bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Importance of PGRMC1 in Hormone Responsive Breast Cancer
Authors: Ruan Xiangyan , Mueck Alfred O.
Published: November 2022

Background: For the development of PGRMC1, a multifunctional receptor belonging to membrane-associated progesterone receptor proteins (MAPR) family, as possible predictive marker for increased hormone-dependent breast cancer (BC) risk, a systematic research program has been performed, starting with different BC cells, continued with animal studies and finally with clinical studies with BC patients. Summary: In vitro studies showed dose- and time-dependent BC cell proliferations with all available synthetic progestogens (not with progesterone), but mostly significant only in the presence of PGRMC1. Different animal (xenograft) studies confirmed that synthetic progestogens, but not progesterone and dydrogesterone, increased the estradiol-induced tumor proliferation, although with dydrogesterone, a small time-dependent increase could be seen. Clinical studies with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to confirm these results are still running. In patients with BC expression of PGRMC1 in BC tissue was correlated to tumor characteristics like diameter, grade, and metastatic status. BC patients with PGRMC1 in the tumors had poorer disease-free and overall survival. After developing of an assay, blood levels could be correlated to the expression in BC tissue showing PGRMC1 superior to tumor markers such as CEA, CA125, CA153, and TPS. Key Messages: This review is summarizing two different functions of PGRMC1: (1) to predict the prognosis of BC patients, already well demonstrated in BC patients and (2) being a possible predictive marker for BC risk during HRT as suggested from in vitro and animal research.
Amarrar ressonâncias: considerações sobre desenho e antropologia
Authors: Lotierzo Tatiana
Published: November 2022

Este artigo visa reunir considerações da antropologia sobre o desenho, articulando-as a aprendizagens recebidas em minha experiência de campo com artistas inga, na Colômbia. Primeiramente, apresenta-se um conjunto de autores que têm renovado os usos e compreensões do desenhar na pesquisa em antropologia e/ou autores que consideram as implicações do desenho para seus sujeitos de pesquisa, inclusive por meio de uma discussão das noções de desenho, design, grafismo e imagem, entre outras. Em segundo lugar, apresentam-se considerações de meus interlocutores de pesquisa sobre o desenho. Para finalizar, o artigo levanta algumas questões, a fim de sugerir alcances, efeitos e ressonâncias dessas reflexões para a pesquisa em antropologia.
The Effect of a Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor on Neurovascular Regulation in Humans
Authors: O’Gallagher Kevin , Rosentreter Ryan E. , Elaine Soriano Jan , Roomi Ali , Saleem Saqib , Lam Tyler , Roy Roman , Gordon Grant R. , Raj Satish R. , Chowienczyk Philip J. , Shah Ajay M. , Phillips Aaron A.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is a key process in cerebral blood flow regulation. NVC ensures adequate brain perfusion to changes in local metabolic demands. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is suspected to be involved in NVC; however, this has not been tested in humans. Our objective was to investigate the effects of nNOS inhibition on NVC in humans.

Methods:

We performed a 3-visit partially randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 12 healthy subjects. On each visit, subjects received an intravenous infusion of either S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (a selective nNOS-inhibitor), 0.9% saline (placebo control), or phenylephrine (pressor control). The NVC assessment involved eliciting posterior circulation hyperemia through visual stimulation while measuring posterior and middle cerebral arteries blood velocity.

Results:

nNOS inhibition blunted the rapidity of the NVC response versus pressor control, evidenced by a reduced initial rise in mean posterior cerebral artery velocity (−3.3% [−6.5, −0.01],
P
=0.049), and a reduced rate of increase (ie, acceleration) in posterior cerebral artery velocity (slope reduced −4.3% [−8.5, −0.1],
P
=0.045). The overall magnitude of posterior cerebral artery response relative to placebo control or pressor control was not affected. Changes in BP parameters were well-matched between the S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline and pressor control arms.

Conclusions:

Neuronal NOS plays a role in dynamic cerebral blood flow control in healthy adults, particularly the rapidity of the NVC response to visual stimulation. This work opens the way to further investigation of the role of nNOS in conditions of impaired NVC, potentially revealing a therapeutic target.
Sophist, Emperor and sophrosyne
Authors: Doyle Lisa
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the significance of the Greek value of sophrosyne as a rhetorical topos through the lens of Libanius’ work, demonstrating that the theme of moderation was indeed a prime concern of the orator. I consider a notable instance (Oration 16, To the Antiochenes: On the Emperor’s Anger) in which Libanius’ engagement with this theme goes beyond the usual commonplaces of rhetoric. My intention is to offer another perspective on the renowned altercation between Emperor Julian and the city of Antioch. I argue that, as Julian understands the tensions between himself and Antioch in terms of sophrosyne, so Libanius responds by endowing the rhetorical trope of moderation with greater significance in Oration 16, presenting this value as the solution to the Antiochenes’ predicament.
The Catalogus geometrarum from the Corpus Agrimensorum
Authors: Marshall Richard M.A.
Published: November 2022

The Catalogus geometrarum from the Corpus Agrimensorum, an early witness to the Aratean commentary tradition, names an author with mathematical interests as Euclid the Sicilian. If this individual is identical with Euclid the geometer, then we are able to move beyond the traditional biographies of Euclid, which rest on the problematic evidence of Proclus and Pappus, and consider an ancient case of mistaken identity which suggests that Euclid may even have been a Geloian by birth. This new identification raises questions about the status of Doric as a scientific language, and Alexandria’s role as a haven for those dislocated by war or civil strife, not merely as a magnet for scientific talent.
What Good Work Has Anthemion Done? Aelian’s Fourth Rustic Epistle
Authors: Berrens Dominik
Published: November 2022

The fourth letter is the shortest and arguably the least studied of Aelian’s 20 Rustic Epistles. A closer examination of this letter reveals, however, that it has some interesting aspects in terms of both language and content. In Ep. 4, Aelian presents himself as a capable Atticist author who has specialist vocabulary at his command. Furthermore, this article argues that Ep. 4 should be read together with the following letter and thus tells in nuce the story of how and why Anthemion took Baeton’s bees.
Some Notes on the Text of Seneca’s Phoenician Women
Authors: Słomak Iwona
Published: November 2022

This article aims to revise previous findings concerning selected passages of Seneca’s Phoenician Women (374-375; 610-613; 184-187; 314-315; 437-439; 631-632). In each of them, the unanimous reading of the MSS was replaced by conjectures which are now almost universally accepted by reputable editors and commentators. To justify these emendations, it was argued that the MS phrase did not make sense or was grammatically or stylistically incorrect; sometimes, the text was modified on the assumption that the author had imitated another poet when working on a particular line. In this paper, the passages are analysed in the light of Seneca’s other statements and against the broader background of ancient literary tradition. The results show that the conjectures are based on unconfirmed assumptions or flawed premises and thus should be rejected in favour of the MS reading.
The Apologetics of Mystery: The Traditio apostolica and Appeals to Pythagorean Initiation in Josephus and Iamblichus
Authors: Fogleman Alex
Published: November 2022

While the Traditio apostolica ascribed to Hippolytus has primarily been the focus of studies about authorship and dating, this unique work also has much to suggest about rhetorical presentations of catechesis in the early Christian era. Comparing the TA to Josephus’s account of the Essenes in the Judean War and Iamblichus’s account of Pythagorean initiation in De vita Pythagorica, this essay argues that the TA’s presentation of catechesis can be read as constitutive of a quasi-apologetic defense of the Hippolytan “school” during the transitional period from school Christianity to monepiscopacy during the second century. Deploying similar Pythagorean imagery to describe the process of initiation, the author/editor of the TA makes a case for the Hippolytan school as offering a true philosophical way of life.
How Temporality Shapes Social Structure in the Acts of Thomas
Authors: Dell’Isola Maria
Published: November 2022

The present paper attempts to discuss the image of women in the Acts of Thomas against the wider theoretical background of temporality as it was perceived and construed through the text. More specifically, I will focus on how notions of time that emerged in the early centuries of the Christian era proved to be a key factor in shaping women’s agency as this is reflected in the apocryphal Acts. The nexus between time and the construction of the feminine in the Acts of Thomas emerges as being particularly interesting because it sheds light on many relevant questions in early Christianity, such as chastity, asceticism, reconfiguration of family ties, social norms, and roles.
From Shame to Pride
Authors: Dukhan Haian
Published: November 2022

This article is about the word Shawaya. Before the Syrian uprising, many Syrians used the term Shawaya in a derogatory manner when referring to a class of people perceived as backward, uneducated and vulgar. However, during the course of the Syrian uprising and subsequent civil war, self-identification as a Shawi (the singular of Shawaya) became more prevalent among people belonging to this group of Syrian society. The Syrian uprising created a space for Shawaya to express their identity openly. As the Syrian uprising turned into a protracted conflict, the Shawi identity transformed into a political one as it became associated with the rural-urban divide characterizing the conflict. This article aims to explore the social and political implications of the word Shawaya in contemporary Syrian political culture by exploring the term and attempting to show how members of this group today express their Shawi identity both politically and socially.
Infiltrators among Us
Authors: Ibold Nura
Published: November 2022

This article focuses on the word ‘Mundas’ (plural Mundasīn), which literally translates as ‘infiltrator’, and was one of the words most frequently used to describe those opposing the Syrian regime. The word was rarely used within the Syrian political repertoire before the outset of the revolution. However, it soon became a marker separating those who supported President Bashar al-Assad from those who did not. In the context of the Syrian war, the Mundasīn, according to the regime’s narrative, hide within the masses of al-Assad’s supporters, creating disorder, and do not reflect the demands of the ‘good’ Syrian people. As claimed by this official narrative and emphasized by its media, those infiltrators were radicalized terrorists invited from abroad to generate chaos in Syria. Consequently, the armed forces of the regime blamed these Mundasīn and allegedly had no choice but to repress protests in order to protect peaceful demonstrators from their brutality. The article explores the origin of Mundas and the ways it was used within Syrian media. It reflects on the divergent interpretations and uses of the word as a common expression identifying oneself and asserting membership in a certain group on the one hand and challenges the negative meaning of the word advocated by the government and its agencies on the other. It also researches the word’s evolution within social media platforms, in both texts and graphics, and discusses popular uses in caricature drawings, slogans and songs.
The Rise of China’s Zhao Lijian Diplomacy: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Liu Kerry
Published: November 2022

China’s wolf warrior diplomacy has attracted extensive attention since 2020. One of the most prominent “wolf warriors” is Zhao Lijian, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson. Based on weekly Google Trends datasets between August 21, 2016 and August 8, 2021, this study provides a quantitative description of the development of Zhao Lijian diplomacy. Employing Granger causality tests and autoregressive distributed lag models, this study finds that Zhao Lijian diplomacy is part of China’s wolf warrior diplomacy. Most importantly, COVID-19 may be the only factor that has driven the rise of Zhao Lijian diplomacy. This study contributes to academia by presenting a new quantitative approach to international relations studies and contributes to our understanding of China’s foreign policy.
The first troglobiotic cryptopid centipede (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Cryptopidae) from the Caucasus
Authors: TUF IVAN HADRIÁN , BARJADZE SHALVA , MAGHRADZE ETER
Published: November 2022

Cryptops (Cryptops) datviensis sp. nov. from Datvi Cave in Georgia, is the first troglobiotic species of the genus Cryptops Leach, 1814 to be described from the Caucasus. The new species morphologically resembles the common epigean Caucasian species Cryptops caucasius Verhoeff, 1934, but differs in typical troglomorphic features, such as elongation of antennae and legs. A key to species of the genus Cryptops from the Caucasus is presented. A list of the invertebrates inhabiting Datvi Cave is provided.
Analysis of Electric Vehicle Collisions in the United States: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Alter Noah , Ngatuvai Micah , Beeton George , Atoa Andrew , Wajeeh Hassaan , Ibrahim Joseph , Elkbuli Adel
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Despite the increase in electric vehicle sales in the US, their impact on injuries and fatalities is still understudied. We aim to evaluate injuries and fatalities associated with electric vehicle collisions in the US.

Methods

The study utilized electric vehicle injury and fatality data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). All electric vehicle models available within the FARS database and sold in the US from 2014 to 2020 were selected. Electric vehicle models were matched to analogous motor vehicles when possible.

Results

No significant increase in electric vehicle fatality per capita (FPC) was found during the study period (2014: .41 vs 2020: 1.42, per 100 000 electric cars, P = .080). However, 82% of all fatalities occurred on non-intersectional local roadways with 46% occurring in the presence of speeding, 14% in the presence of fire, and 38% involving a driver with an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC). The Tesla Model S, Kia Niro, and Hyundai IONIQ accounted for the most fatality per capita (17.89 vs 10.27 vs 8.42, per 100 000 electric cars). Upon comparison of electric vehicles to analogous motor vehicles produced within the same year, the Hyundai IONIQ had a significantly lower FPC compared to the Hyundai Elantra (7.33 vs 23.51, per 100 000 electric cars P = .034).

Conclusion

While no significant increase in electric vehicle fatality per capita (FPC) was found, the total number of electric vehicle fatalities did increase significantly during the study period (2014-2020). Furthermore, a significant proportion of these fatalities is directly related to speeding, fire, and intoxicated driving.
Extended Stability of Vasopressin Injection in Polyvinyl Chloride Bags and Polypropylene Syringes and Its Impact on Critically Ill Patient Care and Medication Waste
Authors: Van Matre Edward T. , Rice Peter J. , Wempe Michael F. , Lyda Clark , McAlwee Tabetha , Larkin Michael , Kiser Tyree H.
Published: November 2022

Background. Vasopressin is frequently utilized for a variety of shock states in critically ill patients. Short stability (≤24 hours) after intravenous admixture with current manufacturer labeling requires just in time preparation and may lead to delays in therapy and increased medication waste. We aimed to evaluate vasopressin stability in 0.9% sodium chloride stored in polyvinyl chloride bags and polypropylene syringes for up to 90 days. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of extended stability on the time to administration and cost savings from reduced medical waste at an academic medical center. Methods. Dilutions of vasopressin to concentrations of 0.4 and 1.0 unit/mL were performed under aseptic conditions. The bags and syringes were stored at room temperature (23°C-25°C) or under refrigeration (3°C-5°C). Three samples of each preparation and storage environment were analyzed on days 0, 2, 14, 30, 45, 60, and 90. Physical stability was performed by visual examination. The pH was assessed at each point and upon final degradation evaluation. Sterility of the samples was not assessed. Chemical stability of vasopressin was evaluated using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were considered stable if there was <10% degradation of the initial concentration. Results. Vasopressin diluted to 0.4 and 1.0 unit/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride injection was physically stable throughout the study. No precipitation was observed. At days 2, 14, 30, 45, 60, and 90 all bags and syringes diluted to 0.4 units/mL had <10% degradation. Vasopressin diluted to 1 unit/mL and stored under refrigeration had <10% degradation at all measured days, but when stored under room temperature was found to have >10% degradation at day 30. Implementation of a batching process resulted in reduced waste ($185 300) and improved time to administration (26 vs 4 minutes). Conclusion. Vasopressin diluted to a concentration of 0.4 units/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride injection is stable for 90 days at room temperature and under refrigeration. When diluted to 1.0 unit/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride injection it is stable for 90 days under refrigeration. Use of extended stability and sterility testing to batch prepare infusions may lead to improved time to administration and cost savings from reduced medication waste.
Review of Drug Storage Conditions, A Case Report
Authors: Tejedor Tejada Eduardo , Gómez Pérez Begoña , Soy Muner Dolors
Published: November 2022

High temperatures during the summer season are a very important factor to be considered due to their possible influence on drug stability and effectiveness. This is especially important in those patients included in clinical trials, polymedicated or with long-term pharmacological therapies.
Ball screw fault diagnosis based on continuous wavelet transform and two-dimensional convolution neural network
Authors: Xie Zhijie , Yu Di , Zhan Changshu , Zhao Qiancheng , Wang Junxiang , Liu Jiuqing , Liu Jiaxiu
Published: November 2022

Due to extreme operating conditions such as high-speed and heavy loads, ball screws are prone to damages, that affect the accuracy and operational safety of the mechanical equipment. As strong background noise and weak fault characteristics, it is difficult to capture the inherent fault state only depending on the time-domain or frequency-domain information from the vibration signal. In this paper, a fault diagnosis method for the ball screw based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2DCNN) is proposed. The noise-reducing vibration signal is obtained via CWT. The time-frequency graph of the noise reduction signal can more comprehensively reflect the fault information of the ball screw. The time-frequency graph is used as the input to train and test the 2DCNN. Finally, diagnosis results of different types of faults reveal that the proposed CWT-2DCNN fault diagnosis method can achieve an average recognition rate of 99.67%. Compared with one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) and traditional BP neural network, the proposed method has fast network convergence and high recognition accuracy. Time-frequency graphs of the noise-reduced signal used as fault features for classification can effectively avoid the problem of uncertainty due to the manual extraction of features. The proposed method has high application potential in the field of ball screw pair fault diagnosis.
Local Prohibitions on Marijuana Businesses With On-Site Consumption: Evidence from New York State
Authors: Yaskewich David M.
Published: November 2022

As several US states have legalized recreational marijuana over the past decade, local approval of commercial marijuana activities has faced opposition in a non-negligible share of communities. A common provision in state laws often grants local governments the authority to prohibit marijuana businesses from locating within their jurisdictions. This paper analyzed determinants of local government policies in New York State following the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2021. A key feature of New York’s law authorized municipal governments to pass an “opt-out” ordinance prohibiting marijuana retail stores, on-site consumption establishments, or both. Based on results from multilevel logistic regression models, the likelihood of allowing commercial marijuana activities was higher for local governments representing communities with larger Black populations, fewer evangelical Protestants, and lower levels of household income. While slightly more municipalities prohibited on-site consumption, determinants of opt-out decisions were similar for both retail and consumption businesses.
‘An incorporeal disease’: COVID-19, social trauma and health injustice in four Colombian Indigenous communities
Authors: Goyes David Rodríguez , South Nigel , Ramos Ñeñetofe Deisy Tatiana , Cuchimba Angie , Baicué Pablo , Abaibira Mireya Astroina
Published: November 2022

Worldwide, medical doctors and lawyers cooperate in health justice projects. These professionals pursue the ideal that, one day, every individual on Earth will be equally protected from the hazards that impair health. The main hindrances to health justice are discrimination, poverty and segregation, but we know that beyond concrete, quantifiable barriers, symbolic elements such as beliefs and fears also play a significant role in perpetuating health injustice. So, between March 2020, when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and June 2021, when vaccines against the virus were globally available, we collected original information about the ways in which four Colombian Indigenous communities confronted COVID-19. Knowing that Colombian Indigenous communities often face health injustices, our goal was to understand the role of symbolic elements in the situation. Our main insight is that historical genocidal processes, in which the powerful have betrayed the trust of Indigenous communities, have created a trauma in the latter, resulting in reluctance and suspicion regarding the acceptance of ‘gifts’ from external sources, including potentially beneficial health treatments.
Psychometric Evaluation of Single-Item Relationship Satisfaction, Love, Conflict, and Commitment Measures
Authors: Niehuis Sylvia , Davis Karsen , Reifman Alan , Callaway Kenzi , Luempert Ali , Oldham C. Rebecca , Head Jayla , Willis-Grossmann Emma
Published: November 2022

Issues in applied survey research, including minimizing respondent burden and ensuring measures’ brevity for smartphone administration, have intensified efforts to create short measures. We conducted two studies on the psychometric properties of single-item satisfaction, love, conflict, and commitment measures. Study 1 was longitudinal, surveying college-age dating couples at three monthly waves ( n =121, 84, and 68 couples at the respective waves). Partners completed single- and multi-item measures of the four constructs, along with other variables, to examine test–retest reliability and convergent, concurrent, and predictive validity. Single-item measures of satisfaction, love, and commitment exhibited impressive psychometric qualities, but our single-item conflict measure performed somewhat less strongly. Study 2, a cross-sectional online survey ( n = 280), showed strong convergent validity of the single-item measures, including that of conflict.
Distinct clinicopathological features of ovarian endometriosis after long-term exposure to mifepristone
Authors: Pan Yongmiao , Wu Tingting , Shi Haiyan
Published: November 2022

Objective

Mifepristone has been used to treat endometriosis, but it can cause a constellation of endometrial alterations. Our study investigated the effects of long-term mifepristone on ovarian endometriosis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological changes of ovarian endometriosis in 11 Chinese patients after long-term low-dose mifepristone therapy and compared these alterations with those observed in eutopic endometrium and adenomyosis side-by-side. Immunohistochemistry was applied to investigate estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki67 expression in eutopic and ectopic endometrium.

Results

Nearly all patients had a pelvic mass and elevated serum CA125 levels. The ovarian lesions were grossly solid, cystic-solid, or cystic. They had a grayish–reddish appearance and a fleshy, honeycomb-like cut surface. The ovarian lesions shared morphological features with the uterine endometrium, and they were characterized by dilated, crowding endometrial glands with non-physiological changes. Immunostaining revealed consistent staining for ER and PR and a low Ki67 index in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ovarian endometriosis can mimic an endometrioid borderline tumor after long-term mifepristone administration. Careful histological assessment and related clinical information are critical for the correct interpretation of these rare entities.
Deep Multimodal Learning for Traffic Speed Estimation Combining Dedicated Short-Range Communication and Vehicle Detection System Data
Authors: Min Jin Hong , Ham Seung Woo , Kim Dong-Kyu , Lee Eun Hak
Published: November 2022

The estimation of traffic variables and provision of traffic information are the most important components of intelligent transportation systems. Advances in technology have led to the collection of various traffic sensor data, and nonlinear dependencies between traffic variables have enabled the development of models based on deep learning approaches. However, there is a missing data segment where data collection is not possible because of the non-installation of the sensor, malfunction of the sensor, or error in communication. In this study, a deep multimodal model is proposed for traffic speed estimation of the missing data segment. We implement the proposed model using two heterogeneous traffic sensors, that is, a vehicle detection system and dedicated short-range communication. The structure of the proposed model consists of three multilayer perceptron models, two of which receive each modality as input data and one fusion model that receives the concatenated outputs from each modality model as input data. To evaluate the estimation performance of the deep multimodal model, we use three performance measures to compare the multimodal model with the arithmetic average model and a single-modality model. The results show that the single-modality model and the proposed deep multimodal model outperform the arithmetic average model. In particular, the deep multimodal model shows the highest accuracies of 90.5% and 92.1% on weekends and peak hours, respectively, without reflecting the true value. The proposed deep multimodal model has three contributions, that is, high accuracy using two different sensors, robustness in various periods, and real-time application with fast computational time.
Headway Data Extraction and Highway Capacity Manual Capacity Function Calibration for Roundabouts With Roadside Lidar Data
Authors: Whitley Trevor , Tian Yuan , Xu Hao
Published: November 2022

There have been many research efforts analyzing roundabouts to extract the gap acceptance parameters of critical and follow-up headways at the entry lanes, but most have not had automatic methods of outputting the desired headways. This paper proposes an automatic method for extracting headway information at roundabouts with roadside lidar data and demonstrating the use of the headway output for Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) roundabout capacity function calibration. The advantages of using roadside lidar sensors over video cameras are that it is less computationally demanding, has a greater detection range, and is effective in all lighting conditions. Roadside lidar provides high accuracy cloud points of all road users that can be converted into geolocated trajectories using software developed by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Headway is then extracted using an ArcGIS plugin of Python Scripts developed by the authors. Roadside lidar data were collected at one roundabout in Reno, Nevada, United States during the daytime hours, and headway data were extracted from the trajectory output. With rejected, accepted, and follow-up headways extracted, Raff’s Method was employed to extract the critical headway and the average of the follow-up headways was calculated. These values were used to determine the entry capacity at a roundabout. The results for the capacity were validated with industry standard equations, providing evidence for an automatic method to extract crucial operational information. The methodology proposed in this paper opens the door for several more extended studies with roundabouts, vehicle-pedestrian interactions, and on-ramp merging events.
Sensitivity of Travel Reliability Measures to Major System Changes
Authors: Jha Kartikeya , Lasley Philip , Schrank David L. , Eisele William L.
Published: November 2022

The performance-based planning and programming approach established by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) has necessitated the process of estimating congestion (delay) and reliability benefits from transportation system improvements. Agencies are experiencing a shift in policy focus from the average travel time to the reliability of travel time. By examining empirical data on before-and-after archived travel times at identified project locations to find evidence of observed reliability benefits, this paper addresses a gap in the literature about the overall role that reliability benefit estimations play in the decision-making process during transportation project prioritization, and the relative effects of different strategies on different reliability measures. In the process, the study investigated why and how the way the reliability measures are defined can affect their ability to capture the impacts (and benefits) of major system changes. Data for four different broad improvement categories and three different reliability performance measures (planning time index-95 [PTI95], planning time index-80 [PTI80], and level of travel time reliability [LOTTR]) revealed varying impacts of different strategies on different measures. PTI80 was better able to capture ground-level benefits experienced by most travelers and showed higher sensitivity to system improvements than PTI95. Another key finding was that LOTTR’s threshold-based definition limited its ability to capture observed reliability benefits accurately. The results provide a picture of magnitude and relative levels of observed benefits from different system improvements, which could help planners and practitioners better understand, anticipate, and incorporate the benefits expected from planned changes.
Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures: Diagnostic Strategy Through Physical Examination
Authors: Zwerus Elisa L. , van Deurzen Derek F.P. , van den Bekerom Michel P.J. , The Bertram , Eygendaal Denise
Published: November 2022

Background:

Distinguishing a complete from a partial distal biceps tendon rupture is essential, as a complete rupture may require repair on short notice to restore function, whereas partial ruptures can be treated nonsurgically in most cases. Reliability of physical examination is crucial to determine the right workup and treatment in patients with a distal biceps tendon rupture.

Purposes:

The primary aim of this study was to find a (combination of) test(s) that serves best to diagnose a complete rupture with certainty in the acute phase (≤1 month) without missing any complete ruptures. The secondary aims were to determine the best (combination of) test(s) to identify a chronic (>1 month) rupture of the distal biceps tendon and indicate additional imaging in case partial ruptures or tendinitis are suspected.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 86 patients with anterior elbow complaints or suspected distal biceps injury underwent standardized physical examination, including the Hook test, passive forearm pronation test, biceps crease interval (BCI), and biceps crease ratio. Diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively (68 cases), by magnetic resonance imaging (13 cases), or by ultrasound (5 cases).

Results:

A combination of the Hook test and BCI (ie, both tests are positive) was most accurate for both acute and chronic ruptures but with a different purpose. For acute complete ruptures, sensitivity was 94% and specificity was 100%. In chronic cases, specificity was also 100%. Weakness on active supination and palpation of the tendon footprint provided excellent sensitivity of 100% for chronic complete ruptures and partial ruptures, respectively.

Conclusion:

The combination of a positive Hook test and BCI serves best to accurately diagnose acute complete ruptures of the distal biceps tendon. Weakness on active supination and pain on palpation of the tendon footprint provide excellent sensitivity for chronic complete ruptures and partial ruptures. Using these tests in all suspected distal biceps ruptures allows a physician to refrain from imaging for a diagnostic purpose in certain cases, to limit treatment delay and thereby provide better treatment outcome, and to avoid hospital and social costs.
Survivorship and Reoperation of 324 Consecutive Isolated or Combined Arthroscopic Meniscal Allograft Transplants Using Soft Tissue Fixation
Authors: Grassi Alberto , Di Paolo Stefano , Coco Vito , Romandini Iacopo , Filardo Giuseppe , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Marcacci Maurilio , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: November 2022

Background:

Meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) is an effective treatment for relieving symptoms and improving knee function in patients who experience symptomatic unicompartmental knee pain after a previous meniscectomy. However, the literature contains a paucity of studies assessing the survival rate and prognostic factors of soft tissue MAT.

Purpose:

To report the survivorship of a large, single-center cohort of consecutive patients treated with arthroscopic MAT using soft tissue technique and to investigate variables that could potentially influence failures and outcomes.

Study design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Consecutive MAT procedures totaling 364 performed in a single institution between June 2004 and April 2019 were screened and assessed for eligibility. Subjective clinical scores (Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and visual analog score) were collected preoperatively and at 2, 5, 7, and 10 years of follow-up. Two survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier curves, with surgical failure (defined as any graft revision) and clinical failure (defined as a Lysholm score <65 points) used as endpoints. Univariate analyses were performed using reoperations, surgical failure, clinical failure, and different demographic and surgical characteristics as endpoints.

Results:

A total of 324 consecutive patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up 5.7 ± 3.0 years. Of these, 189 (58%) underwent an associated surgical procedure. A total of 22 patients (6.8%) were considered to have experienced surgical failure, and no predictors of surgical failure were identified based on the relevant variables. When all patients were considered, a significant improvement in all of the patient-reported outcome measures was present between the preoperative assessment and the last follow-up ( P < .001), with no significant decrease over time. Moreover, 70 (21.6%) patients were considered to have experienced clinical failure; the need for concurrent cartilage procedures (odds ratio, 0.16; P = .001) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (odds ratio, 0.40; P = .059) were predictors of failure. Finally, a lower survival rate was reported in female patients compared with male patients (49% vs 69%, respectively; P = .007) and in patients who required cartilage surgery ( P = .014). In particular, patients who required cartilage surgery showed nearly half the survival rate compared with those with required no cartilage procedures at 10-year follow-up (36.4% vs 71%, respectively; P = .029).

Conclusion:

Female sex and the need to combine MAT with a cartilage procedure or ACL reconstruction could result in an increased rate of clinical failure at midterm follow-up.
Interobserver Variability and Accuracy of Preoperative CT and MRI in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Size Estimation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cocquempot Romain , Bonnin Angèle , Barat Maxime , Naveendran Gaanan , Dohan Anthony , Fuks David , Terris Benoit , Coriat Romain , Hoeffel Christine , Marchese Ugo , Soyer Philippe
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To assess interobserver variability and accuracy of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) size estimation using surgical specimens as standard of reference. Methods: Patients with PDAC who underwent preoperative CT and MRI examinations before surgery were included. PDAC largest axial dimension was measured by 2 readers on 8 MRI sequence and 2 CT imaging phases (pancreatic parenchymal and portal venous). Measurements were compared to actual tumour size at pathologic examination. Interobserver variability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. Differences in tumour size (Δdiameter) between imaging and actual tumour size were searched using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: Twenty-nine patients (16 men; median age, 70 years) with surgically resected PDAC were included. Interobserver reproducibility was good to excellent for all MRI sequences and the 2 CT imaging phases with ICCs between .862 (95%CI: .692-.942) for fat-saturated in-phase T1-weighted sequence and .955 (95%CI: .898-.980) for portal venous phase CT images. Best accuracy in PDAC size measurement was obtained with pancreatic parenchymal phase CT images with median Δdiameters of −2 mm for both readers, mean relative differences of −9% and −6% and no significant differences with dimensions at histopathological analysis ( P = .051). All MRI sequences led to significant underestimation of PDAC size (median Δdiameters, −6 to −1 mm; mean relative differences, −21% to −11%). Conclusions: Most accurate measurement of PDAC size is obtained with CT images obtained during the pancreatic parenchymal phase. MRI results in significant underestimation of PDAC size.
Peritoneal equilibration testing: Your questions answered
Authors: Gu Joey , Bai Eric , Ge Connie , Winograd Jacob , Shah Ankur D
Published: November 2022

The peritoneal equilibration test (PET), first described in 1987, is a semiquantitative assessment of peritoneal transfer characteristics in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. It is typically performed as a 4-h exchange using 2.27/2.5% dextrose dialysate with serial measurements of blood and dialysate creatinine, urea, and glucose concentrations. The percentage absorption of glucose and D/P creatinine ratio are used to determine peritoneal solute transfer rates. It is used to both help guide peritoneal dialysis prescriptions and to prognosticate. There are several derivative tests which have been described in the literature. In this review, we describe the original PET, the various iterations of the PET, the information gleaned, and the use in the setting of poor solute clearance and in the diagnosis of membrane dysfunction, and limitations of the PET.
Predictors of serum vancomycin levels in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis
Authors: Deacon Erin , Canney Mark , McCormick Brendan , Brown Pierre , Biyani Mohan , Zimmerman Deborah
Published: November 2022

Background:

Intraperitoneal (IP) vancomycin is often first-line empiric therapy for peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis; however, whether dosing should be adjusted for patient-specific characteristics remains unclear. We sought to identify factors associated with the day 3 vancomycin serum level in patients receiving vancomycin for PD peritonitis.

Methods:

Retrospective single-centre adult cohort of 58 patients with PD peritonitis treated with IP vancomycin between January 2016 and May 2022. Linear regression was used to examine the association between day 3 vancomycin level and candidate predictors including age, sex, weight, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urea and creatinine clearance (total, residual, dialysate), PD modality, peritoneal solute transfer rate and initial vancomycin dose. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the likelihood of achieving a level (≥15 mg/L) associated with these predictor variables.

Results:

A 2-g loading dose was given in 51 cases, and 38 patients (66%) had a therapeutic day 3 level. Each 5 mg/kg increase in initial vancomycin dose was associated with a 1.38 mg/L (95% confidence interval 0.52, 2.23) increase in day 3 level. Each 1 mL/min increase in GFR was associated with a 0.29 mg/L decrease (95% confidence interval 0.05, 0.52) in day 3 level. The likelihood of achieving a therapeutic level was approximately four times higher with an initial dose of ≥25 mg/kg compared to <25 mg/kg (odds ratio 3.75, 95% confidence interval 1.05, 13.46).

Conclusions:

Following an average 2-g vancomycin loading dose for suspected PD peritonitis, one-third of patients were subtherapeutic on day 3. GFR and weight-based dosing were independently associated with day 3 vancomycin level, and their consideration could improve the likelihood of achieving an early therapeutic level.
Inter-Union Solidarity and Strategic Group Identity: Insights from Works Councils in the French Car Industry
Authors: Reaney Ruth , Cullinane Niall
Published: November 2022

In many countries, unions, with conflicting political identities, compete for works council positions. However, inter-union solidaristic forms of cooperation can occur within these same institutions. This article advances the concept of strategic group identity to explain the makeup, success, failure and longevity of inter-union cooperation in this context. Based on case studies of inter-union conflict and cooperation on works councils in the French automotive industry, the article highlights the importance of inter-union identity congruence in examining responses to shared threats. Several implications for understanding inter-union solidarity are developed.
Fault detection and diagnosis for liquid rocket engines with sample imbalance based on Wasserstein generative adversarial nets and multilayer perceptron
Authors: Deng Lingzhi , Cheng Yuqiang , Yang Shuming , Wu Jianjun , Shi Yehui
Published: November 2022

The reliability of liquid rocket engines (LREs), which are the main propulsion device of launch vehicles, cannot be overemphasised. The development of fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) technology for LREs can effectively improve the safety and reliability of launch vehicles, which has important theoretical and engineering significance. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies such as machine learning and artificial neural network, data-driven FDD methods have gained increasing attention. However, the scarcity of engine fault samples limits the application of this methods. We proposed a method combining Wasserstein generative adversarial nets (WGANs) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) to perform FDD for LREs with sample imbalance. Wasserstein generative adversarial nets were trained using the fault data from the actual hot-firing ground test of a large LRE. Considerable fault data were generated to expand the data set to balance the ratio of positive and negative samples. Subsequently, the expanded data set was used to train the MLP for FDD of a large LRE. The results showed that the samples generated by the WGAN were authentic, confirming the application of the proposed method as a novel and effective tool for establishing a complete LRE fault database. Furthermore, the diagnosis times of the proposed method on five fault tests were advanced by 0.66, 15.82, 0.24, 0.14 and 1.08 s in relation to those of the conventional red-line cut-off system. Compared with support vector machine and adaptive threshold algorithm, the proposed method also performed better.
Towards green growth: Industry structure and energy transition in OECD countries
Authors: Chang Ting-Huan , Ma Kung-Mien , Chang Ssu-Li
Published: November 2022

This paper is concerned with the impact on the global greenhouse effect issues and focus on comprehensive multi-indicator though analyze the relationship between CO2 emissions and real GDP, energy intensity, fraction of the renewable energy supply out of the total energy supply, and energy consumption from different sectors, including the agricultural, service, industrial and transport sectors. The panel data encompass all 37 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries covering 20 years from 2000 to 2019 and divide into two subsamples, the first and second ten years, for comparison. The empirical results of all parameters track the sound progress of green growth trend in OECD countries in the second ten years (2010–2019). According to the OECD, green growth strategy had been acknowledged in OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in June 2009. Thus, the study divided into the first and second ten years with 2010 as the boundary to compare and the empirical result also indicates the green growth strategy in OECD countries have gradually matured in the last ten years. The implementation of the policy framework and measures includes pricing, removing perverse subsidies, ensuring the regulatory standards of energy efficiency, innovation, and infrastructure investments might also provide a reference and important information for energy policy makers.
Deservingness on Trial: Neutralisation Techniques in Public Housing Jurisprudence
Authors: Cohen-Rimer Yael , Dagan Netanel
Published: November 2022

How do judges formulate their written decisions when rejecting plaintiffs’ requests in a welfare context? In this paper, based on our thematic analysis, we show how judges construct a nuanced concept of ‘welfare deservingness’ to narratively mitigate their own moral and emotional tensions when making decisions on remedies in public-housing cases. Deploying a notion borrowed from criminology—‘neutralisation techniques’—we discuss the material and symbolic implications of this concept, contributing to the theoretical discussion of both poverty law and legal professionalism. We claim that judges use ‘neutralisation techniques’ to negotiate, justify, and explain their decisions while attempting to avoid or lessen the dilemmas they typically face, given the scarcity of housing resources and their inability to grant material assistance. Employing these techniques, the judges create ‘deservingness spectrum’ that enables them to essentially subvert the binary division of accepted/denied cases. At one end of this spectrum, the denial of the plaintiff's ‘victim’ status is enacted through the negation of symbolic deservingness and, thus, the denial of housing is framed as a warranted sanction on the plaintiff's reproachable character. At the other end, the techniques allow the judges to recognise ‘symbolic deservingness’ while still not providing material aid. Judges are therefore able to preserve their professional status and sense of moral rectitude when making such unenviable housing decisions. More broadly, our analysis offers a novel lens through which to critically understand judicial decision-making in welfare jurisprudence.