme correspondences when orthographic input is present. However, orthography does not appear to play the dominant role, as L2 development patterns are strongly determined by both the speaker and especially the lexical item, suggesting a highly complex interaction of multiple internal and external factors in the establishment of L2 phonological categories beyond orthography and phonology.
Experiences of Complicated Grief – A Synthesis of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Bergsmark Lars Petter , Illum Laura Skov
Published: December 2024

Objective: Synthesize research findings and provide insight into firsthand experiences of complicated grief. Methods: We systematically searched qualitative studies in English in four databases (PsycInfo, PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science). We included 5 studies and applied meta-ethnography to identify and translate across studies. Results: This review illuminates the firsthand experiences of complicated grief. Three key themes were identified: ‘ambivalence’, ‘misrecognition’, and ‘self-sacrifice’. These concepts reflect the synthesis of available qualitative research on the experience of complicated grief. The findings suggest that complicated grief is experienced as intrusive and unhelpful, providing a distressful state with lack of recognition from the perspective of the bereaved. Conclusions: The synthesis provides an empirically founded interpretation and contribution to the challenge of distinguishing between normal, complicated, and pathological grief reactions. As bereavement increasingly becomes a clinical concern, these findings highlight the necessity for further phenomenological research and the detailed profiling of disordered grief.
“C’mon—You Should Know the Rules, Man”: Latinx Youth’s Perceptions of Procedural Justice and Chronic Punishment
Authors: Portillos Edwardo L. , Peguero Anthony A. , González Juan Carlos , Immekus Jason C. , Luna Christina V.
Published: December 2024

We draw on procedural justice, Latino Critical Legal Theory, and intersectional theoretical approaches to study how repeated punishments impact Latinx youth. In this qualitative study, we explore the effect of repeated school punishment on young people, referred to as the Chronically Punished. Data revealed that chronically punished, system-impacted youth expressed a range of perceptions regarding expulsions, suspensions, and fairness of punishments. We also found that repeated punishments in the urban school context shape negative views of procedural justice more frequently for young men than young women. The paper includes recommendations to help address the pushout of chronically punished youth.
An analysis of perceptions and thoughts of rapid weight loss in Olympic weightlifters
Authors: Gee Thomas I , Campbell Paul , Bargh Melissa J , Martin Daniel
Published: December 2024

Background

Weight-class athletes commonly engage in rapid weight loss (RWL) practices.

Aim

Investigate attributed RWL perceptions and thoughts of UK-based Olympic weightlifters.

Methods

Participants (n: 39, male: 22, female: 17) were selected from International Weightlifting Federation populations, 85% had previously acutely reduced pre-competition body mass. The ‘Pre-competition weight management practices questionnaire’ featured open-ended questions concerning feelings, mood and thoughts during RWL. Qualitative responses were subsequently analysed using content analysis principles.

Results

Negative thoughts and perceptions were commonly attributed concerning RWL, of which codes: irritation, hunger, fatigue, anxiety and low mood accounted for 72% of the 72 data extracts. Females more frequently attributed codes of anxiety, hunger and low mood.

Conclusion

The prevalence of negative thoughts and perceptions of RWL accord to previous reports within strength-sport athletes. Olympic weightlifting athletes and coaches should contemplate if negative feelings/mood perceived during RWL are a tolerable factor within pre-event preparation to compete in a desired weight class.
The Public Sphere, the Post-University and the Scholarly Apparatus: An Introduction
Authors: Featherstone Mike
Published: December 2024

This introduction contextualizes a set of papers, which originated from the Theory, Culture & Society Summer School, that explore the connections between the public sphere, the post-university and the scholarly apparatus. The impetus was the consideration of Habermas’s recent writings on the structural changes in the public sphere, along with his concerns about the mediating role of the university and its capacity to act as a specialized internal public sphere. Yet, with digitalization, metrics have become increasingly important in administration and evaluation of faculty. This has been accompanied by significant shifts in the digitalization of the scholarly apparatus and the way of conducting research and publishing. A consequence has been calls to rethink the public function of the university and related knowledge institutions, and to explore new forms of educational practice in relation to media and computer literacy.
Family relationship quality and psychological and cognitive health among grandparent caregivers: The moderating role of co-residence with adult children
Authors: Jang Heejung , Stephan Abigail T. , Ross Lesley A. , Jeong Mijin , Mogle Jacqueline
Published: December 2024

The present study explores how family relationship quality is associated with psychological and cognitive health among grandparents who had primary responsibility in raising their grandchildren and examines whether co-residence with adult children moderates this relationship. The study uses data from 589 grandparents who completed the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) is used to identify grandparent-family relationship types. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models are used to estimate the association between relationship types and psychological and cognitive health (i.e., psychological distress, psychological well-being, episodic memory, and executive function). LPA identified four grandparent-family relationship types: amicable, ambivalent, neutral, and disharmonious. Compared to grandparents with amicable family relationships, those with ambivalent family relationships had significantly higher levels of psychological distress, reduced psychological well-being, and poorer episodic memory. Further, the association between ambivalent relationships and episodic memory was stronger among respondents who co-resided with their adult children. Emotional closeness with family is essential for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. This study contributes to a more detailed understanding of the role of relationships with family and suggests that emotional and instrumental support from family is important for increasing grandparent caregivers’ psychological and cognitive well-being.
The Drawing Effect: Does Drawing Really Enhance Recall Memory?
Authors: Mykoniatis Susanna , Smith Kaile , Drake Jennifer E.
Published: December 2024

There is some evidence that the best strategy for remembering text-based information is drawing when using a mixed list design where participants both draw and write in the same list. There is also some evidence that the memory benefits of drawing are reduced when using a pure list design where participants draw or write in separate lists. In this study ( n = 91), we compared three encoding strategies for recalling a list of scientific terms and their definitions: drawing, paraphrasing, and writing the definitions, and randomly assigned participants to a condition. We also examined individual difference factors that might impact these encoding strategies. We found no difference across conditions. Instead, drawing abilities, working memory, and familiarity for what was to be remembered predicted recall performance. We conclude that more research is needed before declaring a “drawing effect,” since the effect is reduced when using a pure list design.
High mortality associated with avian reoviral hepatitis in young quail (Colinus virginianus)
Authors: Sitthicharoenchai Panchan , Zhang Jianqiang , Tian Liying , Stasko Judith , Hashish Amro , Hsueh Cheng-Shun , Sato Yuko , Hause Benjamin , El-Gazzar Mohamed
Published: December 2024

High mortality in bobwhite quail chicks ( Colinus virginianus) (35%–85%) was reported from a grower flock in Iowa during July and August of 2022. Two diagnostic submissions of dead, 3-day-old quail chicks were received. Postmortem examination revealed multifocal, pinpoint, pale tan foci in the liver of all birds. Histologic examination revealed moderate to severe, acute, multifocal, random necrotizing hepatitis with multinucleated cells and dystrophic mineralization. Metagenomic sequencing of liver detected orthoreovirus. A high level of avian reovirus (ARV) RNA was identified by real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR. ARV was successfully isolated from liver and lung on the Leghorn male hepatoma cell line. In addition, electron microscopy revealed orthoreovirus viral particles and virus factories in the formalin-fixed livers and viral-infected cell culture. This case highlights ARV as a potential cause of hepatitis in quail chicks and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Analysis of true and false sticker breakouts’ characteristics based on mould thermal image
Authors: Liu Yu , Liu Jiabin , Yu Zhuoxin , Wang Zhaofeng , Zhang Zhitao , Gao Yali
Published: December 2024

All 198 samples were obtained for past three years, including true and false sticker breakouts. Based on the mould thermal image of temperature rate, temperature, geometric and shape characteristics were calculated, such as maximum temperature rate, height, width, area, perimeter, circularity, rectangularity and aspect ratio. The difference of true and false sticker breakouts was compared and analysed. The results show that the maximum temperature rate of hot region is 7.13 °C/s for true sticker breakout while it is 5.27 °C/s for false sticker breakout. The minimum temperature rate of cold region is −4.31 °C/s for true sticker breakout while it is −3.43 °C/s for false sticker breakout. The maximum and minimum temperature rates of true sticker breakout are usually more than those of false sticker breakout. When the area of hot region exceeds 24,998 pixels, no sticker breakout has occurred, but there were 10 samples of false sticker breakout. The height, width and areas of hot and cold regions are more concentrated for true sticker breakouts, while false sticker breakout are more scattered. The circularity value of hot region is in the range of 0.17–0.52 for true sticker breakout, which is generally lower than the false sticker breakout (0.13–0.87). The shape of cold region is closer to a circular shape for true sticker breakout.
Response to Kevin Power’s Foulkes Lecture ‘On the impulse to impart’. Reflections on language, culture, translation and migration
Authors: Hudson Inge
Published: December 2024

Yarning circles of the Australian aboriginal peoples are an example of how culture has evolved through the sharing of stories and experiences with others over time. They illustrate how language, culture, identity and geographical location are inextricably linked. Australian aboriginal languages are unique and unrelated to any other language group due to having developed in a place completely cut off from the rest of the world, but all languages and cultures are linked to particular locations and distinct groups of people. There are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world today. So how are we to overcome the barriers created by the existence of so many different languages and cultures? Is it possible to translate culture as well as language? What is involved in making the transition from one language and culture to another?
The Relation Between Mathematics Anxiety and Mathematics Competence for Students With Versus Without Mathematics Learning Difficulties
Authors: Namkung Jessica M. , Peng Peng , Goodrich Marc J.
Published: December 2024

This study is a secondary analysis of the data collected in a randomized control trial study with sixth graders with mathematics learning difficulties (MLDs). We explored the relation between mathematics anxiety and mathematics performance for students with and without MLD. We further explored whether mathematics vocabulary and computational fluency mediate the relation between mathematics anxiety and mathematics performance, and whether such relations differ for students with and without MLD. Sixth graders ( N = 245) with ( n = 65) and without MLD ( n = 180) were assessed on mathematics anxiety, mathematics vocabulary, computational fluency, and mathematics competence. Results indicated that for students without MLD, mathematics anxiety had a direct negative effect on mathematics vocabulary and computational fluency, which had a direct positive effect on mathematics competence. Mathematics vocabulary and computational fluency fully mediated the relation between mathematics anxiety and mathematics competence for the no-MLD group. For students with MLD, only mathematics vocabulary had a significant direct effect on mathematics competence. Our findings suggest that the nature of the relation between mathematics anxiety and mathematics competence differs by MLD status, and students with MLD may require different types of intervention to improve mathematics competence.
Inter-Specialty Communication for Older and High-Risk Surgical Patients: “A Huge Opportunity to Really Impact Our Patients’ Care”
Authors: Ron Donna , Ballacchino Madison M. , Gunn Christine M. , Briggs Alexandra , Deiner Stacie G.
Published: December 2024

Older adults benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to perioperative care, with reductions in length of stay and postoperative readmission. To explore perioperative communication, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with anesthesia, surgery, and primary care providers caring for older patients in northern New England. Communication barriers included cumbersome health information exchange with system fragmentation across and within electronic health records resulting in clinician and administrative burden and unnecessary duplication of services. Clinicians expressed the value of preoperative communication across specialties but described a lack of timely communication with colleagues caring for shared patients and uncertainty about specialty roles and responsibilities. Preferences and use patterns of communication modalities varied across specialties, but the need for direct, secure communication linked to the patient chart was consistent. Clinicians emphasized the importance of communication for efficiency and patient safety and suggested strengthening perioperative care pathways through improvements in technological and organizational infrastructure and interprofessional relationships.
The thermodynamic numerical model of nitrogen diffusivity in poly (vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Azimi Hamidreza , Ghanizadeh Farid
Published: December 2024

In this work, we recommended a numerical model in which the diffusivity of nitrogen in poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) could be determined from the specific volume of polymer/gas system. In this study, PVA with applicable properties was used as polymer matrix and supercritical nitrogen (N2), was selected as a gas or blowing agent. Firstly, the solubility and diffusivity of nitrogen into PVA were calculated via a magnetic suspension balance (MSB) system. The effects revealed that the thermodynamic parameters like solubility and diffusivity of nitrogen improved with an increase in pressure. Furthermore a diffusion model was proposed, considering the thermodynamic aspects of PVA/N2 system. It has been proven that there was an appropriate overlapping among the experimental and expected amounts from the model. Also it was shown that the model effectively predict the diffusion coefficient of nitrogen in PVA whenever the chemical potential derivative and the absolute specific free volume of N2 in PVA were known.
Is it OK? The use of the English neuter pronoun it to refer to children
Authors: Hanna Kirsten
Published: December 2024

If it is dehumanising to refer to an adult with it, why is it applied happily to their children? The use of the neuter pronoun it to refer to children is an understudied aspect of English pronoun use. This paper explores this usage in the Aotearoa/NZ news media. It shows that the pronoun is used in more contexts than the literature suggests and there may be diverse motivations for its adoption. Irrespective of speaker intentions, this usage may contribute to deficit views of children, portraying them as lesser humans through association with the non-human entities to which it typically refers.
Histories of childhood and man: Implications for childhood studies
Authors: Knight Hunter
Published: December 2024

Childhood studies is a field invested in history. This article positions histories of childhood within the context of anticolonial theory of the human, grounding the emergence of dominant Western stories of childhood in relation to Sylvia Wynter’s theorization of Man. Weaving together critical theory, theorizations of childhood, and epistemological challenges to childhood studies, this work illustrates the ways that childhood becomes knowable through the colonial and racial violence embedded in Western ideas of the human. This larger history provides context for the exclusionary nature of Western childhood and also points to childhood as a critical site for undoing Man.
Segnet unveiled: Robust image segmentation via rigorous K-fold cross-validation analysis
Authors: Pious Ignatious K. , Srinivasan R.
Published: December 2024

In computer vision, image segmentation is crucial with applications ranging from autonomous driving to medical imaging. To provide reliable segmentation across varied datasets, this study assesses the performance of an image segmentation model based on SegNet. Using a five-fold and a K-fold cross-validation method, the SegNet model is thoroughly validated. Intersection over Union (IOU), Dice Coefficient, Precision, Recall, Accuracy, and loss metrics are measured in the study to assess how well the model performs and is optimized throughout training. The SegNet model consistently performs well throughout the folds, with Dice Coefficient values ranging from 88.32% to 89.8% and IOU scores ranging from 94.53% to 95.05%. The model's dependability is confirmed by metrics like precision, recall, and accuracy, all of which often exceed 90%. Loss values between 0.495 and 0.547 show that training optimized the system effectively. By enhancing the validation reliability, the K-fold cross-validation method highlights by what means the SegNet model segments objects in images across a range of datasets. These outcomes strengthen the confidence in the model's ability to generalize and highlight its potential for several practical uses in image segmentation.
Risk factors for recurrence in patients with uterine fibroids treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Bian Xiaoyan , Gu Xiaofeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Uterine fibroids, benign smooth muscle tumors prevalent in the female genital tract, affecting up to 40% of women of childbearing age. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has emerged as a promising non-invasive approach for treating uterine fibroids, but some patients may still experience recurrence of uterine fibroids after treatment.

Objective

This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with uterine fibroid recurrence following HIFU treatment, and to provide a basis for formulating response measures to prevent uterine fibroid recurrence after surgery in clinical practice.

Methods

In this regression observational study, 120 patients with uterine fibroids who underwent HIFU therapy at our institution from Jan 2018 to Dec 2021 were included as the study subjects. Collect clinical data of all included patients, and follow up for a total of 2 years every 6 menstrual periods with gynecological ultrasound or related examinations after surgery. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for recurrence in potential uterine fibroid patients receiving HIFU knife treatment.

Results

Patients were divided into a relapse group (n = 27) and a non-relapse group (n = 93) based on recurrence during the follow-up period. The outcome of univariate analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in age, BMI, age at menarche, history of preoperative pregnancy, history of postoperative pregnancy, family history of uterine fibroids, Bcl-2, FSH, LH, E2, PRL, P, and T between the two groups ( p > 0.05). Notably, significant differences were observed in fibroid diameter, ER, and PR ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed uterine fibroid diameter (OR = 28.032, 6.074 ∼ 129.372), PR (OR = 4.642, 2.382 ∼ 9.049), and ER (OR = 3.435, 1.820 ∼ 6.483) were independent risk factors for uterine fibroid recurrence after HIFU knife treatment. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of uterine fibroid recurrence predicted by fibroid diameter, ER, and PR after HIFU knife treatment were 0.791, 0.738, and 0.785, respectively.

Conclusion

The diameter, ER, and PR of uterine fibroids are closely related to the recurrence of uterine fibroids after surgical treatment, and it is worth implementing key perioperative management in clinical practice to prevent and manage the recurrence of uterine fibroids.
Impact of intrathecal infusion port system on patients with advanced cancer pain and their caregivers
Authors: Yang Xiao-Qian , Hao Dan-Dan , Chen Peng , Jin Hai-Yan , Deng Li-Hua , Meng Jing , Chen Mei-Gui
Published: December 2024

Objective

The impact of the intrathecal infusion port system on patients with advanced cancer pain and the nursing workload on their primary caregivers was investigated in this study.

Methods

Between January 2018 and December 2021, a total of 26 patients with advanced cancer pain who received intrathecal infusion in our hospital, were enrolled in this study along with their primary caregivers. Assessments of patients’ pain levels, adverse reactions, and quality of life, as well as the nursing workload of primary caregivers were evaluated.

Results

The findings revealed a significant reduction in pain scores, decreasing from (7.42 ± 0.58) one week before treatment to (2.00 ± 0.56) one week after treatment, and maintaining a similar level at (2.07 ± 0.56) one month post-treatment, with a concomitant decrease in associated complications. Moreover, an improvement in overall quality of life was observed, as evident in the total physical health scores, which increased from (33.97 ± 7.14) one week prior to treatment to (47.44 ± 10.14) one week post-treatment and (48.56 ± 9.35) one month post-treatment. The total psychological health scores exhibited a positive trajectory, rising from (52.50 ± 23.55) one week before treatment to (65.00 ± 16.55) one week after treatment, ultimately reaching (69.42 ± 15.64) one month post-treatment. Furthermore, the primary caregivers’ nursing workload experienced a consistent decline, decreasing from (51.54 ± 7.30) one week before treatment to (46.54 ± 5.57) one week after treatment and further diminishing to (45.32 ± 6.41) one month after treatment. Repeated measures of variance showed that there were significant differences in pain, quality of life, and primary caregivers’ nursing workload at different time points ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The intrathecal infusion port system can effectively reduce the pain level of patients with advanced cancer pain, improve their quality of life, and reduce the nursing workload of their primary caregivers.
Advancement of post-market surveillance of medical devices leveraging artificial intelligence: Patient monitors case study
Authors: Bećirović Faruk , Spahić Lemana , Merdović Nejra , Gurbeta Pokvić Lejla , Badnjević Almir
Published: December 2024

Background

Healthcare institutions throughout the world rely on medical devices to provide their services reliably and effectively. However, medical devices can, and do sometimes fail. These failures pose significant risk to patients.

Objective

One way to address these issues is through the use of artificial intelligence for the detection of medical device failure. This goal of this study was to develop automated systems utilising machine learning algorithms to predict patient monitor performance and potential failures based on data collected during regular safety and performance inspections.

Methods

The system developed in this study utilised machine learning techniques as its core. Throughout the study four algorithms were utilised. These algorithms include Decision Tree, Random Forest, Linear Regression and Support Vector Machines.

Results

Final results showed that Random Forest algorithms had the best performance on various metrics among the four developed models. It achieved accuracy of 94% and precision and recall of 70% and 93% respectively.

Conclusion

This study shows that use of systems like the one developed in this study have the potential to improve management and maintenance of medical devices.
LINC01004/hsa-mir-125b-2-3p axis restrains ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting HSPA4 via ceRNA mechanism
Authors: Gao Han , Fan Li , Gai Xue , Fu Rong , Li Guohua , Jing Kexin , Xu Jingwei , Sun Shengjian
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To investigate the latent mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and find therapeutic targets.

Methods

Differentially expressed and overall survival related genes of HCC, and cell death related genes were intersected to obtain latent target genes. These genes were analyzed using ROC curve for diagnosing HCC. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to detect the expression level of genes. Wound healing tests were performed with or without si-HSPA4. Potential ceRNA axis was forecasted using TargetScan and miRanda and the dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the results. Finally, the images of H&E dye liquor-stained HCC tissue section, the CT images for patients in different tumor stage.

Results

LINC01004/hsa-miR-125b-2-3p/HSPA4 axis was forecasted and then was verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay. HSPA4 knockdown caused significant reduction of cell proliferation and ferroptosis. Si-HSPA4 related ferroptosis was generated through impairing iron transport via targeting restrain GPX4. For human subjects, the RT-qPCR analysis revealed the that the larger the tumor diameter, the higher the LINC01004, HSPA4, and GPX4 expression, and the lower the hsa-miR-125b-2-3p expression.

Conclusion

LINC01004/hsa-miR-125b-2-3p/HSPA4 regulatory axis involved in the ferroptosis of the progression of HCC via GPX4 dependent method, providing new therapeutic targets for HCC patients.
The clinical value of spectral CT combined with targeted scanning technology in the diagnosis of invasive ground glass nodules in pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lan Bing , Zang Jialin , Liu Bo , Wang Li , Wang Yuguang , Li Bo , Zheng Chunlei , Li Bin , Zhang Tianyu
Published: December 2024

Background

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a predominant form of lung cancer, is characterized by diverse histopathological subtypes, including ground-glass nodules (GGNs), which may represent different degrees of malignancy. The accurate differentiation between invasive and non-invasive GGNs is paramount, as it significantly influences clinical management and treatment strategies.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of spectral CT combined with targeted scanning in diagnosing invasive GGNs in pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 120 patients with GGNs, who underwent spectral CT and targeted scanning at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College (Nov 2021 - Dec 2022), was conducted. Patients were categorized based on postoperative pathology into non-invasive (66) and invasive (54) groups. Imaging features and values of various indicators including water concentration (WC), spectral curve slope (k value), and iodine concentration across different phases were analyzed and compared. Key independent factors for invasive GGN and the predictive value of the combined imaging technique were explored.

Results

The invasive lesion group showed a higher incidence of fissure sign, spiculation sign, and bronchial inflation sign, along with increased values of WC, WCAP, and WCVP across phases ( p < 0.05). These factors were identified as main influencers of invasive GGN, with OR values >1. The combined imaging parameters achieved an AUC of 0.914, sensitivity of 0.925, and specificity of 0.880, significantly outperforming individual indicators.

Conclusion

Fissure sign, spiculation sign, bronchial inflation sign, WC, WCAP, and WCVP effectively predict invasive GGNs in pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Their combined application enhances predictive accuracy.
A descriptive cross-sectional study on the cumulative frequency of pediatric procedural sedation in 0- to 3-year-old children
Authors: Yi Tingting , Lv Zhiquan , Luo Hongxia , Wang Shouyong
Published: December 2024

Background

Recurrent illnesses and poor adherence to medical procedures render infants and young children vulnerable to procedural sedation, while repeated or prolonged exposure to anesthetic medications and sedative drugs may potentially exert adverse effects on the developing brain.

Objective

To investigate the distribution of cumulative frequency and the use of general anesthetic drugs in pediatric procedural sedation for children aged 0 to 3 years.

Methods

The records of all children treated in the Sedation Clinic of the Children's Medical Center of our university in November 2021 were extracted as the sample. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, and the cumulative frequency of pediatric procedural sedation in 0- to 3-year-old children was investigated as the first endpoint.

Results

A total of 3439 independent children were included in this study, 2649 (77.0%), 471 (13.7%), 270 (7.9%) and 49 (1.4%) children with 1 to 3, 3 to 5, 5 to 10 and ≥10 rounds of the cumulative frequency of sedation, respectively, and 929 (27%) of those were identified general anesthetics using. There was no significant difference in the gender ratio of each cumulative frequency strata subgroup compared with that of the total sample.

Conclusions

The present study concluded that some 0- to 3-year-old children are at risk of large cumulative frequency of pediatric procedural sedation and high risk of general anesthetics exposure.