bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of diagnostic reference levels in low-dose renal computed tomography
Authors: Rawashdeh Mohammad , Saade Charbel
Published: May 2022

Background

Increased radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) examinations is well known with proven risks of inducing cancers for effective dose >100 mSv (according to some studies >50 mSvs).

Purpose

To establish the diagnostic reference level (DRL) for low-dose renal CT examinations in the evaluation of renal stones.

Material and Methods

Patient demographics, CT parameters, and dosimetric indices (CTDIvol and dose length product [DLP]) were collected from 12 tertiary hospitals that routinely perform renal CT in the detection and evaluation of renal stones over a period of 12 weeks. Data obtained from 1418 average-sized patients in each category were recorded. The median values of dosimetric indices for each site were calculated. The DRL values were defined as the 75th percentile of the distribution of the median values of CTDIvol and DLP.

Results

There were no significant differences between patient demographics. Mean kVp and mAs for protocols were 121.67 ± 11.56 and 226.91 ± 78.44, respectively. The CTDIvol values were in the range of 2–36.2 mGy, while the DLP values were in the range of 43–1942 mGy.cm. The DRL for the CTDIvol was 16.15 mGy and for the DLP 851.77 mGy.cm. The local median values of CDTIvol and DLP are higher than DRL in two hospitals.

Conclusion

Comparison of local median values of CDTIvol and DLP with DRL suggests the needs of an optimization strategy in some hospitals.
No Difference in Clinical Outcomes for Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Versus Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis at Midterm Follow-up: A Randomized Prospective Analysis
Authors: Forsythe Brian , Berlinberg Elyse J. , Diaz Connor C. , Korrapati Avinaash , Agarwalla Avinesh , Patel Harsh H. , Cole Brian J. , Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Yanke Adam B. , Romeo Anthony A. , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: May 2022

Background:

We have previously reported the 1-year outcomes of arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (ASPBT) versus open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (OSPBT) for the management of long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology. While patients had similar 1-year biceps muscle strength and pain, longer-term functional outcomes are unknown.

Purpose:

To directly compare clinical outcomes of ASPBT versus OSPBT with interference screw fixation, distal to the bony bicipital groove, at a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 85 patients undergoing biceps tenodesis (BT) for LHBT disease were randomized into the ASPBT or OSPBT group. Both techniques utilized polyether ether ketone inference screws for tenodesis fixation. Patients completed American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant subjective, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) questionnaires preoperatively and again at 6 months, 12 months, and at the final follow-up at a minimum of 24 months.

Results:

A total of 73 patients (37/42 randomized to ASPBT [88%]; 36/42 randomized to OSPBT [86%]) with a mean age of 50.4 ± 10.3 years and a mean body mass index of 29 ± 7.9 were included in clinical outcome analyses. The mean final follow-up was 2.9 years (ASPBT, 3 years; OSPBT, 2.8 years [range 2-5.2 years]). Comparison of demographic characteristics and intraoperative findings showed no significant differences in age, sex, concomitant procedures, and rotator cuff disease. No statistically significant differences in the ASES ( P = .25), Constant subjective ( P = .52), and SANE scores ( P = .61) were found at the final follow-up. Clinical outcomes scores showed no significant improvement from a mean of 12.6 months to the final follow-up at 34.5 months (ASPBT: ASES, P = .43; Constant, P = .25; SANE, P = .45 vs OSPBT: ASES, P = .65; Constant, P = .78; SANE, P = .70). No patients required revision of BT in either group.

Conclusion:

This study reported a minimum of 2-year follow-up of patients undergoing ASPBT or OSPBT, utilizing the same interference screw technique, for the management of LHBT pathology in the setting of concomitant shoulder procedures. There were no significant differences in patient-reported outcomes and complication rates found at any time point.

Registration:

NCT02192073 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
PTSD as a Predictor of Differential Development of Dual Systems Model Constructs: A Group-Based Trajectory Modeling Approach
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas
Published: May 2022

The dual systems model is a prominent framework for understanding how differential cognitive development of impulse control and sensation-seeking predicts peak involvement in risky behaviors during adolescence. This study examines heterogeneity in the development of dual systems constructs and examines post-traumatic stress disorder as a driver of differential development. This study utilized data from all 11 waves of the Pathways to Desistance study. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify heterogeneity in developmental patterns of impulse control and sensation-seeking. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the relevance of post-traumatic stress disorder for predicting differential development. Results indicated that three-group models provided best fit to the data for both constructs. All groups in both models were highly stable and demonstrated rank stability. Meeting criteria for a lifetime diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder predicted patterns of stable and high sensation-seeking, but did not predict development of impulse control. Findings suggest that individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder should be targeted with programming to diminish sensation-seeking; potentially through criminal justice system intervention.
Blurred Lines: Exploring the Impact of Change Complexity on Role Clarity in the Public Sector
Authors: Verlinden Stéphanie , Wynen Jan , Kleizen Bjorn , Verhoest Koen
Published: May 2022

Over the past few decades, social, economic, and political developments have forced public organizations to continuously adapt to changing circumstances, casting them in ongoing cycles of organizational change. The continuous introduction of various types of change in an employee’s work environment may generate substantial levels of role ambiguity, which in turn could hamper performance and satisfaction. Given the increasing degree of change complexity in the public sector, it is surprising that no research has investigated whether more complex change is associated with greater reductions in role clarity. To gain a better understanding of how change complexity impacts organizations and their employees, we analyze survey data from the Australian Public Service Employee Census using propensity score matching. Results indicate that increasing levels of change complexity results in greater reductions of role clarity, suggesting that change trajectories sometimes exceed employees’ capability to adapt.
Enabling Young People from Informal Urban Communities to Exercise Their Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Practice-Based Study
Authors: Ajgaonkar Vinita , Shyam Rama , Shaikh Nikhat , Rajan Sheetal , Karandikar Neeta , Jayaraman Anuja
Published: May 2022

This qualitative study explores how comprehensive sexuality education located within a broader positive youth development approach informed transformations among young people from informal urban communities in India. A thematic analysis of data obtained from the young people, their parents, and frontline workers revealed that securing the cooperation of families was possible for the program because sexual and reproductive health education was not a stand-alone intervention, but a part of a larger approach seeking to build capacities of young people. The strategic introduction of sexual and reproductive health communication helped the participants to overcome inhibitions about the topic. Enhanced awareness of gender, pubertal changes, gender-based violence, and child sexual abuse was evidenced post participation. Improved agency was manifest through decision making, critical thinking, confidence, mobility, and articulation, especially among girls. Program interventions to enhance sexual and reproductive health awareness of parents and communities and to improve health services and facilities were bolstered through youth engagement. Such contribution by the young reinforced their knowledge and skills, strengthened agency, and cemented family and community support. A holistic program situated within the positive youth development approach thus seemed a pragmatic vehicle to promote comprehensive sexuality education for young people in vulnerable urban communities.
The R and R of Purpose in College Students: Refining and Redefining Purpose Over Time
Authors: Sepulveda Jonathan , Zhou Michelle , Amorosi Amanda , Rauen Julia , Boyer Meghan , Liang Belle , Lund Terese , Mousseau Angela DeSilva
Published: May 2022

This qualitative descriptive study examined the process of purpose development of nine (seven females, two males; Mage = 20.2, age range 18–21 years) college students who completed interviews in fall 2017 and spring 2019 at a private university. Across the two time points, participants engaged in an iterative process that led them to refine (i.e., narrow or specify) or redefine (i.e., change or adapt) their purpose or ultimate aims. Participants used the time between interviews to restructure their purpose in a way that integrated their experiences until they believed their purpose was best aligned with their skills, values, and interests. More specifically, consensual qualitative research analysis revealed seven themes that suggested ways in which participants acted to refine and/or redefine their purposes: (1) clarifying definition of purpose; (2) engaging known strengths or skills; (3) exploring new activities or experiences; (4) identifying a beyond-the-self intention that aligned with their purpose; (5) discerning the fit between their passions and interests with their circumstance or plans; (6) determining whether their strengths and skills aligned well with their purpose; and (7) integrating their passions into their beyond-the-self intention. A supplemental theme was added that outlines researchers’ observations about the features of participants’ purpose.
Feeling Guilt and Shame Upon Psychological Dating Violence Victimization in College Women: The Further Role of Sexism
Authors: Oflaz Çiğdem , Toplu-Demirtaş Ezgi , Öztemür Gizem , Fincham Frank D.
Published: May 2022

Dating violence is manifested in different forms between romantic partners. Psychological violence, the most common form of dating violence, is more likely to affect women, eliciting feelings such as shame and guilt. The robust relationship of sexism to psychological dating violence victimization (PDVV) is well-documented but whether PDVV serves as a mechanism linking sexism to guilt and shame remains unexplored. This study, therefore, investigated the potential mediating role of PDVV in the association between sexist attitudes and feelings of guilt and shame. Dating college women ( N = 219) from Turkey, an honor culture in which one’s self-worth lies on one’s evaluation as well as the assessment of what others think, participated in the study. High rates of PDVV were found in this culture, and structural equation modeling revealed that PDVV mediated the relationship between sexism and feelings of guilt and shame. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research and how sexist attitudes might be challenged to reduce the adverse emotional effects experienced by women who are victims of psychological dating violence.
New HSDT for free vibration analysis of elastically supported porous bidirectional functionally graded sandwich plate using collocation method
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Bajaj Manali , Singh Jeeoot , Shukla Karunesh K
Published: May 2022

The present paper deals with the free vibration response of elastically supported porous bidirectional functionally graded soft-core sandwich rectangular plate with proposed new tangent shape function-based higher-order transverse shear deformation theory. The theory is accomplished to uphold the continuity of transverse shear stresses and zero shear stress conditions on both the extreme surfaces of a plate. The bidirectional gradation varies through the thickness ( z-axis) and length ( x-axis) directions. The effective material properties are calculated via the modified power-law. The governing differential equations (GDEs) of motion are acquired via the Hamilton principle. The inverse multi-quadric radial basis function-based Collocation method is implemented to discretize the GDEs obtained by strong form formulation. The current theory and method’s accuracy and efficacy are validated by comparing the present results with existing results in the literature. Studies show that the results of the proposed theory are in close agreement with 3D approach. Numerical results are obtained with a different scheme of sandwich layers for free vibration analysis. Effects of grading index, porosity fraction, two parameters foundation, different scheme, and the span to thickness ratio on free vibration response have been discussed. New results for free vibration response in porous media are presented with different skin materials.
Temporality in epistemic justice
Authors: Valkenburg Govert
Published: May 2022

Democracy requires some sort of exchange of knowledge between holders of different knowledge positions. The concept of epistemic justice brings the ability to know and the right to be recognised as a knowledgeable person under a scheme of justice. It problematises social conditions that potentially compromise the ability to share knowledge and thereby effectuate change and the possibility of being recognised as a knowing subject and being granted access to equitable means of producing knowledge. This paper engages with temporal aspects of epistemic justice. What role do temporalities play in people’s possibilities to create knowledge and the way they create knowledge? What role does time play in the valuation and circulation of knowledges? How do hegemonic conceptions of time potentially make some knowledges circulate more freely than others? Since conceptions of time connect to specific forms of knowledge, hierarchies and speakabilities of temporalities form an immediate correlate of hierarchies of knowledge. By extension, such hierarchies feed into schemes of epistemic justice. Thus, democracy’s duty to emancipate suppressed voices requires emancipating the times from which those suppressed voices speak.
Syntagmatic conformity: Blessings and curses in Winthrop’s Christian Charitie
Authors: Vergaro Carla
Published: May 2022

Despite all the attention Puritan sermons have received, no attention has been specifically devoted to the analysis of the two speech acts of blessing and cursing in these sermons from a cognitive-pragmatic point of view. This study aims at doing this, focussing on Winthrop’s A Modell of Christian Charity as a case study. I use the framework provided by the Entrenchment and Conventionalization Model – a usage-based and emergentist model of language knowledge and convention – and analyse how the syntagmatic association of the two speech acts contributes to the conformity profile of the sermon. Moreover, I argue that this linguistic lens can add to the understanding of the ‘enargetic’ rhetoric of the text.
Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Morbid Obesity With Rivaroxaban or Warfarin
Authors: Weaver Paige , Ng Tsz Hin , Breeden Thomas , Edwin Stephanie B. , Haan Bradley ,   ASCEND-HIGHER Research Initiative, Giuliano Christopher
Published: May 2022

Background

Rivaroxaban is a first-line option for the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, limited data are available regarding its effectiveness in morbidly obese patients.

Objective

To evaluate rates of thrombosis and bleeding in morbidly obese patients receiving rivaroxaban or warfarin for VTE.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare rates of bleeding and thrombosis in patients receiving rivaroxaban versus warfarin for acute VTE. Patients were included if they were older than 18 years and had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m2 or weight greater than 120 kg. The primary effectiveness outcome was hazard of VTE recurrence; the primary safety outcome was hazard of major bleeding. Patients were followed for up to 12 months.

Results

A total of 1281 patients were identified for acute VTE and were included in this study with 487 patients receiving rivaroxaban and 785 receiving warfarin. The average cohort age was 57.6 ± 14.6 years, and the average weight was 136.4 ± 27.2 kg. After controlling for confounding factors, the use of rivaroxaban was not associated with an increased hazard of VTE events when compared with warfarin (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-1.08, P = 0.12) or major bleeding (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.66-2.30, P = 0.52).

Conclusion and Relevance

No difference was observed in obese patients with weight >120 kg or BMI >40 kg/m2 receiving rivaroxaban or warfarin for VTE treatment in hazard of VTE or major bleeding. Either agent may be considered an appropriate treatment option in this population.
Effects of Aerobic Walking on Memory, Subjective Cognitive Complaints, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Among Older Hypertensive Women
Authors: Chou Cheng-Chen , Chien Li-Yin , Lin Mei-Feng , Wang Chi-Jane , Liu Ping-Yen
Published: May 2022

Background:Hypertension is prevalent in older women and is associated with increased cognitive impairment. Exercise has demonstrated beneficial effects on cognitive function, but the impact of exercise on older hypertensive women remains unclear. We investigated the effects of an aerobic walking program on memory, subjective cognitive complaints, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in older hypertensive women. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design was conducted. Older hypertensive women were randomly assigned to the aerobic walking group or a control group with routine care. The intervention group received a 24-week aerobic walking program. Data were collected at baseline and 24 weeks after enrollment. Participants’ characteristics, memory, subjective cognitive complaints, and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor were analyzed. Results: The aerobic walking group ( n = 30) reported improvements in total recall, delayed recall, and subjective cognitive impairment after 24 weeks of aerobic walking. Compared to the control group ( n = 28), the aerobic walking group showed significantly greater improvement in delayed recall at 24 weeks. However, aerobic walking had no significant effect on subjective cognitive complaints or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Conclusion: The aerobic walking training significantly improved memory performance among older women with hypertension. A longer randomized controlled trial with a larger sample is necessary to confirm and further explore the effects of this intervention.
The association of mindfulness and depression stigma among African American women participants in a mindfulness-based intervention: A pilot study
Authors: Hong Sunghyun , Satyshur Maureen D. , Burnett-Zeigler Inger
Published: May 2022

Depression stigma is a potential barrier to engagement in and efficacy of depression treatment. This pilot study examined the association of mindfulness with depression stigma among participants in an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention for depressive symptoms. Thirty-one African American women with depressive symptoms were recruited from an urban Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) to participate in a mindfulness intervention (M-Body). Mindfulness, depressive symptoms, and depression stigma were assessed at baseline, eight weeks, and 16 weeks. Focus groups were conducted to examine participants’ subjective experiences with the mindfulness intervention. Mindfulness significantly increased from baseline to eight weeks. There was a non-significant decrease in depression from baseline to eight weeks and a significant decrease in depression from baseline to 16 weeks. Depression stigma significantly increased from baseline to eight weeks and significantly decreased from eight to 16 weeks; however, depression stigma did not return to the baseline. An exploratory qualitative analysis of focus group data revealed themes related to direct and indirect factors that may perpetuate and maintain depression stigma. This is one of the first studies to explicitly explore the relationship between mindfulness, depression symptoms, and depression stigma among African American women.
The borders of theory: Towards an artful ontology of knowing in qualitative research
Authors: Valencia Mazzanti Cristina , Freeman Melissa
Published: May 2022

This article considers the ontology of theory as a shaping phenomenon in qualitative research by opening up its intersection with artistic dimensions of knowing and knowledge. We argue that the plurality of practices and perspectives for research hinges on what theory is understood to be. Thus, rather than approaching theory as something predefined, we draw on conceptualizations of the experience of art to articulate the being of theory as an aesthetic renewal of a shared human movement of becoming. We then illuminate theory's potential as a multidimensional artful being by engaging with a subset of photographs of street art collected in Colombia.
The Measurement of Intimate Partner Violence Using International Classification of Diseases Diagnostic Codes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rebbe Rebecca , Adhia Avanti , Eastman Andrea Lane , Chen May , Winn Jade
Published: May 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is challenging to measure yet systematic surveillance of IPV is critical to informing public health prevention and response efforts. Administrative medical data provide opportunities for such surveillance, and often use the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The primary purpose of this systematic review was to document which ICD codes have been used in empirical literature to identify IPV, understand the justification used to select specific codes to develop IPV case definitions, and identify the data sources and types of research questions addressed by the existing literature. We searched 11 databases and of the initial 2182 results, 21 empirical studies from 2000 to 2020 met the study inclusion criteria including using ICD codes to measure IPV. The majority of these studies (90.5%) used either national samples of data or population-based administrative data from emergency departments (52.4%) or inpatient hospitalizations (38.1%). We found wide variation of ICD diagnostic codes to measure IPV and categorized the sets of codes used based on the number of codes. The most commonly used ICD-9 codes were E967.3, 995.81, 995.80, 995.85 and the most common ICD-10 codes were T74.1 and Z63.0. Few studies validated the ICD codes used to measure IPV. Most included studies (81.0%) answered epidemiological research questions. The current study provides suggestions for future research, including justifying the selection of ICD codes and providing a range of estimates based on narrow and broad sets of codes. Implications for policy and practice, including enhanced training for healthcare professionals in documenting IPV, are discussed.
Effect of hybridization on physio-mechanical behavior of Vetiver and Jute fibers reinforced epoxy composites for structural applications: Studies on fabrication, physicomechanical, water-absorption, and morphological properties
Authors: Jha Kanishka , Tamrakar Paresh , Kumar Rajeev , Sharma Shubham , Singh Jujhar , Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart
Published: May 2022

Plant and animal fibers are getting recognition from researchers and academicians as a potential reinforcement for polymer composites due to their ecofriendly nature and sustainability. In the present study, the fabrication has been carried out on Jute and Vetiver fiber reinforced Epoxy composites using hand lay-up technique with a varying mass of the fibers in epoxy and matrix modifier graphite which has been fixed by weight. The mechanical (tensile, flexural and hardness test), and physical properties (water absorption [WA] and moisture content behavior) of developed composites are determined. The results obtained from performed test show that tensile strength of around 212.96 MPa was achieved for 6 wt% of Vetiver, the flexural strength of around 266.267 MPa, and the Rockwell hardness is 70.08. The WA is found maximum for Vetiver, and Jute fiber reinforced epoxy composite in the sample with 8% Vetiver and 22% of Jute fiber of composite. Scanning Electron Microscopy micrographs clearly show the incompatibility of Vetiver fiber with Epoxy matrix, easily understood with pull out of Vetiver fibers from the matrix. The continuous fiber was used which is equal to the length of the casting, therefore, even due to debonding, fracture of Vetiver fibers occurred more than pull-out.
Reading the Paintings—Watching the Poems: Toward the Post-Media Inquiry With Networked City Textualities
Authors: Golovátina-Mora Polina
Published: May 2022

The article explores rhizomatic poetic practices of Medellín-based graffiti artist Señor Ok. His work is the city revealed as a relational, multidimensional texture. It transforms striated urban space to smooth by bringing other meanings from the periphery to the surface and decentralizing the dominant image of the city. I look at his work as poetry as an entanglement of his relationship and his daily life in the city, in the country, in the broader world. I argue that as an assemblage that forms assemblages within the urban textures, his art becomes methodology for critical non-representational affective inquiry of urban spaces.
A Systematic Review of tRNA-Derived Small non-Coding RNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers in Cancer
Authors: Gao Liyun , Xu Lin , Wang Xin
Published: May 2022

Objectives: tRNA-derived small non-coding RNAs (tsncRNAs) are one of mysterious small non-coding RNAs. Dysregulated tsncRNAs can led to all kinds of cancers. Recently, tsncRNAs were postulated to be potentially useful biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. However, there were no systematic reviews of prognostic and diagnostic tsncRNAs in neoplasms. The study aimed to decipher the relationships between tsncRNAs expression, diagnostic and prognostic outcome in tumors. Methods: This study systematically searched Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Ovid-Medline, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and SinoMed databases for relevant articles published before September 21, 2020. Results: The study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020213863). Fourteen relevant studies were included in the meta-analysis: 12 on diagnosis and 5 on prognosis. The pooled add ratio, 95% confidence intervals (Cl) and hazard ratios (HR) of the studies were used to investigate the clinical parameters and overall survival (OS) of cancer patients. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity was 0.79, 72%, and 73% in tumors, respectively. Though abnormally expressed tsncRNAs were associated with poor and unfavorable impacts on the OS time of cancer patients, the oncogenic tsncRNA may be a favorable impact on overall survival (OS: HR = 0.67, 95% Cl: 0.48-0.94, P = 0.02), and tumor-suppressor tsncRNA might have an unfavorable impact on overall survival (OS: HR = 1.41, 95% Cl: 0.84-2.37, P = 0.19). Conclusion: These results strongly suggested that tsncRNAs were potential novel prognostic and diagnostic indicators in tumors.
Research on excitation technology of high-throughput ultrasonic micro-separator based on micro-nano fabrication
Authors: Gao Dawei , Hua Chenhui , Ding Jiexiong
Published: May 2022

The excitation technology of ultrasonic standing wave field is the core key to realize ultrasonic separation. This paper analyzes the excitation technology of (1, 1) mode ultrasonic separation of high-throughput ultrasonic micro-separator. There are two main problems: the coexistence of multiple modes in the separation cavity and the insufficient acoustic radiation force. In order to solve these two problems, this paper uses integrated circuit micromachining technology to process the ultrasonic micro-separator. The depth dimension of the cavity reaches 200 ± 0.5 µm, and the verticality of the side wall of the cavity reaches 83.36°. The degree of SFPD (Site Focal Plane Deviation) is less than or equal to 0.25 µm. Besides, this paper proposes an excitation method of saw-tooth frequency sweep of two anti-phase acoustic drivers. Finally, the experiments of the separator processed by the processing method proposed in this paper shows that, the excitation method proposed in this paper can effectively excite the (1, 1) mode, and shortens the time for the pattern formation of particle convergence, which greatly improves the separation efficiency. The separation throughput (flow rate) in one single cavity in this work can reach to 100 µl/min. It provides an effective basis for ultrasonic micro-separation technology.
Metaheuristics for optimizing unrelated parallel machines scheduling with unreliable resources to minimize makespan
Authors: Kaid Husam , Al-Ahmari Abdulrahman , Al-Shayea Adel , Abouel Nasr Emad , Kamrani Ali K , Mahmoud Haitham A
Published: May 2022

Parallel machines scheduling problems with continuous availability of machines are NP-hardness (non-deterministic polynomial-time hardness) and have become very popular for the last decade; there is still very limited literature on this problem. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the problem of scheduling n independent jobs to be processed on m unrelated identical parallel machines with availability constraints to minimize the maximum completion time of jobs (makespan). For this NP-hard problem, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is proposed to find an optimal solution for this problem. Two metaheuristics, tabu search (TS) and simulated annealing (SA) are proposed to solve large scale problem. Moreover, the performance of the solution obtained by the proposed metaheuristics is evaluated based on a lower bound, which decreases the time required to find the optimal solution. Extensive experiments are carried out to assess the performance of all proposed metaheuristics. The computational results highlight the ability of the proposed metaheuristics to obtain optimal solutions for most of the instances compared with the solutions of the proposed MILP model and lower bounds. Moreover, SA and TS can provide good efficiency for the problem in any jobs size and any machine size, but TS provides worse CPU time as the size of jobs become large.
From bats to pangolins: new insights into species differences in the structure and function of the immune system
Authors: Haley Patrick J.
Published: May 2022

Species differences in the structure and function of the immune system of laboratory animals are known to exist and have been reviewed extensively. However, the number and diversity of wild and exotic species, along with their associated viruses, that come into contact with humans has increased worldwide sometimes with lethal consequences. Far less is known about the immunobiology of these exotic and wild species. Data suggest that species differences of the mechanisms of inflammation, innate immunity and adaptive immunity are all involved in the establishment and maintenance of viral infections across reservoir hosts. The current review attempts to collect relevant data concerning the basics of innate and adaptive immune functions of exotic and wild species followed by identification of those differences that may play a role in the maintenance of viral infections in reservoir hosts.
A systematic review of ethnic disparities in the uptake of colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Sekhon Inderjit Singh HK , Lal N , Majeed A , Pawa N
Published: May 2022

Aims:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces mortality, but variation exists in uptake. Ethnicity is suggested to play a role; however, there is no high-level evidence to support this. We aim to clarify the impact of Ethnicity on CRC screening uptake and our barriers to its understanding.

Methods:

A systematic review to identify studies reporting on the participation of ethnic minorities in CRC screening worldwide was performed. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar databases up until 31 May 2019 were searched. Compliance with screening according to ethnic groups and screening modality was evaluated compared to the ‘White’ control group.

Results:

Twenty-two studies were included in the review reporting on 2,084,213 patients. Substantial variation in categorisation of ethnicities (40 sub-categories), screening modality studied and confounding factors accounted for was observed. 8/15 studies for ‘Blacks’, 10/13 for ‘Hispanics’, 2/2 for ‘Asians’ and 1/1 for ‘South East Asians’ suggest a less likely or significantly decreased compliance with screening for all screening modalities ( p < .05) compared to ‘Whites’. Interestingly ‘Japanese’, ‘Vietnamese’ and ‘Filipino’ groups consistently show no difference in the uptake of CRC screening compared to the ‘White’ majority.

Conclusion:

This is the only systematic review on this topic. It highlights the inconsistency in screening uptake behaviour in different ethnic minority groups and identifies barriers like variation in ethnicity categorisation, screening modality and study design utilised to understanding the intricacies of this relationship. Further collaboration and action needs to be undertaken internationally to clarify and improve inequity in the uptake of screening.
‘Why can’t I grow shorter, only taller?’—the body experience of growing up for Chinese children aged 5–6
Authors: Su Yinshan , Chen Yuejia , Huang Jin
Published: May 2022

The body is the very basis of children’s self-growth and their understanding of the world. However, children’s body experiences of growing up have rarely been studied. This paper uses a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to study the body experience of 35 kindergarten children aged 5–6 from Nanjing, China. We found that children’s body experiences can be grouped into two themes: the experience of body through physical changes, that is, children’s experience of their physical changes; and the experience of body through actions, that is, children’s experience of using their bodies to learn different skills and knowledge. Children’s body experiences are multi-dimensional, ambivalent, and socially interactive throughout different events growing up. Even the same event involves multiple and contradictory experiences, which are influenced by both internal and external sources. Suggestions are discussed to address the problem of children’s body experiences being neglected by adults.
A Model Medical Examiner Law
Authors: Weedn Victor W.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Legal systems for medicolegal death investigation in the United States are varied. A 1954 model medical examiner law was initially embraced by a few states but did not gain widespread support and was woefully inadequate. The 2009 National Commission on Forensic Science recommended the creation of an updated model medical examiner legislation.

Methods:

Various considerations for policymakers are explored.

Results:

A model law is proposed.
New bone formation over dehiscent semicircular canal with cartilage cap
Authors: Bhatt Alok A , Vibhute Prasanna , Gupta Vivek , Zapala David A , Pooley Robert A , Lundy Larry B
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Cartilage cap resurfacing is a method to seal a superior semicircular canal dehiscence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detection of new bone formation after surgical placement of a cartilage cap over a dehiscent semicircular canal.

Methods

In this retrospective review, two neuroradiologists blinded to each other’s interpretation reviewed the temporal bones of 20 patients, five of which had a pre-operative computed tomography (CT) exam which was interpreted as unilateral superior semicircular canal dehiscence and with new bone formation following repair on follow-up CT. There were also 15 control subjects. Each neuroradiologist was blinded to history, including post-operative changes, and asked to determine if there was a dehiscence or no dehiscence.

Results

Out of the 15 controls, there was 100% inter-observer agreement. On the five post-operative patients, there was agreement in 4/5 that there was no dehiscence post-operatively and 1/5 agreement of dehiscence post-operatively, but ectopic bone adjacent to the dehiscence.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that new bone formation can be seen at the site of cartilage cap placement over the dehiscence and be interpreted as bony closure of the dehiscence.
Intracranial computed tomography histogram analysis detects changes in the setting of elevated intracranial pressure and normal imaging
Authors: Asnafi Solmaz , Chen Benson S , Biousse Valérie , Newman Nancy J , Saindane Amit M
Published: May 2022

Background:

Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) have elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) of unclear etiology. This study evaluated the ability of quantitative intracranial Hounsfield unit (HU) histogram analysis to detect pathophysiological changes from elevated ICP in the setting of a normal head CT.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of non-contrast-enhanced head CT images of IIH patients and matched controls. Following skull stripping, total intracranial CT voxels within the range of 0-70 HU were divided into seven 10 HU bins. A measurement of total intracranial HU was also calculated for each patient. Imaging studies for IIH patients were reviewed for features of IIH including transverse sinus stenosis (TSS). Histogram measures were compared between IIH and control groups and correlated with imaging and clinical data.

Results:

Fourteen IIH patients with CSF opening pressure ≥25 cm water, and 31 age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched controls were included. Compared to controls, IIH patients had a significantly greater proportion of voxels in the 40-50, 50-60, and 60-70 HU bins ( p = 0.003, 0.001, and 0.003, respectively) but similar proportion in the 0-10 HU range. Severity of TSS significantly correlated with total intracranial HU measures. 50-60 HU and 60-70 HU bins demonstrated high AUCs of 0.81 and 0.80, respectively, in differentiating IIH from normal status.

Conclusion:

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients have a greater proportion of high intracranial HU voxels representing blood volume, which may be explained by TSS causing venous congestion. The pattern provides further insights into the pathophysiology of IIH and may be useful for detecting elevated ICP in the setting of normal head CT imaging.
Farmability and pharmability: Transforming the drug market to a health-and human rights-centred approach from self-cultivation to safe supply of controlled substances
Authors: Steinmetz Fabian Pitter , Kohek Maja
Published: May 2022

Background

The supply chains addressing the global demand for major recreational drugs are hardly addressed due to international contracts, particularly the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Currently applied regulatory changes have several disadvantages ranging from political tensions to the neglect of ecological aspects. The aim of this study is to show some implications associated with a transformation of the recreational drug market that is focused on self-supply of different categories of drugs. The concepts of "farmability", the feasibility to cultivate relevant plants and fungi, and "pharmability", the feasibility to refine materials to drugs by chemical synthesis, purification etc., are addressed.

Methods

68 drug experts were invited to fill out an online survey on the feasibility of self-supply of different categories of drugs. The online survey was a five-point Likert scale and had seven questions.

Results

26 experts (38.2%) responded to the online questionnaire. Cannabinoids were considered easy to cultivate/manufacture, depressants and psychedelics were ranked with moderate difficulty, opioids and stimulants were regarded as difficult to cultivate/manufacture, and empathogens/entactogens and dissociatives were ranked very difficult. The study found that some controlled substances, in particular cannabis, could be decriminalised without the need for a commercial market. However, some drug categories, such as dissociatives and empathogens/entactogens, would require the establishment of professional manufacturers. Psychedelics and depressants are ranked in between.

Conclusion

Different drugs are associated with different cultivation and/or manufacturing steps with contrasting difficulty levels. Those differences are likely to shape use prevalence to more accessible and safer drug markets which also decrease the involvement of organised crime groups. Hence, when decriminalising the possession of drugs for personal use, it is therefore recommended to allow also for personal cultivation or cultivation within social clubs. This is particularly relevant for drugs with moderate to high farmability but also if pharmability is sufficiently high.
How violence shapes contentious traditional leadership in Nigeria’s Niger Delta
Authors: Ebiede Tarila M. , Nyiayaana Kialee
Published: May 2022

This article analyses the role of violence in the emergence of political leadership in village-communities of Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The article makes three overarching arguments. First, that individuals involved in violent militancy and youth cultism (gangs) use violence to attain political power within communities in the Niger Delta. When they succeed, these individuals become the new elites in their communities. This power is often focused on appropriating traditional authority. Second, the use of violence to take control of traditional governance structures reduces the moral authority that legitimizes traditional leadership. Third, the struggle by everyday people and factions within villages to reclaim traditional authority from violent actors creates contentious leadership in communities. These arguments highlight the crisis being experienced by traditional forms of governance in Nigeria’s Niger Delta as a result of the proliferation of violence in the region. Based on empirical data obtained from ethnic communities heavily impacted by militancy and youth cultism in Rivers State, the article found that competitive struggles amongst the local elites in communities over the control of cult groups, and economic and political spaces of traditional authority shape the dynamics of cult wars, political violence and contentious leadership in the Niger Delta.
Overlapping and unique substrate specificities of ST3GAL1 and 2 during hematopoietic and megakaryocytic differentiation
Authors: Zhang Nanyan , Lin Siying , Cui Weiguo , Newman Peter J.
Published: May 2022

Although the sialyltransferases ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2 are known to transfer sialic acid to the galactose residue of type III disaccharides (Galβ1,3GalNAc) in vitro, sialylation of O-linked glycosylated proteins in living cells has been largely attributed to ST3GAL1. To examine the role of ST3GAL2 in O-sialylation, we examined its expression during differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and megakaryocytes (MKs). ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2 each became highly expressed during the differentiation of iPSCs to HPCs but decreased markedly in their expression upon differentiation into MKs, suggesting coordination of expression during megakaryopoiesis. To further delineate their role in these processes, we generated ST3GAL1-, ST3GAL2-, and doubly deficient human iPSC lines. Binding of the peanut agglutinin lectin, which reports the presence of unsialylated Galβ1,3GalNAc glycan chains, was strongly increased in HPCs and MKs derived from double-knockout iPSCs and remained moderately increased in cells lacking either one of these sialyltransferases, demonstrating that both can serve as functional cellular O-glycan sialyltransferases. Interestingly, the HPC markers CD34 and CD43, as well as MK membrane glycoprotein (GP) GPIbα, were identified as major GP substrates for ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2. In contrast, O-sialylation of GPIIb relied predominantly on the expression of ST3GAL2. Finally, although disruption of ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2 had little impact on MK production, their absence resulted in dramatically impaired MK proplatelet formation. Taken together, these data establish heretofore unknown physiological roles for ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2 in O-linked glycan sialylation in hemato- and megakaryocytopoiesis.
Predicting circRNA-drug sensitivity associations via graph attention auto-encoder
Authors: Deng Lei , Liu Zixuan , Qian Yurong , Zhang Jingpu
Published: May 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play essential roles in cancer development and therapy resistance. Many studies have shown that circRNA is closely related to human health. The expression of circRNAs also affects the sensitivity of cells to drugs, thereby significantly affecting the efficacy of drugs. However, traditional biological experiments are time-consuming and expensive to validate drug-related circRNAs. Therefore, it is an important and urgent task to develop an effective computational method for predicting unknown circRNA-drug associations.

Results

In this work, we propose a computational framework (GATECDA) based on graph attention auto-encoder to predict circRNA-drug sensitivity associations. In GATECDA, we leverage multiple databases, containing the sequences of host genes of circRNAs, the structure of drugs, and circRNA-drug sensitivity associations. Based on the data, GATECDA employs Graph attention auto-encoder (GATE) to extract the low-dimensional representation of circRNA/drug, effectively retaining critical information in sparse high-dimensional features and realizing the effective fusion of nodes’ neighborhood information. Experimental results indicate that GATECDA achieves an average AUC of 89.18% under 10-fold cross-validation. Case studies further show the excellent performance of GATECDA.

Conclusions

Many experimental results and case studies show that our proposed GATECDA method can effectively predict the circRNA-drug sensitivity associations.
Marine protected areas do not buffer corals from bleaching under global warming
Authors: Johnson Jack V. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Pincheira-Donoso Daniel
Published: May 2022

Background

The rising temperature of the oceans has been identified as the primary driver of mass coral reef declines via coral bleaching (expulsion of photosynthetic endosymbionts). Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been implemented throughout the oceans with the aim of mitigating the impact of local stressors, enhancing fish biomass, and sustaining biodiversity overall. In coral reef regions specifically, protection from local stressors and the enhanced ecosystem function contributed by MPAs are expected to increase coral resistance to global-scale stressors such as marine heatwaves. However, MPAs still suffer from limitations in design, or fail to be adequately enforced, potentially reducing their intended efficacy. Here, we address the hypothesis that the local-scale benefits resulting from MPAs moderate coral bleaching under global warming related stress.

Results

Bayesian analyses reveal that bleaching is expected to occur in both larger and older MPAs when corals are under thermal stress from marine heatwaves (quantified as Degree Heating Weeks, DHW), but this is partially moderated in comparison to the effects of DHW alone. Further analyses failed to identify differences in bleaching prevalence in MPAs relative to non-MPAs for coral reefs experiencing different levels of thermal stress. Finally, no difference in temperatures where bleaching occurs between MPA and non-MPA sites was found.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that bleaching is likely to occur under global warming regardless of protected status. Thus, while protected areas have key roles for maintaining ecosystem function and local livelihoods, combatting the source of global warming remains the best way to prevent the decline of coral reefs via coral bleaching.