bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical and Electronic Properties of Magnesium/Molybdenum Disulfide Heterojunction Field Effect Transistors: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Chen Xidong , Tang Naiyun , Mahmoud Mohamed H. , Altinawi Amir
Published: August 2023

The present article designs two-dimensional heterojunction duplex material FETs based on binary monolayer material, Mg and molybdenum disulfide. Despite having a hexagonal crystal structure, the monolayer Mg and molybdenum disulfide have good lattice matching ability, with a mismatch
degree of approximately 5%. The electrostatic characteristics of Mg/molybdenum disulfide field effect transistors (FETs) are well suited for compact fabrication. Electronic structure of first-principles investigations, optical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of MODES field-effect
transistors based on density functional theory are mastered in order to master the electrostatic doping associated features of FETs. Based on the Silvaco TCAD platform, this simulation study was performed. There is theoretical value in engineering practice, both in terms of design and application.
Kartogenin (KGN) Reverses Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Advanced Stages: Effects on Cell Viability, Senescence, Extracellular Matrix, and Matrix Metalloproteinases
Authors: Chen Dongfeng , Li Ying , Wang Qiang , Zhang Minghua , Huang Shiming , Zhan Peng
Published: August 2023

This study examined the effects of Kartogenin (KGN), a small molecule compound, on intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) cells of varying degrees. Human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were isolated from tissues with different levels of degeneration, and the influence of KGN on cell viability,
senescence, extracellular matrix (ECM), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production was investigated. Mild and severe degeneration of NP cells was induced using IL-1β. KGN increased cell viability in naturally regressive NP cells, particularly in severely regressive cells.
It had no effect on healthy NP cells but promoted collagen II, aggrecan, and proliferation while decreasing p16, p21, p53, collagen I, MMP3/9, and apoptosis in naturally regressive NP cells, especially at advanced degeneration stages. Furthermore, KGN effectively prevented IL-1β-induced
NP degeneration, particularly at a 10 ng/mL dose. KGN delayed NP cell degeneration, with a greater impact observed at later degeneration stages. Therefore, KGN shows potential for repairing IDD in advanced stages, but higher doses should be considered for early-stage IDD.
Effects of Tolerant Nanoparticles Loaded with Various Regulatory Molecules on the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Liang Weiwei , Cong Lin , Yu Hongmei
Published: August 2023

This research investigated the effects of tolerating nanoparticles (tNPs) loaded with multiple regulatory molecules on progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA), multiple regulatory molecular fragments (Fc) (programmed
death receptor ligand 1-Fc (PD-L1-Fc), CD47-Fc), transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), and multiple oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antigen peptides (p-MOG) were selected to prepare the tNPs (MRM-tNPs) loaded with various regulatory molecules. Then, the MRM-tNPs were applied
in MOG35-55 polypeptide-induced EAE mouse model. According to the treatment methods, the mice were rolled into a group A (BS therapeutic agent), a group B (no-load-NPs), a group C (MOG-tNPs), and a group D (MRM-tNPs). The therapeutic effects were evaluated by the inflammatory infiltration
degree (IID), demyelination loss degree (DLD), and apoptosis rate (AR) of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The Results showed that the encapsulation rate (ER) of TGF-β1 was 87.65%, and its cumulative release rate (RR) was 58.22%. There were obvious fluorescence signals
on MRM-tNPs, MRM-tNPs without PD-L1, and MRM-tNPs without CD47. The neurological function (NF) score in the group D after MRM-tNPs treatment was less than 2 points (P <0.05). The scores of IID and DLD in the brain and spinal cord (SC) of EAE mice in the group D were much lower to
those in groups A, B, and C, and the ARs of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were higher (P <0.05). In conclusion, the tNPs loaded with various regulatory molecules can promote the apoptosis of antigen-specific T cells (AST) and reduce the infiltration and demyelination
of inflammatory cells, thus alleviating the EAE.
Stronger Tropical Cyclone–Induced Ocean Cooling in Near-Coastal Regions Compared to the Open Ocean
Authors: Dac Da Nguyen , Foltz Gregory R. , Balaguru Karthik , Fernald Eleda
Published: August 2023

Tropical cyclones (TC) often induce strong mixing in the upper ocean that generates a trail of cooler sea surface temperature (Twake) in their wakes. The Twake can affect TC intensity, so its prediction is important, especially in coastal regions where TCs can make landfall. Coastal Twakes are often more complex than those in the open ocean due to the influences of coastline geometry, highly variable water depth, continental runoff, and shelf processes. Using observational data since 2002, here we show a significantly stronger global mean Twake in coastal regions compared to offshore regions. Temperature stratification is the main driver of stronger coastal Twakes in the North Atlantic and east Pacific. In the northwest Pacific and north Indian Ocean, the differences between coastal and offshore Twakes are smaller due to compensation between TC forcings and ocean stratification. The north Indian Ocean is unique in the Northern Hemisphere because salinity stratification plays a major role on the spatial distribution of Twake. In the South Pacific Ocean, TC intensity and translation speed are crucial for explaining coastal–offshore Twake differences, while ocean stratification and mixed layer depth are more important for the coastal–offshore Twake differences in the south Indian Ocean. These findings suggest that coastal–offshore differences in ocean stratification need to be properly represented in models in order to capture changes in TC-induced ocean cooling as storms approach landfall.

Significance Statement

Landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) often cause considerable damage in coastal regions with dense human populations. Understanding TC–ocean interaction and how it differs between coastal and offshore regions can help predict TC intensity prior to landfall. Sea surface cooling after TC passage is an important proxy for TC–ocean interaction. A global evaluation of coastal TC-induced cooling has not been conducted. Using data covering two decades, we show significantly stronger TC-induced surface cooling in coastal regions compared to offshore regions at the global scale and in all basins except the northwest Pacific and north Indian Ocean. The difference is driven mainly by upper-ocean conditions in the North Atlantic, east Pacific, and south Indian Ocean, and by TC characteristics in the South Pacific.
Realism, Mechanism, Effect, and Comparative Contentious Politics
Authors: Demetriou Chares
Published: August 2023

Charles Tilly was instrumental in launching the comparative study of contentious politics through key contributions delineating and defining the subject matter. But his input is epistemological as well as theoretical and substantive. What characterizes his epistemology is a realist mechanistic explanation rendering mechanisms tools of both explanation and comparison. Employing the realist perspective, this article examines Tilly’s focus on mechanisms and some of the ensuing challenges for comparative contentious politics. It argues that mechanisms can explain confidently the emergence of contention in given episodes and can enable the comparison of emergence across episodes but cannot generalize easily about them. This tension between the particular and the general characterizes also the task of conceptualization because the key concepts in this field of study refer to processes. What ameliorates this tension is to conceptually decouple the effect produced in mechanism operation from the modality of such operation and to assign epistemological weight to the effect. This move is discussed with reference to distinctions among mechanisms, to distinctions among concatenations of mechanisms, and to potentiality.
Investing in the Future: A Premedical Surgical Elective for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Duffy Taylor L. , Ahmad Yaser , Lewis Gideon J. , Brazendale Keith
Published: August 2023

Background

Research has shown that providing surgical exposure and mentorship before clerkship can bolster interest and cultivate quality surgical residents. However, most studies have focused exclusively on programs for 1st and 2nd year medical students. The purpose of this study is to describe a novel undergraduate premedical surgical elective (PMSE) and the interests and perceptions of PMSE participants of the surgical field.

Methods

Undergraduate students applied for a semester long PMSE that included surgical shadowing, mentorship, a research component, attendance at seminars, and hands-on workshops. Post-PMSE completion, participants were invited to complete an online survey about their perceptions of pursuing a career in surgery and their specialties of interest.

Results

Thirty-six PMSE participants completed the survey (21 females and 15 males). More than half (57%) of female respondents expressed interest in a surgical career. Most respondents (78%) agreed or strongly agreed that they are confident in their ability to become a surgeon. A lower proportion of female respondents (33%) believed the atmosphere of the surgical field to be inclusive than males (53%). Males accumulated significantly more surgical shadowing hours than females ( P < .05).

Discussion

Findings from this study describe a novel PMSE at a large undergraduate institution. Survey data of PMSE participants revealed a high proportion of female respondents would like to pursue a career in surgery and reported confidence in achieving this. However, females perceived the field to be less inclusive than male respondents. Improving inclusivity may require increased focus and attention by PMSEs and surgical education programs.
The Main Factors Underpinning Turkey–China Relations: The ‘Turkic World’ Narrative and Its Implications for Future Relations
Authors: Hovsepyan Levon
Published: August 2023

This article analyses how shifts in the international system and Turkish domestic factors determine the current relations between Turkey and China. They are combined with changes in the international system and Turkish domestic economic, political and ideological factors. The Uyghur issue, Turkey’s new activism in Central Asia, and the ‘Turkic narrative’ are analysed in the context of bilateral relations. The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War brought the ‘Turkic narrative’ to a new level and gave new impetus and confidence to Ankara in forging a new assertive foreign policy in Central Asia, which could be a challenge for Beijing in the future.
War and Control: A Study of Chinese Migrants in Assam in the Late Colonial Period
Authors: Saikia Papari
Published: August 2023

World War II (WWII) directly impacted the lives of Chinese migrants living in Assam, the Northeastern frontier of British India. The major wars that impacted the lives of Chinese migrants in Assam were the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and WWII. Most of the literature focuses on the Sino-Indian War of 1962, its impact, internment and sociopolitical and cultural aspect of the community afterwards. This study shifts its attention to WWII and its effect on the community. This article investigates the relationship between the colonial state and the migrants. While the state tried to control the population, the community found many ways to negotiate with these control mechanisms, though they were vulnerable. It argues that the community’s experience during WWII is central to understanding their experience during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. The control mechanism, like registration, provided them with legal status in Assam but did not ensure legal activities. Sometimes, these activities can be seen as reacting to the control mechanisms.
Risk Preference, Gender, Responsibility: A Cross-Cultural Study from India
Authors: Banerjee Debosree
Published: August 2023

The study critically engages the literature on gender differences in risk-taking and investigates how the decision-making environment causes variations in risk preferences. It specifically explores two environmental factors: cultural environments and an environment that increases responsibility. Through an experiment conducted in two small-scale societies, namely, the matrilineal Khasi and the patrilineal Santal, the study reveals evidence of higher risk aversion among women compared with men within each tribe. In addition, Khasi women exhibit greater risk aversion than Santal women, while Santal men demonstrate higher risk proneness than Khasi men. These findings align with the predictions of the economy of the scale model, which explores the impact of offspring provisioning on the gendered division of high- and low-risk labor. To assess the effect of increased responsibility, participants played the same game twice—once individually and once in groups where they were accountable for the payoffs of all group members. The results indicate that increased individual risk aversion further amplifies risk aversion in group settings. Overall, these findings suggest that psychological developments are influenced by a complex interplay between personality traits and the decision-making environment.
Rethinking Antitrust for the Cloud Era
Authors: Berk Gerald , Saxenian AnnaLee
Published: August 2023

This article asks how antitrust can foster innovation by examining the development of infrastructure for data processing in the cloud. We contrast Amazon Web Services' centralized model with Google Cloud Platform's more decentralized, participatory ecosystem. We argue that rather than trying to reduce the power imbalance between platforms and independent database companies, antitrust should seek to channel platforms from the centralized model toward the decentralized ecosystem by (1) making partnership more attractive than mergers and (2) enlisting open-source foundations to help manage interoperability in the cloud. This requires breaking down the silos between competition, technology, and industrial policy.
Welcome to the shopping revolution! Commodifying selfhood and rearticulating consumer capitalism at the Metro Centre, Gateshead
Authors: Casey Emma
Published: August 2023

Drawing on original archive material from the Tyne and Wear Archives, this article examines the sociological significance of the Metro Centre shopping mall, built in Gateshead in North East England in 1986, at the time the biggest in Europe. It explores how the Metro Centre marked a call to accept the new and ‘prevailing ideals’ of consumption and represented a key moment for the reformulation of selfhoods as consumer identity practices. Adopting Walter Benjamin’s notion of the ‘hollow mould’ of modernity, the article positions the Metro Centre as an embodiment and material form of wider social, political and economic shifts. Its geographical location at the epicentre of British de-industrialisation is highly significant and marks a key moment where citizens and consumer selfhoods were fused. The shifting discourses around consumerism that occurred during this time, against the backdrop of the increasingly populist ideology of Thatcherism, set the foundations for the emergence of a new neoliberal consumer citizen, who was promised choice, personal growth and wellbeing via consumerism. I will show how new neoliberal ideals of aspiration and meritocracy became interwoven into a new language of consumption that was heavily promoted by the Metro Centre. In fact, the Metro Centre was pivotal in promoting new forms of social exclusion and new articulations of global capitalist production. The article concludes by proposing that the Metro Centre came to embody new neoliberal notions of social ‘worth’, value and inclusion entwined with engagement in new processes and practices of consumption.
Numerical analysis of airflow fields in new modified melt-blowing dies
Authors: Zou Fangdong , Zhou Qi , Wang Xinhou
Published: August 2023

Considerable research has been devoted to the optimization of die configuration to effectively reduce both fiber diameter and roping defects. While some progress has been made, the challenge of developing an improvement method for the melt-blowing die that maintains the production efficiency of the original equipment while not damaging it and without introducing unnecessary energy consumption, still persists. Herein, we report a series of new modified dies featuring gradually shrinking air slots along with an internal flow stabilizer or arc nose piece that can be obtained without damaging the original die. The simulation results indicate that the new modified die demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in various aspects. Notably, it resulted in a substantial increase of 40.61% and 11.18 K in average centerline air velocity and average air stagnation temperature, respectively, while simultaneously achieving a remarkable reduction of 49.45% in average centerline turbulence kinetic energy. In addition, our modifications yielded an impressive maximum reduction of 23.08% in fiber diameter. The simulated motion characteristics of the polymer jet demonstrated that the new modified die exhibited superior polymer jet attenuation and lower whipping amplitude. The findings of this study indicate that the new modified die, which incorporates gradually shrinking air slots along with an internal flow stabilizer or arc nose piece, shows promise for the production of melt-blown nonwovens with smaller fiber sizes and a reduced occurrence of roping defects. Future research and development will concentrate on practically implementing this technology in melt-blowing production.
A critical review on recent developments and solutions in the high-speed ring spinning process
Authors: Abdkader A , Hossain M
Published: August 2023

Twist plays an important role in textile technology, particularly in the production of staple yarn structures. Due to the higher yarn quality and flexibility of the process, most short staple fiber yarns are produced in the ring spinning process in comparison to other high-speed spinning processes, such as rotor or air jet spinning. To impart twist in the yarn, the ring/traveler system, rotor and air jet nozzle are used in the ring, rotor and air jet spinning processes respectively. However, the productivity of the ring spinning process is limited significantly due to the frictional heat generated between the ring and traveler, especially at higher angular spindle speeds, which is crucial for the spinning of man-made fibers. This paper aims to describe the recent developments and solutions for increasing productivity in the ring spinning process in a systemic way. To reduce the friction, different topologies and surface modifications in the ring/traveler system were made to increase the angular spindle speed of maximum 23,000 rpm. To eliminate the friction, the twisting element was made of an air bearing or magnetically elevated rings were developed by replacing the ring/traveler system completely, thus permitting a higher angular spindle speed of up to 50,000 rpm. Further approaches deal with cap, loop and nova spinning or Nu-Torque technology to reduce yarn tension or residual torque in the yarn, respectively. The results of the presented work reveal the potential of different developments, especially in the field of twisting system, so that the productivity of ring spinning can be increased drastically.
Effects of populism: The agenda of fact-checking agencies to counter European right-wing populist parties
Authors: Rivas-de-Roca Rubén , Pérez-Curiel Concha , Casero-Ripollés Andreu
Published: August 2023

European right-wing populism is a widely studied phenomenon in recent years. At the same time, many fact-checking projects have been launched with the purpose of assessing statements from the most relevant social actors. The role of fact-checkers is growing, but there is scant literature on their agenda. In this study, we investigate the communication strategies on Twitter of European right-wing populist parties and their relationship with the agenda of fact-checking initiatives in Germany, France, Spain and Portugal. Based on a content analysis of tweets covering political content ( n = 4212), we analyze not only the agenda but also the use of propaganda mechanisms and the scope of the tweets. The results show how the agenda of right-wing populism was composed of ideological thematic issues. Fact-checkers focus on competitor leaders and generate lower interaction. These findings contribute to increasing research on both actors, arguing that the focus on political leaders impacts on fact-checking.
Punch grafting for the treatment of ulcerated atrophie blanche
Authors: Orbea Sopeña Ana , Conde Montero Elena
Published: August 2023

Case report: A 79-year-old woman presented with a large painful ulcer on the lateral aspect of her left leg over a 6-month period and was diagnosed of ulcerated atrophie blanche. On an outpatient basis punch grafting was performed and 3 weeks after, complete epithelization was achieved. Discussion: Ulcerated atrophie blanche is a misdiagnosed disorder with painful lesions and, consequently, a high impact on quality of life. Atrophie blanche describes porcelain-white colored, red-dotted atrophic plaques on legs or feet. It may be due to multiple causes, usually associated with alterations in the microcirculation. All causes of atrophie blanche can be included in the term livedoid vasculopathy, a type of occlusive vasculopathy without vasculitis. Many patients with atrophie blanche and livedoid vasculopathy have also chronic venous insufficiency. Etiological treatment should be prescribed in order to avoid progression of the lesions. In case of chronic venous insufficiency, control of venous hypertension is essential. Without anti-edema measures, superficial, very painful, and resistant ulcers may appear. These ulcers can be considered a wound on scar tissue; therefore, it must be treated as a hard-to-heal wound. As we show in this case, punch grafting is an effective therapeutic alternative for wound closure and pain reduction of ulcerated atrophie blanche.
Ileus induced by the combination of vinca alkaloids and posaconazole in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Yue , Gong Yin-Hua , Zhao Ming-Feng , Xiao Xia , Wei Xiao-Chen
Published: August 2023

Vinca alkaloid (VA)-induced ileus, a rare but severe autonomic neuropathy, can be enhanced by concomitant use of antifungal triazole agents. We herein present a case of VA-induced ileus in a 17-year-old girl who was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On day 1, the patient received cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and methylprednisolone. On day 2, she began treatment with posaconazole oral suspension at 200 mg three times daily for prophylaxis against invasive fungal infection. On day 5, she began induction therapy consisting of vindesine, methylprednisolone, daunorubicin, and cyclophosphamide. The patient developed severe abdominal pain with marked constipation on day 11 and was diagnosed with incomplete ileus. After switching the antifungal agent to micafungin, performing gastrointestinal decompression, administering parenteral nutrition, and omitting the fourth dose of vindesine, the ileus symptoms were relieved. This case emphasizes the potential interaction between VAs and posaconazole. We also herein present a review of the literature on ileus caused by the combination of VAs and antifungal triazole agents. In clinical practice, physicians and pharmacists should be aware of the possibility of ileus caused by the use of VAs in combination with posaconazole. It is important to reduce complications during chemotherapy to improve patients’ prognosis.
Prehistoric human occupation and adaptation on the hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau in the Early Holocene
Authors: Jin Sunmei , Hou Guangliang , Chen Youcheng , Qiao Hong , Han Bin , E Chongyi , LanCuo Zhuoma , Gao Jingyi , WenDe Zhuoma
Published: August 2023

The occupation process and survival strategies of prehistoric humans on the Tibetan Plateau are important scientific questions for understanding human adaptation to extreme high-altitude environments. Here, we report a newly discovered microlithic site at Daiqu (DQ) in the Tongtian River basin of the central-eastern plateau. We collected 239 lithic artifacts from the DQ site for typological analysis. OSL and AMS14C dating samples were collected from the human active layer. Lipid residues from hearth sediments were analyzed, and we simulated and assessed environmental extremity and route accessibility for the site. Dating results suggest that the stable sedimentary layers began to form around 10.96 ± 0.56 ka BP at the DQ site. Human activity at DQ as early as 9271 ± 143 cal a BP, making it the earliest reported Holocene site with accurate stratigraphic dating on the plateau hinterland to date. Hearths and lithic artifacts indicate that the DQ site was a frequently used seasonal hunting camp, where quality lithic raw material was obtained and microliths processed. Prehistoric humans occupying the site relied on non-ruminant terrestrial animals as food resources. The DQ site is ideally situated to serve as a transit station for hunter-gatherers as they migrated between high and low elevations. Ameliorating Holocene climate promoted prehistoric human exploration of more environmentally extreme areas.
Network-Wide Implementation of Roundabouts Versus Signalized Intersections on Urban Streets: Analytical and Simulation Comparison
Authors: Taglieri David , Liu Hao , Gayah Vikash V.
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the impact of roundabouts implemented at intersections throughout a dense urban network on its operational performance. Metrics considered include the average free-flow speed, flow-moving capacity, trip-serving capacity, and fuel consumption rate. Three intersection strategies are compared: signalized intersections allowing left turns in a permitted manner (TWs), signalized intersections prohibiting left turns (TWLs), and modern roundabouts (RBs). Using the approaches of macroscopic fundamental diagrams and network exit functions, both analytical investigations and microscopic traffic simulations for grid networks were conducted. In general, the results from both analyses agree well. The results reveal that when single-lane roundabouts are applied in networks with a single travel in each direction, the RB network outperforms the TW network for all operational metrics. The RB network also outperforms the TWL network in free-flow speed and flow-moving capacity and has a similar trip-serving capacity as the TWL network. However, when roundabouts with two travel lanes are applied on multi-lane networks, the TWL network exceeds the RB network in both flow-moving and trip-serving capacities. This decrease in the performance of the RB network could possibly come from the complexity imposed on the entering vehicle that wants to use the inner lane. Moreover, because vehicles in the RB network need to accelerate/decelerate more frequently those in the other networks, the RB network generates a higher fuel consumption rate in uncongested and capacity conditions. The findings suggest intersections of roundabouts could be beneficial for networks with a single travel lane in each direction.
Electron beam welding of dissimilar Titanium to aluminium: Interface microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Basude Ambadas , Kumar Adepu , Rajasingh George , Kishore Mugada K
Published: August 2023

Welding of dissimilar metals, titanium–aluminium having wide differences in mechanical and thermal properties was highly challenging. In the present investigation, the electron beam welding method was used to join titanium alloy with pure aluminium. The results show that at the optimum parameter levels such as beam current of 6 mA, welding speed of 8 mm/s, and beam offset of 70:30 (Ti:Al) toward titanium, a defect-free joint with the higher mechanical strength of 120 MPa was achieved compared to the other combination of parameters. The percentage contribution of significant parameters was welding speed of 62%, and beam current of 25%. The scanning electron microscope was used to study the Ti–Al interface microstructure in detail. A significant increase in the micro-hardness in the weld zone was due to a change in titanium microstructure from equiaxed α-phase to acicular α and the formation of Ti-Al intermetallics in the fusion zone. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to analyze the phases present in the fusion zone. It was confirmed that there were mainly Al-Ti compounds like Al2Ti, Al3Ti, AlTi, AlTi2, Al11Ti5. These phases are harmful and contributed to higher hardness and brittleness in the fusion zone. At optimum conditions, a defect-free joint without intermetallics was obtained without an increase in hardness in the fusion zone.
Train/track coupled dynamics model of long heavy haul train based on substructure and parallel computing
Authors: Wang Qi , Xiao Xin-Biao , Wang Jia-Nuo , Wang Wei , Yang Yi , Jin Xue-Song
Published: August 2023

To consider the coupled effect on the running safety between elastic track and longitudinal impulse of Long Heavy Haul Train(LHHT), a train/track coupled dynamics model is established by using connection substructure theory. The ballasted track is divided into several segments called sub-tracks: a sub-track includes rail, sleepers and ballast. In the sub-track model, the sleepers and ballast are modelled as lumped mass. The rail is divided into the contact and connection rail. The contact rail is modelled as an Euler beam to reflect the wheel/rail interaction and the flexible vibration of the rail. The connection rail is modelled as a super element to reflect the interaction between adjacent contact rail. To increase the simulation speed, a new parallel computing method is proposed: a train/track coupled dynamics model is divided into different submodule, a submodule includes a sub-track and a vehicle on the sub-track. A submodule is calculated by a single computer core. The submodule is connected by connection rail, couplers and ballast. The advantage of this parallel method is that the load of each computer core is almost uniform. The simulation speed depends on the number of parallel computing cores instead of one core with a particularly large load. Finally, taking the 10,000-ton train as an example, the distribution of coupler force, the derailment coefficient and wheel unloading rate are given during the train braking on a curve, which shows the application and necessity of the train/track coupled dynamics model based on substructure and parallel computing.
Usefulness of polymerase chain reaction analysis in a case of clinically and histologically atypical nodular granulomatous secondary syphilis
Authors: Falcinelli Francesca , Trovato Emanuele , Baldino Gennaro , Miracco Clelia , Rubegni Pietro , De Piano Ernesto
Published: August 2023

We report a case of a nodular granulomatous secondary syphilis histologically resembling tuberculids in a patient with positive quantiferon test and serology for syphilis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis led to the diagnosis. We underline the usefulness of PCR in clinically and histologically doubtful cases in order to avoid misdiagnosis and delay treatment.
Including the method of detection for breast cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database is long overdue
Authors: Kopans Daniel B , Sharpe Richard E , Eby Peter R
Published: August 2023

Debates about breast cancer screening have continued in part because the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, which began in 1974, has never included the method of detection so that it has been impossible to determine the role that early detection has played in the major decline in deaths from breast cancer that we have seen in the US since 1990. Method of detection should be added to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database as soon as possible.
Public Health Experts Ask CDC Director to Broaden Input on Revisions to Key Infection Control Guidelines
Authors: Brosseau Lisa M. , Gold Deborah , Materna Barbara , Rosen Jonathan , Seminario Peg , Thomason Jane
Published: August 2023

On July 20, 2023 a letter was sent to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requesting the agency's Healthcare Infection Control Practice Advisory Committee seek input from more stakeholders and the public, recognize the importance of infectious disease transmission by inhalation of human-generated aerosols, and ensure the application of interventions from all levels of the control hierarchy.
Oncologists’ Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship: What Role Should Primary Care Play?
Authors: Kurtzman Rachel T. , Barry Kacie , Howard Jenna , Hudson Shawna V. , Crabtree Benjamin F.
Published: August 2023

Background: Despite calls for an enhanced role for primary care for individuals with a history of cancer, primary medical care’s role in adult survivorship care continues to be marginal.

Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 8 medical oncologists with interest in cancer survivorship from 7 National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer centers to understand perspectives on the role of primary care in cancer survivorship.

Results: Two salient overarching thematic patterns emerged. (1) Oncologist’s perspectives diverge on if, how, and when primary care clinicians should be involved in survivorship, ranging from involvement of primary care throughout treatment to a standardized hand-off years post-therapy. (2) Oncologist’s lack understanding about primary care’s expertise and subsequent value in survivorship care.

Conclusion: As oncology continues to be overwhelmed by rising numbers of aging cancer survivors with multi-morbidities, NCI-designated cancer centers should take a leadership role in integrating primary care engaged cancer survivorship.
The Future of AI in Ovarian Cancer Research: The Large Language Models Perspective
Authors: Laios Alexandros , Theophilou Georgios , De Jong Diederick , Kalampokis Evangelos
Published: August 2023

Conversational large language model (LLM)-based chatbots utilize neural networks to process natural language. By generating highly sophisticated outputs from contextual input text, they revolutionize the access to further learning, leading to the development of new skills and personalized interactions. Although they are not developed to provide healthcare, their potential to address biomedical issues is rather unexplored. Healthcare digitalization and documentation of electronic health records is now developing into a standard practice. Developing tools to facilitate clinical review of unstructured data such as LLMs can derive clinical meaningful insights for ovarian cancer, a heterogeneous but devastating disease. Compared to standard approaches, they can host capacity to condense results and optimize analysis time. To help accelerate research in biomedical language processing and improve the validity of scientific writing, task-specific and domain-specific language models may be required. In turn, we propose a bespoke, proprietary ovarian cancer-specific natural language using solely in-domain text, whereas transfer learning drifts away from the pretrained language models to fine-tune task-specific models for all possible downstream applications. This venture will be fueled by the abundance of unstructured text information in the electronic health records resulting in ovarian cancer research ultimately reaching its linguistic home.
A signal compensation-based balance control for the rotary inverted pendulum system
Authors: Li Yue , Xin Xin , Yan Yuhang
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we study the balance control for the rotary inverted pendulum system with two joints both subject to uncertainty. To facilitate the experiment, we apply a classical energy-based swing-up control, eschewing compensation for the uncertainty. In balance control, we employ a novel approach in the form of a modified signal compensation-based balance control, which models the uncertainty as its previously sampled term and its variation. The signal compensation-based balance control involves three steps. First, for the linearized discrete-time state-space model around the upright equilibrium point, we design the main control signal by using the pole-placement technique. Second, we estimate the discrete-time model of the system by using the least squares identification method, thereby unveiling key points in the identification procedure. The discrete-time model presents the uncertainty as a previously sampled term and its variation. Third, we design two discrete-time compensation signals for the previously sampled term and the variation. By combining the main control signal and the two compensation signals, we formulate the balance control law. We further optimize the signal compensation-based balance control by adding an extra parameter, successfully circumventing the critical stability problem, and analyze the performance of the closed-loop system. Numerical simulation and comparative experiments demonstrate its effectiveness and strong robustness against the uncertainty in frictions and modeling errors of the system.
Early experience with the Abre venous stent for central venous stenoses and occlusions in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Aronhime Shimon , Balan Shmuel , Timokhin Aleksey , Avital Yaniv , Cherniavsky Alexei
Published: August 2023

Background:

Hemodialysis patients are prone to stenoses and occlusions throughout the access circuit. Central venous stenoses or occlusions (CVO) can be particularly challenging. There are many different types of balloons and stents available for treatment, including a new generation of dedicated venous stents (VS). In this study, we report our experience and patency rates with the Abre VS in central venous lesions in hemodialysis patients.

Methods:

From April 2020 to May 2023, all procedures with Abre VSs placed for central venous lesions in hemodialysis patients were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively collected database of 980 hemodialysis access interventions. Follow up outcomes were obtained from angiographic images on follow up angiography and included primary patency and primary assisted patency. Effective hemodialysis was considered a surrogate for access patency if no angiographic follow-up was available.

Results:

A total of 15 patients with CVO were treated with the Abre VS. Technical success was 100%. All patients were able to achieve adequate hemodialysis after VS placement. Stents were placed across the thoracic inlet in 73% of patients. Post procedure primary patency at the target lesion site was 85% at 6 months and 70% at 12 months. Primary assisted patency of the circuit was 93% at 6 and 12 months. No stent fractures were observed.

Conclusion:

Treatment of CVO remains extremely challenging, especially when the lesion is located at the thoracic inlet. In these patients, VSs provide acceptable primary patency rates and allow patients to continue to receive effective hemodialysis. However, routine follow-up and re-interventions will likely be necessary to maintain patency in the long term.
Healthcare Access Challenges and Facilitators for Back Pain Across the Rural-Urban Continuum in Saskatchewan, Canada: Cross-Sectional Results From a Provincial-Wide Telephone Survey
Authors: Crockett Katie , Lovo Stacey , Irvine Alison , Trask Catherine , Oosman Sarah , McKinney Veronica , McDonald Terrence , Sari Nazmi , Carnegie Bertha , Custer Marie , McIntosh Stacey , Bath Brenna
Published: August 2023

Background:

Chronic back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder, disproportionately affecting rural and Indigenous people. Saskatchewan has a relatively high proportion of rural and Indigenous residents; therefore, understanding barriers and facilitators to accessing healthcare are needed to improve healthcare service delivery.

Methods:

A provincial-wide telephone survey explored experiences and perceived healthcare access barriers and facilitators among 384 Saskatchewan residents who experienced chronic low back pain. Chi-squared tests were performed to determine if people who lived in urban versus rural areas differed in the proportion who had accessed services from various healthcare practitioners. T-test and Mann-Whitney U analyses were conducted to determine differences between urban and rural, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous respondents.

Results:

Of 384 residents surveyed, 234 (60.9%) reported living in a rural location; 21 (5.5%) identified as Indigenous. Wait times (47%), cost (40%), travel (39%), and not knowing how to seek help (37%) were the most common barriers for Saskatchewan residents seeking care, with travel being the only barrier that was significantly different between rural and urban respondents ( P ⩽ .001). Not knowing where to go to access care or what would help their low back pain ( P = .03), lack of cultural sensitivity ( P = .007), and comfort discussing problems with health care professionals ( P = .26) were greater barriers for Indigenous than non-Indigenous participants. Top facilitators (>50% of respondents) included publicly funded healthcare, locally accessible healthcare services, and having supportive healthcare providers who facilitate referral to appropriate care, with urban respondents considering the latter 2 as greater facilitators than rural respondents. Telehealth or virtual care ( P = .013) and having healthcare options nearby in their community ( P = .045) were greater facilitators among Indigenous participants compared to non-Indigenous respondents.

Conclusions:

Rural, urban, Indigenous, and non-Indigenous people report overlapping and unique barriers and facilitators to accessing care for chronic low back pain. Understanding perceived access experiences will assist in developing more effective care models for specific communities or regions.
“Sky-high, matte black faux snakeskin heals”: Femininity, clothes, and humor in Jacob Tobia’s Sissy
Authors: Zlámalová Karolína
Published: August 2023

The article traces the interweaving of femininity, clothes, and humor in Jacob Tobia’s 2019 memoir Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story. It first discusses the societal devaluation of the femme and queer femininity Tobia textually constructs. It then argues that in Sissy, this femininity is enacted primarily through clothes, which appear as a symbol and a proxy for the protagonist’s identity, a source of embodied pleasures, and an organizing element of the narrative. Finally, the article demonstrates that Tobia employs humor to counter the devaluation targeting their kind of femininity, and to reclaim this femininity as a site of pride, resilience, and joy.
Optimizing appreciation and persuasion of embodied conversational agents for health behavior change: A design experiment and focus group study
Authors: Kramer Lean L , van Velsen Lex , Mulder Bob C , ter Stal Silke , de Vet Emely
Published: August 2023

Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) can increase user engagement and involvement and can strengthen the effect of an intervention on health outcomes that is provided via an ECA. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of ECAs on health outcomes is still limited. In this article, we report on a study that has the goal to identify the effect of a match between a health topic and the ECAs’ appearance on ratings of personality characteristics, persuasiveness and intention to use. We report on an online experiment with three different ECAs and three different health topics, conducted among 732 older adults. We triangulated the quantitative results with qualitative insights from a focus group. The results reveal that older adults prefer an ECA that has an appearance matching a certain health topic, resulting in higher ratings on persuasiveness and intention to use. Personality characteristics should be measured embedded within a health topic, but are not rated higher because of a match. We furthermore provide guidelines for designing the content of the ECA.
Yemen's Survival Quandary: The Compounding Effects of Conflict and Climate Obstruction
Authors: Poornima B. , Ramesh Rashmi
Published: August 2023

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to conflict and instability worldwide, including in conflict-ridden Yemen. The article hypothesizes that the complex relationship between conflict and climate action obstruction in Yemen is mutually reinforcing, thus, forming a vicious cycle. Yemen already faces many difficulties, including a lack of food and water, displaced people, and a deteriorating economy, all of which have been made worse by the conflict. Climate change could make these issues worse, resulting in more competition for resources and greater tensions between groups. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has been impeding climate action, increasing the state's prospects of climate change-induced conflict in the future. The article highlights the risk of neglecting the consideration of climate change in decision-making and peace efforts in Yemen. Our findings underscore the dire necessity to equip Yemen to include climate action in state-level peace efforts to break the self-reinforcing vicious cycle.
Occupational Therapy and Professional Identity: Narratives of Professionals Through Life History. Study Protocol
Authors: Souto-Gómez Ana-I. , Talavera-Valverde Miguel-Á. , Márquez-Álvarez Luis-J. , García-de-la-Torre María-D.-P.
Published: August 2023

Project title: Occupational therapy and professional identity: narratives of professionals through life history. Study Protocol. Design: Qualitative research, using a socio-critical paradigm and biographical-narrative method where participants were selected through theoretical sampling and snowball sampling strategy. Data collection techniques were life stories, constructed through biograms, self-reports and biographical interviews. Abductive reasoning was used along with structural analysis techniques, narrative analysis, and ATLAS. ti software. Objective: To describe and analyze the occupational construct of the professional identity of occupational therapists in Spain. Specific Objectives: (1) Analyze life events, transitions, and turning points that contribute to the outlining of the life journey of professional identity. (2) Explore the management of professional tasks. (3) Analyze the nature of the knowledge required to carry out the role. (4) Examine in detail the strategies applied to the personal engagement of occupational therapists. Study Population and Total Number of Participants: The study population consisted of professionals who are currently working as occupational therapists in Spain. The number of participants was established when data saturation was reached, with a total of nine informants.
Management of diarrhea induced by EGFR-TKIs in advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cárdenas-Fernández Daniela , Soberanis Pina Pamela , Turcott Jenny G. , Chávez-Tapia Norberto , Conde-Flores Emilio , Cardona Andrés F. , Arrieta Oscar
Published: August 2023

The identification of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma has facilitated the development of personalized medicine based on oncogenic drivers. EGFR-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) are part of the targeted therapy; they impede the phosphorylation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase component of EGFR and consequently block signal transduction pathways. These drugs inhibit the proliferation and survival of tumor cells, leading to long-term progression-free survival and overall survival. Diarrhea is one of the most frequent adverse events associated with EGFR-TKIs, affecting at least 18% of patients and reaching up to 95% in some cases. Diarrhea should be managed carefully given its association with important complications, treatment interruptions, and dose reductions. Moreover, nutritional status and quality of life (QoL) can deteriorate due to severe diarrhea. Changes in diet, such as increment of fiber, supplementation with glutamine, and use of probiotics, may contribute to a decrease in the incidence of diarrhea. Improving the control of diarrhea can provide a significant benefit to the QoL of patients.