bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics of BAG3: A Paradigm for Developing Precision Therapies for Dilated Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Qu Hui‐Qi , Feldman Arthur M. , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: November 2022

Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy is a common form of heart muscle disease in which genetic factors play a critical etiological role. In this regard, both rare disease‐causing mutations and common disease‐susceptible variants, in the Bcl‐2–associated athanogene 3 (
BAG3
) gene have been reported, highlighting the critical role of
BAG3
in cardiomyocytes and in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. The phenotypic effects of the
BAG3
mutations help investigators understand the structure and function of the
BAG3
gene. Indeed, we report herein that all of the known pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants affect at least 1 of 3 protein functional domains, ie, the WW domain, the second IPV (Ile‐Pro‐Val) domain, or the BAG domain, whereas none of the missense nontruncating pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants affect the proline‐rich repeat (PXXP) domain. A common variant, p.Cys151Arg, associated with reduced susceptibility to dilated cardiomyopathy demonstrated a significant difference in allele frequencies among diverse human populations, suggesting evolutionary selective pressure. As
BAG3
‐related therapies for heart failure move from the laboratory to the clinic, the ability to provide precision medicine will depend in large part on having a thorough understanding of the potential effects of both common and uncommon genetic variants on these target proteins. The current review article provides a roadmap that investigators can utilize to determine the potential interactions between a patient's genotype, their phenotype, and their response to therapeutic interventions with both gene delivery and small molecules.
From the “Five Dynasties” 五代 to the “Ten States” 十國: Interpreting Post-Tang Identities in Northern Song (960–1127) Historiography
Authors: Xue Chen
Published: November 2022

This article examines the representation of post-Tang identities in Northern Song historiography and provides a precise definition of the concept of “Ten States.” It argues that the “Five Dynasties” and “Ten States,” appellations invented by Northern Song historians, are not reflective of the actual tenth-century political landscape that took shape following the fall of the Tang Empire (618–907). Rather, they were coined to buttress the dynastic legitimacy of the Northern Song. They mirrored the increasingly strong Song central control over regional authorities and a perceived ever-growing cultural division between Song and its neighbors. Through an investigation of how post-Tang regimes were categorized by four representative Northern Song histories, this article questions the constructed binary between the “legitimate” and the “illegitimate” in Song historiography and challenges the resulting “Central Plain”-centric and Han/Chinese-centric ideologies.
The Atticist lexica as metalinguistic resource for morphosyntactic change in Post-Classical Greek
Authors: la Roi Ezra
Published: November 2022

While ancient metalinguistic resources such as lexica and scholia are increasingly studied in the field of ancient scholarship (Montanari 2020), they are investigated less within the historical sociolinguistics of Ancient Greek. Analysing the Atticist lexica by Phrynichus, Moeris and Aelius Dionysius, this article illustrates the historically persistent connection between social perception of and diachronic change within Ancient Greek. Although the historical relevance of Atticist prescriptivism has been observed, the evidence that these social evaluations provide for Post-Classical Greek language change is rarely assessed systematically (except for objectionable ideological reasons). I demonstrate that the Atticist lexica display metalinguistic awareness of the major morphosyntactic changes characterizing Post-Classical Greek (pace Lee 2013:286): paradigmatic (e.g. analogical levelling in verbal system of endings, voice and augment), category changes, category renewal (e.g. dual, pronouns, periphrasis), syntactic change (category expansion of ἔμελλον and τυγχάνω) and case changes (e.g. from case to prepositions).
Women and Freedom of Canonical Thought: A Propaedeutics
Authors: Lopes Christine
Published: November 2022

Because we do not have a unified account of the presence and absence of women in male or patriarchal canonical thought – if that is even possible or desirable – I refer to their presence and absence as the ways of women in canonical thought, hereafter “the ways of women”. We also do not know yet whether we as women are making different ways into canonical thought, whether we are creating a women’s canonical thought, or whether we could abandon the idea of canonical thought. Taking this uncertainty to heart, I consider what these possibilities have in common, namely, a demand for a freedom of canonical thought. By freedom of canonical thought, I understand a freedom to conform or not to canonical thinking. I consider some basic epistemological assumptions about such a freedom, and whether this may be a step toward a critique of the ways of women in thinking canons.
Forced Convection of Nanofluid-Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Mixtures in Mini-Channels: Importance of the Mini-Channel Height
Authors: Saghir M. Z.
Published: November 2022

Energy storage and heat enhancement are the main focus of many projects in the industry. Phase change material is receiving a lot of interest in the energy sector. In particular, storing energy for later use or heat extraction has been the focus of many types of research in this field.
Nanofluid and microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) flow is an exciting field, mainly when the mixture fluid circulates in mini channels. Many applications, including cooling surfaces, have been investigated. This paper examines how to store energy without using extra space for a
particular design. Four different fluids are circulating in mini-channels which are distilled water, 0.5%vol Al2O3 in water, 0.5% Al2O3 +4% MEPCM/water, and 0.5% Al2O3 +20% MEPCM/water. The flow is assumed laminar and steady-state.
Results revealed that the amount of energy absorbed when using 0.5% Al2O3 +20% MEPCM/water mixture exceeds 0.5%vol Al2O3 in the water mixture. By varying the mini-channels heights, maintaining constant test volume of the cavity, it was found that
the flow in the minichannels and above the mini-channels exhibit the more extensive heat removal capacity. This occurs when the mini-channels height occupies half the test cavity height corresponding to an aspect ratio equal to 6. Among the four fluids under investigation, 0.5% Al2O3
+20% MEPCM/water is the most effective fluid for heat removal and energy storage.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research and Development of Nanofluids
Authors: Svobodova-Sedlackova Adela , Calderón Alejandro , Barreneche Camila , Salgado-Pizarro Rebeca , Gamallo Pablo , Fernández A. Inés
Published: November 2022

Nanofluid concept was defined over 28 years ago. Since then, a veritable science has been developed around this concept. From 1993 until 2020, up to 18021 articles were published in high-quality journals worldwide. The high scientific interest in nanofluids lies in their exceptional
thermophysical properties and their possibilities to design more efficient processes and systems. Although the numerous articles, there is a lack of information on the scope, its social and economic impact, or its future trends. This study provides an overview through bibliometric methods
that allow better knowledge of the research field. The main goal is to offer a more generalized and strategic vision to help those researchers interested in this topic with accurate information on its impact. In addition, this study helps to maximize international collaborations and provide
relevant information to decision-makers. The analysis reveals that research in nanofluids in the last decade has experienced a great specialization in a wide variety of new applications, reaching more new sectors. The main research communities, the most productive authors, or the most relevant
journals are some of the analyzed metrics that provide key parameters for contextualization, allowing a clear vision of the current state of the nanofluids research field.
Unsteady Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) Natural Convective Flow of Nanofluids Over an Infinite Perpendicular Absorbent Plate
Authors: Gopal Ch. H. K. , Sudhakar M. , Rao S. Masthan
Published: November 2022

The magnetic fields played the significant roles in plentiful field they are, biologically, chemically, mechanically as well as medically all investigations. In clinical as well as medical investigation the magnets were extremely imperative to create 3-dimensional images of anatomical
as well as diagnostics significance from nuclear magnetic resonances signal. In views of those applications, the purpose of present research is to the unsteady MHD convective flow past a moving vertical porous plate in nanofluids in the presence of a uniform transverse magnetic field has been
carried out. The governing equations are solved using Laplace transform technique and the solutions are presented in closed form. The numerical computations of velocity and nanofluid temperature the rate of heat transfer and the shear stress at the plate are presented graphically for several
values of the pertinent parameters. An increase in radiation parameter leads to decrease the fluid velocity as well as temperature in the boundary layer region. The velocity enhances with increasing permeability parameter. An increase in Grashof number and an increase in time lead to increase
the fluid temperature. The rate of heat transfer at the plate is found to be higher for Cu-water nanofluid. The shear stress at the plate for Cu-water nanofluid is found to be lower. The present study has many applications in engineering devices.
The Effect of Threaded Rod Inserts and Aluminum Oxide–Water Based Nanofluids on Performance of a U-Bend Double Pipe Heat Exchanger
Authors: Krishna Varma K. P. V. , Venkateswarlu Kavati , Nutakki Uday Kumar , Satya Mohan K. Siva
Published: November 2022

Double pipe heat exchangers, owing to their simplicity in construction and ease of maintenance, are being widely used in refineries, food processing units and pharma industries. However, they have a limitation that they can only operate at low heat loads. In order to make them suitable
for higher loads, it is essentially required to enhance the rate of heat transfer. In this work, an attempt is made to this end using a combination of threaded rods and water-based aluminum oxide nanofluids. Experimental investigations were carried on a counter-flow double pipe return bend
heat exchanger (DPHE) using water-aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanofluids with threaded rod inserts. The volume concentration of Al2O3 nanofluid added in water was 0.03% and 0.05%. The entire analysis was carried out under turbulent flow regime by varying
the mass flow rates of cold water from 3 to 15 LPM in steps of 2 LPM, with the hot water flow rate being fixed at 6 LPM. The Reynolds number range considered was from 3000 to 30000. From the obtained results, it was found that the maximum enhancement in the Nusselt number and friction factor
for 0.05% concentration of the nanofluid and threaded rod inserts respectively is 89.95% and 32.46% more than the plain tube. The maximum thermal performance factor was found to be 1.75 for the combination of 0.05% nanofluid and inserts.
Rosensweig Instability Study of Iron Oxide Nano Fluid Under Uniform Magnetic Field
Authors: Nimisha O. K. , Pal Shubhadeep , Divya D. , Al-Omari Imaddin A. , Pradeesh Kannan , Reena Mary A. P.
Published: November 2022

We report the synthesis of magnetic nanofluids and the investigations on the formation of surface instabilities of ferrofluid when exposed to a normal uniform magnetic field. Ferrofluid of iron oxide particles with an average size of 9 nm, dispersed in a kerosene base is synthesized
by a well-known chemical method. The structural analysis of the nanoparticles is carried out by employing X-ray diffraction technique. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy studies revealed the chemical binding with the surfactant. The Dynamic Light Scattering studies are performed to determine
the hydrodynamic size of the suspended particles. The constancy in hydrodynamic size obtained for different particle concentrations is indicative of agglomeration-free suspension. The magnetic properties have been analyzed by the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device. The magnetization
measurement signifies the superparamagnetic nature of particles. The temperature-dependent relaxation studies were carried out by field cooled (FC) and zero field cooled (ZFC) moment measurements at a constant applied field. We have demonstrated the Rosensweig instability experimentally and
observed the pattern transition. The surface takes on a hexagonal pattern when the applied field surpasses the critical field, which shifts to a square pattern when the applied field reaches a second threshold. The surface tension of the fluid is measured by the pendant drop method and is
correlated with the results obtained through instability measurement. The magnetic concentration of the sample is determined from the Thermo gravimetric analysis.
Soret Effects on Free Convection Nanofluid Flows Due to a Stretching Sheet
Authors: Goud B. Shankar , Srilatha Pudhari , Raja Shekar M. N.
Published: November 2022

This paper analyzes Nano liquids flow over a stretching sheet and the characteristics of heat and mass transfer with uniform heat generation. Cu-water and Ag-water nano liquids are considered in the study. To obtain a system of the non-linear ODEs similarity terms have been applied
and an optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) have been used to work out these equations. Various parametric influences on the velocity, temperature, and mass transfer have been shown employing tables and graphs and the result we found is in excellent agreement with the previous results
in the works. The homotopy asymptotic approach is used to solve these equations numerically, together with their boundary conditions and the Soret effect has been the primary subject of this article. It was displayed that the Ag-water nano liquid displays higher thermal conductivity compared
to Cu-water nano liquid. In addition, the presence of a uniform heat source has a reducing effect on the concentration profile and an increasing effect on the temperature.
Variation of Thermal Conductivity on Two-Dimensional Hydromagnetic Flow of Thermophoretic Forces: Impact of Suction/Blowing
Authors: Ahmed Sahin , Hazarika Nava Jyoti
Published: November 2022

The novelty of thermal conductivity is the transmission of warmth from warmer to cooler portions of a body ensuing in balancing of temperature. Owing to importance of thermal conductivity in engineering technologies, a finite difference scheme is developed to study the originality of
thermal conductivity in a two-dimensional fluid motion in assembly with thermophoretic forces, variable thermal conductivity and viscous dissipative heat over a permeable horizontal surface. The thermophoretic effect is included in the concentration boundary layer equation and the formulation
has adopted by Talbot-Cheng-Scheffer-Willis (1980). A suitable similarity transformation is adapted to convert the leading PDEs to non-linear ordinary differential equations in non-dimensional form. A well-tested, numerically stable finite difference scheme in connection with Bvp4c is employed
via MATLAB code for the conservation of equations under the appropriate transformed boundary conditions. The impact of thermophoretic forces and thermal conductivity in presence of suction/blowing over the fluid velocity and temperature are significant. The thermal conductivity of a substantial
is an important property that assistances in the growth of active boiler/refrigerating machineries. In this study, thermophoretic forces (TP) and thermal conductivity (β) enhances the fluid velocity in presence of blowing, while they declines the velocity due
to suction. The validity and accuracy of the present model have been checked and found adequate agreement with the previous studies. The importance of such analysis over a horizontal surface have numerous manufacturing, industrial and engineering applications in plastic sheets extrusion, polymer
extraction, blowing of glass, manufacture of paper, thermo-electronics and rubber sheets.
Forced Convection of Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)-Boundary Layer Flow Past Thin Needle with Variable Wall Temperature Using Casson Nanofluid
Authors: Kumar J. Prathap , Umavathi J. C. , Dhone A. S.
Published: November 2022

The important goal in the twenty-first century has become to optimiz efficiency. For instance, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), an antifreeze or heat exchange fluid flows in a nuclear power reactor, heat-transfer design, etc. These advancements have been made either
through the use of novel materials (duct walls with improved thermal insulation properties) comprising the duct walls, innovative geometric designs, or enhanced working fluids. In parallel with several additional areas of mechanical, medicinal, and energy engineering, nanotechnology has permeated
duct design. Inspired by the remarkable potential of nanofluids, a subset of materials is created at the nanoscale. The study of thin needles in fluid flow is a very important aspect of biomedical areas and engineering industries. It is especially used in blood flow problems, circulatory problems,
cancer therapy, aerodynamics, and fibre coating. In the current study, a novel mathematical model is created for the movement of the heat on a fine needle with changeable surface temperature using a Casson nanofluid. These governing equations are solved using the 4th order RK method and the
collocation formula defined in bvp4c of Matlab software. To regulate the nanofluid, the Tiwari-Das model is used. The solid (metal) nanoparticles are added in the blood (carrier fluid). The momentum, energy, skin-friction coefficient, and Nusselt values are tabulated and displayed graphically.
The Casson parameter raises the momentum but lowers the temperature. The Nusselt values are incremented when nanofluid is used instead of conventional fluids. For confined situations, numerical outcomes are compared with the literature and a good level of agreement is discovered.
Thermal Impact of the Southern Tibetan Plateau on the Southeast Asian Summer Monsoon and Modulation by the Tropical Atlantic SST
Authors: Lu Mengmeng , Yang Song , Zhu Congwen , Wang Junbin , Lin Shuheng , Wei Wei , Fan Hanjie
Published: November 2022

While it is commonly accepted that the thermal effect of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) strengthens the Asian summer monsoon, a recent analysis based mainly on idealized model experiments revealed that the TP effect weakened the Southeast Asian summer monsoon (SEASM). Based on both observational analyses and model experiments, the current study further deciphers the physical mechanism for the TP’s thermal impact on the SEASM and the modulation of this impact by the sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Atlantic. When diabatic heating is enhanced over the southern TP, the South Asian high (SAH) intensifies and extends eastward, leading to convergence over the southeastern flank of the anomalous upper-level anticyclone and sinking motion that cause downward advection of negative vorticity. Accompanied by this anomalous anticyclonic pattern, the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) extends westward and the monsoon over Southeast Asia is weakened. The TP–SEASM relationship is enhanced when SST and convection increase over the tropical Atlantic, which cause an anomalous barotropic wave train propagating southeastward from eastern North America to East Asia, leading to an eastward extension of the SAH and a westward extension of the WPSH. The anomalous heating over the tropical Atlantic also modulates the Walker circulation through two anomalous vertical cells, with ascending motions over the Maritime Continent and the eastern tropical Indian Ocean, inducing a lower-level anticyclone over Southeast Asia as a Gill-type response. Thus, a warming tropical Atlantic can intensify the TP’s thermal forcing, weaken the SEASM, and then modulate the TP–SEASM relationship through both the extratropical wave train and the tropical zonal circulation.

Significance Statement

The Southeast Asian summer monsoon (SEASM) exhibits significant interannual variability. This study is aimed at better understanding the thermal impact of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on the interannual variability of SEASM intensity and the possible modulating effect of the tropical Atlantic on the TP–SEASM relationship. We find that enhanced heating over the southern TP weakens the SEASM circulation and its associated precipitation by extending the South Asian high eastward and expanding the western Pacific subtropical high westward. Tropical Atlantic warming enhances this TP–SEASM relationship through both the extratropical wave train and the tropical zonal circulation. Thus, seasonal prediction of the SEASM can be improved by further considering the synergistic impact of the TP’s thermal forcing and the tropical Atlantic surface temperature.
Between Coups and Election: Constitutional Engineering and Military Entrenchment in Sudan
Authors: Ali Hager , Ben Hammou Salah , Powell Jonathan M.
Published: November 2022

This article investigates how armies re-entrench their power after thwarting democratic transitions. After the Sudanese military staged a coup in October 2021 and altered the transitional constitution, coup leader Abdelfattah al-Burhan announced the military's withdrawal in July 2022 after. We argue that these constitutional changes leveraged existing institutions in the military's favour to retain its influence over Sudanese governance. Using empirical evidence from Sudan's previous military takeovers to evaluate the post-coup constitutional engineering, the analysis finds that military control over the electoral commission as well as decentralisation will be determining factors moving forward. The timeframe between an anti-democratic coup and subsequent elections should be examined more carefully. Entrenching military power through elections requires a policy set up in advance, usually undertaken in this period. Thus, we provide key insights into how armies incrementally consolidate their power without radically overhauling existing institutions.
Social-constructivist and figurational biographical research
Authors: Bogner Artur , Rosenthal Gabriele
Published: November 2022

In this article, we consider how biographical research can avoid common pitfalls such as viewing social phenomena as ahistorical, focusing on single individuals (as if they exist in isolation), neglecting power inequalities and power balances, or ignoring collective discourses and their impact on the groupings or individuals concerned. When conducting biographical research, we are constantly at risk of falling into these traps, despite all our good intentions. To meet this challenge, we suggest an approach that combines social-constructivist biographical research with the principles of figurational sociology. This makes it possible to investigate the mutual constitution of individuals and societies, interdependencies between different groupings or we-groups (and different kinds of we-groups), and the changing power inequalities or power balances between and inside them, within different figurations in varying historical, ‘social’, and geographical contexts. To illustrate this methodological approach, we present examples from our joint field research on local post-war and peace processes, carried out in two adjacent regions of northern Uganda. This research focuses on the situation following the return to civilian life of former rebel fighters from different sociopolitical, ethnopolitical, or regional settings or groupings, and from different rebel groups.
The Potential of Chinhoyi as a Fast-Growing Secondary City in Addressing Urban Challenges in Zimbabwe
Authors: Matamanda Abraham R. , Mafuku Shamiso H. , Bhanye Johannes I.
Published: November 2022

Chinhoyi in Zimbabwe is used as a case study to explore the potential of secondary cities in addressing urban challenges. This study is significant considering that while African cities are rapidly urbanizing, narratives in African urbanism focus more on large cities and metros. Adopting a qualitative research approach, data for this study were collected from interviews with 15 key informants and a review of policies and development plans. The study reveals that, albeit challenges bedeviling Chinhoyi, there is potential for sustained growth through maximizing local opportunities, including industrial capability, supporting the informal sector, promoting mixed-use development, and empowering the local authority.
How China’s Debt-Trap Diplomacy Works in African Countries: Evidence from Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Djibouti
Authors: Al-Fadhat Faris , Prasetio Hari
Published: November 2022

Since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was initiated in 2013, China under Xi Jinping has continued to expand its capital to various countries. This expansion is part of China’s strategy to shore up its position as a major global economic and political power vis-à-vis the United States. As nearly 70 countries have joined the BRI network, this economic cooperation scheme contributes to economic growth and helps close the infrastructure gap. Nevertheless, the case of China’s capital expansion in Africa has shown mixed results, where some economies are becoming more dependent and even facing a debt trap. This article addresses why such economic cooperation has turned into a debt trap for countries in the African region. Applying the concept of Structural Power in examining China’s investment in Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Djibouti, this article argues that the debt trap has been caused by the structural disparity between China as an investor and African countries as investment recipients. China, in this case, has a more dominant “good” aspect, while African countries are more in “need.” This article also contends that the debt trap is a strategy carried out by the Chinese government to dominate the African economies in the long run. The three case studies are valuable as they represented different geographical locations in the region and portray a border of lower middle-income countries in general.
Temporal and geographical variation in low carbon inhaler dispensing in England, 2016 to 2021: an ecological study
Authors: Tian Jianghan , McGrogan Anita , Jones Matthew D
Published: November 2022

Objectives

In 2019–2020, four national recommendations were published in the United Kingdom to encourage use of low carbon inhalers. This study aimed to investigate whether these were associated with a change in primary care dispensing in England and to explore associations between geographical variation and clinical commissioning group (CCG) characteristics.

Design

Ecological study using aggregated publicly available data.

Setting

All CCGs in England (March 2016 to February 2021).

Participants

not applicable

Main outcome measures

Percentage of low carbon inhalers dispensed.

Results

The percentage of low carbon inhalers dispensed was 26.3% in 2020–2021 (of 8.8 million inhalers). This decreased over the study period for short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and ICS+long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) inhalers. The same trend was seen for LABA and ICS+LABA+long-acting muscarinic antagonist inhalers from 2019. The SABA and ICS classes were less often dispensed as low carbon inhalers (⁓6% versus 35–45%). Interrupted time series analyses found slight increases in low carbon inhaler percentage in the SABA, LABA and ICS classes after April 2019, which were soon erased by the long-term trend. There was also geographical variation, with the north-west, Birmingham and London consistently dispensing more low carbon inhalers. The presence of advice on climate change in CCG formularies/guidelines, the prevalence of asthma and population age profile were associated with significant variation in low carbon inhaler percentage for some classes.

Conclusions

The percentage of low carbon inhalers dispensed in England remains low and continues to decrease. Greater use of low carbon inhalers is achievable, but is more likely with locally implemented initiatives.
A Preliminary Study on the Characteristics and Standard Diagnosis and Treatment of Vestibular Dysfunction in Children
Authors: Tian Ruru , Zhang Haiqin , Xie Daoyu , Ding Jinv , Jiang Jianhua
Published: November 2022

Objective

To understand the pathogenesis of vestibular dysfunction in children and to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular dysfunction in children.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 children who visited our hospital from June 2011 to July 2020, aged between 4 and 17 years, with a duration of 1 day to 3 years. They were admitted to the hospital for treatment upon vestibular function-related examinations confirmed that there was peripheral vestibular function impairment.

Results

Children aged 6–12 years old who are diagnosed are significantly more than other two age groups (4–6) and (12–17) (X2 = 101.738, P < .001). There was a significant statistical difference (X2 = 91.195, P < .001) in comparison of abnormal rates of vestibular function-related examinations. The Mann test had the highest abnormal rate and the lowest Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (cVEMP) abnormality rate. Comparison of abnormal consistency rates for quantitative and qualitative examination of vestibular function, the abnormal rates (double temperature test and Mann test) were significantly better than other abnormal consistency rates, and there were statistical differences (X2 = 7.485, P = .024 < .05). Among the children with vestibular dysfunction, the etiology was most common in 58 cases (72.50%) of benign paroxysmal vertigo, 4 cases of vestibular migraine (5.00%), 8 cases (10.00%) of vestibular neuronitis, of which 22 cases (27.50%) were combined with other diseases, and the most common was 15 cases (18.75%) of sinusitis.

Conclusion

A limited number of studies were conducted on vestibular dysfunction in children. The current retrospective analysis suggests that age, gender, and side of ear pain have no significant effects, while children aged 6–12 are more likely to suffer from vestibular dysfunction. On children’s vestibular dysfunction, more etiology is unclear, and special attention should be paid to differential diagnosis when giving treatment and the child’s medical history should be examined in detail and appropriate vestibular function tests should be selected in order to provide timely, effective, and accurate treatment for the child.
Optimal Approach for Assessing Evidence of Dementia for Research Studies
Authors: Resnick Barbara , Boltz Marie , Galik Elizabeth , Ellis Jeanette , Kuzmik Ashley , Drazich Brittany
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to describe a process to determine the presence of dementia and test the psychometric properties of the proposed measurement model for dementia. The model included the AD8, the Functional Activities Questionnaire, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, and the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination. A total of 346 patients consented and 176 of those were determined to be eligible as a result of screening with this measurement model. The mean age of the participants was 80.70 ( SD = 9.60) and the majority were female (64%), white (66%), not Latinx (99%), and not married (67%). There was evidence of reliability based on the internal consistency of the items on all measures and the limited error associated with each item. There was evidence of construct validity based on model fit. All four measures are recommended as a pragmatic way in which to comprehensively determine evidence of dementia for research studies.
Facilitating equitable access to hospice care in socially deprived areas: A mixed methods multiple case study
Authors: French Maddy , Keegan Thomas , Preston Nancy
Published: November 2022

Background:

There is uncertainty about the factors influencing inequities in access to palliative care in socially deprived areas, including the role of service models and professional perceptions.

Aim:

To explore the relationship between social deprivation and access to hospice care, including factors influencing access and professional experiences of providing care.

Design:

A mixed-methods multiple case study approach was used. Hospice referrals data were analysed using generalised linear mixed models and other regression analyses. Qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings from different areas (cases) were compared in a cross-case analysis.

Setting:

The study took place in North West England, using data from three hospices (8699 hospice patients) and interviews with 42 healthcare professionals.

Results:

Social deprivation was not statistically significantly, or consistently, associated with hospice referrals in the three cases (Case 1, Incidence Rate Ratio 1.04, p = 0.75; Case 2, Incidence Rate Ratio 1.09, p = 0.15, Case 3, Incidence Rate Ratio 0.88, p = 0.35). Hospice data and interviews suggest the model of hospice care, including working relationship with hospitals, and the local nature of social deprivation influenced access. Circumstances associated with social deprivation can conflict with professional expectations within palliative care.

Conclusion:

Hospice care in the UK can be organised in ways that facilitate referrals of patients from socially deprived areas, although uncertainty about what constitutes need limits conclusions about equity. Grounding professional narratives around expectations, responsibility, and choice in frameworks that recognise the sociostructural influences on end-of-life circumstances may help to foster more equitable palliative care.
Quantitative evaluation of functional liver reserve using the liver-to-spleen ΔR1 ratio based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI: corrected for the effect of gadoxetic acid dose
Authors: Eitoku Shoma , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Mio Motohira
Published: November 2022

Background

The liver T1 reduction rate can be used to assess liver function. However, higher doses of gadoxetic acid may shorten the liver T1 value in the hepatobiliary phase and increase the T1 reduction rate in patients with severe liver dysfunction, potentially overestimating liver function.

Purpose

To verify the relationship between the gadoxetic acid dose and the liver T1 reduction rate and ΔR1 of the liver and spleen, and to clarify whether the ΔR1 of hepatocytes, corrected for the effect of gadoxetic acid dose, could be used as an index of functional liver reserve.

Material and Methods

We enrolled 13 patients with normal liver function (NLF); and 18, 8, and 3 patients with Child-Pugh classes A (CPA), B (CPB), and C (CPC) who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Phase-sensitive inversion recovery sequence was performed before and at 15 min after injection and T1 maps were calculated. Liver and spleen ΔR1, liver T1 reduction rate, and the liver-to-spleen ΔR1 ratio were calculated.

Results

Only the liver-to-spleen ΔR1 ratio showed no correlation with gadoxetic acid dose in any group. The T1 reduction rate was not significantly different between the CPA and CPB + CPC groups. The liver-to-spleen ΔR1 ratio significantly differed between all groups.

Conclusion

The liver and spleen ΔR1 was dependent on the dose of gadoxetic acid in severe liver dysfunction. The liver-to-spleen ΔR1 ratio improves the delineation of the CPA and CPB + CPC groups.
The Sartorial Choices of Sobekneferu: Louvre Statue E 27135
Authors: Diamond Kelly Anne
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the items of dress worn by King Sobekneferu on statue E 27135 in the Musée du Louvre. This statue is unique in comparison to her other known statues because it is the only one where she wears both feminine and masculine dress items. Sobekneferu’s combination of dress items coalesces in an ensemble that shapes, performs and displays her gender, divinity, communality, profession and class simultaneously. Through an analysis of her sartorial choices, we can better understand how Sobekneferu satisfied both her individual identity and her group identity in interacting with her subjects. This paper demonstrates how her dress had the power to communicate and inform the public through its materiality. Sobekneferu’s sartorial choices enabled her to craft visibly an authoritative image of herself as king. This image responded to the gendered expectation of kingship which was invoked through the masculinity her statue produced.
Students’ perceptions of the user education programmes at a South African university
Authors: Chiya Katlego Petrus , Onyancha Omwoyo Bosire , Ezema Ifeanyi J
Published: November 2022

First-time university students lack the practical and complex skills to harness, evaluate, use and create information to achieve their educational, occupational, social and personal information goals. The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of user education programmes at the North-West University, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 320 students across two faculties. The study’s findings reveal that the majority of first-year students had participated in different user education programmes, with 80.7% of the students indicating that they were satisfied with the content and quality of the programmes. Over 90% of the students who participated in the programmes affirmed that they had enhanced their capacity to make effective searches for information and improved their skills in correctly citating and referencing information sources for their assignments. The majority of the students searched for information and resources independently of librarians. This article draws several conclusions and makes recommendations based on the findings.
Influence of Sense of Competence, Empathy and Relationship Quality on Burden in Dementia Caregivers: A 15 Months Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kieboom Robin van den , Mark Ruth , Snaphaan Liselore , Assen Marcel van , Bongers Inge
Published: November 2022

Objectives: The aim is to explore the trajectory of caregiver burden and how this relates to caregiver and contextual factors in community-dwelling dyads. Methods: At baseline, 201 family caregivers were included. The multidimensional construct of family caregiver burden and the effects of sense of competence, empathy, and quality of the relationship on this burden were assessed over 15 months using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Results: We found an increase of burden linked to disruptions in the caregiver’s own usual activities ( p = 0.002) and physical health complaints ( p = 0.001). Caregivers with a high sense of competence experienced lower caregiver burden during the entire caregiving process ( p < 0.001). Discussion: Healthcare professionals should alert family caregivers to the importance of taking care of themselves as early as possible in their new caregiver role. Caregiving is demanding and could negatively influence their own activities and physical health.
The effects of long-term prenatal exposure to 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz electromagnetic field radiation on myocardial tissue of rats
Authors: Bozok Sahin , Karaagac Erturk , Sener Dila , Akakin Dilek , Tumkaya Levent
Published: November 2022

It is well-known that wireless communication technologies facilitate human life. However, the harmful effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation on the human body should not be ignored. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of long-term, prenatal exposure to EMF radiation on the myocardium of rats at varying durations. Overall, 18 pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into six groups ( n = 3 in each group). In all groups other than the control group, three pregnant rats were exposed to EMF radiation (900, 1800 and 2100 MHz) for 6, 12 and 24 h over 20 days. After delivery, the newborn male pups were identified and six newborn male pups from each group were randomly selected. Then, histopathological and biochemical analysis of myocardial samples were performed. When 24-h/day prenatal exposures to 900, 1800, 2100 MHz EMF radiation were evaluated, myocardial damage was greater in the 2100 MHz EMF-24h group than the other groups. In addition, when malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels associated with reactive oxidative species (ROS) were evaluated, the MDA level was higher in the 2100 MHz EMF-24h group compared with the other groups. The GSH level was also lower in the 2100 MHz EMF-24h group. When the 6, 12 and 24 h/day prenatal exposures to 1800 MHz EMF radiation were evaluated, myocardial damage was greater in 1800 MHz EMF-24h group than the remaining groups ( p < 0.0001). Also, MDA level was greater in the 1800 MHz EMF-24h group compared with the other groups while the GSH level was lower in this group. It was shown that myocardial tissue was affected more by long-term exposure to EMF radiation at high frequencies. The data raise concerns that the harmful effects of non-ionizing radiation exposure on cardiac tissue will increase with 5G technology.
Modified Wavelet Analyses Permit Quantification of Dynamic Interactions Between Ultradian and Circadian Rhythms
Authors: Riggle Jonathan P. , Kay Leslie M. , Onishi Kenneth G. , Falk David T. , Smarr Benjamin L. , Zucker Irving , Prendergast Brian J.
Published: November 2022

Circadian rhythms provide daily temporal structure to cellular and organismal biological processes, ranging from gene expression to cognition. Higher-frequency (intradaily) ultradian rhythms are similarly ubiquitous but have garnered far less empirical study, in part because of the properties that define them—multimodal periods, non-stationarity, circadian harmonics, and diurnal modulation–pose challenges to their accurate and precise quantification. Wavelet analyses are ideally suited to address these challenges, but wavelet-based measurement of ultradian rhythms has remained largely idiographic. Here, we describe novel analytical approaches, based on discrete and continuous wavelet transforms, which permit quantification of rhythmic power distribution across a broad ultradian spectrum, as well as precise identification of period within empirically determined ultradian bands. Moreover, the aggregation of normalized wavelet matrices allows group-level analyses of experimental treatments, thereby circumventing limitations of idiographic approaches. The accuracy and precision of these wavelet analyses were validated using in silico and in vivo models with known ultradian features. Experiments in male and female mice yielded robust and repeatable measures of ultradian period and power in home cage locomotor activity, confirming and extending reports of ultradian rhythm modulation by sex, gonadal hormones, and circadian entrainment. Seasonal changes in day length modulated ultradian period and power, and exerted opposite effects in the light and dark phases of the 24 h day, underscoring the importance of evaluating ultradian rhythms with attention to circadian phase. Sex differences in ultradian rhythms were more prominent at night and depended on gonadal hormones in male mice. Thus, relatively straightforward modifications to the wavelet procedure allowed quantification of ultradian rhythms with appropriate time-frequency resolution, generating accurate, and repeatable measures of period and power which are suitable for group-level analyses. These analytical tools may afford deeper understanding of how ultradian rhythms are generated and respond to interoceptive and exteroceptive cues.
A Scoping Review of Magnetic Resonance Modalities Used in Detection of Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms in Pediatric Populations
Authors: Sheldrake Elena , Lam Brendan , Al-Hakeem Hiba , Wheeler Anne L. , Goldstein Benjamin I. , Dunkley Benjamin T. , Ameis Stephanie , Reed Nick , Scratch Shannon E.
Published: November 2022

Up to 30% of youth with concussion experience PPCSs (PPCS) lasting 4 weeks or longer, and can significantly impact quality of life. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to increase understanding of causal mechanisms underlying PPCS. However, there are no clear modalities to assist in detecting PPCS. This scoping review aims to synthesize findings on utilization of MRI among children and youth with PPCS, and summarize progress and limitations. Thirty-six studies were included from 4907 identified papers. Many studies used multiple modalities, including (1) structural (n = 27) such as T1-weighted imaging, diffusion weighted imaging, and susceptibility weighted imaging; and (2) functional (n = 23) such as functional MRI and perfusion-weighted imaging. Findings were heterogeneous among modalities and regions of interest, which warrants future reviews that report on the patterns and potential advancements in the field. Consideration of modalities that target PPCS prediction and sensitive modalities that can supplement a biopsychosocial approach to PPCS would benefit future research.
The Effects of Loneliness on Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults During COVID-19: Longitudinal Analyses of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Wister Andrew , Li Lun , Levasseur Mélanie , Kadowaki Laura , Pickering John
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This paper examines the longitudinal effects of changes in the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms during the pandemic among older adults (65+). Methods Baseline (2011–2015) and Follow-up 1 (2015–2018) from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), and the Baseline and Exit waves of the CLSA COVID-19 study (April–December, 2020) ( n = 12,469) were used. Loneliness was measured using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale and depression using the CES_D- 9. Results Loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms pre-pandemic; and changes in level of loneliness between FUP1 and the COVID Exit survey, adjusting for covariates. No interaction between loneliness and caregiving, and with multimorbidity, on depressive symptoms were observed, and several covariates exhibited associations with depressive symptoms. Discussion Strong support is found for an association between loneliness on depressive symptoms among older adults during the pandemic. Public health approaches addressing loneliness could reduce the burden of depression on older populations.
Preferred location of the porous sleeve in a concentric annulus depending on the thermal insulation
Authors: Jasim Laith , Alkhabbaz Ali , Hamzah Hudhaifa
Published: November 2022

In this work, natural convection flow in a horizontal cylindrical annulus having a porous sleeve under constant volume is numerically examined and compared with a completely filled porous annulus. Three different locations for the porous sleeve were considered as follows: adjacent to the hot inner surface, in the middle of the annulus and adjacent to the cold outer surface. At each of these locations, the volume of the porous sleeve represents half the volume of the annulus. The code adopts a non-Darcian model to represent the steady laminar flow and heat transfer within the solid porous domain using the finite difference technique. The motivation of the current simulation is to show the influence of the porous sleeve locations on thermal insulation. The influences of a wide range of modified Rayleigh numbers [Formula: see text] and three various values of the porosity [Formula: see text], at [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], are examined. The results proved that the location of the fixed volume porous sleeve affects the thermal insulation. In addition, the best thermal insulation performance depends on the operating conditions of the system as well as the location of the porous sleeve and its porosity.