bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-thermal plasma actuator mechanism in interaction with fluid flow structure for aeronautical flow control
Authors: Elaissi Samira , Moneer Eman M. , Charrada Kamel
Published: July 2023

Plasma actuators generated by surface dielectric barrier discharge are developed for controlling flow in aeronautics applications. This research studies the simulation of cold plasma discharge at atmospheric pressure coupled with compressible fluid dynamics using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4. Modeling of dielectric barrier discharge in air at high voltages is carried out in two dimensions. The development of electric field and space charge density are discussed in several cases to determine the discharge regime. Non-thermal plasma generates tangential ionic winds at the surface during corona discharge. The results are validated by the experimental results of the literature. The maximum electric wind velocity above the actuator grows linearly with the applied voltage, and simultaneously, the horizontal extension of the discharge grows with the applied voltage. The induced electrohydrodynamic force augments with the applied voltage amplitude, reaching saturation at higher voltages. Moreover, as the voltage rises, the discharge becomes filamentary, inducing a higher number of streamer pulses. Hence, the power consumption discharge increases abruptly as the voltage rises. In addition, the efficiency increases at higher voltage amplitudes and with the dielectric thickness. Our findings give a clear description of physical atmospheric plasma parameters in the surface discharge mechanism and the efficiency of the actuator plasma.
A novel registration method for long-serial section images of EM with a serial split technique based on unsupervised optical flow network
Authors: Xin Tong , Lv Yanan , Chen Haoran , Li Linlin , Shen Lijun , Shan Guangcun , Chen Xi , Han Hua
Published: July 2023

Motivation

The registration of serial section electron microscope images is a critical step in reconstructing biological tissue volumes, and it aims to eliminate complex nonlinear deformations from sectioning and replicate the correct neurite structure. However, due to the inherent properties of biological structures and the challenges posed by section preparation of biological tissues, achieving an accurate registration of serial sections remains a significant challenge. Conventional nonlinear registration techniques, which are effective in eliminating nonlinear deformation, can also eliminate the natural morphological variation of neurites across sections. Additionally, accumulation of registration errors alters the neurite structure.

Results

This article proposes a novel method for serial section registration that utilizes an unsupervised optical flow network to measure feature similarity rather than pixel similarity to eliminate nonlinear deformation and achieve pairwise registration between sections. The optical flow network is then employed to estimate and compensate for cumulative registration error, thereby allowing for the reconstruction of the structure of biological tissues. Based on the novel serial section registration method, a serial split technique is proposed for long-serial sections. Experimental results demonstrate that the state-of-the-art method proposed here effectively improves the spatial continuity of serial sections, leading to more accurate registration and improved reconstruction of the structure of biological tissues.

Availability and implementation

The source code and data are available at https://github.com/TongXin-CASIA/EFSR.
cellCounts: an R function for quantifying 10x Chromium single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Liao Yang , Raghu Dinesh , Pal Bhupinder , Mielke Lisa A , Shi Wei
Published: July 2023

The 10x Genomics Chromium single-cell RNA sequencing technology is a powerful gene expression profiling platform, which is capable of profiling expression of thousands of genes in tens of thousands of cells simultaneously. This platform can produce hundreds of million reads in a single experiment, making it a very challenging task to quantify expression of genes in individual cells due to the massive data volume. Here, we present cellCounts, a new tool for efficient and accurate quantification of Chromium data. cellCounts employs the seed-and-vote strategy to align reads to a reference genome, collapses reads to Unique Molecular Identifiers (UMIs) and then assigns UMIs to genes based on the featureCounts program. Using both simulation and real datasets for evaluation, cellCounts was found to compare favourably to cellRanger and STARsolo. cellCounts is implemented in R, making it easily integrated with other R programs for analysing Chromium data.

Availability and implementation

cellCounts was implemented as a function in R package Rsubread that can be downloaded from http://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/Rsubread.html. Data and analysis code used in this study can be freely accessed via La Trobe University’s Institutional Repository at https://doi.org/10.26181/21588276.
Mid-term clinical and echocardiographic results of the INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic valve: a retrospective comparison to the Magna Ease
Authors: Bernard Jérémy , Georges Gabriel , Hecht Sébastien , Pibarot Philippe , Clavel Marie-Annick , Babaki Shervin , Kalavrouziotis Dimitri , Mohammadi Siamak
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES

The INSPIRIS aortic valve combines the RESILIA proprietary tissue preservation process and an expandable stent frame to benefit future transcatheter valve-in-valve procedures. As the INSPIRIS valve became commercially available in 2017, mid-term outcome reports are scarce. We aimed to evaluate mid-term safety and echocardiographic performance of the INSPIRIS valve in comparison to its predecessor, the Carpentier Edwards Perimount Magna Ease (ME).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective single-centre study. Clinical results included early postoperative outcomes, mid-term mortality and readmission for cardiovascular cause or stroke. Echocardiographic follow-up (FU) was performed at discharge and 1–3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Clinical end point analyses were accomplished with a propensity score matching analysis and FU echocardiographic data comparisons using pairwise analyses and linear mixed-effect models.

RESULTS

We included 953 patients who received an INSPIRIS (n = 488) or ME (n = 463) bioprosthesis between January 2018 and July 2021. In the matched population (n = 217 per group), no significant difference in short-term outcomes was observed, survival was similar at 30 months (INSPIRIS: 94% vs ME: 91%, P = 0.89), but freedom from readmission was higher in the INSPIRIS group (94% vs 86%, P = 0.014). INSPIRIS valves had a lower gradient at discharge (∼10 vs 14 mmHg, P < 0.001), 1–3 months (∼10 vs 12 mmHg, P < 0.001) and 24 months (∼11 vs 17 mmHg, P < 0.001) in paired analyses and significantly lower evolution of mean transvalvular gradients compared to ME.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the largest comparative evaluation of the INSPIRIS to the ME valves, which demonstrated safe clinical outcomes and favourable haemodynamic performance at 2 years. Long-term FU is underway.
Development of a versatile algorithm for 2D DC resistivity modelling in the space domain
Authors: Suryavanshi Deepak , Dehiya Rahul
Published: July 2023

2D direct-current resistivity modelling is generally done in the wavenumber domain to efficiently accommodate the 3D character of the source. For faster computation, the wavenumber domain solutions are calculated at around half a dozen wavenumbers. However, the collection of wavenumbers and associated weights that are selected has a significant impact on the accuracy of the solution that is thus obtained in the space domain. It has been shown in numerous forward modelling studies that selecting effective wavenumbers is difficult, particularly for complex models, including topography, anisotropy, and high resistivity contrasts. In this study, we develop an optimized strategy to omit the dependence of the 2D modelling problem on the wavenumbers. Instead of using the wavenumbers domain approach, the problem is solved in the space domain using a new boundary condition derived in this study. It requires only a few grids in the direction perpendicular to the profile. Several numerical experiments are conducted to conclusively demonstrate that the developed algorithm is robust and versatile concerning subsurface and survey parameters.
Determining clinical predictors to identify non‐specific abdominal pain and the added value of laboratory examinations: A prospective derivation study in a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Bouënel Manon , Lefebvre Victoire , Trouillet Camille , Diesnis Remy , Pouessel Guillaume , Karaca‐Altintas Yasemin
Published: July 2023

Aim

To develop a model to discriminate non‐specific abdominal pain (NSAP) from organic pain in the paediatric emergency department (PED) and evaluate the added value of laboratory markers.

Methods

Prospective cohort study in an urban French PED including all patients aged ≥4 years with abdominal pain between November 2020 and May 2021. The outcome was the discrimination between NSAP (patients coded to have only “pain” or “constipation”) and organic pain (all other diagnoses) using stepwise backward multivariate logistic regression method with bootstrap resampling.

Results

The study enrolled 246 patients. Overall, 163 patients (66.2%) had NSAP. Four variables associated with organic pain: pain in the epigastric region (OR 0.48 [0.23–0.99]), worsening pain (0.57 [0.32–0.99]), pain migration (0.42 [0.17–0.99]) and vomiting (0.47 [0.26–0.84]) were integrated in a clinical model. To discriminate NSAP with a probability of 65%, model sensitivity was 71.8% (64.9–78.7), specificity was 53.0% (42.3–63.7), and the Net Benefit (NB) was 15.4%. White Blood Count and C‐reactive protein results improved discriminative capacity of the model (AUC 0.708 [0.643–0.773] vs. 0.654 [0.585–0.723], p = 0.01) with a supplementary NB of 12%. Patient follow‐up showed 95% diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

This study reveals a four‐clinical predictor model with a NB of 15% in predicting NSAP. Validation studies are necessary.
Effectiveness, safety and quality‐of‐life effects of guselkumab and ustekinumab in patients with psoriasis: Week 104 results from the non‐interventional, prospective, German multicentre PERSIST study
Authors: Gerdes S. , Hoffmann M. , Asadullah K. , Korge B. , Mortazawi D. , Krüger N. , Personke Y. , Tabori S. , Gomez M. , Wegner S. , Kreimendahl F. , Taut F. , Sticherling M.
Published: July 2023

Background

PERSIST was a prospective, non‐interventional, real‐world study of guselkumab and ustekinumab in adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in Germany.

Objectives

To examine effectiveness, safety and quality‐of‐life (QoL) outcomes to Week (W) 104 of treatment with guselkumab and ustekinumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods

Patients (≥18 years of age) received guselkumab or ustekinumab as per routine clinical practice. Outcomes to W104 were examined separately in guselkumab and ustekinumab recipients. An ad hoc exploratory analysis of outcomes with guselkumab versus ustekinumab was also performed following propensity score matching.

Results

Overall, 302 and 313 patients received guselkumab and ustekinumab, respectively. Patients in both cohorts experienced improvements in disease activity and QoL that were maintained to W104, with 64.7% and 63.6% of guselkumab‐ and 54.6% and 64.4% of ustekinumab‐treated patients achieving a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 response and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 0/1 score, respectively. Propensity score matching yielded well‐balanced baseline characteristics except for prior biologic use, which was higher in guselkumab versus ustekinumab recipients (51.7% vs. 32.0%). Achievement of PASI ≤1 at W104 was more common in guselkumab versus ustekinumab recipients (58.7% vs. 49.7%). The W104 PASI90 response rate was 65.6% with guselkumab and 56.0% with ustekinumab; corresponding rates for PASI100 were 44.3% and 28.5%. In guselkumab recipients, response rates were higher in biologic‐naïve versus biologic‐experienced patients (PASI90, 77.1% vs. 53.4%; PASI100, 55.0% vs. 33.0%). A high level of response for QoL outcomes was observed for both treatments.

Conclusions

Ustekinumab and guselkumab led to improvements in physician‐assessed and patient‐reported outcomes that were sustained for up to 2 years, with no new safety signals identified. Following propensity score matching, greater improvements in PASI outcomes were observed with guselkumab versus ustekinumab. Improvements with guselkumab were highest in biologic‐naïve patients, highlighting the value of early treatment.
Self-guided Online Medical Hypnosis Program Improves Dry Nights in Children With Nocturnal Enuresis in a Prospective Single-Center Pilot Study
Authors: Bayne Aaron P.
Published: July 2023

Bedwetting is a common condition in children. We evaluated the effectiveness of medical hypnosis as a first-line therapy in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE). The study enrolled children in a prospective single-center pilot clinical trial consisting of 1 month diary of dry nights prior to using the commercially available hypnosis intervention ( www.keepingthebeddry.com ), followed by 3 consecutive months diary following intervention. Seventeen children aged 8 to 15 years old were enrolled and 12 recorded at least 1 month data after the hypnosis intervention. The median dry nights prior to intervention was 8 (0-17) days and improved to 15.5 (7-28) days by the third month post-intervention ( P = .0033). All patients who completed the study showed an improvement. Self-guided medical hypnosis therapy showed significant improvement in dry nights without any side effects and any identifiable risk to patients. It should be considered for use in children as first-line therapy for PMNE.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Sleep Disturbances in Children and Adolescents With Abdominal Pain-Associated Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction
Authors: Thompson Pierce , Friesen Hunter J. , Schurman Jennifer V. , Colombo Jennifer M. , Friesen Craig A.
Published: July 2023

The aims of the current study were to determine the frequencies of specific sleep disturbances in youth with abdominal pain-associated disorders of gut-brain interaction (AP-DGBIs) and to assess relationships with psychological dysfunction. This was a retrospective evaluation of 226 consecutive patients diagnosed with an AP-DGBI. All had undergone a systematic evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms, the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, and the Behavior Assessment System for Children. Disorders of initiation and maintenance of sleep (DIMS; 40%) and disorders of excessive daytime somnolence (DOES; 14%) were each present in more than 10% of the patients. Both DIMS and DOES scores were more likely to be elevated in patients with anxiety and/or depression scores in the at-risk or elevated-risk ranges. Sleep disorders are common in youth with AP-DGBIs and are associated with anxiety and depression, even in those patients with anxiety and depression in the at-risk range.
The effect of asymmetric interdependence on the outcomes of military cooperation in the Sahel
Authors: Sandnes Marie
Published: July 2023

In this article, I make a case for studying the outcome of security cooperation between external and host forces through the lens of their relationship. This is because in order for such military cooperation to have a sustainable effect, the host needs to develop ownership and autonomy over its own security responses. This article sets out from the observation that there is an evident discrepancy between the stated intent and the actual outcome of the cooperation between the G5 Sahel Joint Force (G5S-JF) and external actors. Building on insights from peace-building and security force assistance (SFA) literature, I argue that the relationship between the G5S-JF and external actors is best characterised as one of asymmetric interdependence and that this asymmetric interdependence can explain why the G5S-JF never developed into an autonomous force with ownership over its security responses. The concept of asymmetric interdependence provides a new lens through which to research SFA and can potentially shed light on other relationships between international, regional, national and local actors more generally.
School District Equity Initiatives That Impact Access to Accelerated and Advanced Learning
Authors: Hertzog Nancy B. , Lamb Kristen N. , Balatico A. J.
Published: July 2023

Equity and access to advanced learning opportunities have been issues of concern for educators in the field of gifted education for decades. Gifted programs are noted as some of the most segregated learning environments in schools today. This study was designed to investigate how school districts have addressed educational equity through the lenses of school district administrators. Researchers conducted semistructured 1-hr interviews with 32 superintendents or their designees (e.g., gifted coordinator, Director of Equity, etc.) about school district initiatives designed and implemented to improve equity and access to advanced and accelerated learning opportunities, with a focus from 2015 to early 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were asked about the definition of educational equity in their district, targeted equity initiatives in highly capable programs, challenges or barriers they encountered when they implemented change, and their experiences with diversifying their work force and professional development. Findings included changes in curriculum and improving access to advanced learning opportunities while addressing persistent challenges in school funding and diversifying the workforce. The findings of this study addressed a significant gap in gifted education research: actions taken by school district administrators that went beyond changes in identification processes to increase equity and access to advanced learning opportunities.
Maslow’s Views on Technology and Culture: A Millennial’s Response to “Toward a Humanistic Biology”
Authors: Cabell Courtney D.
Published: July 2023

In this article, the author responds to Abraham Maslow’s 1969 article, “Toward a Humanistic Biology,” from their perspective as a millennial-humanistic practitioner and scholar. The article calls attention to Maslow’s perception of the I-Thou relationship and discusses its connection to his perceptions of technology. Maslow’s views on the “superior” human or self-actualizing person are examined from a critical millennial-humanistic lens, and its implications on culture are addressed. The author provides suggestions on how the field of humanistic psychology can advance from the topics explored.
Coordinating the Chaos: An Evaluation of Carceral Evacuations
Authors: Dement Carl
Published: July 2023

Recurring carceral evacuations are required for some jurisdictions. Little is known about how these evacuations are planned or executed. This study sought to fill this gap by examining carceral evacuations during disasters in 2020 –2021. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 carceral administrators from three US regions where such evacuations are common, namely the Gulf Coast, the Southwest, and the Northwest. From these interviews, three overarching themes emerged – Carceral administrator prerogative, Interoperability, and Successful end-state – which inform 15 posited recommendations for enhancing carceral evacuation efficacy.
Catalysts of Connectedness: Three Wellsprings of Jewish Culture and Their Effects on Jewish Cultural Identity
Authors: Bankier-Karp Adina Leah
Published: July 2023

Jewish identification and engagement have cultural as well as religious salience. Jewish cultural engagement, however, is overwhelmingly circumscribed as a fait accompli, often an outcome, rarely a predictor in quantitative examinations of contemporary Jewish life. Consequently, the sociological understanding of Jewish cultural identity formation is limited. This study examines Jewish cultural identity formation in young Australian Jews, identifying roles played by three wellsprings, or sources of Jewish culture. Using the Gen17 Australian Jewish Community Survey 2018, the most recent nationally representative study of Australian Jewry, relationships between Jewish day school education, communal engagement, cultural upbringing, and cultural identity were analyzed using linear and OLS regression models. Jewish day school education significantly affected cultural identity; without mediating effects of communal engagement, however, day school education’s effects were inconsequential. High-level cultural upbringing had amplifying effects, while low-level cultural upbringing had attenuating effects on associations between Jewish day school education and cultural identity. The cultural identity formation mechanism was similar to a proposed religious identity formation mechanism. These results highlight interconnected and indirect effects of cultural wellsprings on identity formation, and similarities between cultural and religious identity formation, with implications for scholars of culture and religion.
Introduction to Special Issue: Educating Global Communicators: How Communication Scholars Create Value in Challenging Environments
Authors: Marsen Sky , Matheson Donald
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces the concerns of the papers in the Special Issue and examines communication as a chameleon discipline that responds and adapts to sometimes very challenging contexts. It explores the strengths and weaknesses of the diversity of approaches that exist in communication studies and shows how this diversity offers both opportunities to be resourceful and hurdles to be managed. The paper reflects on the definitional ambiguity of communication and the ways that communication is perceived and approached in different institutions globally. Its aim is to forge a way through debates about the nature of the field by paying attention to the responsiveness and adaptability of those who teach communication in the face of educational and political change.
We Have Big Data, But Do We Need Big Theory? Review-Based Remarks on an Emerging Problem in the Social Sciences
Authors: Astleitner Hermann
Published: July 2023

Big data represents a significant challenge for the social sciences. From a philosophy-of-science perspective, it is important to reflect on related theories and processes for developing them. In this paper, we start by examining different views on the role of theories in big data-related social research. Then, we try to show how big data is related to standards for evaluating theories. We also outline how big data affects theory- and data-based research approaches and the process of theory building. Discussions include a summary of lines of reasoning, limitations, and a proposal for future developmental steps.
George Howard Darwin and the “public” interpretation of The Tides
Authors: Rose Edwin D.
Published: July 2023

Processes of adapting complex information for broad audiences became a pressing concern by the turn of the twentieth century. Channels of communication ranged from public lectures to printed books designed to serve a social class eager for self-improvement. Through analyzing a course of public lectures given by George Howard Darwin (1845–1912) for the Lowell Institute in Boston and the monograph he based on these, The Tides and Kindred Phenomena of the Solar System (1898), this article connects the important practices of public lecturing and book production–two aspects of knowledge dissemination that tend to be studied as separate entities. Darwin, Plumian Professor of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge and son of the famous naturalist, relied on a diverse material culture when lecturing and producing a book. Giving a new account of Darwin’s scientific work through exploring his adaption of it for broader audiences, this article connects the diverse material culture Darwin employed in talks to the practice of producing a published book. The content of objects demonstrated and the lantern slides projected during Darwin’s lectures evolved to form a book designed to engage broad sectors of society in Europe and the United States. Darwin’s lectures were attended at full capacity, while The Tides was soon printed in numerous English editions and translated into German, Italian, Hungarian, and Spanish.
The Dilution of Diversity: Ironic Effects of Broadening Diversity
Authors: Kirby Teri A. , Russell Pascual Nicole , Hildebrand Laura K.
Published: July 2023

Diversity is one of the buzzwords of the 21st century. But who counts as diverse? We coded diversity statements to examine how organizations typically define diversity and whether oppressed-group members perceive some definitions as diluting diversity, or detracting from the original intention of diversity initiatives. Organizations most commonly opted for a broad definition of diversity (38%) that focused on diversity in perspectives and skills, with no mention of demographic group identities (e.g., race; Study 1). In Studies 2 and 3, people of color perceived broad statements as diluting diversity more than other diversity statements. They were also less interested in working at those organizations, and broad statements led sexual minorities to be less willing to disclose their sexual identity (Study 4). Thus, broadening the definition of diversity to include individual characteristics and skills may backfire, unless the importance of demographic diversity is also acknowledged.
Psychometric Tests for Hepatitis B – A Systematic Review
Authors: Ispas Simona-Alexandra , Iliescu Dragos , Ren Lily , So Samuel , Toy Mehlika
Published: July 2023

Hepatitis B is a condition that directly affects hundreds of millions of people, who may require testing for certain psychological constructs. This systematic review presents the current state with regard to the instruments that are used for the measurement of psychological variables in relation to hepatitis B. We conducted a comprehensive search in bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library), and grey literature search. We identified commonly used measures, their psychometric properties and gaps in the research. Our findings from the 38 papers included in the review indicate that while several tests have been developed to cater to hepatitis B patients, most are focused on quality of life, with few targeting other needed directions, such as stigma or attitudes to vaccination. We also show the limits in current measures and discuss potential improvements.
Artificial intelligence and perceived effort in relationship maintenance: Effects on relationship satisfaction and uncertainty
Authors: Liu Bingjie , Kang Jin , Wei Lewen
Published: July 2023

Maintaining satisfying close relationships is important for individuals’ well-being. In the digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has growing applications for relationship maintenance and thus implications for relational well-being. We hypothesize that although using AI to help with relational maintenance may reduce an individual’s effort, their partner may perceive AI-augmented activities negatively. According to the investment model and equity theory, perceptions of diminished effort in a relationship may lead to less satisfaction and greater uncertainty about the partner’s involvement in the relationship. In an online experiment, we presented participants ( N = 208) with hypothetical scenarios of relational maintenance initiated by a fictional close friend, with a 3 (agency: self-without-augmentation vs. AI-augmented vs. human-augmented) × 3 (relational task: support-giving vs. advice-giving vs. birthday celebration) between-subjects design. Compared to the self-without-augmentation condition (i.e., the control condition) where the friend completed a relational task with no external aid, using AI assistance led participants to perceive the friend expended less effort, reducing participants’ relationship satisfaction and increasing uncertainty. Getting help from another person was not significantly different from using AI in terms of perceived partner effort, relationship satisfaction, uncertainty, and perceived appropriateness. We discuss the implications of the findings for relational maintenance and technology-mediated communication.
In situ measurements of thermal-mechanical wear in blade-abradable liner contacts
Authors: Baillieu Aaron , Parody Alvaro , Rahimov Eldar , Garcia Panizo Julian , Marshall Matthew
Published: July 2023

The abradable coating on the casing of a jet engine minimises any air gaps by allowing blades to cut a path into the abradable, reducing efficiency losses. Unfortunately, abradable cutting performance varies significantly with rub conditions and abradable type, leading to poor cutting performance and potentially damaging the blades. This study further develops the abradable testing capabilities of a 200 m/s spindle test rig by applying previously researched stroboscopic imagining techniques to record the front of the blade alongside thermal imaging of the blade and the abradable. The front camera makes it possible to see how adhesions are forming along the width of the blade, and how the adhesion growth differs between materials. The thermal camera can then be used to identify hot spots on both the blade and the abradable, providing an insight into how hot spots relate to adhesions both spatially and temporally. These tools have been proven with testing of Metco 601 at a range of incursion rates. At the incursion rate of 0.2 μm/pass the tools were able to provide conclusive results, with video footage of the front, side, blade temperature and abradable temperatures being aligned temporally and spatially. Numerical data could then be extracted to produce rub maps of adhesion height, blade temperature and abradable temperature on separate plots which is a powerful tool when looking for relationships between the data sets, and for identifying time-based patterns. Further benefits of this tool set were shown when focussing on individual adhesions events within a rub, allowing for the delays between abradable heating, adhesions forming and blade heating to be observed and quantified. When applied to multiple materials and at different test conditions this tool will provide further insight into how adhesion formation differs, and potentially into why adhesions form.
Stress linearization application of oblique nozzles with welded pad reinforcement in cylindrical pressure vessels
Authors: Bozkurt Murat , Nash David
Published: July 2023

In pressure vessel applications, one of the most feasible and economical ways of reinforcing an isolated nozzle is to use a pad or compensating plate. Where a pad is used, the extra material is considered to as effective as provided by a thick vessel plate, so a good fit in the vessel shell is required. Considering this information, in this study, welded pad reinforcement is applied to the oblique nozzle-cylinder intersections in the cylindrical pressure vessels and membrane stress and total stress (membrane + bending) cases are examined. It is well-known that the maximum stress is at the crotch corner (nozzle-cylinder junction) in the vertical junction of the radial nozzle. However, as the nozzle connection angle increases, the direction and magnitude of the stress should be investigated. For this reason, six critical paths were determined for the nozzle-cylinder junction and the stress distributions along these paths were examined with the help of Stress Linearization Analysis. In the analysis, cases such as oblique nozzle angle, pad reinforcement rates according to shell thickness, effect of increase in pad diameter are examined in detail. In conclusion, this study provides researchers with an alternative stress analysis for critical locations in the intersection area in the design and analysis of cylinder-oblique nozzle connections.
Striking Cholestatic Giant Cell Hepatitis Resulting in Fulminant Liver Failure After Garcinia Cambogia Use
Authors: Flerova Elizaveta , Ambilil Manju , Civan Jesse M. , Sass David A. , Maley Warren R. , Pulinthanathu Rajiv , Huang Jialing
Published: July 2023

Garcinia cambogia, a weight control herbal, can cause mild liver toxicity with nonspecific histologic changes. Herein, we reported a case of herbal-induced fulminant cholestatic giant cell hepatitis due to garcinia cambogia use. A 65-year-old woman with breast cancer treated 18 years earlier was admitted for obstructive jaundice for 2 weeks. She started using garcinia cambogia 3 months ago for weight loss. Physical exam showed scleral icterus. Serum studies excluded Wilson's disease, systemic infection including COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), autoimmune hepatitis, and metabolic or toxicologic causes. An urgent liver biopsy showed severe giant cell hepatitis in absence of HSV-1/2, cytomegalovirus, HBsAg and HBcAg (immunostain), and EBV (in situ hybridization). Despite supportive therapy, the patient developed grade 2–3 hepatic encephalopathy and necessitated liver transplant. The explanted liver was markedly atrophy, in which the most striking histologic finding was diffuse distribution of multinucleated giant hepatocytes with syncytial pattern in a background of extensive zone-1 accentuated, geographic, hemorrhagic, confluent hepatocytic necrosis, along with remarkable hepatocytic and canalicular cholestasis. Marked hepatocellular and sinusoidal iron orverload present. The patient recovered uneventfully.
A Subset of Thoracic SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Tumors Express GATA3
Authors: Coconubo Daniel Martinez , Wangsiricharoen Sintawat , Pettus Jason R. , Linos Konstantinos , Pinto Andre , Wang Wei-Lien , Kerr Darcy A. , Cloutier Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2023

Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-UT) is a rare and highly aggressive malignant neoplasm characterized by high-grade undifferentiated morphologic features and recurrent inactivating mutations of SMARCA4. These tumors consistently exhibit loss of SMARCA4 (BRG1) while displaying variable expression of other nonspecific markers. Recently, we encountered a SMARCA4-UT demonstrating immunoreactivity for GATA3, and we sought to characterize this phenomenon in a larger series.

A total of nine SMARCA4-UTs were examined from 3 large academic institutions. The clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics were studied and GATA3 immunohistochemistry was performed.

The cohort included 5 male and 4 female patients, with a median age of 54 years and a median smoking history of 37 pack-years. At initial diagnosis, mediastinal lymph node involvement was observed in 5 patients (56%) while distant metastases were present in 7 patients (78%). The median survival was 6 months. Histologically, the tumors were characterized by sheets of undifferentiated epithelioid and/or rhabdoid cells, accompanied by frequent mitotic figures and necrosis. Immunohistochemically, all tumors displayed a complete loss of BRG1 expression. Notably, 4 of 9 tumors (44%) were positive for GATA3 expression, including one tumor that exhibited strong and diffuse immunoreactivity.

GATA3 expression in SMARCA4-UT may pose diagnostic challenges, requiring differentiation from other GATA3-positive tumors. This distinction is crucial for accurate prognostication and treatment decisions.
Beyond Nursing Staff Levels: The Association of Nursing Home Quality and the Five-Star Quality Rating System’s New Staffing Measures
Authors: Brunt Christopher S. , Bowblis John R.
Published: July 2023

Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced staffing measures related to staffing variability and turnover in the Nursing Home (NH) Care Compare Five-Star Quality Rating System. While the consensus within the literature is that reduced variability and turnover are associated with higher NH quality of care and life, no existing studies have evaluated the relationship between CMS’s newly introduced staffing measures and quality. This study uses regression analysis to estimate the relationship between 13 quality measures (used in Care Compare) and CMS’s new staffing measures (i.e., weekend nursing staff levels, total nursing and registered nurse staff turnover, and administrator turnover) as well as a measure of daily staffing variation recently introduced in the literature called the coefficient of variation. Regressions analysis finds strong evidence of an association between quality and these staffing measures, though some measures (e.g., nursing staff turnover) are highly correlated and may be duplicative.
Justice Can Never Arrive: The Opening of the Call to Social Justice in Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Hein Serge F.
Published: July 2023

Most qualitative social justice research is guided by a critical theory–based understanding of justice, which conceives of justice as something that can be achieved, made present. For Derrida, however, justice can never arrive, be present; it is in fact impossible. Justice always exceeds our specific expectations of the future. Derrida’s second definition of deconstruction, which deals with the unstable relationship between justice and law, is examined, followed by a discussion of the deconstructibility of the law and the undeconstructibility of justice. Derrida’s concept of justice is ontological, whereas critical theory’s concept of justice is epistemological. For Derrida, and continental philosophy in general, however, epistemology has its ultimate basis in ontology. An important implication of Derrida’s concept of justice for critically informed qualitative social justice research is that justice cannot function as a guiding principle or ideal. Thus, the call to justice is an infinite one that researchers can never satisfy.
Effect of different types of electrolyzed water on drying characteristics and quality of Spondias dulcis in oven drying
Authors: Bölek Sibel , Göktaş Muhammed A , Tosya Feyza , Göksu Feriha , Dinç Özge
Published: July 2023

Due to its less adverse impact on the environment as well as human health, electrolyzed water, a non-thermal method, has been recognized to be a promising alternative as a new disinfectant for the food industry, which does not change odor, texture, and flavor of foods. Spondias dulcis fruit is rich in bioactive compounds, vitamins and minerals, which are known to have many beneficial effects on health. Fresh S. dulcis has a short shelf life and drying is an option to preserve the fruit. In this study, the effects of electrolyzed water treatment on the quality characteristics of dried S. dulcis were investigated . Slices of fruit treated with four different electrolyzed waters (Anolyte NaCl, Catholyte NaCl, Anolyte Na2CO3, and Catholyte Na2CO3) were dried in a conventional oven at 70 °C. Color, Browning index, antioxidant characteristics, texture profile, rehydration capacity, pH, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyzes of dried S. dulcis were performed. The samples treated with electrolyzed water prior to drying showed higher antioxidant activity (59.46 ± 0.09), total phenolic content (287.00 ± 1.76), and rehydration capacity (4.52 ± 0.05) compared to the control samples. The findings of the current study showed that electrolyzed water treatment could prevent the browning of dried S. dulcis fruits and preserve bioactive compounds as well as chemical properties.
Improving How Clinicians Communicate With Patients: An Integrative Review and Framework
Authors: Danaher Tracey S. , Berry Leonard L. , Howard Chuck , Moore Sarah G. , Attai Deanna J.
Published: July 2023

Effective communication is crucial in all service contexts, but especially in clinical healthcare, given its high (sometimes life-or-death) stakes. Fine-tuned messaging and personalization are vital to improving patients’ service experiences, their understanding of and adherence to treatment and therapy, and their physical and mental health. This article aims to guide clinicians specifically, and other service providers more generally, in their communication practices, so that they ultimately improve the quality of service they deliver to patients each day. It presents a comprehensive, integrative review and develops a framework for how clinicians communicate with patients by synthesizing findings from presently disconnected literatures in services, psychology, marketing, communications, and medicine. The framework, which elucidates the communication channels (verbal, nonverbal, and listening) clinicians use to convey meaning to patients, can be adapted to other service contexts, especially professional services. An agenda for future research and implications for improving service provider communications are included.
Adolescence Onset Primary Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency With Rare CoQ8A Gene Mutation: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Hojabri Mahsa , Gilani Abolfazl , Irilouzadian Rana , Nejad biglari Habibe , Sarmadian Roham
Published: July 2023

Background:

Primary deficiency of coenzyme Q10 deficiency-4 (CoQ10D4) is a heterogeneous disorder affecting different age groups. The main clinical manifestation consists of cerebellar ataxia, exercise intolerance, and dystonia.

Case report:

We provide a case of adolescence-onset ataxia, head tremor, and proximal muscle weakness accompanied by psychiatric features and abnormal serum urea (49.4 mg/dL), lactate (7.5 mmol/L), and CoQ10 level (0.4 µg/mL). Brain-MRI demonstrated cerebellar atrophy, thinning of the corpus callosum, and loss of white matter. Whole exome sequencing showed a homozygous missense mutation (c.911C>T; p.A304V) in CoQ8A gene which is a rare mutation and responsible variant of CoQ10D4. After supplementary treatment with CoQ10 50 mg/twice a day for 2 months the clinical symptoms improved.

Conclusion:

These observations highlight the significance of the early diagnosis of potentially treatable CoQ8A mutation as well as patient education and follow-up. Our findings widen the spectrum of CoQ8A phenotypic features so that clinicians be familiar with the disease not only in severe childhood-onset ataxia but also in adolescence with accompanying psychiatric problems.
The paradox of medical necessity
Authors: Godwin Samantha , Earp Brian D
Published: July 2023

The concept of medical necessity is often used to explain or justify certain decisions—for example, which treatments should be allowed under certain conditions—as though it had an obvious, agreed-upon meaning as well as an inherent normative force. In introducing this special issue of Clinical Ethics on medical necessity, we argue that the term, as used in various discourses, generally lacks a definition that is clear, non-circular, conceptually plausible, and fit for purpose. We propose that future work on this concept should address three main questions: what medical necessity is (i.e., what makes something medically necessary, as opposed to something else); what the concept does (what ‘work’ is it doing when invoked in different settings); and what should follow, normatively, from the fact that something is indeed medically necessary (on some plausible conception).
There Was a Woman Who Swallowed a Story
Authors: Henson Donna F.
Published: July 2023

This performative piece indulges in the critical feminist pseudo-fantasies of a sleep-deprived woman in her 40’s—a woman of a certain . . . rage. This ruminative offering presents a lyrical rendering provoked by reflection on the one-note-wonders of the patriarchy, and inspired in part by Caroline Criado-Perez’s book “ Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men” and the poignant provocation offered by Bryant Keith Alexander. Playing in the liminal and critical spaces of poetic inquiry, the resulting autoethnographic essay explores the viral legacies of law and legislation, and the cures and consequences of aging as a woman in a world wrought by midnight fairy tales of crones and witches.
Socioeconomic Characteristics, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Health Conditions Among Males of Reproductive Age With and Without Disabilities, NHANES 2013–2018
Authors: Deierlein Andrea L. , Sun Yanwen , Prado Gabriella , Stein Cheryl R.
Published: July 2023

Health status during the reproductive years influences fecundity, fertility, and the future health of males and their offspring. There remains a dearth of literature examining men’s preconception health, especially among high-risk populations, such as those with disabilities. The objective of this study was to examine indicators of preconception health, including chronic medical conditions, lifestyle behaviors, and health care utilization, among males of reproductive age with and without disabilities in the United States. Data were from 3,702 males of reproductive age (18–44 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013–2018. Approximately 14% of males reported having at least one disability related to vision, hearing, cognition, mobility, self-care, or independent living. Among all men, suboptimal preconception health indicators were prevalent including poor or fair self-rated health; low education and household income status; lack of health insurance and no recent utilization of health care and dental care; cigarette smoking; frequent alcohol consumption and binge drinking; marijuana and illegal drug use; obesity; low fruit and vegetable intake and no multi-vitamin use; low physical activity; short sleep durations; depressive symptoms; and hypertension and asthma. Compared to males with no disabilities, males with any disabilities were more likely to have suboptimal preconception health indicators. Strategies to promote and improve sexual health, preconception care, and family planning services among all men are needed. For males with disabilities, specifically, further investigation of their specific health needs related to sex, reproduction, family planning, and fatherhood, as well as interactions with health care providers, is required.
Differences and Associations of Physical Activeness, Quality of Life, Motivational Factors, and Stages of Change Between Young and Mid Adults
Authors: Chen Po Ling , Mutalib Nur Amira A. , Goh Guan You
Published: July 2023

The current study aimed to examine differences and associations of physical activity (PA) levels, quality of life (QoL), motives for PA, and stages of change (SOC) between young and mid adults. A total of 208 participants in Malaysia completed an online survey which comprised of questionnaires about PA, motivational factors, QoL, and SOC in PA. Independent t-tests revealed that young adults engaged in more PA in general, as well as light PA. However, mid adults in general scored higher levels of QoL and its four domains (i.e., physical, psychological, social, and environmental). Moreover, young adults were significantly more motivated by appearance for PA. Pearson correlations revealed higher levels of vigorous PA linked to, higher social domain of QoL in both age groups, and, physical and psychological domain of QoL in mid adults. Vigorous PA also showed the strongest positive links with motivations in competence in both young and mid adults. Cross tabulations showed that both young and mid adults have highest frequency counts in contemplation stage for moderate and light PA and highest frequency counts in the maintenance stage for vigorous PA. This study is the first to show how young and mid adults differed in PA levels, QoL, motives behind PA engagements, and how they correlate differently. However, both age groups showed similar SOC patterns, indicating the likelihood of moderate and light PA engagements when they see the possibility of change but still lack commitment, whilst those engaged in vigorous PA are more likely to actively maintaining the change.