bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved nonlinear extended state observer based on model compensation for Interior permanent magnet synchronous motors sensorless drives
Authors: Lin Tengfei , Zhu Biao , Li Wei , Kong Keyan , Liu Bingyou
Published: January 2025

This article proposes a sensorless control strategy based on an improved linear extended state observer (INLESO) to address the control issues of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) under wide range speed adjustment and large load disturbances. Firstly, optimize the EEMF model of IPMSM through model compensation methods to reduce the complexity of the salient pole structure. Secondly, combining the advantages of linear extended state observer (LESO) and nonlinear ESO (NLESO), an improved NLESO (INLESO) is proposed to reduce phase delay and improve convergence speed. Then, the orthogonal phase-locked loop (EQPLL) is improved using Euler’s multiple angle formula to accurately extract velocity and position information during rapid turning. The simulation and experimental results show that compared with traditional LESO, this strategy can maintain high stability and efficiency in a wide speed range and large load torque disturbances. These improvements significantly enhance the reliability and applicability of sensorless IPMSM drivers.
Applying Techniques From Precision Medicine to Predict Challenging Behavior and Inform Clinical Resource Allocation
Authors: Morris Samuel L. , Joslyn P. Raymond
Published: January 2025

The identification of behavioral markers that predict the trajectory of behavior could guide the allocation of limited clinical resources to improve efficacy, efficiency, and safety. As a preliminary exploration of this possibility, we conducted a retrospective records review of incident reports for aggression displayed by residents at a secure juvenile detention center. Our purpose was to evaluate latency to first aggression as a candidate behavioral marker for predicting subsequent high-rate aggression. Our results indicate that latency to first aggression may be a high-quality predictor of subsequent high-rate aggression, and we identified specific cutoff scores that added high levels of predictive value. We use these data to demonstrate a process by which clinicians and researchers can identify predictor variables and use them to guide subsequent allocation of clinical resources. Practical, conceptual, and ethical considerations related to applications of this process as well as potential directions for future research in this area are discussed.
A conversation with the 2024 “Oriental Rising Star” awardee
Authors: Zhu Yuanjia , Wan Song
Published: January 2025

Aiming at encouraging young talents to become dedicated surgeon–scientists in the field of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, an “Oriental Rising Star Award” was established at the 32nd annual meeting of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (“ASCVTS 2024”) which was held in Wuhan, China, on May 23–26, 2024. The winner of the First Prize was Dr. Yuanjia Zhu from Stanford University, USA. Following the conclusion of the “ASCVTS 2024,” Professor Song Wan, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the “ASCVTS 2024,” conducted an interview with Dr. Zhu. Their conversation is presented below.
Establishment of liquid–liquid phase separation-related prognostic model in lung adenocarcinoma and systematic analysis of its clinical significance
Authors: Chen Yan , Huang Cheng , Wei Wei
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To detect the prognostic importance of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The gene expression files, copy number variation data, and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. LLPS-related genes were acquired from the DrLLPS website. The prognostic model based on LLPS was constructed by the Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses after the identification of LLPS-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed. The LLPS-related prognostic risk score was validated by GSE31210 and GSE72094. The overall survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients was predicted by plotting a nomogram. The biological features of the high-risk lung adenocarcinoma were evaluated by the CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, Gene Set Variation Analysis, and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction detected hub gene expression.

Results

A total of 91 DEGs were screened out in LLPS, among which 9 genes were discovered as prognostic biomarkers of lung adenocarcinoma. GRIA1, CRTAC1, MAGEA4, and MAPK4 were identified as hub genes by the LASSO Cox regression analysis. High-risk and low-risk groups were divided according to the risk index, with the high-risk group displaying a markedly worse outcome. CRTAC1 expression was significantly decreased, MAGEA4 and MAPK4 expressions were increased, while GRIA1 expression was altered in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Tumor microenvironment, signaling pathway enrichment, and drug sensitivity significantly differed between different risk groups.

Conclusions

This work proposed a prognostic tool based on the LLPS-related gene signature to offer prospective and effective biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma prognosis.
Do Older Mexican Americans With Dementia Benefit From Living Closer to the Border? Evidence From the HEPESE
Authors: Rojas-Álvarez Alfonso , Bokun Anna
Published: January 2025

This paper explores disparities in health outcomes among Hispanic older adults living near the United States (U.S.)-Mexico border. Hispanic older adults face significant barriers to healthcare access, stemming from multiple factors: limited income, high medical costs, elevated rates of chronic disease and dementia, and greater reliance on public insurance programs, relative to other racial, ethnic, and age groups. Likewise, Hispanic older adults diagnosed with dementia near the U.S.-Mexico border face documented barriers to healthcare, including higher costs, fewer adult day care centers, and a lack of health insurance. We use a health disparities and dementia care conceptual framework to explore the interactions of these social determinants of health for the older Hispanic American population. Using data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (HEPESE, waves 8–9, 2012–2013 and 2016), complemented by the American Community Survey (ACS, 2011–2022), we conduct descriptive and regression model analyses to explore the relationship between living in U.S. counties and states that border Mexico and health outcomes such as mobility difficulties, self-care, self-reported health, and issues with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (iADL). We control for demographic, health, and social support characteristics to account for individual level differences. We also examine how proximity to the border and caregiver and community resources affect outcomes for Mexican American older adults aged 80 and older—a growing demographic with limited data and a higher risk of health disparities. Our findings show that Hispanic older adults who reside closer to the border rely more on caregivers for instrumental and emotional support, report worse self-reported health, experience more difficulty paying bills, report lower independence in both ADL and iADL measures, and face an increased risk of dementia diagnosis, relative to their counterparts further from the border. Our findings suggest the urgency for better policies to address the needs of older Hispanic Americans with dementia in the border region. These policies require a focus on primary care, benefits counseling, and assistance in locating and accessing community services. The long-term focus should be to support flexible caregiving arrangements that increase the autonomy of both the care recipient and caregiver, community support, culturally competent caregiving, infrastructural improvements, and in-home support services for families coping with a dementia patient.
On successive recycling of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene- melamine formaldehyde composite for sensing applications
Authors: Singh Gulraj , Brar Gurinder S , Singh Rupinder
Published: January 2025

In the past three decades, significant studies have been reported on successive recycling (SR) of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic-based composites. However, SR of thermosetting polymers such as melamine formaldehyde (MF), bakelite, etc., is still a challenge in commercial terms, mainly due to high energy requirements. This study highlights the effect of SR for selected composition/ proportion of ABS (87.5% by wt.) and MF (12.5% by wt.) as a composite based on the mechanical, rheological, thermal and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The study revealed that the tensile properties of ABS-MF composite deteriorate with each SR. The peak strength (PS) and modulus of toughness (MoT) (without recycling) were observed as 42.45 MPa and 1.60 MPa, which was reduced to 18.47 MPa and 0.1459 MPa after 03 SR. A continuous rise in melt flow index (MFI) was observed from 10.46 (without recycling) to 11.924 g/(10min) after 03 SR. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of samples supports the thermal stability of ABS-MF recycled composite after 03 SR. The printability of ABS-MF composite was also ensured after SR using the material extrusion (MEX) based 3D printing. FTIR analysis of ABS-MF composite shows a significant rise in transmittance of infrared radiation after SR, making the composite suitable for sensor applications. Further, the results of the impedance analyzer show an enhanced dielectric constant of ABS-MF composite after SR, which is ideal for sensor miniaturization.
Development of a surrogate model for predicting atherosclerotic plaque progression based on agent based modeling data
Authors: Spahić Lemana , Filipović Nenad
Published: January 2025

Background

Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arterial walls. Coronary artery disease (CAD), more specifically coronary atherosclerosis (CATS), is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Computational modeling frameworks have been used for simulation of atherosclerotic plaque progression and with the advancement of agent-based modeling (ABM) the simulation results became more accurate. However, there is a need for optimization of resources for predictive modeling, hence surrogate models are being built to substitute lengthy computational models without compromising the results.

Objective

This study explores the development of a surrogate model for atherosclerotic plaque progression using ABM simulation data.

Method

The dataset used for this study contains samples from latin-hypercube sampling based generated simulation parameters used in conjunction with 15 patient-specific geometries and corresponding plaque progression data. The developed surrogate model is based on deep learning using artificial neural networks (ANN).

Results

The surrogate model achieved an accuracy of 95.4% in benchmarking with the ABM model it was built upon which indicates the robustness of the framework.

Conclusion

Adoption of surrogate models with high accuracy in practice opens an avenue for utilization of high-fidelity decision support systems for predicting atherosclerotic plaque progression in real-time.
COVID scientists as rhetorical citizens: Persuasive op-eds and public debate over science policy
Authors: Syfert Collin , Ceccarelli Leah
Published: January 2025

To discover the means of persuasion available to experts who embrace the responsibility of public communication in times of crisis, this study uses a text/countertext method of rhetorical analysis on U.S. newspaper editorials by scientists writing about COVID-19 policy. Model arguments to opposition audiences on pandemic restrictions and vaccine policy were selected for close reading. We examined how writers in a pro-con debate in a centrist newspaper appealed mainly to like-minded readers, failing to make arguments designed to change the opinions of those who did not already agree with them. The lack of rhetorical sensitivity in these editorials suggests a need for scientists to better utilize existing resources of language and argument when addressing opposition audiences. Exemplary editorials to opposition audiences in right-leaning and left-leaning newspapers were then examined to illustrate more promising strategies of public persuasion in highly partisan times.
Ginsenoside Enrichment and Soil Enhancement via Reductive Soil Disinfection Treatment
Authors: Xu Zhefeng , Liu Chunshuo , Chen Yuqiu , Fang Jing , Liu Rui , Zhang Tao , Chen Changbao
Published: January 2025

Background

Ginseng ( Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is a type of plant that cannot be continuously cultivated. Continuous cultivation of ginseng can lead to the deterioration of soil properties, affecting the normal growth and development of ginseng.

Objectives

Improving soil quality and breaking down the obstacles to the continuous cultivation of ginseng can help the sustainable development of the ginseng cultivation industry. We hope to improve the quality of continuous cropping soil through reductive soil disinfection (RSD), and we hope that the quality of ginseng cultivated in soil under RSD improvement conditions can be improved.

Materials and Methods

A 3-year-old ginseng field was used as a control, soybean (SOY), broccoli (BRO), alfalfa (ALF), purple perilla (PPE), and rapeseed (RAP) were used as organic carbon sources. RSD improvement technology was used to treat the soil of the old ginseng field before planting ginseng. The content of ginsenosides was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and the total ginsenoside content was determined by perchloric acid-vanillin-acetic acid colorimetry. Soil pH, conductivity, bulk density (SBD), maximum water capacity (MWC), capillary water capacity (CWC), soil moisture content (SWC), alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen (SAN), organic matter (SOM), available phosphorus, urease activity, catalase activity, protease activity, sucrase, amylase, cellulase, and glucanase activities and acid phosphatase activity were determined based on the methods in the literature.

Results

RSD treatment significantly increased the content of ginsenosides, improved soil acidity, and increased soil enzyme activity and water-holding capacity. When PPE and BRO were used as RSD carbon sources, soil salinization could be improved. Ginsenoside Rb2, Rc, Rd, Rb3, Rb1, Ro, TG, Rg1, Re, soil nitrate reductase, soil protease, SBD, and SWC were the most active factors under RSD treatment and were also the main influencing factors for distinguishing sample differences under different RSD treatments. The results obtained by the analytic hierarchy process showed that all RSD treatments improved the comprehensive quality of ginseng and soil samples, with SOY, PPE, and RAP being the better treatments.

Conclusion

SOY was the best method for RSD processing. RSD not only improved soil properties but also enhanced the quality of ginseng, making it an effective technique for soil remediation in intensive ginseng cultivation.
Differences in Plasma BDNF Levels Between Chronic Primary Musculoskeletal Pain, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, and Asymptomatic Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Silvia Di-Bonaventura , Francisco Gurdiel-Álvarez , Álvaro Reina-Varona , Kevin Pacheco-Barrios , Miguel Molina-Álvarez , Josué Fernández-Carnero , Raúl Ferrer-Peña
Published: January 2025

This cross-sectional study compared plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels among chronic primary musculoskeletal pain patients, chronic widespread pain patients, and asymptomatic controls. The study included 126 participants aged 18–65, divided into three groups of 42 each. Pain intensity was assessed using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and plasma BDNF levels were measured via ELISA. Differences between groups were evaluated using ANOVA with 2000 bootstrap resamples and a bias-corrected and accelerated method. Results showed significantly higher plasma BDNF levels in chronic widespread pain patients (mean difference [MD] = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.28, 0.62; p < .001) compared to controls, and higher than in chronic primary musculoskeletal pain patients (MD = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.64, 1.02; p < .001). Chronic primary musculoskeletal pain patients had lower plasma BDNF levels compared to controls (MD = −0.39; 95% CI = −0.54, −0.24; p < .001). No significant correlations were observed between plasma BDNF levels and clinical variables. These findings suggest the potential of BDNF as a biomarker to differentiate chronic primary pain conditions.
Forecasting tourist arrivals using STL-XGBoost method
Authors: He Minmin , Qian Xiyuan
Published: January 2025

Forecasting tourism demand in a timely manner is critical for ensuring the smooth operation of the tourism industry. Over time, time series models have been widely applied to estimate the number of tourists arriving. In this paper, we proposed a XGBoost model for tourism demand forecasting based on the STL seasonal decomposition. The first phase of our proposed model involves applying STL decomposition to preprocess the time series, separating it into two components: the seasonal and de-seasonal terms. During the second phase, the seasonal term is modeled and predicted with the Holt-Winters model. For the de-seasonal term, the ARIMA model is first employed to capture the residual part, Then, the XGBoost model is utilized to reconstruct both the de-seasonal term and its lag, along with the residual part obtained from the ARIMA model. By integrating the forecast outputs from both the Holt-Winters and XGBoost models, the final tourism demand predictions can be derived. The effectiveness of the proposed model is demonstrated using the tourist arrivals data in Macau from eight countries: United States, Germany, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Thailand, Italy and Korea (South Korea). The validation results indicate that the proposed model exhibits superior forecasting performance for time series data showing seasonality and trendency, simultaneously enhancing interpretability without increasing model complexity. The model outperforms five benchmark comparison models when assessed using the Symmetric Mean Absolute Percent Error (SMAPE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) metrics.
Moment-curvature restoring force model of PVC-CFRP confined concrete column-RC ring beam joint
Authors: Yu Feng , Tan Siyong , Zhang Nannan
Published: January 2025

To accurately characterize the nonlinear mechanical behavior of polyvinyl chloride-carbon fiber reinforced polymer (PVC-CFRP) confined concrete column-reinforced concrete (RC) ring beam joints under low cyclic loading, 11 ring beam joints are designed based on the principle of “strong members and weak joints” and subsequently fabricated. Various parameters, including the ring beam reinforcement ratio, ring beam width, CFRP strip spacing, axial compression ratio, and frame beam reinforcement ratio, are considered. Generally, as the ring beam reinforcement ratio, ring beam width, axial compression ratio, and frame beam reinforcement ratio increased, the moment-curvature curves of the joint specimens demonstrated improved seismic performance. Subsequently, a simplified model of the moment-curvature skeleton curve is proposed based on the experimental results. Utilizing the simplified model, along with Clough tri-linear degradation model, the hysteretic behavior rules of the joints are formulated, the moment-curvature restoring force model is then developed to simulate the hysteretic behavior, which agrees well with the experimental data.
Comparison of reconstruction techniques after pancreatoduodenectomy: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Justo Alonso Iago , Peralta Fernández-Revuelta Paola , Marcacuzco Quinto Alberto , Caso Maestro Oscar , Alonso Murillo Laura , Jiménez-Romero Carlos
Published: January 2025

Background:

There is controversy regarding which is the best reconstruction technique after the pancreatoduodenectomy. Currently, there are no studies comparing the three most frequent reconstruction techniques: Whipple + Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (WRYGJ), pyloric-preserving + Billroth II (PPBII), and Whipple + BII (WBII).

Methods:

Between 2012 and March 2023, 246 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with the following type of reconstruction techniques: (1) WRYGJ: 40 patients; (2) PPBII: 118 patients; and (3) WBII: 88 patients. A retrospective comparative study among these groups was performed.

Results:

No significant differences were found among the groups regarding duration of the surgery, the blood volume transfused, or caliber of the Wirsung duct. The size and types of tumors, the degree of differentiation and tumor invasion of the peripancreatic tissue, vascular and neural structures, and lymph nodes were similar among the groups. The rate of R0 resection was lower in WBII (62.5% [55/88]) than in WRYGJ (75% [30/40]) and PPBII (72% [85/118]), but statistically insignificant among the groups (p = 0.232). The incidences of relevant B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) were similar among the groups: 7.5% (7/40) in WRYGJ, 17% (20/118) in PPBI, and 26.2% (23/88) in WBII (p = 0.292). In addition, the incidence of B/C delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was higher in WBII (27.3% [24/88]) than in WRYGJ (20% [8/40]) and PPBII (19.5% [23/118]) but statistically insignificance among the groups (p = 0.381). The incidence of medical and surgical complications, intensive care unit and hospital stays, morbimortality at 90 days, and 5-year survival were similar among the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that POPF grade B/C was a risk factor for DGE grade B/C (odds ratio (OR) = 9.903, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.829–20.310; p < 0.001), and a <3-mm Wirsung duct was a risk factor for POPF (OR = 3.604, 95% CI = 1.791–7.254; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

No technique was superior to the others. Only relevant POPF B/C was a risk factor for DGE B/C, and <3 mm Wirsung for a POPF.
A weighted frequency domain energy operator spectral method based on soft thresholding fast iterative filtering for rolling bearing incipient fault feature extraction
Authors: Jiang Wenxin , Jiang Hongkai , Yao Renhe , Mu Mingzhe , Liu Yunpeng
Published: January 2025

The incipient features in the vibration signal are a typical signature of rolling bearing faults, and their extraction is vital for early-stage bearing fault diagnosis, yet quite challenging given the complexity of the noisy vibration signal. Therefore, a weighted frequency domain energy operator (FDEO) spectral method based on soft thresholding fast iterative filtering (FIF) is proposed in this work. Firstly, a soft thresholding FIF technique is proposed to improve the equivalent filter properties of FIF such as the continuity and the transition band lengths. Secondly, an integrated sparsity measure named frequency domain average Shannon kurtosis entropy that incorporates randomness and impulse characteristics is constructed to estimate the incipient fault feature information of the noisy signal. Finally, the weighted FDEO spectrum is designed to complete the bearing fault feature identification, it suppresses the chaotic signal component in the frequency domain. The proposed incipient fault extraction framework is evaluated by simulation and experiment, and its performance in an intense noise background is verified through comparisons with other signal decomposition methods.
New robust adaptive beamforming for imaging damages scattering coherent Lamb waves
Authors: Li Dan , Liu Yuxuan , Yang Tingxuan , Li Ying , Zhang Jian Qiu , Ta Dean
Published: January 2025

The Lamb wave imaging approach based on adaptive beamforming method, notably the minimum variance distortionless response beamforming algorithm, is analyzed to explain its serious performance degradation or even complete invalidation, when the scattering signals generated by damages are coherent. It is demonstrated that in such case, the covariance matrix of the received scattering signals becomes rank-deficient, and when decomposed into the description form of the array manifold matrix left and conjugate right multiplied by a matrix P, P is a non-diagonal matrix with off-diagonal elements representing the coherences among scattering signals. These factors result in the failure of the conventional adaptive beamforming algorithm. To break the above limitations, a covariance matrix fitting method using a weighted least squares criterion is proposed by constructing P as a diagonal matrix. Based on the fitted covariance matrix, a robust adaptive beamforming Lamb wave imaging approach for coherent scattering signals is presented. Extensive numerical simulations and imaging experiments conducted on an aluminum plate corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results affirm that the proposed method preserves the performance levels achieved by non-coherent scattering signals Lamb wave imaging approaches.
Successful Surgical Management of Giant, Shamblin III Carotid Body Tumor (CBT) on a Male With 5 Years of Follow-Up: Case Report and Literature Review on Giant CBT
Authors: Ruvalcaba-Guerrero Helen , Anaya-Ayala Javier E. , Martín-Dorantes Mario A. , Santos-Chávez Eros E. , Serrano-Heredia Jonahí S. , Andrade-Orozco Guillermo , Martínez-Benítez Braulio , Hinojosa Carlos A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare neoplasm that arises from the chemoreceptor cells located at the carotid bifurcation. Giant CBTs are extremely rare, with only 16 cases reported to date.

Case Summary

A 63-year-old male with an unremarkable medical history presented with a right-sided, giant, Shamblin III CBT. For 20 years, he had been suffering from progressive dyspnea, dysphonia, and pain with left neck rotation. A computed tomography scan confirmed its dimension of 89 × 61 × 60 mm (height × width × depth). We performed our routine retrocarotid dissection technique (RCDT) without preoperative embolization. Histopathology reported an encapsulated, non-epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasm with architectural Zellballen pattern. His postoperative period was uneventful and was discharged home on day 2. At 5 years, he remains symptom-free without neoplasm recurrence.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the atypical clinical presentation and the successful treatment of a giant, Shamblin III CBT with the RCDT without preoperative embolization.
A Nomogram for Predicting Perirenal Hematoma After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Feng Chi , Tan Jun-Tao , Jiang Qi-Hua , Li Zhi-Hua , Mo Bei
Published: January 2025

Backgroud

Perirenal hematoma (PRH) is a notable complication following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with significant implications for patient outcomes. This study aimed to develop a nomogram predictive model for PRH after PCNL.

Methods

Retrospective data from patients who underwent PCNL were analyzed. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, and operative details were assessed for their association with PRH using univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram was constructed based on identified predictors.

Results

Among 1047 patients, 6.2% developed PRH. Factors significantly associated with PRH included age, urine culture, stone surface area, operative time and estimate blood loss. These factors were incorporated into the nomogram, providing a user-friendly tool for preoperative risk assessment of PRH following PCNL.

Conclusion

We developed a nomogram predictive model for PRH after PCNL, facilitating individualized risk assessment and preventive strategies. Implementation of this nomogram may enhance patient safety and optimize surgical outcomes in PCNL procedures. Further validation studies are warranted to assess its generalizability and accuracy.
Comparison of dynamic performance of Jasti and Humanetics neckforms with an inter-lab validation
Authors: Marino Anthony P , Jesunathadas Mark , Landry Tiffany , Piland Scotty G. , DesJardins John D , Batt Gregory S
Published: January 2025

The Humanetics male 50th percentile Hybrid III neck is the most commonly used neckform for blunt impact testing. Other manufacturers, such as Jasti Co., have developed their own male 50th percentile necks that also meet United States government specifications. This study sought to evaluate the agreement in blunt impact performance measures on a subset of the National Football League helmet test protocol between an ATD that used the Jasti compared to the Humanetics Hybrid III neckform. Dependent measures included peak resultant linear acceleration (PLA), peak resultant angular acceleration (PAA), and peak resultant angular velocity (PAV). Results showed a lack of agreement according to the a-priori Type-I error rate of 0.05 between the Jasti and Humanetics for PLA and PAV ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively), but not PAA ( p = 0.943). Statistically significant differences were observed for all Humanetics metrics and all but PAA for Jasti metrics in the lab-to-lab comparison. The lack of agreement was mainly due to the high-level of repeatability and low standard deviations between impacts for each system. Mean differences across neckform and lab-to-lab comparison for each impact measure were low in most impact cases but were observed to reach values that would be significant in the context of concussion and mTBI risk. These findings support the use of the Jasti neckform for blunt head impact testing in American football, but researchers should proceed with caution when comparing data between manufacturer devices.
Health-related quality of life after Dega pelvic osteotomy and varus derotation osteotomy due to spastic hip disease in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kasprzyk Maciej , Koch Aleksander , Jóźwiak Marek
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Our study aimed to present health-related quality of life (HRQL) after combined bone reconstruction in nonambulatory patients with cerebral palsy (CP) after at least a 2-year follow-up and to assess its impact on HRQL using the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities questionnaire (CPCHILD) as the primary outcome measure.

Methods:

In this prospective study, we analyzed 31 nonambulatory patients with spastic or mixed CP (GMFCS levels IV–V) who underwent hip reconstructive surgery between 2015 and 2021. The surgical procedures included one-sided varus derotation osteotomy of the femur with Dega transiliac osteotomy and, on the opposite side, varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) of the femur with shortening and, as needed, Dega pelvic osteotomy.

Results:

The study demonstrated significant improvement in the hip joint motion range, as assessed by the Thomas test, in hip abduction and rotational movements of the hip, as well as reduction of spasticity. The procedures also resulted in significant radiographic improvement of the femoral head coverage. The assessment of symptoms and problems associated with the hip revealed a positive influence of the surgery on pain, contractures, toileting/perineal hygiene, dressing, seating, transferring, and position changes. The mean improvement at a follow-up visit was significant in all domains of the CPCHILD, except for communication and social interaction.

Conclusion:

Hip reconstruction with VDRO and Dega pelvic osteotomy can enhance the HRQL of children with CP. These surgical interventions can help to achieve the correct hip position and to reduce pain, which positively affects the patient QL, although proactive treatment results in less invasive procedures.

Level of Evidence:

IV case series.
Mitigating Information Insecurity: An African Perspective on Satisfaction With Democracy
Authors: Ochieng Jimmy , Grabe Maria Elizabeth , Ireri Kioko , Mudavadi Kevin C.
Published: January 2025

While Africans are committed to democracy, governments across the continent have failed to deliver on the democratic aspirations of the populace, with declinatory outcomes for satisfaction with democracy (SWD) over the past decade. A number of reliable variables (e.g., economics, political participation, democratic performance) have been used over the past 50 years to study trends in SWD worldwide. Yet the integrity of information ecosystems, including misinformation and censorship levels have not been fully explored as predictors of SWD. As concerns about the social web’s diffusion of misinformation have culminated in policy considerations worldwide, we focused on the African continent, where the current global push for government action to curb the misinformation tide could facilitate backsliding into authoritarian practices. Using a data set of 40,801 respondents from 34 African countries, we found that social media news use and perceptions about the circulation of misinformation impacted SWD and that citizen attitudes about government censorship of misinformation have a moderating influence on SWD.
COVID Lessons Learned: From Response to Recovery
Authors: Hetzel Annie , Jones Wendy , Shean Mary Lou , Meuret Cathy
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on all school staff. As a consequence of their role as frontline responders, school nurses experienced significant trauma and moral injury. The Washington State School Nurse Corps debriefed the pandemic response to plan for future disasters. In the process, they discovered that much of the literature reflects the school nurse’s role in the early phase of disaster response. There is little attention given to recovery processes and few current sources could be found on the role of nursing in debriefing. School nurses could benefit from and play an important role in supporting recovery, particularly debriefing, for their school communities.
Worse for Women, Bad for All: A 62-Nation Study Confirms and Extends Ambivalent Sexism Principles to Reveal Greater Social Dysfunction in Sexist Nations
Authors: Zawisza Magdalena , Kosakowska-Berezecka Natasza , Glick Peter , Olech Michal , Besta Tomasz , Jurek Paweł , Sobiecki Jurand , Best Deborah L. , Bosson Jennifer K. , Vandello Joseph A. , Safdar Saba , Włodarczyk Anna , Żadkowska Magdalena
Published: January 2025

We retested core ambivalent sexism theory tenets and explored novel correlations with national outcomes in 62 nations. Replicating Glick et al., cross-national analyses supported (a) hostile sexism (HS) and benevolent sexism (BS) as cross-culturally recognizable, complementary ideologies associated with gender inequality; (b) women appearing to be influenced by, but also resisting men’s HS and embracing BS to counter men’s HS (outscoring men in some highly sexist nations). Novel cross-national comparisons showed (a) men’s HS and both genders’ BS correlated with fewer women in paid work, whereas only BS correlated with domestic labor inequity, (b) both HS and BS correlated with accepting intimate partner violence toward women. Finally, HS and BS correlated with generally dysfunctional national outcomes: antidemocratic tendencies, less productivity, more collective violence, and lower healthy lifespan for both genders. Results reinforce that BS harms women and suggest men also have a stake in reducing sexist ideologies.
Evaluating the effect of noise reduction strategies in CT perfusion imaging for predicting infarct core with deep learning
Authors: Crouch James J. F. , Boutelier Timothé , Davis Adam , Shiraz Bhurwani Mohammad Mahdi , Snyder Kenneth V. , Papageorgakis Christos , Raguenes Dorian , Ionita Ciprian N.
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the efficacy of deep learning models in identifying infarct tissue on computed tomography perfusion (CTP) scans from patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion, specifically addressing the potential influence of varying noise reduction techniques implemented by different vendors. We analyzed CTP scans from 60 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy achieving a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 2c or 3, ensuring minimal changes in the infarct core between the initial CTP and follow-up MR imaging. Noise reduction techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA), wavelet, non-local means (NLM), and a no denoising approach, were employed to create hemodynamic parameter maps. Infarct regions identified on follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) within 48 hours were co-registered with initial CTP scans and refined with ADC maps to serve as ground truth for training a data-augmented U-Net model. The performance of this convolutional neural network (CNN) was assessed using Dice coefficients across different denoising methods and infarct sizes, visualized through box plots for each parameter map. Our findings show no significant differences in model accuracy between PCA and other denoising methods, with minimal variation in Dice scores across techniques. This study confirms that CNNs are adaptable and capable of handling diverse processing schemas, indicating their potential to streamline diagnostic processes and effectively manage CTP input data quality variations.
Comparative studies of composites based on commercial epoxy resin with renewable resources-based tetra functional epoxy resin
Authors: Patel Meet , Yadav Mitali , Raj Mahendrasinh , Raj Lata , Rathva Pragnesh
Published: January 2025

This research distinguishes itself by synthesizing a novel epoxy resin from three distinct renewable resources, moving beyond the conventional reliance on a single source found in many studies. The innovative epoxy resin was synthesized through a chemical reaction involving cardanol, resorcinol, furfural, and epichlorohydrin. Notably, resorcinol and a component of cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) cardanol were incorporated as a partial substitute for up to 50% of the phenol in the synthesis process. This multifaceted approach not only enhances sustainability but also demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials in developing advanced composites while optimizing the resin performance characteristics. The modified tetrafunctional epoxy resin based composites were prepared from sustainable synthesized bio-based epoxy resin. This study compared the varied characterization data of cardanol-based tetra functional epoxy resin with conventional epoxy resin using Aromatic and aliphatic hardeners such as triethylenetetramine, phenalkamine, low viscous phenalkamine, and polyamide. The adhesive strength and curing properties of a modified epoxy resin with hardeners are examined in this study. Strong adhesive bonding of matrix with wood and metal substrates was demonstrated by lap shear strength (LSS). The Brookfield viscosity, volatile content, epoxy equivalent weight (EEW), hydrolyzable chlorine content, weight average molecular weight, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the tetrafunctional modified epoxy resin. Thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a cure index and decomposition temperature of resin systems. Chemical resistance, and mechanical properties (Rockwell hardness, Izod impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength) were determined for every composite.
Shaping Career Satisfaction: The Influence of Professional Training and Expectations in Winter Hotel Employees
Authors: Çavuş Ahmet , Zirzakıran Furkan , Tokgöz Leyla
Published: January 2025

This study aims to examine the impact of professional progress, industry change challenges, and professional achievement on career satisfaction among winter hotel employees. By focusing on these key constructs, the research seeks to understand how specialized training and individual career expectations influence employees’ satisfaction levels. Additionally, the study investigates the moderating roles of career expectations and tourism education in the relationship between industry change challenges and career satisfaction. By examining how these factors interact, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics that enhance employee satisfaction and retention in the winter tourism sector. The insights derived from this research are expected to offer valuable guidance for stakeholders in developing strategies that support both career development and educational enrichment, thereby promoting a more satisfied and committed workforce. The study targeted 157 out of 238 employees at the Palandöken Winter Tourism Center, employing a comprehensive survey methodology. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to establish the sub-scales of the research. Following this, Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used to test the research questions. Results indicated that professional progress and professional achievement significantly positively impact career satisfaction. The study also revealed that career expectations and tourism education moderated the relationship between industry change challenges and career satisfaction, emphasizing the role of tailored educational programs. Despite this, industry change challenges had a lesser impact on career satisfaction compared to other factors, yet they still played a role in shaping overall employee contentment. Interestingly, no significant differences were found in career expectations based on employees’ gender, business divisions, or work shifts. These findings offer novel insights into employee satisfaction within the winter tourism sector, particularly in the context of winter hotel tourism in Turkey.
Time to consider health services dedicated for adults living with cerebral small vessel disease: Report of a ESO scientific seminar
Authors: Arteaga-Reyes Carmen , Sen Dwaipayan , Rudilosso Salvatore , Jouvent Eric , Hervé Dominique , Lindgren Arne G , Wardlaw Joanna M , Melkas Susanna , Doubal Fergus N
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a highly prevalent disorder leading to physical, cognitive and functional decline. We report key barriers in the management of individuals with cSVD, the potential benefit of cSVD-dedicated health services, and evidence from existing models of care for adults with cSVD.

Methods:

We examined information from a scientific seminar developed between seven experts in cSVD during the eighth European Stroke Organisation Conference that discussed the optimal health care for adults with cSVD and what health services dedicated to cSVD should include.

Findings:

Barriers in cSVD care include unrecognised symptoms and modifiable risk factors, heterogeneity of clinical presentations, inefficient inter/intra-clinical services communication/organisation, and uncertainties regarding what assessments/treatments should be routinely done, when and by whom. However, existing health services and research studies suggest models of care in cSVD. Multi-step approaches can be used for identification and aetiological workup in individuals with cSVD, including basic and selected advanced evaluations, for example, monogenic cSVD testing. Although current guidelines for management of cSVD illlustrate limitations, there are recommendations on risk factors and lifestyle considerations, as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for people with cSVD.

Discussion and conclusion:

Existing healthcare models do not provide optimal care for individuals with cSVD. Lack of awareness of heterogeneous clinical presentations and uncertainty in threshold of cSVD ‘burden’ for referral to specialist multidisciplinary services, are key challenges for health services to overcome. Creating cSVD-dedicated services may prevent underdiagnosing and achieve standardised holistic management to improve outcomes in people with cSVD. However, adequate prevention and early management should be offered at all levels of care.
Digitalizing sewage: The politics of producing, sharing, and operationalizing data from wastewater-based surveillance
Authors: Wittmer Josie , Prouse Carolyn , Arefin Mohammed Rafi
Published: January 2025

Expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wastewater-Based Surveillance (WBS) is now heralded by scientists and policy makers alike as the future of monitoring and governing urban health. The expansion of WBS reflects larger neoliberal governance trends whereby digitalizing states increasingly rely on producing big data as a ‘best practice’ to surveil various aspects of everyday life. With a focus on three South Asian cities, our paper investigates the transnational pathways through which WBS data is produced, made known, and operationalized in ‘evidence-based’ decision-making in a time of crisis. We argue that in South Asia, wastewater surveillance data is actively produced through fragile but power-laden networks of transnational and local knowledge, funding, and practices. Using mixed qualitative methods, we found these networks produced artifacts like dashboards to communicate data to the public in ways that enabled claims to objectivity, ethical interventions, and transparency. Interrogating these representations, we demonstrate how these artifacts open up messy spaces of translation that trouble linear notions of objective data informing accountable, transparent, and evidence-based decision-making for diverse urban actors. By thinking through the production of precarious biosurveillance infrastructures, we respond to calls for more robust ethical and legal frameworks for the field and suggest that the fragility of WBS infrastructures has important implications for the long-term trajectories of urban public health governance in the global South.
An eCIRP inhibitor attenuates fibrosis and ferroptosis in ischemia and reperfusion induced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Fangming , Hu Zhijian , Jacob Asha , Brenner Max , Wang Ping
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of death in the United States, and renal fibrosis represents a pathologic hallmark of CKD. Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) is a stress response protein involved in acute inflammation, tissue injury and regulated cell death. However, the role of eCIRP in chronic inflammation and tissue injury has not been elucidated. We hypothesize that eCIRP is involved in renal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR)-induced CKD and that C23, an antagonist to eCIRP, is beneficial in attenuating renal fibrosis and ferroptosis in RIR-induced CKD.

Methods

C57BL/6 (WT) or CIRP−/− mice underwent renal injury with total blockage of blood perfusion by clamping bilateral renal pedicles for 28 min. In the WT mice at the time of reperfusion, they were treated with C23 (8 mg/kg) or vehicle. Blood and kidneys were harvested for further analysis at 21 days thereafter. In a separate cohort, mice underwent bilateral RIR and treatment with C23 or vehicle and were then subjected to left nephrectomy 72 h thereafter. Mice were then monitored for additional 19 days, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was assessed using a noninvasive transcutaneous method.

Results

In the RIR-induced CKD, CIRP−/− mice showed decreased collagen deposition, fibronectin staining, and renal injury as compared to the WT mice. Administration of C23 ameliorated renal fibrosis by decreasing the expression of active TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen deposition, fibronectin and macrophage infiltration to the kidneys. Furthermore, intervention with C23 significantly decreased renal ferroptosis by reducing iron accumulation, increasing the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and lipid peroxidation in the kidneys of RIR-induced CKD mice. Treatment with C23 also attenuated BUN and creatinine. Finally, GFR was significantly decreased in RIR mice with left nephrectomy and C23 treatment partially prevented their decrease.

Conclusion

Our data show that eCIRP plays an important role in RIR-induced CKD. Treatment with C23 decreased renal inflammation, alleviated chronic renal injury and fibrosis, and inhibited ferroptosis in the RIR-induced CKD mice.