bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Artificial Intelligence for Assessment of Velopharyngeal Competence in Children Born With Cleft Palate With or Without Cleft Lip
Authors: Cornefjord Måns , Bluhme Joel , Jakobsson Andreas , Klintö Kristina , Lohmander Anette , Mamedov Tofig , Stiernman Mia , Svensson Rebecca , Becker Magnus
Published: August 2024

Objective

Development of an AI tool to assess velopharyngeal competence (VPC) in children with cleft palate, with/without cleft lip.

Design

Innovation of an AI tool using retrospective audio recordings and assessments of VPC.

Setting

Two datasets were used. The first, named the SR dataset, included data from follow-up visits to Skåne University Hospital, Sweden. The second, named the SC + IC dataset, was a combined dataset (SC + IC dataset) with data from the Scandcleft randomized trials across five countries and an intercenter study performed at six Swedish CL/P centers.

Participants

SR dataset included 153 recordings from 162 children, and SC + IC dataset included 308 recordings from 399 children. All recordings were from ages 5 or 10, with corresponding VPC assessments.

Interventions

Development of two networks, a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a pre-trained CNN (VGGish). After initial testing using the SR dataset, the networks were re-tested using the SC + IC dataset and modified to improve performance.

Main Outcome Measures

Accuracy of the networks' VPC scores, with speech and language pathologistś scores seen as the true values. A three-point scale was used for VPC assessments.

Results

VGGish outperformed CNN, achieving 57.1% accuracy compared to 39.8%. Minor adjustments in data pre-processing and network characteristics improved accuracies.

Conclusions

Network accuracies were too low for the networks to be useful alternatives for VPC assessment in clinical practice. Suggestions for future research with regards to study design and dataset optimization were discussed.
Orthognathic Surgery Rates in Furlow Double-Opposing Z-Plasty Versus Straight-Line Repair: A Review of Three Decades of Experience
Authors: Lasky Sasha , Moshal Tayla , Jolibois Marah , Roohani Idean , Manasyan Artur , Husain Fatemah , Harris Samuel , Nagengast Eric S. , Urata Mark M. , Magee William P. , Hammoudeh Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The influence of different surgical techniques on maxillary growth remains unclear. This study investigates the long-term impact of Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty versus straight-line repair (SLR) techniques on midface growth and subsequent orthognathic surgery.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary children's hospital.

Patients/participants

This study evaluated patients who underwent primary palatoplasty with Furlow or SLR techniques from 1994–2023. Patients were >14 years old at their most recent follow-up.

Interventions

No interventions were performed.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Primary outcomes were orthognathic surgery and orthognathic surgery recommendation rates to correct midface hypoplasia (MFH). Cephalometrics at the time of orthognathic surgery recommendation were traced to validate MFH.

Results

In total, 1857 patients underwent palatoplasty, of which 335 met inclusion criteria (49 SLR, 286 Furlow). Average age at last follow-up was 18.5±2.6 years. Patients who underwent Furlow versus SLR showed no significant difference in orthognathic surgery rates (p=0.428) or recommendation for orthognathic surgery rates (p=0.900). Patients recommended to undergo orthognathic surgery had more negative ANB angles (p<0.001) and smaller SNA angles (p<0.001) than patients not recommended for orthognathic surgery, demonstrating maxillary hypoplasia. Upon multivariate regression, patients with Veau III and IV clefts had an increased need for orthognathic surgery, p=0.047 and p=0.008, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that higher cleft severity contributes to future orthognathic surgery. However, palatoplasty technique did not influence orthognathic surgery rates. Our results provide valuable data when surgeons are considering the impact of palatoplasty technique on sagittal growth restriction.
Dynamic response analysis of composite clearance fault in reciprocating compressor transmission mechanism
Authors: Lei Na , Ding Han , Tang Youfu , Jiang Peichen
Published: August 2024

The traditional Hertz contact model has the problem of mismatch in the scope of application when analyzing reciprocating compressor clearance faults. Therefore, a modified conformal contact force model is proposed in this paper, based on the L–N contact force model, and the modified stiffness coefficient Kc and the modified stiffness index nc are introduced to obtain the modified conformal contact force model. The validity of the modified conformal contact force model was verified by developing simulation model and theory dynamics equations. Based on the simulation model, the effects of different clearance values, different clearance fault locations, and different operating conditions on the dynamic response were investigated. The accuracy of the simulation model was verified by performing fault tests on reciprocating compressors. The simulation results show that, as the number of bearing clearance faults increases, the acceleration of crosshead vibration decreases, and the addition of slide clearance faults increases the acceleration of crosshead vibration; as the friction force and rotational speed increase, the amplitude and frequency of cross head vibration impact under composite clearance faults will be further intensified. For the study of clearance faults in the same type of mechanism, the work done in this paper can be a reference.
Reflection of plane waves from the free surface of a hard sphere-filled elastic metacomposite
Authors: Samadi-Aghdam Kosar , Ru Chongqing , Schiavone Peter
Published: August 2024

We use an effective medium model to study the problem of reflection of plane waves from the free surface of a half-space occupied by an elastic particulate metacomposite. This problem has received little attention in the recent literature despite its significance from both practical and theoretical points of view. Classical formulas for the reflection angles and amplitudes of the reflected waves for a homogeneous elastic half-space with no wave attenuation are extended to a particulate metacomposite half-space with wave attenuation. We also include a detailed discussion concerning the reflected plane shear wave and surface compressional wave in the case of an incident shear wave propagating at an incident angle smaller than the critical angle. The efficiency and accuracy of the model are demonstrated via detailed comparisons between the predicted phase velocity and attenuation coefficient of plane waves in an (infinite) entire space and the corresponding results available in the literature. The implications of our results on the reflection of plane waves from the free surface of a hard sphere-filled elastic metacomposite are discussed. We mention that a quantitative validation of our results cannot be made here as a result of the lack of availability of established data in the existing literature.
Indocyanine green angiography reveals choroidal hypoperfusion in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)
Authors: Agarwal Aniruddha , Majumder Parthopratim Dutta
Published: August 2024

We report the choroidal findings on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in two cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). The two immunocompetent patients (31-year-old and 30-year-old Asian Indian males) presented with acute-onset rapidly progressing vision loss with findings of necrotizing retinitis involving the central macula. Both patients tested negative for serological evidence of herpes or varicella, and toxoplasma antibodies. The patients demonstrated high serum and cerebrospinal fluid titers of anti-measles antibody (and abnormal electroencephalogram in one patient) leading to the diagnosis of SSPE. ICGA of both patients revealed distinct “ dark dots” which showed hypofluorescence in the early and late phases suggestive of choroidal involvement/hypoperfusion. Choroidal involvement in SSPE has not been evaluated before and must be considered in the pathological manifestations of the disease.
“Wire kissing technique” and “externalization and pull-through technique” for treating chronic total occlusion in hemodialysis vascular access: A case report
Authors: Inoue Masatoshi , Matsuo Kazuhiro , Tamaki Takahiro , Hattori Keita
Published: August 2024

The construction and utilization of dependable vascular access are essential for hemodialysis. Despite its importance, complications with vascular access are common, significantly impacting patient morbidity and mortality. This report presents a novel approach to treating chronic total occlusion (CTO) in hemodialysis vascular access using the “wire kissing technique” an “externalization and pull-through technique.” An 82-year-old woman on hemodialysis had a thrombotic obstruction in her cephalic vein, which conventional methods failed to address. The wire kissing technique allowed the meeting of antegrade and retrograde wires within the CTO lesion, stabilizing the wire and facilitating balloon passage. The externalization and pull-through technique further enabled the balloon to cross the rigid CTO lesion, successfully completing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Post-procedure ultrasonography showed significant improvements in flow volume and resistance index. These techniques, commonly used in coronary and femoral arteries, have not been previously reported for dialysis vascular access. This case highlights a novel and effective solution for overcoming technical difficulties in crossing CTO lesions, potentially improving outcomes in vascular access for hemodialysis patients.
Integration of machine learning prediction and optimization for determination of the coefficient of friction of textured UHMWPE surfaces
Authors: Feng Huihui , Liu Jing , van Ostayen Ron , Ji Cuicui , Xu Haoran
Published: August 2024

The frictional performance of water-lubricated UHMWPE is influenced by the combination of structural parameters and operating conditions. To improve the efficiency of optimal design of surface texture aimed at improving frictional performance, a novel integration of the Orthogonal Array method (OAM), machine learning (ML) prediction, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is proposed for predicting and optimizing the coefficient of friction (COF) of copper ball-textured UHMWPE surfaces using a small dataset. In order to reduce manufacturing and testing cost, decrease required training samples for ML algorithm, OAM which could efficiently acquire data set with comprehensive feature information is used to determine the parameters of test samples to generate a small but effective dataset. 25 textured samples based on L16 (44) and L9 (34) are fabricated, with the parameter set determined using OAM. COFs of the samples are tested using RTEC tribo-tester. Trend analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of force, frequency, depth and ellipse axis ratio on COF. Multi-linear Regression (MLR) and Gaussian Process Regression are employed. MLR exhibits better prediction accuracy and is integrated with PSO to minimize COF. The error between the experimental and the theoretical results obtained by the integration method of MLR and PSO is only 1.04%, demonstrating the feasibility of predicting COF and optimizing surface texture using the integrated method with a limited dataset determined by OAM.
Comparative tribological studies of additive manufactured as-built and chemically polished AlSi10Mg alloy surfaces
Authors: Srinivas MS , Pandey D , Prasad TS , Purushothaman S , Sankar MR
Published: August 2024

Aluminium alloy, AlSi10Mg is being used widely because of its light weight and good mechanical properties. The material has good strength, hardness, high corrosion resistance, and good thermal and electrical conductivity. The AlSi10Mg samples were fabricated using the powder bed fusion (PBF) method. The PBF is a widely used additive manufacturing (AM) method that uses powder bed fusion technology to build up near-net shape parts. As-built sample surfaces were characterised in terms of 3D surface roughness parameters. Since fatigue and wear can occur readily during the life cycle of any component, it is important to study the tribological aspects of AlSi10Mg produced by the PBF method. Dry sliding tests were performed using as-built AlSi10Mg samples as stationary blocks against a 6 mm diameter Alumina ball as the counter face. Tests were performed using different loads and velocities ranging from 10–45 N and 1–4 mm/s respectively. Although complex geometries can be fabricated using the PBF method, the surface quality is insufficient for different applications. After chemical polishing of the samples, tribology experiments were repeated, highlighting the substantial impact of surface finishing on both surface properties and tribological behaviour. Furthermore, the tribological behaviour of AMed metal parts is notably influenced by load and velocity parameters. Wear tests underscore that loads and velocities significantly influence the wear behaviour of the component, with contact pressure potentially leading to microstructural modifications due to thermal softening induced by the sliding process.
Investment and depreciation tax shield under spatial competition: The case of the Greek hotel sector
Authors: Katavelis Vasileios , Eleftheriou Konstantinos
Published: August 2024

Studies examining the effects of spatial competition spillovers on hospitality firms’ decision-making process have been steadily gaining traction. Using a sample of 508 Greek hotels and a Spatial Autoregressive Model (SAR), we examine the consequences of a change in tax depreciation provisions on investment. We find that a reduction in depreciation rates has a negative impact on hospitality firms’ investment decisions, with an additional, reverse effect arising from spillovers of this reduction’s effects on competitors.
Relational conflicts during COVID-19: Impact of loss and reduction of employment due to prevention measures and the influence of sex and stress (in the iCARE study)
Authors: Tremblay Noémie , Leger Camille , Deslauriers Frédérique , Hébert-Auger Lydia , Gosselin-Boucher Vincent , Bacon Simon L. , Dialufuma Maximilien Vakambi , Lavoie Kim L. ,   for the iCARE Study Team
Published: August 2024

This study explored the association between pandemic-related loss/reduction of employment, sex, COVID-19-related stress and relational conflicts. A sample of 5103 Canadians from the iCARE study were recruited through an online polling firm between October 29, 2020, and March 23, 2021. Logistic regressions revealed that participants with loss/reduction of employment were 3.6 times more likely to report increased relational conflicts compared to those with stable employment (OR = 3.60; 95% CIs = 3.03–4.26). There was a significant interaction between employment status and sex ( x2 = 10.16; p < 0.005), where loss/reduction of employment was associated with more relational conflicts in males compared to females. There was a main effect of COVID-19-related stress levels on relational conflicts (increased stress vs no stress : OR = 9.54; 95% CIs = 6.70–13.60), but no interaction with loss/reduction of employment ( x2 = 0.46, p = 0.50).
Effects of Z-axis lifting height on porosity and microstructure by blue laser directed energy deposition
Authors: Wang An , Wei Qianglong , Tang Zijue , Hassani Mostafa , Wu Yi , Wang Haowei , Wang Hongze
Published: August 2024

The Z-axis lifting height is significant in layer-by-layer fabrication using laser directed energy deposition (L-DED). In this paper, we have deeply examined the porosity and grain morphologies in the double layers of AlSi10Mg by blue laser directed energy deposition (BL-DED). After the deposition of a single track, the depositional head was raised by a certain Z-axis lifting height and then a second layer was deposited. As the Z-axis lifting height increases, the quantity density of pores in the second layer increases, leading to higher porosity. Especially, the boundary of the overlapping area exhibits the highest porosity, measuring 0.84%. The Z-axis lifting height can be set lower than the height of a single track, while maintaining high dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Effect of laser oscillation mode on LWAM deposition morphology and melting pool fluctuation
Authors: Yan Chenxiao , Han Hongbiao , Wang Rui , Zhang Peng , Hu Jiayang
Published: August 2024

To investigate the impact of laser beam oscillation on melting pool fluctuation and deposition morphology during laser wire additive manufacturing, we observed transient melting pool fluctuations and measured the 3D deposition morphology. The study revealed that periodic beam oscillation enhances solution stirring, resulting in pronounced fluctuations in the melting pool and reduced roughness of the deposited surface. Furthermore, it was found that different laser oscillation modes resulted in different deposition morphologies. The shape of the melting pool is influenced by energy distribution characteristics, while the movement path of the spot determines this distribution. Moreover, the addition of beam oscillations effectively disperses the energy of the laser heat source, thereby mitigating the protrusion of the molten pool bottom.
Resisting Post-Truth Politics as Epistemicide: Learning from Trans*, Indigenous American and Palestinian Lived Experiences
Authors: Vernon Patrick J. , Galpin Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Building upon Galpin and Vernon’s 2023 The British Journal of Politics and International Relations (BJPIR) piece, this article extends the notion of post-truth politics as discursive violence to post-truth politics as epistemicide in order to make sense of global crises in 2024. Reflecting on this political moment, it highlights the ways in which trans*, Indigenous American and Palestinian communities are some of those who have been particularly targeted by the eliminationist logics that underpin Western modernity. What is new, it notes, is the existence of social media and new media as components of the hybrid media system, which both facilitate subaltern agency and reproduce oppressive colonial logics and violence. Interrogating attempts to erase the aforementioned communities at the ontological level, both in body and in law, the article aims to learn from the ways in which these groups have shared knowledge from their lived experiences and ways of being, resisting a political context that attempts to deny their existence. Studying power/resistance in relation to the hybrid media system, we reflect on possibilities for change in this distinctly cataclysmic global political moment.
Parameter-input estimation of RC thermal models of buildings using unscented Kalman filter and nonlinear least square method
Authors: Zamani Vahid , Abtahi Shaghayegh , Chen Yuxiang , Li Yong
Published: August 2024

Effective building energy management (e.g. temperature control strategies) necessitates reliable and computationally efficient building thermal models. One type of them is the resistor–capacitor (RC) model. However, estimating model parameters and inputs (e.g. solar heat gain) simultaneously is challenging, especially when some of the temperature states are missing due to instrumentation limitations and/or sensor malfunctions. The present study utilizes unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and nonlinear least squares (NLSs) methods for parameters and input estimation of RC models with possible unavailable temperature states. The estimation procedure, mathematical operations and result analysis are presented in detail. To evaluate the capability of the method, two case studies were conducted. The first case study involved a simple, made-up RC model with known parameters, inputs and states, while the second case study used monitored data from a single detached house. The capability of the method was evaluated by comparing the estimated parameters, inputs and states to the corresponding true values in both study cases. The performance evaluation shows that the proposed method can effectively estimate RC model parameters and inputs, even with certain missing states. The proposed method can be employed for timely online updating of RC model parameters to improve response prediction.
The ‘dead’ as agents of truth-telling: Lessons from Timor-Leste and the Indigenous repatriation movement
Authors: Kent Lia , Hemming Steve , Rigney Daryle , Fforde Cressida
Published: August 2024

Truth-telling, as it is understood within the liberal discourse and practice of transitional justice, centres around the idea of an individual human subject telling a narrative of harms that occurred in a past that is assumed now to be ‘past’. The ‘dead’ are important insofar as they provide ‘evidence’ of the suffering experienced by the living: the objects rather than subjects of truth-telling. This article draws on the cases of Timor-Leste and the international Indigenous repatriation movement to argue that decolonising truth-telling requires, in the context of Indigenous harms, an expansion of both the scope and the subjects of truth-telling. We ask: how might the dead become agents of truth-telling? We advance the argument that truth-telling needs to become a holistic and relational practice that does not disconnect the living from the dead. This is essential if truth-telling is to foster healing and justice and not perpetuate further violence.
Coloniality and decoloniality in ‘comfort women’ memory activism: Transnational and transgenerational truth-telling practices in Australia
Authors: Noh Jae-Eun
Published: August 2024

This article explores the truth-telling practices of ‘comfort women’ memory activism through the lens of coloniality and decoloniality. It examines how the colonial legacy has silenced and marginalised the voice of survivors and activists in their past and ongoing pursuit of truth and justice. This study discusses the transnational and transgenerational aspects of truth-telling practices with a focus on memory activism in Australia. Australia's historical connections to ‘comfort women’ and diasporic space for decolonial encounters have enriched memory activism in Australia. The article highlights that truth-telling practices of survivors and activists have challenged the coloniality of power, knowledge and gender by valuing marginalised voices, contesting colonial imaginaries and constructing collective memory for the decolonial present and future. It suggests decolonial praxis as a direction for ‘comfort women’ memory activism in transnational and transgenerational spaces.
‘Poisonous caterpillar fire should not burn a person twice’: Cultural orientations in Nigerian alternative dispute resolution encounters
Authors: Ajiboye Simeon
Published: August 2024

Extant studies on alternative dispute resolution (ARD) have focused on the language use, benefits, importance, linguistic parameters and contextual features of ADR but have yet to pay attention to participants’ strict orientation to culture despite the positive implications of these orientations for sustainable harmony in the Nigerian society. This study, therefore, examines participants’ orientation to cultural values and their contribution(s) to the dispute resolution process. The study adopted Levinson’s notion of activity types and functionalism theory of culture. Data comprises purposively selected taped hearing sessions and documented cases between 2010 and 2017 in three southwestern Nigerian universities: the University of Ibadan, Adekunle and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), where alternative dispute resolution is practised. The findings reveal that Nigerian alternative resolution encounters are punctuated with conservative-traditional, liberal and noncompromising cultural orientations. Conservative-traditional cultural orientation is expressed through male, sexual and children ownership supremacy cultural scripts; liberal cultural orientation is articulated through fatherhood, marked female support position and patience cultural scripts, while non-compromising cultural orientation is voiced through (dis)respect, (dis)obedience, (im)patience, non-submission and caution cultural scripts. The study concludes that culture plays a vital role in restoring societal peace.
The effect of cognitive stimulation therapy on daily life activities, depression and life satisfaction of older adults living with dementia in nursing home: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Coşkun Ejdane , Çuhadar Döndü
Published: August 2024

Objectives: In this research, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy on activities of daily living, depression, and life satisfaction in older adults with dementia in nursing homes. Methods: It is a randomized controlled experimental study. The study consisted of a total of 60 older adults, 30 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group, in two different nursing homes. Results: In the post-CST comparison, BADLI posttest measurements, IADLS posttest, follow-up test measurements ( p < .001, Fr = 45.982, Fr = 42.54) and SWLS posttest ( p < .001, Fr = 38.47) of the individuals in the intervention group measurements were significantly higher. The mean depression level of the CSDD posttest and follow-up test intervention group was significantly lower ( p < .001, F = 0.402). Conclusion: It was found that Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is effective in increasing the levels of daily life activity and life satisfaction and reducing the level of depression in older adults with dementia. It is recommended to be used by psychiatric nurses.
The effects of singing interventions on quality of life, mood and levels of agitation in community-dwelling people living with dementia: A quantitative systematic review
Authors: Polden Megan , Faulkner Thomas , Holland Carol , Hanna Kerry , Ward Kym , Ahmed Faraz , Brown Heather , Barrow Hazel , Main Jeanette , Mann Stella , Pendrill Steve , Giebel Clarissa
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims: Music-based interventions have been found to benefit people living with dementia and have positive impacts on cognition and well-being. Most people with dementia live in the community and compared to people with dementia in residential care often have less access to music-based interventions. There are many forms of music interventions and singing has shown particular promise; in the realm of music interventions. It is important to determine what aspects of music interventions yield the most benefits for people with dementia. This review aimed to synthesise evidence on the impacts of singing interventions on quality of life, mood and neuropsychiatric symptoms for community-dwelling people with dementia. Methods: We systematically searched three electronic databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Web of Science) for studies reporting on singing interventions with community-dwelling people with dementia. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on a singing intervention with people living with dementia that included an outcome measure of quality of life, mood or agitation. Fourteen publications were identified and included in this review, with a total of n = 361 people with dementia. Results: Despite some inconsistencies across the literature, evidence suggests that singing interventions led to an improvement in mood and a reduction in agitation levels in people living with dementia. There was no strong evidence to suggest that singing interventions led to significant improvements in quality of life. Conclusions: This review highlights the potential of singing interventions as an effective psychosocial intervention for community-dwelling people with dementia. For key developments in this area, we urge that future studies include a control group where possible which will allow for more robust examinations of singing interventions and allow intervention effects to be distinguished from general deterioration in dementia symptoms over time.
Virtual Gaming Simulation (VGS) in Teacher Education: Fostering Counseling Competencies in Preservice Teachers
Authors: Herrmann Carmen , Drechsel Barbara
Published: August 2024

This report provides an example implementation of a virtual gaming simulation (VGS) in counseling seminars in teacher education as a tool for learning psychological conversation skills. The theory-practice seminar “Counseling language learners” in a blended learning environment includes the teaching of counseling competencies, followed by actual online counseling sessions with school students. As a further approximation of practice, before gathering their first experience as counselors, preservice teachers play through a virtual simulation of a counseling session in which they can interactively control the counselor's behavior by choosing from a pool of alternatives. In this way, users learn inductively about the functionality of conversational techniques, and begin to anticipate the consequences of their actions. An evaluative study explores the benefits perceived by preservice teachers of the present VGS application. Results indicate high levels of usability and utility of the VGS as well as an aroused situational and topic interest through the task. Confirmatory evaluations are still required.
Predictive Role of Elevated Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio for Bone Metastasis in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wang Xuan , Gao Ying , Wang Junyang , Chen Ling , Zhang Xin , Chen Min , Lan Ning , Li Wenyang , Wu Fang , Ren Juan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Research on bone metastasis in esophageal cancer (EC) is relatively limited. Once bone metastasis occurs in patients, their prognosis is poor, and it severely affects their quality of life. Currently, there is a lack of convenient tumor markers for early identification of bone metastasis in EC. Our research aims to explore whether neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict bone metastasis in patients with EC.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical indicators was performed on 604 patients with EC. They were divided into groups based on whether or not there was bone metastasis, and the patients’ coagulation-related tests, blood routine, tumor markers and other indicators were collected. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to determine the predictive ability of parameters such as NLR for bone metastasis in EC, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the impact of each indicator on bone metastasis. Using binary logistic regression to obtain the predictive probability of NLR combined with tumor markers.

Results

ROC curves analysis suggested that the area under the curve (AUC) of the NLR was 0.681, with a sensitivity of 79.2% and a specificity of 52.6%, which can be used as a predictive factor for bone metastasis in EC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high NLR (odds ratio [OR]: 2.608, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.395-4.874, P = 0.003) can function as an independent risk factor for bone metastasis in patients with EC. Additionally, high PT, high APTT, high FDP, high CEA, high CA724, low hemoglobin, and low platelet levels can also predict bone metastasis in EC. When NLR was combined with tumor markers, the area under the curve was 0.760 (95% CI: 0.713-0.807, P < 0.001), significantly enhancing the predictability of bone metastasis in EC.

Conclusion

NLR, as a convenient, non-invasive, and cost-effective inflammatory indicator, could predict bone metastasis in EC. Combining NLR with tumor markers can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of bone metastasis in EC.
LncRNA NONHSAT227443.1 Confers Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Chemotherapy Resistance by Activating PI3K/AKT Signaling via Targeting MRTFB
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Wang Yingying , Zhang Jinze , Shi Zhihua , Liu Junfeng
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Esophageal cancer presents significant challenges due to limited treatment options and poor prognosis, particularly in advanced stages. Dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in cancer progression and treatment resistance. This study investigated the roles of dysregulated lncRNA NONHSAT227443.1, identified through lncRNA-seq, and its downstream target gene MRTFB in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

Dysregulated lncRNAs were identified through lncRNA-seq in esophageal cancer tissues with varying chemotherapy response. The regulatory interaction of overexpressed NONHSAT227443.1 was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Functional assays, including cell viability, cell proliferation, and flow cytometry analyses, were performed to comprehensively investigate the influence of NONHSAT227443.1 and its downstream molecules on ESCC.

Results

NONHSAT227443.1 was significantly overexpressed in paclitaxel plus platinum chemotherapy non-responders and esophageal cancer cell lines. Chemotherapy exposure led to diminished NONHSAT227443.1 expression. NONHSAT227443.1 negatively regulated MRTFB expression, and their combined dysregulation correlated with increased cancer activity, proliferation, and suppressed apoptosis. Diminished MRTFB expression was associated with PI3K/AKT pathway activation.

Conclusion

Our study provides insights into NONHSAT227443.1 and MRTFB roles in esophageal cancer, contributing to aggressive traits and treatment resistance. NONHSAT227443.1 and MRTFB may serve as potential therapeutic targets to enhance the response to paclitaxel plus platinum chemotherapy in non-responsive cases.
Data-driven three-stage polymer intrinsic viscosity prediction model with long sequence time series data
Authors: Zhang Peng , Bi Jinmao , Wang Ming , Zhang Jie , Zhao Chuncai , Cui Li
Published: August 2024

Intrinsic viscosity is a critical evaluation indicator for polymer quality during the aggregation process. Accurate prediction of intrinsic viscosity is essential for the online monitoring and control of polymer quality. The aggregation process is a typical industrial production mode influenced by production continuity and varying sensor spatial locations. The data from this production process exhibits characteristics such as parameter redundancy, long time sequences, and time delays. Existing methods struggle to accurately match data features, resulting in poor prediction accuracy. To address these issues, we propose a three-stage method for predicting polymer intrinsic viscosity. Firstly, we introduce a key feature extraction method based on the maximum information coefficient and an approximate Markov blanket model to address the redundancy in aggregation process data parameters. Secondly, we propose a time delay analysis method based on cross-correlation to estimate time delay relationships and match time delay features in the aggregation process. Finally, we develop an improved information prediction model for long-term sequence prediction, utilizing locally sensitive hash attention to replace ProbSparse self-attention. This ensures the prediction effect remains effective as the sequence length increases. The results demonstrate that our proposed method reduces feature redundancy, calculates delay times similar to simulation results, and offers significant advantages in prediction accuracy compared to other time series prediction models under different sequence lengths.
Intraluminal crossing of infrainguinal SFA chronic total occlusions may offer patency superiority compared to subintimal crossing
Authors: Camazine Maraya , Coorts Jack , Christian Terrell , Schlesselman Chase , Kruse Robin L. , Bath Jonathan , Vogel Todd R.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Patency for chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) after endovascular interventions traditionally demonstrate a low 1-year patency ranging from 40%–60%. The optical coherence tomography (OCT) catheter (Avinger Inc., Redwood City, CA) uses light-based technology imaging to cross Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D (TASC D) lesions intraluminally with direct intra-arterial visualization. Insufficient data exist evaluating intraluminal crossing with OCT imaging compared with traditional subintimal techniques. We evaluated outcomes for TASC D lesions crossed intraluminally.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with SFA TASC D lesions crossed intra-arterially with the OCT catheter imaging. Descriptive statistics evaluated patient characteristics which included patient demographics, Rutherford scores, ABIs, CTA information, lesion categorization, as well as runoff score. Patency at baseline, 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year outcomes were compared using t-tests. Cumulative patency rates were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

101 patients underwent elective intervention for SFA TASC D lesions with the OCT catheter. The crossing rate was 78.2%, mean lesion length was 16.2 cm, and runoff at the tibial level was 2.2 patent vessels. Mean age and BMI were 64 years and 29 kg/m2, respectively. Patient characteristics are male (57%); Caucasian (90%); ever smoking (85%); hypertension (82%), hyperlipidemia (70%), and diabetes (46%). Pre-operative computed tomography demonstrated SFA lesions were predominantly eccentric (91%) with mild to moderate calcification (90%). All underwent PTA, 87% were stented (mean stent length: 186.1 mm), mean crossing time was 13.4 min. Pre-operative, 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year post-operative mean Rutherford–Becker scores were 4, 1, 1, and 1, respectively ( p < 0.0001). Mean pre-operative ABI was 0.49, compared to 0.84 at 30 days, 0.64 at 6 months, and 0.67 at 1 year ( p < .0001). Duplex demonstrated 6- and 12-month primary patency of 89% and 75%; primary-assisted patency was 94% and 84%.

Conclusions

The OCT imaging catheter successfully crossed long chronic total occlusions of the SFA using direct intra-arterial imaging. Compared to subintimal techniques, patients had high 1-year primary patency and prolonged symptom improvement with intraluminal crossing. These data suggest that intraluminal crossing of TASC D lesions may be superior to traditional subintimal crossing techniques.
Individualized clinical decisions within standard-of-care pragmatic clinical trials: Implications for consent
Authors: Astrachan Isabel M , Flory James , Kim Scott YH
Published: August 2024

Pragmatic clinical trials of standard-of-care interventions compare the relative merits of medical treatments already in use. Traditional research informed consent processes pose significant obstacles to these trials, raising the question of whether they may be conducted with alteration or waiver of informed consent. However, to even be eligible, such a trial in the United States must have no more than minimal research risk. We argue that standard-of-care pragmatic clinical trials can be designed to ensure that they are minimal research risk if the random assignment of an intervention in a pragmatic clinical trial can accommodate individualized, clinically motivated decision-making for each participant. Such a design will ensure that the patient-participants are not exposed to any risks beyond the clinical risks of the interventions, and thus, the trial will have minimal research risk. We explain the logic of this view by comparing three scenarios of standard-of-care pragmatic clinical trials: one with informed consent, one without informed consent, and one recently proposed design called Decision Architecture Randomization Trial. We then conclude by briefly showing that our proposal suggests a natural way to determine when to use an alteration versus a waiver of informed consent.
Viability of distributive leadership and teacher autonomy for effective schools in developing nations: A case study from Nigeria
Authors: Alam Gazi Mahabubul , Bashir Karima , Abdulkadir Suhaida
Published: August 2024

Distributive leadership is often associated with teacher autonomy, decentralisation and effective schools. This article aims to investigate how distributive leadership is practiced by principals and is connected to teacher autonomy within the context of federal schools in northwest Nigeria. Adopting a quantitative analysis method, this descriptive survey reveals that the implementation of distributive leadership by principals and teachers’ perspective of their autonomy are both moderate. The study also identified that, contrary to some evidence, teacher autonomy is irrelevant to school effectiveness, while distributive leadership significantly affects school effectiveness. This research explores distributive leadership, teacher autonomy and school effectiveness in a devolved education system. Furthermore, this work contributes to the literature on the subject by presenting evidence that devolution does not necessarily ensure high distributive leadership and teacher autonomy, and its presence does not guarantee highly effective schools. In response to the demand for additional non-Western literature, this study explains the dynamics of distributive leadership, teacher autonomy and school efficacy in a decentralised Nigerian environment.
‘I don’t want to be seen as period prone’: An exploration of psychological strategies used across the menstrual cycle
Authors: Meijen Carla , Martin Emily A.
Published: August 2024

Despite increased attention on the menstrual cycle in sport, research has focused largely on physiological changes, with relatively little consideration for fluctuations in psychological responses and coping strategies used in training and competition. This study's primary focus was to explore athlete's coping strategies throughout the menstrual cycle. Participants ( n = 12) took part in a focus group or interview, facilitated by reflections from a diary and mapping exercise. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, generating three themes: Impact of symptoms, coping strategies, and contextual constraints. Participants had increased awareness of physiological over psychological fluctuations, and associated symptoms were considered to impact practicalities of sport and performance. Participants used avoidance, acceptance, and planning to cope with the impact of menstrual symptoms. Coping options were influenced by contextual constraints, including the level of competition and type of sport. The findings showed that some participants lacked menstrual health literacy, especially in relation to psychological fluctuations. Continued efforts to raise awareness around the psychological symptoms of the menstrual cycle and its impact on performance and well-being are needed, not only for the athlete but importantly for the coaching population too. Specifically, consideration of the sporting culture and the space in which athletes feel they can communicate their coping strategies could be pivotal in moving forwards to help develop ‘period pro’ athletes.
Workspace Layout for Resilient Performance using Social Network Analysis: A Case Study
Authors: Fogliatto Flavio Sanson , Saurin Tarcisio Abreu , Tortorella Guilherme Luz , Dora Jose Miguel , Tonetto Leandro Miletto
Published: August 2024

Purpose: To present the social network analysis-based approach used to create a new workspace layout for three hospital services as part of a campus expansion at a large tertiary care public hospital. Objective: To analyze the relationships among service members across four healthcare resilience abilities (monitor, anticipate, respond, and learn) and utilize network metrics to indicate the suitability of a shared workspace layout for the services. Background: The hospital expanded by 70%, providing space for relocating key services—the rapid response team, medical on-call team, and nursing supervision. Initial observations suggested a shared workspace layout based on anecdotal evidence. Method: Stakeholders have reached a consensus on a three-stage process to assess the suitability of a shared workspace layout for these services: first, collecting data on social interactions with a focus on resilience abilities; second, presenting layout alternatives based on sociograms; and third, evaluating these alternatives and devising a strategy for allocating personnel to shifts based on a resilience score derived from social network metrics. Case Study: The examination of social network metrics allowed identifying key individuals contributing to the overall resilience of the three services. Sociograms provided visual representations of how these individuals were spatially distributed within the shared layout. Discussion: The process was designed to shape a resilient layout and incorporated initial data, preferences, and constraints into layout proposals. Additionally, it utilized a resilience score from existing literature to formulate a strategy for staff allocation to shifts, ensuring consistent collective resilience ability across all shifts.
Investigation of the effect of adhesive type for ballistic armor applications
Authors: Tekin Başer Tuğçe , Karataş Çetin , Karadağlı Emirhan , Toksoy Ahmet Kaan
Published: August 2024

Functional optimization is necessary in ballistic armor applications to overcome threat penetration. Multi-layer armor systems have been developed by combining several types of material to achieve high-performance protection. One of the most effective ways of building layered structures is application of adhesive in between intermediate layers. In this present study, five different commonly used adhesives have been used for determination of effect of the mechanical properties on ballistic protection. Tensile and bending test samples were prepared and tested to characterize their mechanical properties. Furthermore, armor plates were prepared by bonding 99.7% pure hexagonal alumina ceramic tiles together with the Al6061 backing plate. Prepared armor plates were ballistically tested by using STANAG 4569 Level three threat 7.62 mmx54R B32 (854 ± 20 m/s) ammunition. The tensile stress and impedance ratio of the adhesive layer are directly correlated. In the polyurethane-based adhesive, the mechanical impedance ratio was calculated as the highest value. In addition, higher back plate deformation was caused by low toughness and flexural stress. The ratio of adhesive flexural stress to tensile stress affected ballistic efficiency, so when the ratio was less than 2.5, partial penetration was observed. Tensile and flexural stress values are found associated with impedance ratio, playing a crucial role in elastic energy absorption during the impact. Also, ballistic impact-induced damage mechanisms were observed and correlated with adhesive toughness and flexural stress. Furthermore, damage area of each type of armor plates was associated with ratio between tensile and flexural stresses of adhesives.
Acute brachial artery occlusion following cisplatin-based chemotherapy: case report
Authors: Tafese Abenezer Melaku , Adela Amanuel Yegnanew , Kebede Assefa Getachew , Tegegn Aklilu Sinte , Asare Elsabeth Tizazu , Awol Munir
Published: August 2024

Thromboembolism is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in cancer patients. While the link between cancer and venous thrombosis is well known, the recognition of arterial thrombosis as a serious complication of cancer and chemotherapeutic agents is a recent development. One of the chemotherapy agents frequently linked to acute vascular events is cisplatin. We discuss a rare case of cisplatin-related brachial arterial thrombosis in a 50-year-old man who was treated for cholangiocarcinoma with cisplatin and gemcitabine. Although rare, cisplatin-related arterial thrombosis demands careful monitoring, a high index of suspicion, and prompt management to prevent serious complications and mortality.