bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic tests on two novel welded flange plate connections in precast concrete moment resisting frames
Authors: Ahooghalandary Neyram , Esmaeili Jamshid , Mirrezaei Seyed Saeed
Published: May 2022

Precast concrete moment resistant beam-to-column connections, usually designed in form of semi-monolithic connections which require in-situ concrete casting leading to a complicated assembling process. Additionally, using concrete with different ages in a connection causes cold joints and shrinkage problems. To overcome these issues, in this study, two steel beam-to-column connections (SBCs) were proposed and designed for precast concrete moment resisting frames. Compared to the semi-monolithic connections, proposed connections exclude protruding bars, resulting in a facile and rapid installation. Regarding the inverse T shape, these connections provide a better condition for installing the precast slabs and consequently reduce structural floor thickness. To evaluate the connections, two precast and one in-situ specimens were made and tested on a 2/3 scale and a cyclic load pattern was used to evaluate their performance. Test results indicate that the proposed SBCs have a maximum resistance and ductility until 1.5 and 0.9 times the in-situ concrete beam-to-column connection (ICBC), respectively. ACI374.1-05 criteria including strength and stiffness degradation ratio as well as energy dissipation ratio at drift 4% were employed to evaluate the qualification of the proposed connections. One of the proposed connections met all seismic requirements of ACI374.1-05. The plastic hinge locations were estimated by measuring the strains of rebars and steel parts of the connections. Results revealed that on the contrary to ICBC, the plastic hinge formation in proposed SBCs developed out of the beam-column joint which coincides with the strong-column and weak-beam principle in precast frames and postpones the total fracture mechanism of structure.
Modified truncated singular value decomposition method for moving force identification
Authors: Chen Zhen , Deng Lu , Kong Xuan
Published: May 2022

In this study, a modified truncated singular value decomposition (MTSVD) method is proposed for the identification of dynamic moving forces on simply-supported beams. By regularizing the truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) method, the MTSVD method focuses on overcoming the ill-posed problems that intrinsically exist in moving force identification. Two regularization parameters, namely, regularization matrix and truncating point are the most important regularization parameters affecting the performance of the MTSVD method. The accuracy and efficiency of the MTSVD method is shown by comparing the results with the conventional counterpart SVD and TSVD methods. In addition, the proposed method is also compared with a similar method recently proposed by the author, that is, the piecewise polynomial truncated singular value decomposition (PP-TSVD) method. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the performance of the MTSVD method is significantly improved compared with the PP-TSVD method in high noise level cases.
Galerkin method, ansatz method, and He’s frequency formulation for modeling the forced damped parametric driven pendulum oscillators
Authors: Alyousef Haifa A , Salas Alvaro H , Alharthi Muteb R , El-Tantawy Samir A
Published: May 2022

The forced damped parametric driven pendulum oscillators are analyzed numerically via the Galerkin method (GM) and analytically using both ansatz method (AM) and He’s frequency formulation. One of the most important features of the obtained numerical approximation using GM is that it can recover a large number of different oscillators related to the problem under study. Moreover, the mentioned equation is solved analytically via both AM and He’s frequency formulation. Also, the analytical approximations can recover many different oscillators related to the problem under consideration. Both analytical and numerical approximations are compared with each other and with Runge–Kutta (RK) numerical approximation by estimating both maximum global distance and residual errors. The proposed method can help many authors interested in studying the dynamic problems to explain the mechanics of oscillating to different oscillators in physics, plasma models, engineering, and biological systems.
How are e-retailer brands related to the manufacturer brands they offer?
Authors: Huaman-Ramirez Richard , Toti Jean-François
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this article is to examine how e-retailer brands are related to the manufacturer brands they offer. This study is grounded in the experiential branding perspective focusing on multiple dimensions (i.e., sensorial, affective, and intellectual). We also examine the moderating role of the consumer’s chronological age on the effects of both manufacturer brand experience and e-retailer brand experience on brand satisfaction. A sample of 252 beauty box French subscribers took part in our study, and we used partial least squares structural equation modelling to test our hypotheses. Our findings show that manufacturer brand experience positively and directly affects e-retailer brand experience, which in turn positively affects e-retailer brand satisfaction. We also show that chronological age has a positive moderating role on the relationship between e-retailer brand experience and e-retailer brand satisfaction.
Ordinary neighbourhoods
Authors: Beier Raffael
Published: May 2022

Emphasising implicit assumptions behind our ways of seeing ‘slums’, this essay calls for a radical understanding of ‘ordinary neighbourhoods’. Borrowing from Robinson’s ‘ordinary cities’ concept, it conceptualises ‘ordinariness’ as a way of rejecting the ‘absolute otherness’ of slums, stressing heterogeneity within and between neighbourhoods as well as the significance of comparative empirical research. Beyond the need for alternative, less stigmatised terms, the article urges for a new territorial ethics, a radical deconstruction and de-mystification of the ‘slum’. Such conceptualisation should make aware of the term ‘slum’ as a non-physical, spatially detached social construct that discredits marginalised people and diverts attention away from precarious living conditions and possible ways of improving them.
Changes in Electrical Brain Activity and Cognitive Functions Following Mild to Moderate COVID-19: A one-Year Prospective Study After Acute Infection
Authors: Andrei Appelt Pablo , Taciana Sisconetto Angélica , Baldo Sucupira Kelly Savana Minaré , Neto Eduardo de Moura , Chagas Tatiane de Jesus , Bazan Rodrigo , Moura Cabral Ariana , Andrade Adriano de Oliveira , de Souza Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande , José Luvizutto Gustavo
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can disrupt various brain functions. Over a one-year period, we aimed to assess brain activity and cognitive function in 53 COVID-19 patients and 30 individuals without COVID-19 (or asymptomatic). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Trail Making Test Parts A and B (TMT-A and B), and Digit Span Test were used to assess cognitive function. Cognitive variables and electroencephalography (EEG) data (activity, mobility, and complexity) were compared between the groups at rest and during cognitive demand (F3-F7, Fz-F3, Fz-F4, and F4-F8). There was a reduction in F3-F7 activity during the TMT-B in the COVID-19 group at 6-12 months compared to the controls (p = 0.01) at baseline (p = 0.03), a reduction in signal complexity at F3-F7 at rest in the COVID-19 group at baseline and 6-12 months compared to the controls (p < 0.001), and a reduction in Fz-F4 activity at rest from 6-12 months in the post-COVID group compared to baseline (p = 0.02) and 3-6 months (p = 0.04). At 6-12 months, there was a time increase in TMT-A in the COVID-19 group compared to that in the controls (p = 0.04). Some correlations were found between EEG data and cognitive test in both groups. In conclusion, there was a reduction in brain activity at rest in the Fz-F4 areas and during high cognitive demands in the F3-F7 areas. A reduction in signal complexity in F3-F7 at rest was found in the COVID-19 group at 6-12 months after acute infection. Furthermore, individuals with COVID-19 experience long-term changes in cognitive function.
Effect of two different nano-particles (GO-MoS2) and a new micro-sprayer model on power electronic module for thermal management
Authors: Gholinia Mosayeb , Ranjbar Aliakbar , Javidan Mohammad , Hosseinpour Aliakbar
Published: May 2022

In this work, we have studied the performance of the cooling system with the presence of graphene oxide (GO) and molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles to reduce heat stress, increase the final efficiency, and maintain the reliability of Diode and IGBT electronic module. Beyond the geometric design of micro-sprays and dimensional changes, as well as the type of cooling fluid effect, the use of nanofluids for the purpose of thermal management of electronic systems will be an interesting and effective innovation. In the simulation parameters, the dimensional ratio of micro-sprays, the rate of cooling flows, and the volume fraction of nanoparticles were investigated. According to the results, considering the spray of the BSM-4N model and the input mass rate of 0.04 kg/s, by increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles from 0.01 to 0.05, the heat transfer of nanofluid increases, thus leading to an increase in thermal efficiency. In this paper, the thermal effects of GO nanoparticle were significantly more favorable than those of MoS2 nanoparticle. In addition, it was found that by reducing the spray nozzle using installing the blade and simultaneous use of GO nanofluid with volume fraction of 0.05, the temperature inside the module is reduced below 323 K.
Use of azurocidin (heparin binding protein) and interleukin-1ß as prognostic indicators in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Akın Şen İrem , Karaşahin Ömer , Şebin Engin , Şen Cem
Published: May 2022

Objective: Considering the published manuscripts on this subject, it is thought that IL-1B and azurocidin may be diagnostic and prognostic factors in severe COVID-19 disease. This study aimed to determine whether azurocidin and IL-1β are useful biomarkers and are associated with disease exacerbation in patients needing advanced treatment options. Material and Method: Our study was performed retrospectively. The data of a total of 291 patients followed in the hospital due to COVID-19 were collected. Among these patients, 66 randomly selected patients were included in this study. The control group consisted of 24 healthy individuals referred to the infectious disease outpatient clinic who weren’t no diagnosis of COVID-19 infection or any other infection. After the samples were taken into tubes without anticoagulant, they were kept at room temperature for 30 min. Afterwards, it was centrifuged at 1000xg for 15 min at +4° according to the instructions of the ELISA kit we used. The remaining serum was transferred to Eppendorf tubes and stored at −80° throughout this study. Results: A statistically significant strong positive correlation was determined between IL1β and azurocidin. A statistically significant weak positive correlation was found between IL1β and CRP, ferritin and neutrophil count, weak negative correlation with albumin, and moderately strong positive correlation with leukocyte count. Moreover, a statistically significant weak positive correlation was found between azurucidin and CRP, ferritin, and neutrophil counts. Conclusion: Azurocidin and IL-1β may serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients at risk of developing systemic multi-organ failure, with improved patient prognosis and prevention of death in severely ill patients. Although these results may contribute to the improvement of the follow-up and treatment of the patients and reduce mortality rates, there is a need for randomized controlled studies with a larger number of patients to be performed in the future.
Beyond dyadic communication: Network of communication in inflammatory arthritis teams
Authors: Ghanouni Parisa , Inouye Kristy , Gowan Chelsey , Hartford Wendy , McKinnon Annette , McQuitty Shanon , Backman Catherine L. , Li Linda C. , Nimmon Laura
Published: May 2022

Following diagnosis, individuals with chronic conditions such as inflammatory arthritis (IA) face learning how to manage multiple new healthcare relationships. Despite existing literature on team care for people with IA, little is known about how teams negotiate care from perspectives of all team members.

Objective

To explore how communication is perceived and care is negotiated amongst IA healthcare teams by drawing on the perspectives of each team member.

Method

This analysis drew on data from an ongoing three-year study exploring team-based IA care. We interviewed 11 participants including two men with IA and their family care providers and healthcare providers. We used a three-staged analytic process and integrated broad tenets of social network theory to understand the relational dimensions of team members experiences.

Result

Analysis revealed three themes regarding communication and care: (1) seeking/sharing information, (2) striving to coordinate unified care, and (3) providing patients a voice.

Discussion

This study emphasizes the importance of understanding team dynamics beyond the dyad of patient and care provider. Negotiating power and decision-making in IA care is a dynamic process involving shifting levels of responsibility amongst a care team. Communication-based strategies that extend dyadic interactions may enhance teamwork and health outcomes in chronic conditions.
Acute kidney injury following induction of chemotherapy: Diagnosis and management in critical care
Authors: Chapman Robert , Shah Sita , D’Angelo Alberto
Published: May 2022

A 48-year-old gentleman who had recently commenced chemotherapy for diffuse B-cell lymphoma was admitted to hospital with nausea and generalised weakness. He developed abdominal pain and oliguric acute kidney injury with multiple electrolyte derangements and was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). His condition deteriorated, requiring endotracheal intubation and renal replacement therapy (RRT). Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a common and life-threatening complication of chemotherapy and represents an oncological emergency. TLS affects multiple organ systems and is best managed in the ICU with closer monitoring of fluid balance, serum electrolytes, cardiorespiratory and renal function. TLS patients may go on to require mechanical ventilation and RRT. TLS patients require input from a large multidisciplinary team of clinicians and allied health professionals.
Land use and development: The early work of Phil O’Keefe
Authors: Wisner Ben
Published: May 2022

Phil O’Keefe’s early work on soil erosion in Kenya is analyzed as foreshadowing his entire ouvre. More than a professional analysis, a personal appreciation of O'Keefe's friendship and a farewell is expressed.
Blast resistance of timber structural elements: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Mourão Rodrigo , Caçoilo Andreia , Teixeira-Dias Filipe , Montalva Arturo , Stone Hollice , Jacques Eric
Published: May 2022

The response of structures subject to impulsive loads remains a field of intense research. Whilst traditional construction materials, such as steel and concrete/masonry, have been the focus of most studies, further research on the performance of alternative materials for blast-resistant applications has been driven by their growing use in sustainable construction. Over the last years, engineers have been re-evaluating the use of timber as a prime construction material for a range of building types, from small office to high-rise residential buildings. As a result, there is now a growing need to study the blast resistance of timber structures, as they may become potential targets of terrorist attacks or being placed in the blast-radius of other critical buildings. A review of existing research on the blast resistance of timber structures is presented and key factors on the blast analysis and design of such structures are discussed. Most of the research has been conducted on light-frame wood stud walls, glued- and cross-laminated timber, and addresses material properties under high strain rates, typical failure modes, behaviour of structural connections and retrofitting solutions. Failure modes are reported to be highly dependent on the element layout and manufacturing aspects, and dynamic increase factors for the modulus of elasticity and maximum strength in the ranges of [1.05, 1.43] and [1.14, 1.60], respectively, have been proposed for different timber elements. Mechanical connectors play a significant role in dissipating energy through plastic deformation, as the brittle nature of timber elements compromises the development of their full capacity. Regardless the element type, SDOF models can accurately predict the dynamic response as long as idealised boundary conditions can be considered. Overall, although a good amount of research is available, more extensive research is needed to guide the design and engineering practice and contribute to the development of design codes and testing standards for timber structures under blast loading.
Gastric necrosis and perforation following treatment of Dieulafoy’s lesion with embolization of multiple gastric arteries: A case report
Authors: Delgado Adam , Patel Yash , Israel Travis , Ismail Naveed , Weaver John
Published: May 2022

Diagnosis, management, and treatment of Dieulafoy’s lesion have been complicated since its first mention in 1884. With increased awareness over the decades, Dieulafoy’s lesions are being managed differently based on the physician’s expertise. Herein, we report a case of a 58-year-old female who was found to have a Dieulafoy’s lesion on endoscopy, with her treatment complicated by gastric necrosis and perforation after multiple embolizations and limited surgical resection.
Association of multiple sclerosis with risk of mortality among a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States
Authors: Titcomb Tyler J. , Bao Wei , Du Yang , Liu Buyun , Snetselaar Linda G. , Wahls Terry L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been associated with increased mortality ratios, but few studies have investigated the independent association of MS with mortality.

Objective

To examine the prospective association of MS with risk of mortality in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.

Methods

This prospective study included 23,053 adults aged 45–79 years who participated in the National Health Interview Survey in 2002 and 2008. Physician-diagnosed MS was reported by participants during household interviews. These participants were linked to death records from survey date through December 31, 2015.

Results

Among the 23,053 participants included in this study, 120 reported a physician’s diagnosis of MS, with a higher prevalence in females (0.85%) than in males (0.31%). During on average 9.4 years (maximum 13.8 years) of observation, 4208 deaths occurred. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, lifestyle factors, and BMI, participants with MS had an 80% higher risk of mortality (HR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.11–2.92), compared with those without MS. The association remained significant (HR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.07–2.87) after further adjustment for baseline diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and cancer.

Conclusion

In this nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, MS was associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Sustainable Care: Care as a Communal Virtue in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Eidsvåg Gunnar Magnus
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Care is a core concern for early childhood education and care (ECEC) institutions. Care may be understood as a basic form of interaction and a foundational need for human beings. For these reasons, care also presents challenges for ECEC staff. The staff must seek practical solutions to problems that philosophers have raised on a theoretical basis concerning ethical traditions, such as the ethics of care. These are the problems of justice, parochialism, and self-sacrifice.

Design/Approach/Methods

This article develops a theory concerning the ethics of care in ECEC institutions. The theory is informed by qualitative interviews with ECEC teachers reflecting on their caring practices. The study is therefore located at the intersection of normative ethics and applied ethics. In seven in-depth interviews, the informants discussed how to create a caring ECEC environment that is fair and possible to maintain over time.

Findings

Through analyzing the interviews, I found that caring practices that work toward these ideals can be described as sustainable care. These practices take care of all the children and provide the staff with opportunities to regain the strength they need to create a caring and educating setting.

Originality/Value

The theory this article develops makes ethics of care applicable and practically relevant to ECEC institutions.
Game Strategy Selection of Multiple Participants in Cloud Manufacturing Alliance
Authors: Wang Xueping , Yuan Xin , Gao Xinqin
Published: May 2022

Introducing the cloud platform operator (CPO) to manage all kinds of manufacturing services on the cloud service platform, the game strategy selection of the multiple participants in the cloud manufacturing alliance is one of current research hotspots of the cloud manufacturing mode. Based on the game theory, this article elaborates the multi-participants business collaboration process and proposes the game strategy selection framework of the multiple participants in the cloud manufacturing alliance. From the perspectives of the manufacturing resource demander (MRD), the manufacturing resource provider (MRP), and the CPO, the game types are analyzed, the benefit functions are established, the existences of game equilibria are proved, and their corresponding constraint conditions are obtained. Integrating the dominant game strategies of the multiple participants, the dominant combination strategies of the above three game equilibria are proposed and the intersection conditions of Nash equilibrium from the mixed perspective are obtained. A set of experimental data from the practical case is given to prove that the solution space of Nash equilibrium from the mixed perspective is not empty. This research provides the theoretical basis for the landing application of the cloud manufacturing mode and the technical support for the development of the cloud manufacturing service platform. It has the important academic value and the broad application prospects.
Healthy and Delicious: Responsible Branding of Snacks
Authors: Palo-oja Outi-Maaria , Nieminen Juuso
Published: May 2022

Healthy eating and nutritional values have received much publicity in recent years. At the same time, food manufacturers are expected to take responsibility in general and especially for health in both food production and retail. In this study, we examine how snack companies brand their products as healthy and responsible without specific health claims. We analysed interview material from five cases through the lens of Kujala et al. (2011) concept of responsible branding. Living in harmony with nature was common to all case companies but emphasizing responsibility was rarely the goal of branding. The companies had to balance the conflicting needs of different stakeholders and make difficult choices, especially about the taste and healthiness of the snack. Our research articulates for that the perception of responsibility is contextual, and thus responsible brands require modifications to operate in different markets.
Evaluation of the relationship between miR-337-3p and RAP1A gene in endometriosis
Authors: Dehghanian Mehran , Yarahmadi Ghafour , Fazeli Javad , Vahidi Mehrjardi Mohammad Yahya , Javaheri Atiyeh , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi , Dehghani Mohammadreza
Published: May 2022

Background:

Endometriosis, a prevalent multifactorial condition, has a different effect on mental and physical health in women. MicroRNAs have been reported as a main epigenetic factor in endometriosis pathogenesis. However, the role of miR-337-3p and its direct target gene, RAP1A, in endometriosis tissues have not been investigated.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of miR-337-3p and RAP1A gene in endometriosis tissues and normal endometrium tissues.

Materials and methods:

We measured the expression levels of miR-337-3p and RAP1A gene by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 15 eutopic and ectopic tissue samples of superficial peritoneal lesions from women with endometriosis and 15 normal endometrial tissue samples from women without any symptom of endometriosis.

Results:

The results showed the expression level of RAP1A gene significantly increased in endometriosis tissue samples (both of ectopic and eutopic tissues), while miR-337-3p expression level decreased significantly in these tissues compared to the normal endometrium.

Conclusion:

In this study, we observed an inverse relationship between miR-337-3p and RAP1A gene expression in endometriosis. Dysregulation of these genes can also be interpreted as their role in the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis.
Views of Care at End of Life: A Secondary Analysis of Online Feedback Using Care Opinion
Authors: Khonsari Sahar , O Neill Claire , Mayland Catriona R , Gilmour Fraser , Aitken Marc , Mckeown Alistair , Russell Sian , Mcalees Angela , Gardner Morag , Johnston Bridget
Published: May 2022

Although there are studies on the use of social media and palliative and end-of-life care (PEOLC), there are no studies specifically investigating the content of online public feedback about PEOLC services. This study sought to understand experiences of end-of-life care provided in hospitals in the West of Scotland by exploring the main themes within the content of stories posted on a nationally endorsed nonprofit feedback online platform, Care Opinion, within a 2-year period. We used “Appreciative Inquiry” as a theoretical framework for this study to determine what works well in end-of-life care, while also identifying areas for further improvement. Of the 1428 stories published on “Care Opinion” from March 2019 to 2021 regarding hospitals in the West of Scotland, 48 (3.36%) were related to end-of-life care, of which all were included in data analysis. Using the software package NVivo and thematic analysis, we identified 4 key themes. We found that people overwhelmingly posted positive feedback about their experiences with end-of-life care. People reported positively about staff professionalism in providing compassionate and person-centered care to meet their loved ones needs at end of life. Other experiences of care related to challenges facing healthcare services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality appraisal of staff responses highlighted areas for improving feedback. This study can add to the aim of improving staff response to people’s concerns about end-of-life care. This study has provided a novel perspective of patients’ experiences of end-of-life care in hospitals in the West of Scotland. Novel insights were the appreciation of quality of care, staff professionalism, effective communication, and meeting patient’s needs at end-of-life particularly by nursing staff.
Yogesh Snehi and Lallan S. Baghel (Eds.), Modernity and Changing Social Fabric of Punjab and Haryana
Authors: Kapuria Radha
Published: May 2022

Yogesh Snehi and Lallan S. Baghel (Eds.), Modernity and Changing Social Fabric of Punjab and Haryana (Shimla and Delhi: Indian Institute of Advanced Study and Primus Books, 2018); 453 pp. ₹1,295. ISBN: 978-93-86552-98-3.
A Faith with Which We Can Go Public: The Witness of Desmond Tutu
Authors: Koopman Nico
Published: May 2022

This article highlights features of the public faith and theology of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who set a distinctive example of participation in the missio Dei. Tutu emphasized God’s inclusive love for the world, which the church is called to proclaim. He taught that God is always more than our best interpretations and representations of God’s revelation to us. Human beings have particular identities, but we are simultaneously also always transcending these identities. Tutu embraced an anthropology of vulnerability, dependency, relationality and ubuntu, which stresses human identity as grounded in our belonging to God and to God’s creatures.
Pentecostal Culture in Rio’s Peripheries: Graffiti and National Political Agency
Authors: Vital da Cunha Christina
Published: May 2022

In this article, I revisit the formulations of anthropologist Pierre Sanchis about "urban popular culture," with the aim of making comparisons with Pentecostal growth in the peripheries beginning in the 2000s. This growth has revealed comparisons between existing cultural references and new aesthetic and grammatical forms, with repercussions in social interactions, the economy, and local and supralocal politics. These observations are based on fieldwork conducted in Rio de Janeiro favelas. The empirical material that supports the analysis proposed here is also based on data from research conducted at the Universidade Federal Fluminense, which mapped worship places in Rio de Janeiro.
Evaluation of Voice After Open Airway Surgery in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arantes Mariah de Souza , Almeida Amanda Sampaio , Constantini Ana Carolina , Prata Luciahelena , Pazinatto Debora Bressan , Oliveira Ana Paula de Morais e , Maunsell Rebecca
Published: May 2022

Objective

This review aims to describe the methods used to assess the vocal quality and quality of life of children after airway reconstruction and their limitations.

Data Sources

A systematic review was carried out in 10 databases for articles published between 2000 and 2021 following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses).

Review Methods

Articles were included that described perceptual voice assessment with or without acoustic measures and/or voice quality impact questionnaires. Articles with no description of a specific voice assessment were excluded.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included, yielding 263 patients. The mean age at evaluation was 9 years. Follow‐up varied from 5 months to 20 years with most patients being evaluated at least a year after surgery. Methods used to evaluate voice were perceptual, aerodynamic, and acoustic analysis and quality of life questionnaires. CAPE‐V (Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation–Voice) was the most used auditory‐perceptual instrument (72.7%). Of the acoustic parameters, fundamental frequency and maximum phonation time were the most described (58.3%), and among the quality of life assessment questionnaires, pVHI (Pediatric Voice Handicap Index) was the most used (54.5%).

Conclusion

Multidimensional evaluations tailored to the individual child can be recommended after open airway surgery. CAPE‐V scale, fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time, and pVHI are the most frequently used methods; therefore, their use may help broaden communication among authors. In the multitude of methods available, cognitive ability and degree of voice disturbance should be considered since they are the most important limiting factors in this population.
Internal Defects Detection Method of the Railway Track Based on Generalization Features Cluster Under Ultrasonic Images
Authors: Wu Fupei , Xie Xiaoyang , Guo Jiahua , Li Qinghua
Published: May 2022

There may be several internal defects in railway track work that have different shapes and distribution rules, and these defects affect the safety of high-speed trains. Establishing reliable detection models and methods for these internal defects remains a challenging task. To address this challenge, in this study, an intelligent detection method based on a generalization feature cluster is proposed for internal defects of railway tracks. First, the defects are classified and counted according to their shape and location features. Then, generalized features of the internal defects are extracted and formulated based on the maximum difference between different types of defects and the maximum tolerance among same defects’ types. Finally, the extracted generalized features are expressed by function constraints, and formulated as generalization feature clusters to classify and identify internal defects in the railway track. Furthermore, to improve the detection reliability and speed, a reduced-dimension method of the generalization feature clusters is presented in this paper. Based on this reduced-dimension feature and strongly constrained generalized features, the K-means clustering algorithm is developed for defect clustering, and good clustering results are achieved. Regarding the defects in the rail head region, the clustering accuracy is over 95%, and the Davies-Bouldin index (DBI) index is negligible, which indicates the validation of the proposed generalization features with strong constraints. Experimental results prove that the accuracy of the proposed method based on generalization feature clusters is up to 97.55%, and the average detection time is 0.12 s/frame, which indicates that it performs well in adaptability, high accuracy, and detection speed under complex working environments. The proposed algorithm can effectively detect internal defects in railway tracks using an established generalization feature cluster model.
The NLRP3 inflammasome: molecular activation and regulation in spermatogenesis and male infertility; a systematic review
Authors: Tavalaee Marziyeh , Rahmani Mohsen , Drevet Joël R. , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2022

Background

Infertility related to varicocele, infections, metabolic dysfunctions, oxidative stress and environmental toxicants is also associated with inflammatory processes that ultimately lead to the activation of the inflammasome pathway (IP). IP is classically activated by DAMPs, MAMPs or LAMPs, which stand for Damage-, Microbe- or Lifestyle-Associated Molecular Patterns, respectively. The most important player in IP activation is the NLRP3 (NOD[Nuclear oligomerization domain]-, LRR[Leucine rich repeat]- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) which functions as an intracellular sensor of D/M/L-AMPs resulting in activation of caspase-1, promotion of apoptosis, pyroptosis and generation of inflammatory cytokines. This review addresses the question of whether IP activation might be associated with male infertility situations.

Results & conclusions

We conducted a systematic review of articles published in the Google Scholar, and PubMed databases through October 2021. It turns out that inflammasome activation and its consequences including cytokine storms, apoptosis and pyroptosis could be associated with the reduced sperm count as well as the structural and functional sperm defects recorded in several situations associated with male infertility suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies could be possibly considered to restore male fertility in future research.
Overlapping group screening for detection of gene-environment interactions with application to TCGA high-dimensional survival genomic data
Authors: Wang Jie-Huei , Wang Kang-Hsin , Chen Yi-Hau
Published: May 2022

Background

In the context of biomedical and epidemiological research, gene-environment (G-E) interaction is of great significance to the etiology and progression of many complex diseases. In high-dimensional genetic data, two general models, marginal and joint models, are proposed to identify important interaction factors. Most existing approaches for identifying G-E interactions are limited owing to the lack of robustness to outliers/contamination in response and predictor data. In particular, right-censored survival outcomes make the associated feature screening even challenging. In this article, we utilize the overlapping group screening (OGS) approach to select important G-E interactions related to clinical survival outcomes by incorporating the gene pathway information under a joint modeling framework.

Results

Simulation studies under various scenarios are carried out to compare the performances of our proposed method with some commonly used methods. In the real data applications, we use our proposed method to identify G-E interactions related to the clinical survival outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and esophageal carcinoma in The Cancer Genome Atlas clinical survival genetic data, and further establish corresponding survival prediction models. Both simulation and real data studies show that our method performs well and outperforms existing methods in the G-E interaction selection, effect estimation, and survival prediction accuracy.

Conclusions

The OGS approach is useful for selecting important environmental factors, genes and G-E interactions in the ultra-high dimensional feature space. The prediction ability of OGS with the Lasso penalty is better than existing methods. The same idea of the OGS approach can apply to other outcome models, such as the proportional odds survival time model, the logistic regression model for binary outcomes, and the multinomial logistic regression model for multi-class outcomes.
Alternative splicing plays key roles in response to stress across different stages of fighting in the fish Betta splendens
Authors: Vu Trieu-Duc , Oshima Kenshiro , Matsumura Kenya , Iwasaki Yuki , Chiu Ming-Tzu , Nikaido Masato , Okada Norihiro
Published: May 2022

Background

Aggression is an evolutionarily conserved behavior critical for animal survival. In the fish Betta splendens, across different stages of fighting interactions, fighting opponents suffer from various stressors, especially from the great demand for oxygen. Using RNA sequencing, we profiled differential alternative splicing (DAS) events in the brains of fish collected before fighting, during fighting, and after fighting to study the involvement of alternative splicing (AS) in the response to stress during the fight.

Results

We found that fighting interactions induced the greatest increase in AS in the ‘during-fighting’ fish, followed by that of the ‘after-fighting’ fish. Intron retention (IR) was the most enriched type among all the basic AS events. DAS genes were mainly associated with synapse assembly, ion transport, and regulation of protein secretion. We further observed that IR events significantly differentiated between winners and losers for 19 genes, which were associated with messenger RNA biogenesis, DNA repair, and transcription machinery. These genes share many common features, including shorter intron length and higher GC content.

Conclusions

This study is the first comprehensive view of AS induced by fighting interactions in a fish species across different stages of those interactions, especially with respect to IR events in winners and losers. Together, these findings facilitate future investigations into transcriptome complexity and AS regulation in response to stress under the context of aggression in vertebrates.
Maternal dietary methionine restriction alters the expression of energy metabolism genes in the duckling liver
Authors: Sécula Aurélie , Chapuis Hervé , Collin Anne , Bluy Lisa E. , Bonnet Agnès , Bodin Loys , Gress Laure , Cornuez Alexis , Martin Xavier , Bonnefont Cécile M. D. , Morisson Mireille
Published: May 2022

Background

In mammals, the nutritional status experienced during embryonic development shapes key metabolic pathways and influences the health and phenotype of the future individual, a phenomenon known as nutritional programming. In farmed birds as well, the quantity and quality of feed offered to the dam can impact the phenotype of the offspring. We have previously reported that a 38% reduction in the intake of the methyl donor methionine in the diet of 30 female ducks during the growing and laying periods - from 10 to 51 weeks of age - reduced the body weight of their 180 mule ducklings compared to that of 190 ducklings from 30 control females. The maternal dietary methionine restriction also altered the hepatic energy metabolism studied in 30 of their ducklings. Thus, their plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations were higher while their plasma free fatty acid level was lower than those measured in the plasma of 30 ducklings from the control group. The objective of this new study was to better understand how maternal dietary methionine restriction affected the livers of their newly hatched male and female ducklings by investigating the hepatic expression levels of 100 genes primarily targeting energy metabolism, amino acid transport, oxidative stress, apoptotic activity and susceptibility to liver injury.

Results

Sixteen of the genes studied were differentially expressed between the ducklings from the two groups. Maternal dietary methionine restriction affected the mRNA levels of genes involved in different pathways related to energy metabolism such as glycolysis, lipogenesis or electron transport. Moreover, the mRNA levels of the nuclear receptors PPARGC1B, PPARG and RXRA were also affected.

Conclusions

Our results show that the 38% reduction in methionine intake in the diet of female ducks during the growing and egg-laying periods impacted the liver transcriptome of their offspring, which may explain the previously observed differences in their liver energy metabolism. These changes in mRNA levels, together with the observed phenotypic data, suggest an early modulation in the establishment of metabolic pathways.
Effects of different water conditions on the biomass, root morphology and aerenchyma formation in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers)
Authors: Yuan Zhongxun , Ni Xilu , Chen Chunhua , Zhang Songlin , Chen Xuemei , Yang Zhihua , Li Changxiao
Published: May 2022

Background

The bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers) roots responded differently in terms of morphological and anatomical characteristics under diverse submergence conditions, and they developed aerenchyma under non-flooding condition. In order to understand these mechanisms, bermudagrass cuttings were used as experimental material to examine their biomass, root morphology, and aerenchyma formation under three different water treatments, including control (CK), shallow submergence (SS), and deep submergence (DS).

Results

The total root length, root volume, root surface area, and biomass of bermudagrass were largest in CK, followed by SS and DS. However, the average root diameter was greater in each of DS and SS than that in CK. Root aerenchyma formation was observed in CK, and submergence boosted the aerenchyma formation and the root cavity rate. Furthermore, our study found that the process of aerenchyma formation began with the increase of cell volume and cell separation to form a narrow space, and these cells gradually died to form matured aerenchyma cavity, which belongs to schizo-lysigenous aerenchyma. Meanwhile, typical biomarkers of programmed cell death were also observed.

Conclusion

Overall, these results suggested that submergence inhibited the accumulation of biomass and root growth, but facilitated aerenchyma formation by increasing root diameter.
The outcome of intravenous and inhalation anesthesia after pancreatic cancer resection: a retrospective study
Authors: Ren Jie , Wang Junli , Chen Jingwen , Ma Yue , Yang Yutong , Wei Ming , Wang Yu , Wang Liping
Published: May 2022

Background

Different types of anesthesia may affect cancer patient’s outcomes, we compared the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with pancreatic cancer under total intravenous and inhalation anesthesia.

Methods

The authors collected the electronic medical records of patients who had accepted at a pancreatectomy from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016. Patients respectively received total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) or inhalational anesthesia (INHA). Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (SIPTW)was used to minimize differences. Kaplan–Meier survival was established to analyze the influence of sort of anesthesia on disease-free and overall survival. We compare the effects of each sort of anesthesia on cancer recurrence or metastasis and all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 463 patients who had undergone pancreatic cancer resection were collected in this study, of which 421 patients were available (TIVA group, n = 114 INHA group, n = 307). After SIPTW there were no significant differences between the two groups in disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.01, 95%CI, 0.78 to 1.29, P = 0.959) or overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.11, 95%CI, 0.87 to 1.42, P = 0.405).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the present study showed no significant difference in overall survival and disease-free survival between total intravenous anesthesia and volatile anesthesia.
Effects of head-elevated position on tracheal intubation using a McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope in patients with a simulated difficult airway: a prospective randomized crossover study
Authors: Chun Eun Hee , Chung Mi Hwa , Kim Jung Eun , Kim Kyung Mi , Lee Hye Sun , Son Jung Mo , Park Jiho , Jun Joo Hyun
Published: May 2022

Background

The head-elevated laryngoscopy position has been described to be optimal for intubation, particularly in obese patients and those with anticipated difficult airways. Horizontal alignment of the external auditory meatus and sternal notch (AM-S) can be used as endpoints for optimal positioning. Thus, we aligned the head-elevated position with the AM-S in the horizontal plane and evaluated its effect on laryngeal visualization and ease of intubation using a McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope in patients with a simulated difficult airway.

Methods

Sixty-four patients were included in this prospective, crossover, randomized controlled trial. A cervical collar was used to restrict neck movement and mouth opening. The head-elevated position was achieved by raising the back section of the operation room table and ensuring that the end point was horizontally aligned with the AM-S (table-ramp method). The laryngeal view was randomly assessed in both head-flat and head-elevated positions based on the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score and modified Cormack–Lehane (MCL) grade. External laryngeal manipulation was not permitted when laryngeal visualization was scored. The trachea was intubated only once (in the second position). The ease of intubation was assessed based on the need for optimization maneuvers, intubation difficulty scale (IDS) scores and time to intubation.

Results

The mean table-ramp angle required to achieve the horizontal alignment of AM-S was 17.5 ± 4.1°. The mean POGO score improved significantly in the head-elevated position (59.4 ± 23.8%) when compared with the head-flat position (37.5 ± 24%) (P <  0.0001). MCL grade 1 or 2a was achieved in 56 (85.9%) and 28 (43.7%) of patients in the head-elevated and head-flat positions, respectively (P <  0.0001). Optimization maneuvers for intubation were required in 7 (21.9%) and 17 (53.1%) patients in the head-elevated and head-flat positions, respectively (P <  0.0001). The IDS scores and time to intubation did not differ significantly between the two positions.

Conclusion

In the head-elevated position, aligning the AM-S in the horizontal plane consistently improved laryngeal visualization without worsening the view when the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope was used in patients with simulated difficult airways. It also improved the ease of intubation, which reduced the need for optimization maneuvers.

Trial registration

This trial was registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04716218, on 20/01/2021.