bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender disparities in Hong Kong emergency medicine: Experiences of discrimination, harassment and career impact
Authors: Yi Leung Shuen , Chan Yiu Cheung , Kwong Po Yin
Published: December 2024

Background

Women remain under‐represented in emergency medicine in Hong Kong, but the role of gender‐based discrimination and harassment in this disparity is unexplored.

Objective

To investigate gender‐based discrimination, work experiences and harassment among emergency physicians in Hong Kong.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted among fellows and trainees of the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine. The survey included the Overt Gender Discrimination at Work (OGDW) scale, gender‐differentiated experiences, burnout and career intentions.

Results

Of 708 eligible participants, 236 (33.3%) responded. Female physicians reported significantly higher OGDW scores (median 13 vs. 8 and p < 0.001). 21.3% of women reported sexual harassment compared to 2.7% of men. Women were also more significantly likely to experience gender‐differentiated experiences including receiving gender‐based career advice, experiencing patient bias and feeling excluded. Female physicians were more likely to have seriously considered leaving the speciality (44.3% vs. 27.9% and p = 0.015). Both genders reported similar levels of burnout. Qualitative responses highlighted issues of mistaken identity, workplace discrimination and challenges in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Female emergency physicians in Hong Kong face higher levels of perceived discrimination, more frequent gender‐differentiated experiences and are more likely to consider leaving the speciality. Targeted interventions are needed to address gender disparities, improve reporting mechanisms for harassment and promote equity in emergency medicine. Future research should explore the impact of these experiences on physician well‐being and career trajectories.
Impact of Dual Phase Lag on Natural Convection Flow in a Porous Vertical Channel in the Presence of Periodic Boundary
Authors: Mukhtar N. L. , Jibril H. M.
Published: December 2024

The dual‐phase‐lag (DPL) heat conduction model is utilized in this research to analyze the fluid flow of viscous fluid passing through a porous vertical channel with periodic boundary conditions. Periodic heating is subjected to the channel boundary. Equations regarding the model, including the momentum and energy equations, in which the DPL term is incorporated, all in dimensional form, are stated and are being transformed to their dimensionless form, then solved analytically by undetermined coefficients and variation of parameters. The actual expressions of temperature and velocity, as well as the heat transfer rate and skin friction, are determined. The effects of the DPL parameters, suction/injection, Prandtl number, heat source/sink, and Strouhal number on the dimensionless temperature and velocity profiles are demonstrated using graphs that are constructed with the aid of MATLAB. It was found during the investigation that the introduction of the DPL model, together with suction/injection in the channel, enhances the velocity and fluid temperature within the channel. Also, the decreasing effect of temperature gradient phase lag on fluid temperature and velocity conversed with that of heat flux phase lag. As an important contribution, the discovery of the effects of the phase‐lag parameters of the DPL model and suction/injection on fluid temperature and velocity would significantly help researchers advance the design of electrical and electronic systems.
Preclinical studies on the antitumor and non‐toxic effect of combining pirfenidone with vinorelbine and carboplatin in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Branco Helena , Rodrigues Catarina A. , Oliveira Júlio , Mendes Nuno , Antunes Catarina , Amorim Irina , Santos Lúcio L. , Vasconcelos M. Helena , Xavier Cristina P. R.
Published: December 2024

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) shows limited therapeutic response to vinorelbine and carboplatin. Combining these drugs with an antifibrotic drug may enhance their antitumor effect. Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic drug whose antitumor activity has been described in different types of cancer. This work aimed to perform preclinical studies on the combination of pirfenidone with vinorelbine, or with vinorelbine plus carboplatin, in NSCLC. Our data revealed that pirfenidone sensitized three NSCLC cell lines to vinorelbine by reducing cell growth, viability and proliferation, inducing alterations in the cell cycle profile, and increasing cell death (%). Importantly, pirfenidone increased the sensitivity of the three NSCLC cell lines to the combined treatment of vinorelbine plus carboplatin. This combined drug treatment (triplet) did not induce cytotoxicity against non‐tumorigenic cells. Notably, the triplet drug combination significantly reduced the growth and proliferation of A‐549 xenografts in nude mice, as also reduced vimentin and collagen expression. Most interestingly, the triplet treatment exhibited a safer toxicological profile than the doublet (vinorelbine plus carboplatin) currently applied in the clinical practice. Altogether, these preclinical data support the possibility of repurposing pirfenidone in combination with vinorelbine or with vinorelbine plus carboplatin for NSCLC perioperative treatment, improving therapeutic efficacy while reducing toxicity.
Brazil regresses in defending the sexual and reproductive health of its girls and women
Authors: Guida José Paulo de Siqueira , Surita Fernanda , Paiva Sara de Pinho Cunha , Andrade Rosires Pereira , Quintana Silvana Maria , Brilhante Aline Veras Morais , Rosas Cristião Fernando , Rocha Marla Niag dos Santos , Machado Marcia Sacramento Cunha
Published: December 2024

Synopsis

The right to safe abortion in Brazil is at risk due to changes in the legal system.
Capacity building in obstetric ultrasound: Impact of simulation based clinical teaching on resident training at a health facility in India
Authors: Chawla Latika , Kumar Rajan , Rajaram Shalini , Rao Shalinee , Dubey Kanak , Bahadur Anupama , Gaurav Amrita , Khoiwal Kavita , Mundra Rajlaxmi , Kumari Om , Gill Poonam , Chaturvedi Jaya
Published: December 2024

Objective

Current postgraduate curriculum in India lacks practical training in ultrasound for residents in obstetrics and gynecology. The objective of this study was to develop and assess impact of a capacity building program utilizing clinical teaching and simulation to enhance knowledge and skills of residents at a healthcare facility in India.

Methods

A training program comprising of 14 modules on basic obstetric ultrasounds was created over 3 months. These modules, validated by fetal medicine experts, underwent a pilot study for face validity. A total of 18 newly enrolled junior residents without prior ultrasound experience were recruited. A two‐day workshop included interactive module sessions and 6 h and 30 min of hands‐on training using an obstetric simulator. Pre‐ and post‐tests consisting of 50 multiple‐choice questions (MCQs) assessed knowledge. Follow‐up assessments were carried out at 1 and 3 months. Skill assessment at the third month was conducted using an objective structured practical examination (OSPE), alongside image submission by residents.

Results

There was significant improvement in marks over time, with a mean pretest score of 24 ± 2.7 out of 50 marks, post‐test score of 36.81 ± 2.86 and stable scores (34.6 ± 3.21, 34.4 ± 2.96) during follow‐up reviews. OSPE scores at third month averaged at 21.47 ± 2.3 (maximum marks 30); image assessment scores averaged at 83 ± 8.62 (maximum marks 100). Participant feedback indicated a positive response to all program aspects (practicality, content and structured training). Confidence levels in performing clinical ultrasound improved significantly after attending the module (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Simulation with clinical teaching effectively enhanced knowledge and skills of residents, fostering confidence in performing basic obstetric ultrasounds early on in their residency. Integrating similar capacity building initiatives into residency training programs can improve healthcare delivery by ensuring a well prepared cadre of doctors skilled in obstetric ultrasounds.
Butorphanol Alleviates Hypoxia/Reoxygenation‐Induced Myocardial Injury by Activating Wnt/β‐Catenin Signal Pathway
Authors: Hao Shi‐Rui , Xie Zi‐Feng , Li Jia‐Xin , Wang Qin‐Zhi , Wu Ting‐Ting , Shen Tu , Wu Qiao‐Ling
Published: December 2024

Ischemic heart disease remains a global health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Butorphanol, as a novel opioid, has been discovered with its cardioprotective properties. The purpose of this study was to explore that butorphanol can alleviate hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced myocardial injury by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signal pathway. In this study, Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and Western blotting experiments were performed to observe butorphanol cardioprotective function and expression of Wnt signaling pathway proteins. For the main result, anti‐apoptotic effect and higher expression of Wnt signaling pathway proteins were observed with the increasing concentrations of butorphanol. Compared with the H/R group, higher cellular viability, lower LDH release, and smaller apoptotic cell population were found in the butorphanol group. In addition, expression levels of apoptosis‐related protein Bax and Cleaved Caspase‐3 decreased, and increased expression of Bcl‐2 were observed. Conversely, the protective effects of butorphanol were attenuated in the XAV939 group. In summary, butorphanol attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced myocardial injury by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signal pathway. Our work provides a theoretical basis for butorphanol's myocardial protective function.
Features of gastrointestinal acute graft‐versus‐host disease in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Rattanaseksan Kritiya , Anurathapan Usanarat , Tanpowpong Pornthep
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) commonly affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract among children who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Studies concerning GI‐acute GVHD (aGVHD) in developing countries are limited. Therefore, our aims were (1) to demonstrate clinical characteristics, endoscopic and histopathological findings in children with GI‐aGVHD post‐HSCT and (2) to compare features, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of children with GI‐aGVHD versus non GI‐aGVHD.

Methods

A retrospective single‐center study was conducted on patients receiving the first successful HSCT aged <20 years old between January 2011 and December 2020. The patients were divided into groups with GI‐aGVHD (clinically or endoscopy‐histopathologically diagnosed) and without GI‐aGVHD. Various aforementioned data were recorded to compare the risk factors and clinical outcomes of children with and without GI‐aGVHD.

Results

Among 246 children post‐HSCT, we identified 42 cases (17%) with GI‐aGVHD (32 cases with the clinical diagnosis and 10 cases with endoscopy‐histopathology confirmed diagnosis) and 204 patients without GI‐aGVHD. When compared with children without GI‐aGVHD, the GI‐aGVHD group had higher rates of hypovolemic shock, renal failure, more extended hospital stays, and deaths (all p < 0.05). The GI‐aGVHD group also had a higher proportion of cases with nonhematologic malignancy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–5.41, p = 0.047) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation before the GI‐aGVHD episode (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.09–4.51, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

GI‐aGVHD after HSCT leads to increased morbidity and death. Underlying nonhematologic malignancy and history of CMV reactivation are associated with GI‐aGVHD. Direct links between the aforementioned factors and the development of GI‐aGVHD merit future studies.
Trends in Management of Malignant Bowel Obstructions: A Longitudinal Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Nehemiah Ariel , Sharon Cimarron , Tortorello Gabriella , Shafique Neha , Karakousis Giorgos , Krouse Robert
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Malignant bowel obstructions (MBO) are complex, heterogeneous disease processes which can be managed with surgical or endoscopic interventions. Patients with MBO often have advanced metastatic disease and poor functional status, which makes it difficult for providers to determine the best treatment strategy.

Methods

Patients with urgent or emergent admissions and a primary or secondary ICD‐9/ICD‐10 diagnosis of bowel obstruction with an additional diagnosis of disseminated cancer were identified from the National Inpatient Sample (2000–2017). Patients were stratified into operative and non‐operative intervention groups. Multivariate regression determined factors associated with surgical treatment of MBO based on significant factors on univariate analysis. Trends in treatment over time were calculated using log‐linear regression to determine the annual percent change (APC).

Results

Of 1118 patients, 18% underwent surgery and 7% underwent endoscopic intervention. From 2000 to 2017, a decreasing proportion of patients underwent surgery (APC −2.4, p = 0.023) with a commensurate increase in endoscopic interventions (APC 5.3, p = 0.042). There was also a decrease in the proportion of patients who died during hospitalization (APC −4.3, p = 0.029). Surgery was associated with longer mean lengths of stay (13 days vs. 7 days, p < 0.001) and higher rates of in‐hospital mortality (13% vs. 6%, p = 0.001) compared to non‐operative management.

Conclusion

The proportion of patients receiving surgery for MBO is decreasing and that receiving endoscopic interventions is increasing. In‐hospital mortality is also decreasing proportionately, suggesting an improvement in patient selection.
E3 ubiquitination ligase XIAP lightens diabetes‐induced cognitive impairment by inactivating TXNIP‐ERS‐mediated neuronal injury
Authors: Zhang Qin , Huang Hai‐Jin , Zhang Jing‐Ling , Tian Ying , Hu Ying
Published: December 2024

Diabetes‐induced cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is a neurological disorder associated with diabetes, characterized by cognitive impairment driven by neuronal injury from chronic high glucose (HG) exposure. This study aims to elucidate the role and mechanisms of the X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)/thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) in hippocampal neuron cell death and cognitive function within DCD models. A diabetic rat model was established using a high‐fat/sucrose diet and streptozotocin injection. Primary hippocampal neurons were stimulated with HG to mimic diabetic conditions. Cognitive and memory functions were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition test (ORT).
Inappropriate grouping of various kinematic alignment techniques and inconsistent reporting of adverse events invalidate comparison across studies: An umbrella review of meta‐analyses
Authors: Cognault Jeremy , Verdier Nicolas ,   ReSurg,   European Knee Associates (EKA), Hirschmann Michael T.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This umbrella review aimed to identify, synthesise and critically appraise the findings of meta‐analyses that compare adverse events—rates of complications, reoperations and revisions—following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using unrestricted kinematic alignment versus mechanical alignment.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses criteria, two authors independently screened articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and assessed the methodological quality based on the 16 domains of A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR‐2). Effect sizes of difference in rates of complications were tabulated for each meta‐analysis. Studies included in the meta‐analyses were assessed to determine if they were on true unrestricted kinematic alignment. A secondary meta‐analysis was performed, excluding studies on restricted kinematic alignment techniques, to calculate pooled estimates of adverse events (odds ratio [OR] with its 95% confidence interval [CI]) in a common effects framework with inverse‐variance weighting.

Results

Of 78 potential records, 13 meta‐analyses were eligible for data extraction, which pooled data from 15 clinical studies (10 on unrestricted kinematic alignment, four on restricted kinematic alignment and one on inverse kinematic alignment). None of the meta‐analyses fulfilled all seven critical AMSTAR‐2 domains. Meta‐analyses categorised adverse events differently and used different measures for the effect sizes but revealed no differences between kinematic versus mechanical alignment. Exclusion of studies on restricted kinematic alignment techniques reduced total sample sizes for kinematic alignment from 658 to 318 and for mechanical alignment from 811 to 403. Secondary meta‐analyses exclusively on unrestricted kinematic alignment revealed no difference in complications without reoperation, reoperation without implant removal or reoperation with implant removal following kinematic versus mechanical alignment.

Conclusion

Meta‐analyses do not distinguish between various kinematic alignment techniques, and adverse events are compared using different metrics. Surgeons, researchers and editors should refrain from pooling data on various kinematic alignment techniques, and orthopaedic societies should promote standards for reporting adverse events and effect sizes to facilitate comparisons across future studies.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Local coral connections within an atoll reef system underlie reef resilience and persistence
Authors: Grimaldi Camille M. , Faubel Cal , Thomas Luke , Sahin Ayse D. , Ryan Nicole M. , Rayson Matt , Green Rebecca , Cuttler Michael W. , Treml Eric A. , Lowe Ryan. J. , Gilmour James P.
Published: December 2024

The recovery of isolated reef systems is a complex process that is usually associated with the supply of coral larvae from distant reefs (or large‐scale connectivity). However, a frequently neglected process is the potential for supply within the reef itself (or local connectivity). In this study, we quantify and characterize the role of local connectivity over 21 yr of simulated annual coral spawning on an isolated coral reef atoll using outputs from a high‐resolution biophysical model (< 150 m horizontal resolution) along with network analysis. We find that approximatively half of the coral reef larvae dispersal remains local (within 100 s m to 10 s km of release location), while the remaining half contributes to long‐distance dispersal (> 100 s km) and is exported away from the system. Local dispersal plays a pivotal role in creating a highly‐connected network across the reef, enhancing exchanges of larvae within the same reef patches (local retention), across reef zones (e.g., lagoon, reef flat), and across the larger reef system. Finally, we show that this highly‐connected network exhibits a certain level of robustness, even when exposed to environmental stressors such as thermal‐induced mortality. Our findings highlight the previously overlooked role of local scale dispersal in driving recovery of isolated reef systems and emphasize the importance of targeted local management actions, indicating that efforts directed at enhancing and preserving local connectivity can have a substantial impact on the overall health and resilience of isolated reef ecosystems.
Plasma Metabolomic Signatures of H. pylori Infection, Alcohol Drinking, Smoking, and Risk of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yu Yuhui , Zheng Zhonghua , Gao Xinxiang , Gu Yuanliang , Zhang Min , Hu Beiping , Gao Qian , Li Zhe , Chen Yan , Li Qian , Shen Fang , Zhu Meng , Hang Dong , Zhan Qiang , Wang Lu , Shen Chong , Lu Xiangfeng , Gu Dongfeng , Ma Hongxia , Shen Hongbing , Jin Guangfu , Yan Caiwang
Published: December 2024

Circulating metabolic profiles have shown promising potential in identifying high‐risk populations for various diseases, while metabolic perturbation plays an important role in gastric cancer. In this study, we conducted a cross‐sectional study with 1800 participants to identify plasma metabolite signatures associated with environmental risk factors of gastric cancer. Subsequently, we evaluated the association between these signatures and gastric cancer risk in a nested case–control study involving 326 gastric cancer cases and 326 matched cancer‐free controls. We conducted mediation analyses to elucidate the potential impact of metabolites on the association between environmental factors and gastric cancer. In the cross‐sectional study, we identified 46 metabolites associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, 365 with alcohol drinking, and 154 with smoking status. In the nested case–control study, 60 plasma metabolites, comprising 30 lipids, 15 amino acids, 6 xenobiotics, 3 nucleotides, 2 cofactors and vitamins, 2 carbohydrate, 1 energy, and 1 peptide, were associated with gastric cancer risk. A one‐standard deviation increment in the H. pylori infection‐related metabolomic signature was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.32–2.09, p = 1.62 × 10−5). Furthermore, the effect of H. pylori infection on gastric cancer was partially mediated by the metabolomic signature (23.28%, 95% CI: 0.09–0.56) or adenine (13.69%, 95% CI: 0.05–0.31). In conclusion, we have identified metabolites associated with environmental factors and demonstrated the association between the H. pylori infection signature and gastric cancer risk. The findings provide novel insights into characterizing high‐risk population for gastric cancer.
Sustained Clinical Benefit of Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Using Gamma Oscillations: A Case Report
Authors: Cernera Stephanie , Oehrn Carina R. , Hammer Lauren H. , Shcherbakova Maria , Yao Jiaang , Hahn Amelia , Wang Sarah , Ostrem Jill L. , Little Simon , Starr Philip A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters according to patient needs. We recently showed that chronic aDBS utilizing invasive neural signals for feedback control is superior to conventional DBS (cDBS) during normal daily life in a 2‐month trial. The stability of aDBS over longer periods remains unclear.

Objectives

To assess the effects of aDBS on motor symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in one individual with Parkinson's disease over 8 months.

Methods

We used stimulation‐entrained cortical gamma oscillations as a control signal for aDBS in the subthalamic nucleus and quantified benefits using motor diary ratings, QoL scales, and wearable metrics.

Results

We found that aDBS delivered superior and consistent benefits compared with baseline cDBS in measures of bradykinesia and QoL.

Conclusions

aDBS can achieve prolonged, stable improvement over clinically optimized cDBS. The neural signal remains stable, and aDBS parameters remain appropriate over extended periods. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Drought forecasting with regionalization of climate variables and generalized linear model
Authors: Lee Taesam , Kong Yejin , Lee Joo‐Heon , Won Chang‐Hee
Published: December 2024

Spring drought forecasting is essential in South Korea for managing water resources reliably and cultivating agricultural products efficiently, as seasonal rainfall difference often drives water shortage during spring. In the current study, a novel scheme for spring drought forecasting was suggested by extensively searching appropriate predictors from the global climate variable: here mean sea level pressure (MSLP) of the winter season due to its time lag for forecasting. The target series was estimated with the median of the spring precipitation series of the weather stations over South Korea, called the accumulated spring precipitation (ASP). A number of points of the MSLP data were detected as significant cross‐correlation with the ASP and also the points were regionally grouped. Therefore, the regionalization for the high correlation points was performed, resulting in three regions, such as Arctic Ocean (R1), South Pacific (R2), and South Africa (R3). The R1 and R2 regions are located at the places where climate indices have been developed such as Arctic Oscillation and North Atlantic Oscillation for R1 and the indicator of El‐Nino and Southern Oscillation for R2. The generalized linear model (GLM) was adopted in ASP drought forecasting with the driven three regionalized indices as the predictors of the ASP. The result indicates that the regionalized indices can produce a good performance in forecasting the ASP. The forecasting result can be employed as a good tool for managing water resources and planning better cultivation in agriculture industries.
Synthesis of Four‐Coupled‐Line Based Wideband Coupler With Inherent Filtering Feature and Its Modification
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Hongmei , Zhang Siran , Wang Zhongbao , Fang Shaojun
Published: December 2024

In the paper, a compact wideband filtering quadrature coupler is proposed, which utilizes the inherent filtering feature of the unequal‐width four‐coupled‐line (FCL) for the first time. Simply by assigning four terminals of the FCL as open‐circuited, the functions of power division, quadrature phase, and inherent filtering response are obtained simultaneously within a wideband. It also has the merits of high directivity and low insertion loss. Since the proposed FDC has the inherent filtering feature without adding extra resonators, the size is the smallest (0.29λg × 0.13λg), and the structure is the simplest when compared with state‐of‐the‐art wideband FDCs. Moreover, based on the derived universal impedance matrix of the unequal‐width FCL, the FCL‐based coupler, as well as other multiport circuits, can be theoretically analyzed. For validation, a prototype is implemented. Measurements show that the proposed coupler exhibits a bandwidth of over 45% under the conditions of 10‐dB return loss, 10‐dB isolation, 0.5‐dB amplitude imbalance, and 5° phase difference error. Besides, the stopband rejection is more than 15 dB, and the rectangle coefficient (RC = |BW20 dB/BW3 dB|) reaches 1.74. Further, as a modification, the high‐frequency selectivity characteristic (RC = 1.11) can be obtained by simply inserting λ/2 stepped impedance resonators with less influence on in‐band performance and little increase in size.
Prospective motion correction for R2* and susceptibility mapping using spherical navigators
Authors: Hewlett Miriam , Oran Omer , Liu Junmin , Drangova Maria
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To perform prospective motion correction (PMC) for improved and susceptibility mapping using a purely navigator‐based approach.

Methods

Spherical navigators (SNAVs) were combined with an additional FID readout for simultaneous measurement of motion and zeroth‐order field shifts. The resulting FIDSNAVs were interleaved for PMC of a multi‐echo gradient echo sequence with retrospective correction. Experiments were performed on a 3T scanner with a 32‐channel head coil. Performance was assessed in five volunteers with motion prompts derived from real unintentional motion trajectories.

Results

At short TEs, PMC alone was sufficient to achieve good image quality; at longer TEs, retrospective correction was often just as important for artifact reduction as motion correction. Both PMC and retrospective correction reduced error in and susceptibility maps for all participants. Residual artifacts were observed in the most severe motion case.

Conclusion

Combining SNAVs with an additional FID readout enables simultaneous motion and field correction with no additional hardware requirements, improving the fidelity of quantitative mapping in the presence of motion.
Mechanically anisotropic phantoms for magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Eckstein Kevin N. , Yoon Daniel , Ruding Margrethe , Balouchzadeh Ramin , Thompson‐Mazzeo Aaliyah , Okamoto Ruth J. , Johnson Curtis L. , McGarry Matthew D. J. , Bayly Philip V.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Imaging phantoms with known anisotropic mechanical properties are needed to evaluate magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) methods to estimate anisotropic parameters. The aims of this study were to fabricate mechanically anisotropic MRE phantoms, characterize their mechanical behavior by direct testing, then assess the accuracy of MRE estimates of anisotropic properties using a transversely isotropic nonlinear inversion (TI‐NLI) algorithm.

Methods

Directionally scaled and unscaled lattices were designed to exhibit anisotropic or isotropic mechanical properties. Lattices were three‐dimensionally printed in poly(ethelyne glycol) diacrylate using a commercial digital light processing printer, then infilled with gelatin to form a composite material. Benchtop testing determined two shear stiffnesses, and , governing loading parallel and perpendicular to the symmetry axis, and two analogous Young's moduli and . From these measures, shear anisotropy = and tensile anisotropy = were calculated. Three phantoms were driven by a central actuator and imaged with MRE at frequencies from 300 to 500 Hz. From MRE data, the TI‐NLI algorithm estimated maps of , , and .

Results

In benchtop tests, geometrically scaled lattice composites exhibited the following anisotropic properties: = 6.1 ± 0.7 kPa, = 0.83 ± 0.13, = 0.78 ± 0.09} (mean ± standard deviation). MRE of scaled lattice composites revealed elliptical wavefields; TI‐NLI analysis identified the following median property ranges: = 11–19 kPa, = 0.6–1.0, = 0.8–1.6}.

Conclusion

Anisotropic MRE phantoms are created by embedding anisotropic three‐dimensionally printed lattices into a softer matrix. The TI‐NLI algorithm accurately estimates spatial contrast in anisotropic properties.
General Solution for Longitudinal Response of Shield Tunnel Considering the Effects of Joints and Soil Shear Resistance
Authors: Huang Weiming , Zang Yanwei , Wang Jinchang , Liu Changbao , Yang Zhongxuan , Xu Rongqiao , Fang Huajian
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a general solution for assessing the longitudinal response of shield tunnels, incorporating the combined effects of joints and soil shear resistance. The analysis employs the Timoshenko beam spring model atop a Vlasov foundation, subjected to arbitrary loads and various boundary conditions. Governing equations and relevant boundary conditions are derived using a variational formulation. Validation is conducted against existing simplified analytical solutions and finite element method simulations, showing the efficacy of the proposed solution. Comparative analyses of different models are undertaken based on the potential energy considerations. Additionally, a parametric study explores influential factors such as subgrade shear and reaction coefficients, as well as joint stiffnesses. Findings highlight the significance of accounting for the soil shear resistance and caution against underestimation when using equivalent continuous beam models. The proposed solution improves the prediction accuracy for the longitudinal response of shield tunnels and offers several benefits including compatibility with other analytical models, computation efficiency, and versatility in considering diverse loads and boundary conditions.
Quality prediction and process optimization in abrasive waterjet cutting of ultra‐thick carbon fiber reinforced polymer
Authors: Liang Wei , Cheng Liang , Dong Huiyue , Guo Yingjie , Ke Yinglin
Published: December 2024

Surface roughness and delamination extent are key indicators for assessing the surface quality of machined carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. This study conducted an in‐depth investigation on the uncontrollable surface quality of abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining of ultra‐thick CFRP. Considering the sensitivity of the laminate structure to the jet impact angle, an optimized response surface methodology was used to analyze the effects of process parameters on surface roughness. Additionally, the differences in surface roughness on both sides of the kerf under non‐orthogonal cutting were examined. Based on these analyses, a surface roughness prediction model was developed. Furthermore, the study comprehensively analyzed the effects of material mechanical properties and process parameters on delamination damage. Using dimensional analysis, a predictive model for the maximum delamination length, considering jet energy dissipation, was established. The novelty of this research is to reveal the difference in surface quality on both sides of the kerf under non‐orthogonal cutting, and to establish prediction models for surface roughness and delamination damage based on the energy dissipation characteristics of ultra‐thick CFRP AWJ machining. This research provides essential modeling foundations for enhancing the controllability of AWJ machining quality for ultra‐thick CFRP complex components.

Highlights

Surface roughness and delamination damage impact AWJ use for ultra‐thick CFRP.

Non‐orthogonal cutting causes surface quality differences on kerf sides.

A model for kerf surface roughness at any jet impact angle was established.

The delamination mechanism in internal path cutting was analyzed.

The delamination length model for ultra‐thick CFRP laminates was established.
A comprehensive study of ultrasonic detection and damage quantification of barely visible impact damages in a carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite material
Authors: Ravindranath Pruthul Kokkada , Pulipati Daniel P. , Emerson Nathan , Jack David A.
Published: December 2024

This work investigates detection and evaluation of barely visible impact damage (BVID) on a carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite using non‐destructive evaluation. Specifically, this paper presents a novel method to analyze full waveform from ultrasonic data captured from a new field portable inspection station. Forty‐eight samples are impacted between 8 and 16 J representing a spectrum of surface damage below the visual threshold to barely visible surface damage. The samples are conditioned at cold and dry (5°C and 10%RH) to hot and wet (50°C and 90%RH) environmental conditions prior to inspection. Data collection for ultrasonic inspection is performed on a novel portable inspection system outside of an immersion tank, and the captured full waveform data is analyzed. The waveforms are analyzed using a new automated analysis approach presented in the current manuscript, and the effective diameter of the subsurface damage as a function of depth is extracted from the data set. The extracted three‐dimensional damage zone from the analysis of the ultrasound data shows damage increasing from the surface that is at or below the visual inspection threshold to a circular like damage zone with an effective diameter subsurface that is more than 20 mm. These damage zones are compared to the analyzed μCT data sets, and the average error is nominally 1 mm in characterizing the effective diameter at any depth. There is little correlation between the error and the impact energy or the environmental conditions studied, with the error ranging from 4% to 6% over the samples investigated.

Highlights

Out of immersion tank, field‐portable ultrasound inspection station, to detect BVID.

Automated procedure to characterize three dimensionally the damage from a barely visible impact damage event.

Sensitivity to environmental conditioning is investigated for its impact on inspections.

Results validated with x‐ray CT with a typical accuracy of 1.32 mm.
An induction curing technique for CFRP laminate via magnetic particle‐induced in situ heating
Authors: Li Yichao , Hu Xiafen , Hao Lei , Liang Jiqiu , Wu Dan , Sun Ao , Xi Zhaojun , Jin Peng , Xiong Yi
Published: December 2024

Curing high‐performance carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures with economical and energy‐efficient off‐oven techniques is important for the widespread application of the composite. In this work, we reported a magnetic particle‐induced in situ heating method to controllably cure CFRP laminates with stacking sequences of [0]8, [0/90]4s and [0/45/90/−45]2s. Results showed that all the laminates can undergo a consistent, layup‐independent two‐staged heating protocol via regulating the magnetic field intensity. Under the same curing protocol, the three stacking‐sequenced CFRP laminates can be cured more completely under induction heating than oven heating, in addition to a moderately improved tensile and flexural properties. However, the porosity of the laminates slightly increased under induction heating. The proposed new curing method provides a new avenue to the fabrication of advanced CFRP composite structures without oven or autoclave.

Highlights

A particle‐induced in situ heating method to controllably cure carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates was proposed.

This method was capable to cure CFRP laminates with different stacking sequences.

Mechanical property of laminates was moderately improved under this method.
State “Pandemic Pods”: US regional coalitions and their responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: McOmber Chesney , Kirchhoff Christine J.
Published: December 2024

As the COVID‐19 pandemic began to unfold in the late winter and early spring of 2020, US states began to work collaboratively in regional coalitions to manage a rapidly developing public health crisis. These coalitions were made up of states that were geographically contiguous and, more importantly, built upon previous working relationships. We explore two regional coalitions—the Multistate Council and the Western States Pact in the northeast and western United States, respectively. We find that these regional coalitions each drew from institutional memory‐previous collaborative policies—to craft their collective COVID‐19 responses and that this approach produced two different outcomes. While these regional coalitions urgently provided critical resources (including institutional knowledge) to respond to the spreading pandemic, it may have also reflected a limit of institutional memory—path dependency which limited the regional coalitions' abilities to learn from each other and experience the benefits of other coalition approaches.
Natural Size Variation Amongst Protocells Leads to Survival and Growth Under Hypoosmotic Conditions
Authors: Lowe Lauren A. , Kaushik Natasha K. , Wang Anna
Published: December 2024

Membrane growth is vital to the evolution of cellular life. For model protocells, this is typically achieved through competition between different protocell populations or by adding extra amphiphiles. This work demonstrates an alternative mechanism for protocell membrane growth: hypoosmotic shocks, which could have occurred naturally in the protocell environment, leading to the redistribution of lipids within a single population of vesicles. Here we report that, even without an additional lipid supply, nanoscale and giant fatty acid vesicles can withstand substantial osmotic pressures through membrane growth, whilst also retaining a significant portion of their contents. This stands in contrast to phospholipid systems, which burst and release their contents under the same conditions. Notably, the fatty acid giant vesicles retained contents following hypoosmotic shocks ten times higher than the predicted tolerance levels. The observed robustness is likely enabled by the membrane's incorporation of additional amphiphiles from smaller and less tense vesicles within the same population. The dynamic nature of these fatty acid‐based model protocells not only supports membrane growth but also enables protocell survival in hypoosmotic environments.
Dual Crystal‐Liquid Thermal Transport Behavior in MAPbCl3
Authors: Hu Jia‐Kai , Lee Yu‐Ju , Wu Cheng‐Chieh , Lee Chi‐Hung , Wu Chun‐Ming , Wu Hung‐Cheng , Nawa Kazuhiro , Kinjo Katsuki , Sato Taku J. , Wei Pai‐Chun
Published: December 2024

Phonon dynamics in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) exhibit inherent complexity driven by the intricate interactions between rotatable organic cations and dynamically disordered inorganic octahedra, mediated by hydrogen bonding. This study aims to address this complexity by investigating the thermal transport behavior of MAPbCl3 as a gateway to the OIHPs family. The results reveal that the ultralow thermal conductivity of MAPbCl3 arises from a synergistic interplay of exceptionally low phonon velocities, short phonon lifetimes, and phonon mean free paths approaching the Regel‐Ioffe limit. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of MAPbCl3 approaches its theoretical amorphous limit across a broad temperature range, with its thermal transport behavior transitioning from crystal‐like to more liquid‐like during the orthorhombic‐to‐cubic phase transitions. Furthermore, a phonon drag effect is observed at 17 K, with Umklapp scattering serving as the predominant phonon resistive mechanism in the orthorhombic phase. In contrast, dynamic lattice distortions caused by the jumping rotation of MA+ cations become the primary factors influencing thermal transport in the cubic phase.
Parameter priority of stub and slender rectangular CFDST columns subjected to eccentric loading
Authors: Kalake Refiloe , Haas Trevor Neville
Published: December 2024

This paper evaluates the behavior and ultimate load that previously identified parameters have on stub and long slender rectangular concrete‐filled double skin tubular (CFDST) columns subjected to eccentric loading. The investigation was performed using FE models that were calibrated and validated to eccentrically loaded experimental responses. A parametric investigation was thereafter conducted on seven parameters to establish the parameter priority on stub and long slender rectangular CFDST columns subjected to eccentric loading. The strong and weak axis minimally affects the parameter priority for a particular slenderness ratio. The investigation revealed that the parameter priority is different for stub and long slender columns. For load eccentricity, lateral curvature, steel strength, outer tube thickness, concrete strength, fixity, and inner tube thickness affect the ultimate load by 60.2%, 14.0%, 8.1%, 8.0%, 4.3%, 3.4%, and 2.1%, respectively, when compared to all parameters. For long slender columns, the load eccentricity, fixity, outer tube thickness steel strength, lateral curvature, concrete strength, and inner tube thickness affect the ultimate load by 70.7%, 10.6%, 6.2% 5.9%, 2.4%, 2.3%, and 2.0%, respectively, when compared to all parameters.
Research on Object Detection in Complex Scenarios Based on ASA‐YOLOv5
Authors: Lin Shoujun , Deng Lixia , Zhang Hongyu , Bi Lingyun , Dong Jinshun , Wan Dapeng , Liu Haiying , Liu Lida
Published: December 2024

The applications of target detection in complex scenarios cover a wide range of fields, such as pedestrian and vehicle detection in self‐driving cars, face recognition and abnormal behavior detection in security monitoring systems, hazardous materials safety detection in public transportation, and so on. These applications demonstrate the importance and the prospect of wide application of target detection techniques in solving practical problems in complex scenarios. However, in these real scenes, there are often problems such as mutual occlusion and scale change. Therefore, how to accurately identify the target in the real complex scenarios has become a big problem to be solved. In order to solve the above problem, the paper proposes a novel algorithm, Adaptive Self‐Attention‐YOLOv5 (ASA‐YOLOv5), which is built upon the YOLOv5s algorithm and demonstrates effectiveness for target identification in complex scenarios. First, the paper implements a fusion mechanism between the trunk and neck networks, enabling the fusion of features across different levels through upsampling and downsampling. This fusion process mitigates detection errors caused by feature loss. Second, the Shuffle Attention mechanism is introduced before upsampling and downsampling to suppress noise and amplify essential semantic information, further enhancing target identification accuracy. Lastly, the Adaptively Spatial Feature Fusion (ASFF) module and Receptive Field Blocks (RFBs) module are added in the head network, and it can improve feature scale invariance and expand the receptive field. The ability of the model to detect the target in the complex scene is improved effectively. Experimental results indicate a notable improvement in the model's mean Average Precision (mAP) by 2.1% on the COCO dataset and 0.7% on the SIXray dataset. The proposed ASA‐YOLOv5 algorithm can enhance the effectiveness for target detection in complex scenarios, and it can be widely used in real‐world settings. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A regulatory gap analysis in transportation cybersecurity and data privacy
Authors: Hockstad Trayce , Rahman Mizanur , Jones Steven , Chowdhury Mashrur
Published: December 2024

Although the need for regulatory and enforcement measures is dire, there is no all‐encompassing federal law or regulatory framework that governs cybersecurity or data privacy in the US transportation industry. The objective of this paper is to analyze the gaps that exist in US cybersecurity regulatory schematic as applied to transportation law and policy. As opposed to a theoretical approach, this study relies on a systematic gap analysis methodology to canvas a broad topic and distill specific insights that can be used as a foundation for establishing legislative and policy goals. Specifically, this paper attempts to answer: (i) what federal and/or state agencies are responsible for governing cybersecurity practices in the United States, including risk assessment, preventative measures, detection of breaches, and remedial enforcement; and (ii) how do industry experts assess the greatest risks/threats to ensuring cybersecurity in the transportation sector? The scope of selected legislative analysis is purposefully all‐encompassing of the transportation industry to highlight the scant nature of existing US law on the subject. Several states have enacted their own cybersecurity legislation, creating an unsynchronized approach nationwide that implicates jurisdictional issues, preemption problems, and inconsistent compliance requirements for national stakeholders. This paper next considers states' perspectives of transportation cybersecurity as assessed through a national survey of US state transportation agencies. Specific areas of concern identified as being important to the transportation industry but largely overlooked in the legislative spectrum include issues related to third‐party vendor liability, identifying cybersecurity tools, and supply chain risk management. Legislation covering workforce, ransomware, and cybersecurity‐related privacy issues saw more success, but low passage rates were still reflected with respect to the number of bills proposed. On the other hand, funding, insurance, and penalization issues appeared to be frequently prioritized. This paper presents the results of a gap analysis research approach identifying discrepancies between “what is” and “what should be” in transportation cybersecurity legislation.
Third Sector Research: The Construction of a Field of Study
Authors: Cordery Carolyn , Bassi Andrea , Aquino Alves Mario
Published: December 2024

More than 30 years ago, the ground-breaking work by Lester Salamon and Helmut Anheier launched global interest in research into the Third Sector. Yet the world is changing, and the relevance of the Social Origins Theory developed from the Johns Hopkins Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project is now questioned. Third Sector organizations and movements remain vitally relevant and yet, the changing environment and definitions of the field, availability of new data sets, and gaps in the countries and topics studied, all point to the need to take stock and ensure that future Third Sector research is relevant and impactful. This chapter introduces the book, which aims to illustrate, comment and criticize the state of the art and to highlight future possible pathways in which Third Sector research could progress. It seeks an inclusive dialogue that, through encouraging diverse voices, shapes our collective understanding of the sector, its potentialities and hence can ameliorate prior difficulties. This book seeks to spur further research drawing on up-to-date databases and frameworks and to inspire new and seasoned researchers to undertake vital work.