bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlaminar bonding of high-performance thermoplastic composites during automated fiber placement in-situ consolidation
Authors: Zhao Dacheng , Liu Weiping , Chen Jiping , Yue Guangquan , Song Qinghua , Yang Yang
Published: June 2024

Interlaminar property is an important indicator to evaluate the overall quality of composite components. In the process of automated fiber placement (AFP) in situ consolidation, the interlaminar properties of the composite are affected by the processes such as temperature history, polymer degradation and crystallization, interlaminar bonding, and void dynamics. Interlaminar bonding is the primary process of forming the overall structure between layers of the component. In this study, the interlaminar bonding process of CF/PPS composites and the interlaminar properties of the laminates fabricated by AFP in situ consolidation were investigated. The influence of the processing parameters on intimate contact, polymer healing, and interlaminar bonding was analyzed through theoretical models. Taking the interlaminar shear strength of the laminates as an index, the model results were verified by experiments. The time required for diffusion of polymer molecular chain was much shorter than that of intimate contact. For the CF/PPS system used, the intimate contact process was found to be the control factor of interlaminar bonding. Furthermore, the results of the degree of intimate contact indicated that the ideal rectangular surface model was more consistent with the experimental values.
Effects of porosity and edge reinforcements on interlaminar tensile strength of curved-beam carbon fiber composites
Authors: Patlolla Vamsidhar R , Uddin Md Nizam , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: June 2024

Fiber-reinforced composites are orthotropic with excellent strength in the fiber direction; however, they are susceptible to early failures in the orthogonal direction due to defects and delamination. This poses the threat of a significant impact by reducing the interlaminar tensile (ILT) strength of fiber-reinforced composites. In addition to service loads on composite parts and environmental factors, free-edge effects and porosity are major contributors to the premature failure of composite parts. Free-edge effects are caused by microcracks and Poisson’s mismatch on the machined edges of a composite part, while porosity is the result of entrapped air during composite manufacturing. This work is aimed at improving the ILT strength of a 90o curved-beam composite by suppressing failure due to free-edge effects and porosity. This is achieved by providing reinforcements at the machined edges. Aluminum alloy sheets and glass pre-impregnated (prepreg) composites were used to reinforce the composite curve beams to evaluate the correlation between ILT strength and porosity of the curved-beam laminate. Strength tests were performed using the ASTM D 6415 four-point bend test. Test results indicate that the increasing porosity from 0.49% to 4.75% in the fiber-reinforced curved-beam composites drastically reduced their strength (over 47%), while the composite edge reinforcements improved their strength by 25%. This study will be useful for the future design and manufacture of curved-beam composites in different industries, such as defense, aircraft, helicopter, drone, wind turbine, ship and automotive.
Mechanical properties of sandwich panels with corrugated carbon fiber cores
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Han , Chang Ting-Yu , Guo Bo-Wei , Tsai Shang-Nan
Published: June 2024

Composite sandwich structures are widely used in many areas. Light materials, such as honeycomb panels, are usually used as the cores, while stiff materials, such as fiber reinforced polymer laminates, are used as the facesheets. In this work, corrugated cores for sandwich structures were fabricated using carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) featuring different stacking orientations. Paper, aluminum, and polypropylene honeycomb cores were also used. Additionally, CFRP was utilized as the facesheets for these sandwich structures. Bending tests, face-wise compression tests (FCT), edgewise compression tests (ECT), and accelerated aging were conducted. Finite element simulations were also performed and compared with experimental results. The results indicated that the corrugated CFRP cores with [0°]5 stacking orientation resulted in the largest flexural stiffness and ECT strength along the flute direction. Conversely, the corrugated cores with [90°]5 stacking orientation resulted in the largest transverse shear rigidity and modulus, FCT modulus and strength, and ECT strength perpendicular to the flute direction. Notably, the sandwich structures using aluminum honeycomb cores were degraded by aging the least. Since sandwich structures can be subjected to the bending load and loads in other directions, this work contributes to selecting core materials and structures of sandwich structures.
Molecular Signatures of Senescence in Periodontitis: Clinical Insights
Authors: Rattanaprukskul K. , Xia X.-J. , Jiang M. , Albuquerque-Souza E. , Bandyopadhyay D. , Sahingur S.E.
Published: June 2024

Most of the elderly population is afflicted by periodontal diseases, creating a health burden worldwide. Cellular senescence is one of the hallmarks of aging and associated with several chronic comorbidities. Senescent cells produce a variety of deleterious secretions, collectively termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This disrupts neighboring cells, leading to further senescence propagation and inciting chronic inflammation, known as “inflammaging.” Detrimental repercussions within the tissue microenvironment can trigger senescence at a younger age, accelerate biological aging, and drive the initiation or progression of diseases. Here, we investigated the biological signatures of senescence in healthy and diseased gingival tissues by assessing the levels of key senescence markers (p16, lipofuscin, and β-galactosidase) and inflammatory mediators (interleukin [IL]–1β, IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]–1, MMP-3, and tumor necrosis factor–α). Our results showed significantly increased senescence features including p16, lipofuscin, and β-galactosidase in both epithelial and connective tissues of periodontitis patients compared with healthy sites in all age groups, indicating that an inflammatory microenvironment can trigger senescence-like alterations in younger diseased gingival tissues as well. Subsequent analyses using double staining with specific cell markers noted the enrichment of β-galactosidase in fibroblasts and macrophages. Concurrently, inflammatory mediators consistent with SASP were increased in the gingival biopsies obtained from periodontitis lesions. Together, our findings provide the first clinical report revealing susceptibility to elevated senescence and inflammatory milieu consistent with senescence secretome in gingival tissues, thus introducing senescence as one of the drivers of pathological events in the oral mucosa and a novel strategy for targeted interventions.
Bilateral Combined Laryngocele: Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Alkheder Ahmad , Azar Adel , Salam Rahaf , Sukkar Ghina , Alshwaikh Hisham , Mustafa Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Laryngocele, an abnormal dilation of the appendix of the laryngeal ventricle filled with air, is a rare condition predominantly presenting unilaterally. However, bilateral occurrences are exceedingly rare. In this article, we present a case of bilateral laryngocele along with a comprehensive literature review. A 57-year-old male presented with dyspnea, stridor, and bilateral neck masses. His medical history included chronic cough and intermittent hoarseness. Over a 3 month period, the neck masses progressively enlarged, resulting in respiratory distress. Interestingly, he denied experiencing weight loss, decreased appetite, or fever. Clinical examination revealed sizable, soft masses on both sides of the neck, obstructing lymph node assessment. Computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed the presence of a left combined laryngopyocele and a right combined laryngocele. Subsequently, the patient underwent tracheostomy. Benign biopsy results excluded malignancy. Surgical excision of bilateral laryngoceles resulted in an uneventful recovery. The term “laryngocele” was introduced by Virchow in 1867 to describe the abnormal dilation of the saccule associated with Morgagni’s ventricle. Diagnosis involves a thorough patient history, physical examination, and radiological imaging, notably CT, to differentiate laryngoceles from other conditions. Typically asymptomatic, they are often incidentally discovered around age 50, although symptoms such as voice changes or breathing difficulties can manifest. A review of the literature identified 77 documented cases, primarily in males, exhibiting various symptoms and treatment modalities. This case underscores the rarity of bilateral combined laryngocele, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and surgical intervention for favorable outcomes. Comprehensive research reveals diverse clinical aspects, highlighting the necessity for continued investigation to enhance management strategies.
Comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of different methods for injecting polidocanol in the treatment of venous malformations
Authors: Peng Wei , Li Xin , Wu Rongjie , Xiong Shiyu , Huang Haijin , Zeng Yong , Chen Feng , Liu Qian , Liu Haijin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To compare and analyze the efficacy and safety of different methods for injecting polidocanol in the treatment of venous malformations.

Methods

The medical records of patients with venous malformations in our hospital from April 2021 to April 2023 were analyzed retrospectively, and they were divided into control group ( n = 38) and observation group ( n = 20) according to different treatment methods. Control group was injected with polidocanol under ultrasound guidance, while observation group was injected with polidocanol under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) monitoring. Therapeutic effects of observation group and control group after 3-6 months of treatment were compared and analyzed, and complications that can be used to reflect the safety of treatment in two groups were collected and recorded.

Results

After treatment, the total effective rates of observation group and control group were 97.37% (37/38) and 75.00% (15/20) respectively, with significant differences (both p < .05). After 3-6 months of treatment, 13 complications occurred in observation group, while 16 occurred in control group. The number of complications in observation group was 6, with an incidence rate of 15.78%; while that in control group was 9, with an incidence rate of 45.00%, with a significant difference ( p < .05). There were no significant differences among other baseline data, age and complications between two groups (all p > .05).

Conclusion

Injection of polidocanol in patients with venous malformations under DSA monitoring was more effective and safer.
The Conceptual Roots of Latin American Integration
Authors: Chagas-Bastos Fabrício H.
Published: June 2024

In this article, I explore the conceptual foundations of integration in Latin America over time. My argument centers on the idea that the region’s integration efforts are deeply rooted in indigenous concepts (solidarity, autonomy, and international insertion) which have evolved and intermingled with conceptual pieces from Western theories of integration, highlighting the region’s unique blend of local and global integration perspectives. These foundational concepts emerged from Latin American intellectual influences and blended with the Western canon, serving as guiding principles for the various phases of integration across the region. I employ a combination of conceptual history and conceptual analysis frameworks to constitutive treaties of integration arrangements across the region as evidence of how the concepts of solidarity, autonomy, and international insertion rooted Latin American integration efforts, as well as how policy- and decision-makers viewed, understood, and changed the original conceptual sources of mainstream integration theories. The article advances our knowledge on the much-neglected areas of conceptual analysis and history in integration studies and provides a broader perspective on the intricacies and subtleties of integration processes. More broadly, my contribution to the discipline sheds light onto the conceptual structures upon the thinking about world politics and integration has developed in non-Western regions.
The state as a market maker: The rise (and fall) of Brazilian securitization in the 21st century
Authors: Abreu Marlon Altavini de , Klink Jeroen Johannes , Aalbers Manuel B
Published: June 2024

This paper analyses housing securitization in Brazil during 2007–2020 and provides three contributions to debates on the relations between the state and financialization in emerging markets. First, we highlight that the Brazilian state has gone far beyond the common role of market enabling, characterized by regulatory rollout and fiscal incentives. Instead, by acting as a market maker on the demand and supply side, it has provided the required liquidity and depth for the emerging segment of residential securitization. Unlike the financial disintermediation through private market makers such as brokerage houses and individual traders that provide risk-reduction, Brazilian securitization has unfolded through the issuance and acquisition of securities by the state’s housing bank and its associated social housing fund. Second, unlike the speculative Minsky type of booms and busts that characterize privately-driven markets, state market making generates a trajectory that is associated with the capacity of governments to roll-out markets for residential securitization. While the social-developmental stance of the Lula and Dilma administrations have boosted securitization, the market-oriented austerity politics of the Temer and Bolsonaro administrations have quickly dried up secondary markets. Finally, while securitization was initially a means to the end of social housing, it seems increasingly the other way around. More specifically, considering that thick and consolidated secondary markets ultimately depend on the quality and stability of the underlying loans and income streams that originate operations, stricter risk reduction and guarantees clauses have gradually penetrated the social housing segment and threaten to undermine the right to secure tenure.
An abundance of caution for a ‘stagnation nation’? Financial services policy development in post-growth Britain
Authors: Leyshon Andrew
Published: June 2024

This commentary discusses the relationship between the UK Labour Party and the financial services sector in the context of an approach to economic policy and growth. It highlights the historical scepticism of the Labour Party towards financial services, rooted in ideology and practical experience alongside a recognition of the need to engage with the sector to promote economic growth and investment. The Labour Party’s evolving stance towards financial services is outlined, which has oscillated between support in the 1990s and early 2000s, to a more critical view in the 2010s, with a more recent return to advocacy. The commentary draws attention to a tension in the party’s encouragement of an industry that can provide economic growth at home, while at the same time being wary of developing policies designed to provide necessary growth in other areas, such as in green technologies, but that might incur the disapproval of global financial investors. Labour’s dilemmas are illustrative of the contemporary problems of policy formation in a relatively small but open economy, where options to promote growth and green investment are constrained in the face of the disciplinary power of global financial capital.
Moving to Risk-Based Highway Asset Maintenance Using Elicited Data
Authors: Raccuja Gergely , Cumming Simon , Short Gary , Graham Thomas , Morgan Stephen
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the journey that the UK’s largest highway asset management organization undertook to move to risk-based and data-driven maintenance decision-making, while maintaining the trust of maintenance managers and despite significant gaps in its asset data. It presents an application of the Sheffield Elicitation Framework approach for obtaining data from subject matter experts and approaches considered for aggregating the elicited data to maintain modeling quality. It outlines the approach taken to modify the elicited data with all available asset information through risk modifiers. It presents validation results for the aggregation method and describes how the outputs of residual risk given a maintenance scenario, and risk reduction per pound spent for maintenance activities, were arrived at. It then shows how they are being used as part of the decision support tool (DST) to optimize cyclic maintenance spend. The DST allows National Highways to maintain their level of service to customers whilst saving millions of pounds a year for UK taxpayers and achieving their asset management objectives, which is particularly pertinent when there is a significant focus on making the best use of limited resources. Because of the methodology it uses, it is also a knowledge management tool that represents a shift from fragmented decision-making based on individual maintenance managers’ tacit knowledge to utilizing the combined wisdom of all maintenance managers in addition to all asset data that is available. The paper concludes with a summary of opportunities for further work.
Interfacial reinforcement of aramid composites through amino SiO2 interphase for ballistic application
Authors: Yue Hangyu , Han Feilong , Zhang Ya , Wang Chenghao , Zong Lishuai , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: June 2024

The aramid fiber reinforced polyurethane composites (AF@PU), which exhibit high strength and lightweight characteristics, have attracted widespread concerns for advanced personal protective systems. However, the interface is essential to influence the stress transfer efficiency but frequently overlooked. In this work, polydopamine and γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified SiO2 (m-SiO2) were utilized to strengthen the interface. Attributing to the strong bonding strength between fibers and polymer resins improved by m-SiO2 at the interface, the tensile, flexural, and compressive strength of m-SiO2/AF@PU are maximally increased. The deposition of abundant m-SiO2 enhances the interface roughness, the interfacial peeling strength of the m-SiO2/AF@PU is increased by 490.4%, and the interlaminar shear strength is increased by 51.1%. In addition, m-SiO2/AF@PU demonstrates the maximal energy absorption value; the ballistic limit velocity is improved from 449.8 m s−1 of AF@PU to 508.5 m s−1 of m-SiO2/AF@PU. This work highlights the interface strengthening and ballistic performance, thus providing an efficient guideline for the design of next-generation fiber reinforced polymer resin composites.
Adaptive model predictive control based on stability index for path tracking of autonomous vehicles considering model error
Authors: Cui Ketian , He Jilong , Yao Xinxin , Gu Xianguang
Published: June 2024

Autonomous vehicle path tracking control based on model predictive control (MPC) still faces some challenges, such as unknown external environment disturbance and parametric modeling uncertainties. For these problems, this paper puts forward an adaptive model predictive control (AMPC) strategy which combines stability index and model error compensation to improve vehicle path tracking and stability performance. Firstly, the model error identification scheme based on radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is designed to estimate the uncertainties of vehicle parametric model. Through the identification and compensation of model error, the model error during critical maneuvers can be reduced. Secondly, to improve vehicle maneuverability and yaw stabilization performance, the AMPC controller is realized by adaptive weight adjustment based on MPC. The stability index is designed to schedule the weights of MPC optimization objectives. Finally, the effectiveness and robustness of the path tracking control strategy are verified by CarSim&Simulink co-simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test. The results illustrate that the AMPC strategy based on stability index considering model error not only enhances the tracking accuracy, but also improves the handling and stability performance of vehicles.
Strategy for Clinical Setting of Co-transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Mei Liang , Yuwei Yang , Weiping Liang , Zhiran Xu , Bingzheng Feng , Jibing Chen , Hongjun Gao
Published: June 2024

Islet transplantation may be the most efficient therapeutic technique for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, the clinical application of this method is faced with numerous limitations, including isolated islet apoptosis, recipient rejection, and graft vascular reconstruction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess anti-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and angiogenic properties. Here, we review recent studies on co-culture and co-transplantation of islets with MSCs. We have summarized the methods of preparation of co-transplantation, especially the merits of co-culture, and the effects of co-transplantation. Accumulating experimental evidence shows that co-culture of islets with MSCs promotes islet survival, enhances islet secretory function, and prevascularizes islets through various pretransplant preparations. This review is expected to provide a reference for exploring the use of MSCs for clinical islet co-transplantation.
A Reversible Neural Stem Cell Quiescence and Activation Culture System for Metabolic Study
Authors: Hu Ke , Jin Shengkai , Yue Ke , Wang Huan , Cai Chunhui , Liu Qian , Guo Jianrong , Liang Qiujuan , Tian Yu , Gao Zhengliang
Published: June 2024

Stem cells in vivo can transit between quiescence and activation, two metabolically distinct states. It is increasingly appreciated that cell metabolism assumes profound roles in stem cell maintenance and tissue homeostasis. However, the lack of suitable models greatly hinders our understanding of the metabolic control of stem cell quiescence and activation. In the present study, we have utilized classical signaling pathways and developed a cell culture system to model reversible NSC quiescence and activation. Unlike activated ones, quiescent NSCs manifested distinct morphology characteristics, cell proliferation, and cell cycle properties but retained the same cell proliferation and differentiation potentials once reactivated. Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that extensive metabolic differences existed between quiescent and activated NSCs. Subsequent experimentations confirmed that NSC quiescence and activation transition was accompanied by a dramatic yet coordinated and dynamic shift in RNA metabolism, protein synthesis, and mitochondrial and autophagy activity. The present work not only showcases the broad utilities of this powerful in vitro NSC quiescence and activation culture system but also provides timely insights for the field and warrants further investigations.
Cellulose crystalline structure and thermal properties under heat treatment: An investigation by two-dimensional correlation of near infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Mahdiyanti Siti Hanifah , Asaoka Masaki , Inagaki Tetsuya , Tsuchikawa Satoru
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the thermal behavior and crystallinity of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) under heat treatment using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that heat treatment reduced the crystallinity and thermal stability of MCC at a certain point, and that the changes in the chemical components and structure of MCC were correlated with the heat flow measured by DSC. The analysis was performed using two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS), which revealed the simultaneous changes in the NIR second-derivative spectra and the DSC thermograms of heat-treated MCC. Linear regression analysis showed a high r2 value of 0.90 between the DSC enthalpy change at 270 °C–400°C and the PC1 score of NIR second-derivative spectra at 7500–4100 cm−1. The 2DCOS synchronous map showed a positive correlation at 6656–6229 cm−1 with a r value of 0.70–0.98 for the endothermic reaction, and a negative correlation at 6229; 5620; 5401; 4844; 4535 cm−1 with a r value of −0.90 to −0.99 for the exothermic reaction. This study extended the knowledge on the thermal behavior and decomposition mechanisms of heat-treated MCC, and provided a useful method for cellulose characterization and identification.
Research on DC switching based piezoelectric actuator
Authors: Al-Dweikat Mohmmad , Zhang Guogang , Liu Yu , Cui Jian
Published: June 2024

Piezoelectric actuators provide several advantages, including rapid response time, travel control, high resolution and actuation efficiency. They are a good candidate for actuating mechanical switches designed for electrical circuit breakers. This study investigates the utilisation of an Amplified Piezoelectric Actuator (APA) in Block-Free (B-F) operational mode as an actuation unit for a Fast-Mechanical Switch (FMS) and an Ultra-Fast Disconnector (UFD) to be utilised in a DC Hybrid Circuit Breaker (HCB). Initially, the principle and construction of the piezoelectric actuator actuating scheme were described and illustrated. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model was built to simulate and analyse the presented switch/disconnector static and dynamic behaviours. A prototype was constructed based on calculations, and the travel characteristics were experimentally validated. Subsequently, the proposed switch/disconnector was insulated once in a vacuum and later in a nitrogen gas interruption chamber. Both arrangements were integrated into a DC Hybrid Circuit Breaker test platform to investigate their interruption features. Results show that the presented switch/disconnector achieved a total gap of approximately 1 mm in 1.4 ms and interrupted a DC power of 0.6 kV/60 A within 0.85–1.5 ms in vacuum and 0.98–1.45 ms in nitrogen gas.
Empathic Care Culture in Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A Focused Ethnographic Study
Authors: Mohammadi Marziyeh , Peyrovi Hamid , Fazeli Nematallah , Parsa Yekta Zohreh
Published: June 2024

Empathy is one of the important components in the patient–nurse relationship. The aim of the study was to explain the culture of empathic care in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. The present focused ethnographic study was conducted in the cardiac surgery ICU in Tehran. Three methods of observation, interview, and review of existing documents were used to collect data. From data analysis, three cultural models, “Predominance of task-based care over emotion-based care,” “Empathy and lack of empathy, two ends of the spectrum of the nurse–patient relationship,” and “Empathy, an interactive and reciprocal process,” were extracted. The results showed that empathy creates a caring environment where nurses not only understand their patients but also relate to them, and both are affected by it. Policymakers should consider removing barriers as a means of empowering nurses to provide empathic care.
Patient Perceptions of Specialist Palliative Care Intervention in Surgical Oncology Care
Authors: Williams Molly T. , Martin Sara F. , Karlekar Mohana , Diehl Carolyn , Beskow Laura M. , Shinall Myrick C.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Surgical oncology patients have a high symptom burden and increased risk of morbidity. The aim of palliative care is to evaluate and treat the patient in a holistic manner focusing on the unique attributes of each patient. This goal-concordant approach could help surgical patients cope with the stress and uncertainty that often accompany serious illness and surgery, improving overall outcomes. This qualitative analysis sought to explore whether unmet specialist palliative care or end-of-life needs exist in this population.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were completed with a subset of participants in a randomized, controlled trial of a specialist palliative care intervention for patients undergoing abdominal oncologic surgery. The interview guide sought to elicit respondents’ perceptions of palliative care and end-of-life needs perioperatively and postoperatively. Recurring themes were identified by two independent coders.

Results

Analysis of 47 interview transcripts revealed few serious concerns about end-of-life issues, however appreciation for the supportive presence offered by palliative care was present. Among participants who received specialist palliative care, many found the intervention helpful, but few were able to articulate issues that the intervention improved.

Conclusion

These findings suggest low levels of unmet palliative care needs among this population, which is consistent with the results of the parent trial. Targeting patients with a higher symptom burden perioperatively may allow for improved symptom management and better adherence to the treatment plan postoperatively, as well as be a more focused use of specialist palliative care clinicians’ efforts.
What Forms of Redistribution Do Americans Want? Understanding Preferences for Policy Benefit-Cost Tradeoffs
Authors: Zacher Sam
Published: June 2024

Political scientists agree that most Americans are “operationally liberal.” However, economic preferences have traditionally been measured as opinions on public spending, independent from the “costs” of public policies. In reality, redistributive economic policies often impose costs on some actors while delivering benefits to others. When a policy’s costs and benefits are both apparent, what types of redistribution do Americans prefer? This paper’s novel survey evidence shows that preferences for policy benefits are indeed sensitive to which subgroups would bear the policy’s costs (and vice versa). American majorities do support a wide range of redistributive economic policy packages—as long as the wealthy are footing the bill or the costs are hidden. When the size of the group facing the policy cost (e.g., tax) increases, overall support declines. Preference differences between Republicans of varying economic statuses are large, while divisions within the Democratic coalition are subtler but still clear on certain policies. Overall, this paper shows that measuring preferences for a policy's costs (e.g., taxation) are crucial to truly understanding voters’ holistic economic policy demands. Further, the lack of enactment by political elites of the forms of redistribution consistently supported by the public casts research on democratic representation in new light.
Dimensions of Depressive Symptoms in Young Children: Factor Analysis of the Preschool Feelings Checklist–Scale
Authors: Camacho Nicolas L. , Fowler Carina H. , Gaffrey Michael S.
Published: June 2024

The current study is an investigation of the dimensionality of the Preschool Feelings Checklist–Scale (PFC-S), a caregiver-report questionnaire of early childhood depressive symptom severity. Caregivers of 450 young children, ages 3–8 years ( M = 5.62, SD = 0.95; 49% female; 7% Hispanic; 66% White), completed the PFC-S and questionnaires on child emotion regulation and expression and self-reported depressive symptomatology. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a one-factor structure did not adequately fit the current PFC-S data. Using exploratory factor analysis, a three-factor structure emerged as interpretable and structurally sound, yielding reliable factors related to social and behavioral anhedonia, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, and excessive guilt and sadness. This factor structure showed configural and scalar invariance across preschool-aged and early middle childhood–aged children as well as children assigned male and female sex at birth. Correlations between the three factors and constructs related to depression suggested preliminary construct validity. The current study provides initial evidence for a multidimensional structure of the PFC-S and improves our understanding of early childhood depressive symptoms.
Neuroaxonal damage in natalizumab-treated MS patients: The role of JCV antibody titres
Authors: Dalla Costa Gloria , Leocani Letizia , Pisa Marco , Croese Tommaso , Martinelli Vittorio , Moiola Lucia , Sangalli Francesca , Colombo Bruno , Haghikia Aiden , Gold Ralf , Furlan Roberto , Comi Giancarlo
Published: June 2024

Background:

While John Cunningham virus (JCV) is known to cause neuronal damage in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) among natalizumab-treated MS patients, its association with axonal loss in non-PML conditions remains unclear.

Methods:

In a cohort of 128 natalizumab-treated MS patients, serum neurofilament (sNfL) levels and JCV antibody titres were measured.

Results:

Among 128 patients (mean age = 38.4 years, 71.9% female), 51 (40%) were JCV positive. NfL levels increased by 15.3% for JCV index <0.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.963–1.381), by 18.6% for index 0.7–1.5 (95% CI = 1.009–1.394) and by 21.1% for index >1.5 (95% CI = 1.040–1.409) compared to JCV negative patients.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate a potential link between JCV burden and neuroaxonal degeneration in natalizumab-treated MS patients.
The Autocrat’s Indispensable Service: How Russian Intelligence secured Vladimir Putin’s Regime after failing him in Ukraine
Authors: Dylan Huw , Gioe David V. , Grossfeld Elena
Published: June 2024

Russian intelligence failed President Vladimir Putin in supporting the most consequential decision of statecraft – war – before Russia’s 2022 (re)invasion of Ukraine but has since somewhat recovered, possibly redeeming itself in Putin’s estimation by securing his regime nearly two and a half years since his shambolic invasion. This article complements our previous article in this journal, The Autocrat’s Intelligence Paradox: Vladimir Putin’s (mis)management of Russian strategic assessment in the Ukraine War, which examined the systemic roots of Russia’s intelligence failure in early 2022. In this follow-on article exploring Russian intelligence’s traditional areas of (relative) competence in the period following the full-scale invasion, we consider the categories of espionage, sanctions evasion, active measures, and repression, and conclude that Putin’s security and intelligence organs have reasserted themselves with terrible vigour, domestically and internationally. Despite notable failings – and some flaps – they have been indispensable to Putin by securing his regime, at least through mid-2024.
Flexural behavior of wet joints connecting step-shaped composite slab and steel beam under negative moment
Authors: Shan Yingjie , Gong Yongzhi , Wang Yi
Published: June 2024

This study proposed an innovative step-shaped composite (SSC) slab system that has a high assembly rate. Experimental and analytical studies were carried out to investigate the flexural behavior of wet joints connecting SSC slabs and H-shaped steel beams under negative moment. The effects of three factors were experimentally examined, including width of the horizontal laminated interface, seated length of precast slabs on steel beam, and type of wet joint materials. The crack development, load–deflection response and strain distribution were monitored during the loading. As found, the SSC slabs showed similar flexural behavior to that of the slab cast-in-situ. The seated length (10-30 mm) had a negligible effect on the flexural behavior of the SSC slabs, while the beneficial effect of using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as the wet joint material was significant. Besides, using a wider horizontal laminated interface, initial cracking load and yield load could be significantly improved, though it had a marginal effect on the bearing capacity. Based on the collected bond test results, a cracking load model for SSC slabs with UHPC wet joint was proposed and validated. Finally, a refined finite element (FE) model was established and calibrated against the test results for parametric analysis.
Priori knowledge-based multi-task wavelet network for guided wave interfacial debonding detection in RC structures
Authors: Liao Zhiwei , Qiao Pizhong
Published: June 2024

Reinforced concrete (RC) has been widely used in infrastructure construction. Interfacial debonding between concrete and reinforcing bars, which is one of the most serious causes of structural failure, has always been a focus of research. In this paper, a novel deep learning-based guided wave analysis framework, termed the Priori Knowledge-based Multi-task Wavelet Network, is proposed for detecting interfacial debonding in RC structures. An end-to-end structure is utilized to surmount the challenges of manual feature uncertainty and dependence on expert knowledge inherent in traditional methods. Incorporating the multi-task learning principles, a deep learning network with branching structures is designed to simultaneously recognize, localize, and quantify the size of interfacial debonding. Damage-sensitive and task-invariant features of guided wave signals are extracted automatically based on supervised learning. To improve the noise resilience the proposed framework incorporates the environmental adaptive training based on data augmentation and continuous wavelet transform. Both the numerical and real structures of RC beams containing with various interfacial debonding scenarios are established to evaluate the debonding detection performance of the framework. Evaluation results demonstrate that the framework exhibits superior interfacial debonding detection capability and enhanced generalizability to varying levels of external interference compared to baseline methods.
Adapted Home-Based Exercises in Dementia: An Exploratory Pre-post Pilot and Feasibility Study
Authors: Carrard Sophie , Eyer Stephan , Hilfiker Roger , Mittaz Hager Anne-Gabrielle
Published: June 2024

The goals of this exploratory pre-post pilot and feasibility study (NCT04916964) were to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted Test-and-Exercise home-based exercise program on basic functional mobility and executive functions in persons with prodromal or mild Alzheimer’s disease. Participants followed an 8 week exercise program at home, once per week with a physiotherapist and twice per week with their usual caregiver or independently. Functional mobility and executive functions were assessed before and after the intervention. Feasibility criteria were recruitment opportunity, participation agreement rate, cost adequacy, and drop-out rate. Twelve participants aged 80.83 ± 4.65 years took part in the study. All the basic functional mobility measures showed small effect sizes. Concerning executive functions, 5 measures showed small to moderate effect sizes. The 4 feasibility criteria were met. A larger scale study would, however, need adaptations and prior research on the ability of this population to use touch-screen technology.
Factors Associated With Tobacco Cessation Advice Recall and Quit Rates in Vascular Surgery Patients. A Single Center Study
Authors: Peng Yuanzun , Rossi Ryan , Falkenhain Alec , Bose Saideep , Williams Michael , Wittgen Catherine , Han David , Smeds Matthew R.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Smoking is an important modifiable risk factor in all vascular diseases and verbal advice from providers has been shown to increase rates of tobacco cessation. We sought to identify factors that will improve tobacco cessation and recall of receiving verbal cessation advice in vascular surgery patients at a single institution.

Methods

The study is a retrospective cohort study. Patients seen in outpatient vascular surgery clinic who triggered a tobacco Best Practice Advisory (BPA) during their office visits over a 10-month period were contacted post-clinic and administered surveys detailing smoking status, cessation advice recall, and validated scales for nicotine dependence and willingness to quit smoking. This BPA is a “hard stop” that requires providers to document actions taken. Charts were reviewed for tobacco cessation documentation. Nine-digit zip-codes identified the area deprivation index, a measure of socioeconomic status. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with cessation and advice recall.

Results

One hundred out of 318 (31.4%) patients responded to the survey. Epic Slicer Dicer found 97 BPA responses. To dismiss the BPA, 89 providers (91.8%) selected “advised tobacco cessation” and “Unable to Advise” otherwise. Of the 318 patients, 115 (36.1%) had cessation intervention documented in their provider notes and 151 (47.5%) received written tobacco cessation advice. Of survey respondents, 70 recalled receiving verbal advice, 27 recalled receiving written advice, 28 reported receiving offers of medication/therapy for cessation. 55 patients reported having tobacco cessation plans, and among those 17 reported having quit tobacco. Recall of receiving written advice (P < .001) and recall of receiving medication/therapy (P = .008) were associated with recall of receiving verbal cessation advice.

Conclusions

Providing patients with tobacco cessation medication/therapy and written tobacco cessation education during office visits is associated with increased patients’ recall of tobacco cessation advice. Vascular surgeons should continue to provide directed tobacco cessation advice.
Effect of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet on Postprandial Sleepiness: A Pilot Study
Authors: Polianovskaia Anastasiia , Sutliffe Jay T. , Lopez Nanette V. , Cheung Joseph
Published: June 2024

Background

Postprandial sleepiness refers to the state of excessive drowsiness that occurs after consuming a meal. This transient phenomenon is experienced by many individuals, often leading to decreased productivity and impaired cognitive performance. This study examined the effect of a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet on postprandial sleepiness.

Methods

Ten participants who had postprandial sleepiness who were on a typical American diet transitioned to a WFPB dietary pattern for 21 days. Postprandial sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire, focusing on Q7 “sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol” as well as Q5 “lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit.”

Results

The participants had a mean age of 44 +/− 15 years, with 30% being male. There was a statistically significant reduction in sleepiness measured by ESS Q7 (median change = −1, P = .012) and ESS Q5 (median change = −1.5, P = .008). Moreover, there was a statistically significant decrease in overall ESS scores (median change = −8.0, P = .006), and weight (median change = −2.9 kg, P = .006).

Conclusion

Participants demonstrated significant improvement in postprandial sleepiness-related situations. Our findings showed that the WFPB diet may have potential benefits for reducing postprandial and overall daytime sleepiness.
Relationship between carotid web morphology on CT angiography and stroke: A pooled multicenter analysis
Authors: Bala Fouzi , Alhabli Ibrahim , Singh Nishita , Benali Faysal , Coutts Shelagh , Goyal Mayank , Almekhlafi Mohammed , Hill Michael D , Menon Bijoy K
Published: June 2024

Background:

The Carotid web (CaW) is a cause of stroke, particularly in younger individuals. However, the frequency and the radiological features of the web’s morphology associated with stroke risk are uncertain. We determined the CaW radiological features on computed tomography (CT) angiography associated with ipsilateral stroke.

Materials and Methods:

Data from six studies of patients with acute ischemic stroke were pooled. Identification and measurement of CaWs were performed by experienced readers using baseline neck CT angiography. We assessed six 2D CaW radiological features on sagittal oblique images, namely, main axis length, thickness, height, base width, distance to wall, and angle between the web main axis and carotid wall, and CaW volume on 3D images. CaWs were divided into symptomatic if acute ischemic stroke was in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery territory and its etiology was undetermined and asymptomatic if one condition was unmet. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess the association between each radiological CaW feature and symptomatic CaW.

Results:

Of the 3442 patients in the pooled data with assessable CTAs, 60 (1.7%) had CaW. In patients with CaW, median age was 59 (interquartile range [IQR]: 50–68) years, 60% were women, and 3 patients had bilateral CaWs. There were 39 (62%) symptomatic and 24 (38%) asymptomatic CaWs. Patients with symptomatic CaW were younger (55 (IQR: 49–61) years versus 69 (IQR: 52–75) years), had lower rates of hypertension (9 (25.0%) versus 12 (57.1%)) and more intracranial large vessel occlusions compared to patients with asymptomatic CaWs. After adjusting for age, hypertension, and occlusion location, CaW length (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–3.28)), thickness (aOR: 2.31 (95% CI 1.08–4.97)), volume (aOR: 1.07 per 1 mm3 increment (95% CI: 1.01–1.12)), and angle relative to the carotid wall (aOR: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91–0.99)) were associated with symptomatic CaW.

Conclusion:

Radiological assessment of CaW morphology may determine its potential causal role in ischemic stroke etiology. Symptomatic CaWs tend to be longer, larger, and oriented at more acute angles relative to the carotid wall as compared to asymptomatic CaWs.
Additional doses of prophylactic antibiotics post-arthroplasty: Are there any benefits?
Authors: Adeosun James , Rama Essam , Thahir Azeem , Krkovic Matija
Published: June 2024

Guidelines for prophylactic antibiotic administration in total joint replacement vary considerably in terms of drug, dosage, route of administration and duration of cover. Despite the range of treatment options available, infection remains the most common reason for arthroplasty failure in the decades following a procedure, simultaneously increasing health care costs and lowering patient satisfaction considerably. This work aims to evaluate whether there are benefits to administering further doses of antibiotic post-arthroplasty, in addition to the recommendations of current protocols. We present a review of evidence surrounding infection rates in a variety of prophylactic regimens, and weigh this against further considerations such as cost to the patient and risks of nephrotoxicity. In summary, the available evidence does not suggest a benefit to administering additional doses post-arthroplasty in most cases. However, further doses may benefit those deemed at high risk of infection, or those in areas of high methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence.
Prescriptions of opioid-containing drugs in patients with chronic cough
Authors: Weiner Michael , Liu Ziyue , Schelfhout Jonathan , Dexter Paul , Roberts Anna R. , Griffith Ashley , Bali Vishal , Weaver Jessica
Published: June 2024

Background:

Chronic cough (CC) affects about 10% of adults, but opioid use in CC is not well understood.

Objectives:

To determine the use of opioid-containing cough suppressant (OCCS) prescriptions in patients with CC using electronic health records.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Through retrospective analysis of Midwestern U.S. electronic health records, diagnoses, prescriptions, and natural language processing identified CC – at least three medical encounters with cough, with 56–120 days between first and last encounter – and a ‘non-chronic cohort’. Student’s t-test, Pearson’s chi-square, and zero-inflated Poisson models were used.

Results:

About 20% of 23,210 patients with CC were prescribed OCCS; odds of an OCCS prescription were twice as great in CC. In CC, OCCS drugs were ordered in 38% with Medicaid insurance and 15% with commercial insurance.

Conclusion:

Findings identify an important role for opioids in CC, and opportunity to learn more about the drugs’ effectiveness.