bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Evidence-Based Practice in Operating Room Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Southwest of Iran
Authors: Eslami Jamshid , Saeedi Amir Arsalan , Najafi Kalyani Majid
Published: May 2024

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making process that is grounded in the utilization of the most reliable and up-to-date evidence. It involves utilizing resources and evidence to enhance patient management. The application of evidence-based decisions in patient care and education is of utmost importance in the performance of health sciences students. However, the emphasis on this concept among operating room nursing students has been lacking. Hence, the objective of this research is to assess the implementation of evidence-based practice among operating room nursing students studying in the operating room department at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The study follows a descriptive, cross-sectional design, with a sample of 148 operating room nursing students selected through census sampling based on the student list. After obtaining informed consent, participants completed a demographic information form and the Rubin–Parrish evidence-based practice questionnaire. The data that were gathered underwent analysis through the utilization of SPSS version 22 software, employing descriptive statistics, T-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests. The results revealed that the overall average score of evidence-based practice among the students exceeded the standard scores (172.66 ± 14.74). There was a significant association between the evidence-based practice score and prior familiarity with evidence-based practice, interest in the field of study, research experience, intention to participate in the Master’s exam, and the participants’ grade point average (GPA) (p<0.05). These findings indicate that operating room nursing students displayed an average level of evidence-based practice, emphasizing the need for effective plans and strategies to improve their performance. Addressing the identified factors from this study becomes crucial in this regard.
Analyzing the Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) among Motorcyclists in Bangladesh
Authors: Miah Md. Mamun , Chakma Biton , Hossain Kabir
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective. Motorbikes are a popular mode of transportation in developing nations, especially in places where public transportation is not easily accessible. This research aims to investigate the prevalence of road traffic crashes (RTCs) among motorcyclists in Noakhali, Bangladesh, and to identify the factors that play a role in these crashes. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire involving 402 motorcyclists from four major southeastern towns, comprising 350 (86.07%) males and 52 (12.93%) females. The chi-square test was applied in bivariate analysis, and binary multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors of road traffic crashes. Results. This study’s findings revealed that the overall reported prevalence of road traffic crashes involving motorcycle drivers over one year was 68.66%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed several factors that significantly impacted road traffic crashes. These factors included driving without a valid driving license, the young age (<20) of motorcyclists, driving in rainy weather, exceeding the speed limit, per-week working hours, smoking status, motorcycle ownership, the brand of motorcycle, and not wearing a helmet while driving. Conclusion. The study findings highlight the need for improving motorcycle safety by implementing measures such as imposing per-week work hour limits for riders, enforcing traffic regulations, and promoting helmet use among motorcycle drivers. The results of this study draw attention to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and motorcycle drivers in the country to decrease motorcycle crashes and the severity of injuries by implementing efficient guidelines and strategies for driving motorcycles. The findings of this study can assist policymakers and concerned authorities in taking the essential steps to lessen road traffic crashes among motorcyclists in Bangladesh.
Identification of Clonal Hematopoiesis Driver Mutations through In Silico Saturation Mutagenesis
Authors: Demajo Santiago , Ramis-Zaldivar Joan E. , Muiños Ferran , Grau Miguel L. , Andrianova Maria , López-Bigas Núria , González-Pérez Abel
Published: May 2024

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a phenomenon of clonal expansion of hematopoietic stem cells driven by somatic mutations affecting certain genes. Recently, CH has been linked to the development of hematologic malignancies, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions. Although the most frequently mutated CH driver genes have been identified, a systematic landscape of the mutations capable of initiating this phenomenon is still lacking. In this study, we trained machine learning models for 12 of the most recurrent CH genes to identify their driver mutations. These models outperform expert-curated rules based on prior knowledge of the function of these genes. Moreover, their application to identify CH driver mutations across almost half a million donors of the UK Biobank reproduces known associations between CH driver mutations and age, and the prevalence of several diseases and conditions. We thus propose that these models support the accurate identification of CH across healthy individuals.

Significance: We developed and validated gene-specific machine learning models to identify CH driver mutations, showing their advantage with respect to expert-curated rules. These models can support the identification and clinical interpretation of CH mutations in newly sequenced individuals.

See related commentary by Arends and Jaiswal, p. 1581
Table S2 from Small Extracellular Vesicles Promote Stiffness-mediated Metastasis
Authors: Sneider Alexandra , Liu Ying , Starich Bartholomew , Du Wenxuan , Nair Praful R. , Marar Carolyn , Faqih Najwa , Ciotti Gabrielle E. , Kim Joo Ho , Krishnan Sejal , Ibrahim Salma , Igboko Muna , Locke Alexus , Lewis Daniel M. , Hong Hanna , Karl Michelle N. , Vij Raghav , Russo Gabriella C. , Gómez-de-Mariscal Estibaliz , Habibi Mehran , Muñoz-Barrutia Arrate , Gu Luo , Eisinger-Mathason T.S. Karin , Wirtz Denis
Published: May 2024

Master protein list of identified proteins present in TMT analysis.
Cell Cycle-Related Centromere Protein F Deficiency Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth by Inducing Ferroptosis
Authors: Liu Xinyue , Guo Li , Suo Yuping , Tang XinHui , Zhu Ting , Zhao Tiannan , Zhang Weina , Zhang Ping
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the involvement of the cell cycle-related protein centromere protein F (CENPF) in the development of ovarian cancer (OC) and explored its relationship with ferroptosis. Design: The databases were analysed to identify differential expression of cell cycle-related proteins between individuals with OC and normal individuals. Immunohistochemistry and statistical analysis were conducted on ovarian tissues obtained from 40 patients with epithelial OC and 20 normal individuals. In vitro experiments were performed using SKOV3 and HEY epithelial OC cell lines. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: The mRNA microarray dataset, consisting of GSE14001, GSE54388, GSE40595, and GSE14407, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to investigate the genes associated with cell cycle regulation in OC cells. CENPF was selected as the subject of study through differential analysis.Assessed the expression of CENPF in both OC patients and normal ovarian tissues using immunohistochemistry. Lentivirus infection was employed to downregulate CENPF expression, and subsequent experiments including Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, cell cycle analysis, transwell assay, and wound-healing assay were conducted to investigate the effects of CENPF on proliferation, invasion, migration, and cell cycle regulation in OC cells. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) assays were performed to assess the involvement of CENPF in cellular redox reactions. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4, SLC7A11, DMT1, and protein 53 [p53]). Results: By querying and integrating cell cycle-related genes from the GEO database, in silico analyses using The Cancer Genome Atlas database combined with immunohistochemical studies, we discovered that CENPF is upregulated in OC tissues and is related to survival. Downregulation of CENPF inhibited biological function of OC cells, increased intracellular ROS and MDA levels, and downregulated the GPX4 protein and the SLC7A11/xCT protein, but upregulated the DMT1 protein and the tumour p53 expression to induce ferroptosis. Limitations: This study did not investigate ferroptosis-related studies following CENPF overexpression, and the findings have not been validated in animal studies. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that the deficiency of CENPF played a crucial anti-oncogenic role in the progression of OC through the mechanism of ferroptosis.
Pacemaker Channels and the Chronotropic Response in Health and Disease
Authors: Hennis Konstantin , Piantoni Chiara , Biel Martin , Fenske Stefanie , Wahl-Schott Christian
Published: May 2024

Loss or dysregulation of the normally precise control of heart rate via the autonomic nervous system plays a critical role during the development and progression of cardiovascular disease—including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. While the clinical significance of regulating changes in heart rate, known as the chronotropic effect, is undeniable, the mechanisms controlling these changes remain not fully understood. Heart rate acceleration and deceleration are mediated by increasing or decreasing the spontaneous firing rate of pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. During the transition from rest to activity, sympathetic neurons stimulate these cells by activating β-adrenergic receptors and increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The same signal transduction pathway is targeted by positive chronotropic drugs such as norepinephrine and dobutamine, which are used in the treatment of cardiogenic shock and severe heart failure. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate–sensitive hyperpolarization–activated current (I
f
) in pacemaker cells is passed by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels and is critical for generating the autonomous heartbeat. In addition, this current has been suggested to play a central role in the chronotropic effect. Recent studies demonstrate that cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent regulation of HCN4 (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel isoform 4) acts to stabilize the heart rate, particularly during rapid rate transitions induced by the autonomic nervous system. The mechanism is based on creating a balance between firing and recently discovered nonfiring pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. In this way, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels may protect the heart from sinoatrial node dysfunction, secondary arrhythmia of the atria, and potentially fatal tachyarrhythmia of the ventricles. Here, we review the latest findings on sinoatrial node automaticity and discuss the physiological and pathophysiological role of HCN pacemaker channels in the chronotropic response and beyond.
Arrhythmogenic Manifestations of Chagas Disease: Perspectives From the Bench to Bedside
Authors: Roman-Campos Danilo , Marin-Neto José Antonio , Santos-Miranda Artur , Kong Nathan , D’Avila André , Rassi Anis
Published: May 2024

Chagas cardiomyopathy caused by infection with the intracellular parasite
Trypanosoma cruzi
is the most common and severe expression of human Chagas disease. Heart failure, systemic and pulmonary thromboembolism, arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death are the principal clinical manifestations of Chagas cardiomyopathy. Ventricular arrhythmias contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality and are the major cause of sudden cardiac death. Significant gaps still exist in the understanding of the pathogenesis mechanisms underlying the arrhythmogenic manifestations of Chagas cardiomyopathy. This article will review the data from experimental studies and translate those findings to draw hypotheses about clinical observations. Human- and animal-based studies at molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels suggest 5 main pillars of remodeling caused by the interaction of host and parasite: immunologic, electrical, autonomic, microvascular, and contractile. Integrating these 5 remodeling processes will bring insights into the current knowledge in the field, highlighting some key features for future management of this arrhythmogenic disease.
What Formal Languages Can Transformers Express? A Survey
Authors: Strobl Lena , Merrill William , Weiss Gail , Chiang David , Angluin Dana
Published: May 2024

As transformers have gained prominence in natural language processing, some researchers have investigated theoretically what problems they can and cannot solve, by treating problems as formal languages. Exploring such questions can help clarify the power of transformers relative to other models of computation, their fundamental capabilities and limits, and the impact of architectural choices. Work in this subarea has made considerable progress in recent years. Here, we undertake a comprehensive survey of this work, documenting the diverse assumptions that underlie different results and providing a unified framework for harmonizing seemingly contradictory findings.
Bolstering the Boys Club: Security Vetting, Diversity and Diplomatic Gatekeeping
Authors: Stephenson Elise , Rimmer Susan Harris
Published: May 2024

Much of the research on gender and diplomacy has focused on those already let into the ‘club’. This article analyses the ‘threshold’ to diplomacy: security clearance processes. Security vetting ultimately determines who progresses, and what level of clearance (and therefore seniority or position) a diplomat can achieve. This article seeks to trace the journey for individuals entering a diplomatic career. It argues that security vetting is simultaneously based on legitimate processes for assessing potential national security threats, and on values interpretation (such as loyalty, maturity and trustworthiness) which may invite bias or lead to illegitimate processes of exclusion. By excavating the gendered history of vetting, we can better understand the limitations of the current de-historicised and ‘impartial’ process. We argue that clearance processes have not sufficiently evolved over the past decades of social progress, which has negative implications for the evolution of diplomacy as a social practice.
A revision of bupresticida species group of Cerceris Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Philanthinae) of the Western Palearctic region, with the description of Cerceris ammonia, a new species from Egypt
Authors: MALASH ALYAA A. , EDMARDASH YUSUF A. , GADALLAH NEVEEN S.
Published: May 2024

A total of six species of the Cerceris bupresticida group have been studied, of which C. ammonia Malash, Edmardash & Gadallah is described and illustrated as a new species. Distribution data, as well as taxonomic comments are given for each species. Illustrations of different body parts are provided for all species under study. An illustrated key to all species of this group is also provided.
Diversity of wasps (Hymenoptera) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) farms in Basrah Governorate, Southern Iraq
Authors: MANSOWR ZAINAB F. , KAREEM DHIA K. , AL-MANSOUR NASIR A. , MORAVVEJ SEYED-ABBAS
Published: May 2024

Studies on the diversity of parasitoid wasps in agroecosystems exemplify the first stage of recognizing the best species to be used in biological control programs. There is an increased effort to recognize the diversity of pests in agroecosystems, but information on agricultural environments in Iraq is still unknown. This study is interested in the diversity of wasps in a cultivated area in Basrah governorate and the identification of dominant species for potential application in biological control studies. Samples were collected from alfalfa farms between January and December 2020 using two insect collection methods: sweep nets and yellow pan traps in four stations in Basrah governorate. This paper confirms that there is a high diversity of wasp species in agricultural environments. During this study, 18 wasp species were recorded for the first time in Iraq. Gronotoma micromorpha recorded the highest annual relative abundance value of 26.5%, while Chalcis biguttata recorded the lowest relative abundance of 0.89% in most agricultural environments. Numerous studies on G. micromorpha indicate that it is a parasitoid of Liriomyza species (Diptera). Thus, this species may be an important agent in the biological control of this pest.
Review of Nychia marshalli in the Western Palaearctic, with new records and distributional notes (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Notonectidae)
Authors: CIANFERONI FABIO , PINTAR MATTHEW R.
Published: May 2024

The backswimmer Nychia marshalli (Scott, 1872) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Notonectidae) is reported for the first time from Italy on the island of Sardinia. A new record of N. marshalli from Corsica (the first from the eastern coast) is provided and the distribution of the species in the Western Palearctic region is summarized. Although records of N. marshalli continue to be documented around the western Mediterranean, its distribution in the remaining part of its range can still be improved and the relationship of the Palaearctic population to sub-Saharan populations of Nychia needs to be further investigated.
Tribasodes kamedai Nomura is not a strictly cavernicolous species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ , NOMURA SHÛHEI , TOKUSHIGE NORIHIDE
Published: May 2024

Tribasodes kamedai Nomura, 2012 was described based on specimens collected in a limestone cave in Okinawa-jima Island. We demonstrate that this species is not a strict troglobite, but presumably a trogloxene, as it was recently collected in new localities from forest leaf litter and hollow trees. Tribasodes kamedai is redescribed in detail, with the first illustrations of female genitalia, notes on interspecific variability, and new distributional records.
Evaluating Existing Ocean Glider Sampling Strategies for Submesoscale Dynamics
Authors: Patmore Ryan D. , Ferreira David , Marshall David P. , du Plessis Marcel D. , Brearley J. Alexander , Swart Sebastiaan
Published: May 2024

Mixing in the upper ocean is important for biological production and the transfer of heat and carbon between the atmosphere and deep ocean, properties commonly targeted by observational campaigns using ocean gliders. We assess the reliability of ocean gliders to obtain a robust statistical representation of submesoscale variability in the ocean mixed layer of the Weddell Sea. A 1/48° regional simulation of the Southern Ocean is sampled with virtual “bow-tie” glider deployments, which are then compared against the reference model output. Sampling biases of lateral buoyancy gradients associated with the arbitrary alignment between glider paths and fronts are formally quantified, and the magnitude of the biases is comparable to observational estimates, with a mean error of 52%. The sampling bias leaves errors in the retrieved distribution of buoyancy gradients largely insensitive to deployment length and the deployment of additional gliders. Notable sensitivity to these choices emerges when the biases are removed by sampling perpendicular to fronts at all times. Detecting seasonal change in the magnitude of buoyancy gradients is sensitive to the glider-orientation sampling bias but the change in variance is not. We evaluate the impact of reducing the number of dives and climbs in an observational campaign and find that small reductions in the number of dive–climb pairs have a limited effect on the results. Lastly, examining the sensitivity of the sampling bias to path orientation indicates that the bias is not dependent on the direction of travel in our deep ocean study site.

Significance Statement

Recent observational campaigns have focused on using autonomous vehicles to better understand processes responsible for mixing in the surface region of the ocean. There exists uncertainty around how effective these missions are at returning reliable and representative information. This study seeks to quantify the performance of existing strategies in observing mixing processes, and we confirm that strategies are biased to underestimate indicators of mixing. Furthermore, compensating for the bias by increasing the number of resources or changing the manner in which resources are used has limited reward. Our findings are important for decision-making during the planning phase of an observational campaign and display that further innovations are required to account for the sampling bias.
Applicability of the Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency Test (PEI-TEST) in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Güven Burcu , Özkaya Esra , Karakullukçu Serdar , İmamoğlu Mustafa Selçuk , Çakır Murat
Published: May 2024

In mild cases, it is difficult to diagnose pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). There is no gold standard method for the diagnosis of PEI. A reliable method is needed for preliminary diagnosis of PEI. The PEI-TEST was applied to the patients with nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints. Serum amylase, lipase, serum trypsinogen, and fecal elastase 1 (FE-1) were analyzed from each patient. According to the PEI-TEST, PEI was present in 42 (47.7%) and PEI was not present in 46 (52.3%) patients. No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups with regard to age, gender and amylase, lipase, serum trypsinogen, and FE-1. When an FE-1 value of <200 µg/dL was considered as indicating PEI, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 47.4% and 52.2%, respectively. Although it is promising that PEI-TEST is a validated test in our country and suitable for our society, it is not suitable for pediatric patients.
A case report of sinonasal glomangiopericytoma: An important reminder to always collect specimen
Authors: Nichol Ariadne A. , Bernard Benjamin J. , Gilani Sapideh
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To present a case report of sinonasal glomangiopericytoma (GPC) in a female patient in her thirties and to highlight the importance of collecting pathology specimens even in routine sinus surgery cases.

Methods

A case report detailing the diagnosis of GPC in a female in her thirties, including her initial presentation, treatment, and follow-up, along with a brief review of the literature.

Results

Pathology of the collected specimen revealed sinonasal GPC along with chronic rhinosinusitis. Immunohistochemistry was positive for SMA, beta-catenin, and cyclin D1; and negative for STAT6, ERG, pankeratin, SOX10, and S100.

Conclusion

This diagnosis expands the knowledge around the demographic profile of GPC patients. GPC should be included in the differential diagnosis of sinonasal masses, even in younger patients. The case highlights the importance of collecting the entire pathology specimen in all cases, even of ones that seem routine and benign.
Tragedy, Ownership, and Hospitality in Gerar: Lessons from Social Psychology
Authors: Rachmuth Moshe
Published: May 2024

Can the story of Isaac be read with tragedy in mind or is the second patriarch the comedic relief of Genesis? Scholars mostly see Isaac as the book’s fool and thus laughable. Even more clearly so in Gen 26:7-11 which recounts how, during the hunger migration of Isaac and Rebekah to Philistine Gerar, Isaac presented Rebekah as his sister. Comparing Genesis 26 with similar stories about Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 12, 20), Isaac and Rebekah are in lesser danger than Isaac’s parents. This work takes three steps to argue that the story supports the national identity of displaced Israelites. First, I argue that the wife-sister scene isn’t necessarily less frightening than the other wife-sister scenes in Genesis 12 and Genesis 20. Second, I don’t consider the whole Isaac cycle. The reason is that unlike others who try to understand the character of Isaac, as it comes out from Genesis 17-35, I care for the wife-sister motif as a device to engage with fears around immigration. Third, and most untraditionally, I use modern social psychology research on modern societies to speculate about the effect of the story on its original readership.
Unpacking the complexities of information overload in early-stage online booking: The moderating effects of information presentation and regulatory focus
Authors: Yin Jing , Hwang Yeong-Hyeon
Published: May 2024

Online Travel Agents (OTAs) have become pivotal marketing channels in the tourism and hospitality industry, providing tourists with a variety of rich and timely information. However, excessive information can lead to information overload, which can negatively affect the decision-making process and potentially lead to delayed or abandoned bookings. This study aims to investigate the role of information overload in tourists’ early decision-making in the context of online hotel booking. 2 (information load: high vs. low) × 2 (information presentation format: alternative-vs. attribute-based display) × 2 (regulatory focus: promotion-vs. prevention-focus) between-subjects scenario-based experiment was conducted with 305 Chinese adult participants. The results showed that information overload occurs in the early stages of online booking decision and is influenced by the interaction of information presentation format and regulatory focus. Regulatory focus can influence tourists’ information presentation format preferences under high information load conditions. When the appropriate information presentation format is applied to an individual's regulatory focus, information processing becomes more fluid, thereby reducing information overload. The findings emphasize the importance of matching information presentation to an individual's regulatory focus to minimize information overload and provide practical implications for OTAs.
The relationship between austenite stabiliser element and post-weld heat treatment on the corrosion behaviour of the welded duplex stainless steel made by gas tungsten arc welding
Authors: Tahaei Ali , Bagheri Vanani Behrouz , Abbasi Mahmoud , Merlin Matia , Garagnani Gian Luca
Published: May 2024

The corrosion behaviour and the inﬂuence of nickel and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the susceptibility to corrosion in welded duplex stainless steels were investigated. After PWHT, the amount of nickel for the weld region increases resulting in the generation of austenite and consequently, helping to obtain a favourable ferrite-to-austenite ratio. Comparing the experimental outcomes, it is noticed that the pits initiate and propagate in HAZ indicating this area is more susceptible to corrosion resistance compared to the fusion zone. The pitting resistance equivalent number alone is not sufficient reason to study the complex corrosion phenomenon, and the influence of other parameters namely microstructural evolution on the breakdown of passivity by pitting and the existence of intermetallic phases should be determined together.
Random Regret Minimization Approach to Commuting Mode Choice in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Caldeira Gabriel , Isler Cassiano Augusto
Published: May 2024

The random regret minimization (RRM) approach has been widely used in transport literature, but its application in the Global South is still marginal. In this paper we discuss individual commuting mode choice in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) from the perspective of the RRM modeling approach and its variants found in the literature. We estimated several multinomial logit models (random utility maximization [RUM], classical RRM, [Formula: see text]RRM, and hybrid formulations of RUM-RRM models) and explored regret scale and decision rule heterogeneities using latent class models with specific [Formula: see text] parameters. The results showed that the RRM approach outperformed its RUM counterpart in relation to model fit and suggested that it better captured the mode choice behavior of individuals in the analyzed context. We also found that accounting for heterogeneity in scale and decision rules improved the results of the models, and the specific [Formula: see text] parameters indicated that individuals displayed different regret behavior for travel time and travel cost attributes.
Traffic Flow Prediction by an Ensemble Framework with Data Denoising and Functional Principal Components Analysis
Authors: Qin Yutao , Wu Chuliang , Hu Yao
Published: May 2024

Accurate traffic flow data are important for congestion identification and real-time traffic control. Raw traffic flow data may be disturbed by different noises during the acquisition process, which leads to the degradation of model prediction performance. To address this problems, this paper proposes a data denoising method based on the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) combined with wavelet threshold denoising (WTD) to suppress potential outliers in the data, and then introduces functional principal component analysis to accomplish the traffic forecasting task. We use the proposed framework for real traffic flow prediction and validate the prediction performance of the proposed framework using root mean square error and mean absolute error. In the prediction performance comparison, five denoising methods are considered: empirical mode decomposition (EMD), ensemble empirical mode decomposition, complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise, ICEEMDAN, and WTD. The prediction results show that the model combined with the denoising method outperforms the model without the denoising method. ICEEMDAN combined with WTD’s denoising method improves prediction performance more than other methods. Furthermore, the WTD method with dmey type achieves higher accuracy than other types.
Study of Urban Arterial Road Off-Ramp Configuration in Highway Municipal Reconstruction
Authors: Yang Yonghong , Feng Kun , Hu Yixi , Zhang Yu , Zheng Tao
Published: May 2024

To reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall traffic capacity of roads, the municipal reconstruction of arterial roads from high-grade highways often involves setting up auxiliary roads on both sides of the road. This paper analyzes the existing methods of determining the configuration of urban arterial road off-ramps and proposes a novel design method, includes adding a “waiting for merging” section. Based on the traffic flow characteristics of the main roads, auxiliary roads, as well as off-ramps, second-stage deceleration theory and the insertable gap theory are applied. Considering the worst-case of diverted vehicles, a calculation model for the length of the urban arterial road off-ramps is proposed and utilized to calculate the advisory values for each segment of the off-ramps. Taking the reconstruction of an expressway in Hubei Province, China, as a case study, Vissim traffic simulation software was used to compare the proposed method with the traditional design method under four different traffic volumes. The results show that the proposed design method greatly improves the overall traffic capacity of roads compared with the traditional method, with a reduction of approximately 40% and 60% in delay time and queue length for the overall traffic, respectively. Furthermore, the research results can provide direct and effective design solutions and a basis for decision-making for setting the length of main and auxiliary road off-ramps.
Graph Neural Networks to Simulate Flexible Pavement Responses Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis Data
Authors: Zhou Qingwen , Al-Qadi Imad L.
Published: May 2024

The significant computational costs and efforts required for accurate three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) pavement response calculations necessitate an expedited approach. This study proposes a graph neural network (GNN)-based simulator for the modeling of 3D pavement structural responses under tire loading. The GNN model was trained using 240 simulations of 3D pavement FE data of flexible pavement structures. The simulator represented the state of pavement structure meshes in FE analysis at any given timestep as a graph, with FE nodes encoded as graph nodes and mesh edges as graph edges. The dynamic behaviors of pavement FEs were computed via learned message-passing between two graphs within two continuous timesteps. The one-step mean squared error (MSE) and rollout MSE were used as evaluation metrics for the GNN model. The results showed that, given an initial state of FE responses, the model could perform accurate one-step predictions, extending to trajectory predictions with one-step MSE as low as [Formula: see text] and rollout MSE around [Formula: see text]. The prediction framework is efficient; it requires a week of model training but only a mere 5 min of prediction for each single case. This a contrast to traditional 3D FE analyses that can span hours to weeks for a single case. The hyperparameters, including the number of message-passing steps M and the number of historical timesteps C, were established as 10 and 1, respectively, based on model performance and computation time. It was also observed that data normalization before training could significantly reduce model simulation noise.
Hybrid of micro-aramid and nano-alumina prominently enhanced the wear resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene composites
Authors: Tian Ying , Li Ruojia , Wang Zhuang , Zheng Shaomei , Che Qinlgun , Zhang Jianjun
Published: May 2024

Polymer self-lubricating composites are key in reducing energy consumption from friction, boasting self-lubrication, remarkable wear, and corrosion resistance. This study delves into the unexpected synergy between micro-aramid and nano-Al2O3 in enhancing PTFE’s wear resistance. The results exhibit that the optimal hybrid of 15 vol.% micro-aramid and 1 vol.% nano-Al2O3 particles enhanced the PTFE composites has carried out the best tribological properties, showing synergistic anti-friction and anti-wear effects and obtaining the very low wear rate of 8.73 × 10−7 mm3/Nm, which is decreased by 53% and 98.7% in comparison with separate enhancement of the PTFE composites with 15 vol.% micro-aramid and 1 vol.% nano-Al2O3, respectively. In-depth characterization and analysis of the friction interface are confirmed that PTFE generating carboxylic acid groups during the friction process chelated with the dual steel surface, micro-aramid producing the interaction of the strong polarity with the dual steel, and mechanical stress and high flash temperature promoting friction sintering of nano-Al2O3 to enhance bearing capacity are cooperatively endowed a robustness protective tribofilm with easy shearing and high bearing properties, which effectively enhances the tribological properties of PTFE composites, providing a reference for the research and design of new nano composites with ultra-low wear and self-lubricating properties.
Thirst Distress in Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Çamcı Gülşah , Oğuz Sıdıka , Özdemir Eyyüp
Published: May 2024

Objective: It has been reported that chronically critical patients and patients at high risk of death have moderate to high levels of thirst distress. It was planned as a descriptive and cross-sectional study to determine thirst distress in palliative care patients. Methods: A Patient Information Form, the Thirst Severity Form, and the Thirst Distress Scale were used for data collection. The research was carried out between March 2023 and July 2023 with 157 patients hospitalized in the palliative care services of a state hospital and a training and research hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Results: Of the patients, 51.6% were female. The mean thirst distress score of the patients was 23.96 ± 5.096. Of the patients, 0.6% had no thirst distress; 7.6% had mild, 48.4% had moderate, 38.9% had high, and 4.5% had severe thirst distress. Thirst scores of patients who were illiterate and did not smoke or drink alcohol were high ( P < .05). The thirst distress score of patients fed with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was higher than that of patients fed with total parenteral nutrition. There was a positive weak correlation between age and thirst distress score, a negative very weak correlation between fluid balance and thirst distress score, and a positive moderate correlation between Visual Analog Scale and thirst distress. Conclusion: Thirst distress was found to be at moderate and high levels in palliative care patients. In patients, thirst should be routinely assessed, and necessary interventions should be planned.
Headache in systemic lupus erythematosus: The LUNA registry cross-sectional study
Authors: Takamatsu Ryota , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Kishida Dai , Ichikawa Takanori , Ueno Ken-ichi , Miyawaki Yoshia , Yajima Nobuyuki , Sada Ken-Ei , Ichinose Kunihiro , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Ohno Shigeru , Kajiyama Hiroshi , Fujiwara Michio , Sato Shuzo , Kida Takashi , Matsuo Yusuke , Nishimura Keisuke , Toriyama Toshihide , Sekijima Yoshiki
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study investigated the clinically relevant factors for headaches in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using a registry from a Japanese multicenter cohort.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analysed the clinical information of patients with SLE who experienced headache episodes using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire. Significant findings in the comparisons between patients with headache (HA patients) and those without headache (non-HA patients) and in the comparisons depending on the grades of headache-induced disability in daily life based on the MIDAS scores were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the relevant factors for headache.

Results

We analyzed 369 patients (median age, 45 years; female, 90.8%), including 113 HA patients who were significantly younger than non-HA patients ( p < .005). HA patients had significantly higher frequencies of photosensitivity, rashes, and mucosal ulcers than non-HA patients ( p < .05). Age and photosensitivity were significantly associated with headache (odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–0.99; OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.29–3.49, respectively). In the HA patients, hypocomplementemia was significantly associated with a disability of more than mild grade (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.14–7.74), while rash was significantly observed in those presenting with moderate and severe disability.

Conclusion

This study suggests that photosensitivity is a relevant manifestation of headache in patients with SLE. Persistent hypocomplementemia can contribute to headache-induced disability in daily life, whereas a rash may be a dominant manifestation in patients presenting with moderate/severe headache-induced disability.
Virus, weapon, litter, industry: Generative metaphors that shape policy around emerging threats
Authors: White Samuel
Published: May 2024

This article examines the use of generative metaphors in the context of interference operations, particularly focusing on trolling and disinformation. It begins by emphasising the crucial role of metaphors in shaping perceptions of cybersecurity issues and subsequent government policies. To demonstrate this, the study delves into two case studies – the Philippines and Australia – analysing how their historical and political contexts have shaped the metaphors they employ to address trolling and disinformation. The article evaluates the effectiveness of these metaphors in both cases, considering their impact on policy formulation. It employs Allan McConnell's methodology to assess process and program success, ultimately concluding that, while the virus metaphor conveys urgency, it falls short in addressing the root causes of trolling. Conversely, the industry metaphor, as exemplified in the Philippines, promotes accountability and regulation.
Gender and Serious Drug Recalls: A Textual Sentiment Analysis of Drug Reviews on WebMD
Authors: Ball George P , Bavafa Hessam , Blanco Christian C , Park Hyunwoo , Wowak Kaitlin D
Published: May 2024

Consumers taking prescription drugs have limited ability to ascertain drug quality before taking the drug. After drug use, however, consumers frequently report their personal experiences with prescription drugs on one of the world's largest medical websites: WebMD. Drug reviews on WebMD are a potentially rich source of free-form text that can be utilized to inform firms, consumers, researchers, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the quality and safety of prescription drugs. Additionally, because men and women communicate in starkly different ways, the gender of the reviewer may play a key role in drug reviews signaling drug quality problems. We examine if drug review textual sentiment is associated with the hazard of a serious drug recall and whether this relationship varies depending on the gender of the reviewer. We analyze textual sentiment on drug reviews from WebMD along with 13 years of drug recall data using several hazard models. We find that the more negative the drug review sentiment, the greater the hazard of a serious recall on that drug. This relationship is completely explained by drug reviews written by females; reviews written by males have no explanatory power. Our findings are confirmed by numerous robustness checks. In post-hoc analysis, we explore possible mechanisms by comparing female and male adverse events on the recalled drugs in our study. Our contributions to gender diversity and drug quality literature lead to implications for the FDA, WebMD, and firms that manufacture prescription drugs.
To Hinder or to Facilitate: Retailers’ Strategy of Consumer Information Sharing
Authors: Ma Buqing , Li Guang , Kong Guangwen
Published: May 2024

Consumer information sharing is considered an effective strategy to attract consumers, yet certain high-end retailers, such as Bergdorf Goodman and Farfetch, tend to hinder consumers from sharing information through online reviews. We study a retailer’s strategy for consumer information sharing in a supply chain. We find that a retailer’s information sharing strategy can prevent manufacturers from extracting excessive profit when consumers are heterogeneous in their valuations of the selling product. Specifically, a retailer can achieve a higher profit margin by targeting all consumer segments. By strategically choosing the information sharing strategy to influence consumer beliefs, the retailer can induce the manufacturer to conform to the retailer’s preferred targeting segment through a low wholesale price. Thus, a high-end retailer, whose consumers have a high ex-ante quality belief, favors hindering information sharing among consumers because it enables the retailer to target all consumer segments. Interestingly, deterring consumers from learning about the product quality may generate more consumer surplus. Our main results are robust under extensions such as consumer search behavior, consumer waiting, and multiple product selling. When selling multiple products, a retailer with a large quality variation is better off hindering consumers from sharing information. Our work shows that strategically choosing a consumer information sharing strategy enables retailers to enhance profit margins in their interactions with upstream manufacturers.
Distributed control of vehicle suspension system based on nonlinear energy sink
Authors: Wang Jun , Du Ting-Kai , Liu Yong-Qiang , Ding Hu , Lai Siu-Kai , Chen Li-Qun
Published: May 2024

Vehicle riding comfort is deteriorated not only by low-order but also by high-order resonance in the suspension system. This paper proposes to arrange the nonlinear energy sink (NES) on the tire to suppress high-order resonance. Two modal resonances can be controlled by a vibration control scheme of the distributed NESs. A dynamic model of a 2-degree-of-freedom quarter-vehicle (2-DOFQV) suspension system integrated with two NESs is established. Then, the model is analyzed approximately analytically by the harmonic balance method (HBM) and verified numerically. Next, the vibration reduction mechanism of the new suspension system is revealed from the perspective of transferred energy. In addition, the vibration reduction effects of the parameters of two NESs are studied. The results of the study show that high-order modal resonance in the suspension system can be effectively controlled by placing an NES of small mass on the tire. Thus, the novelty of this paper is to propose a distributed control strategy for the vehicle suspension system, which can reduce the high-order resonance at the cost of a small mass.
Unveiling novel LRP5 pathogenic variant in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy: Diverse phenotypic expressions in a mother-daughter duo
Authors: Chang Hsin-Ho , Wang An-Guor , Niu Dau-Ming , Chen Yun-Ru , Weng Chang-Chi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This report aims to delineate distinct phenotypes of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) observed in a mother and her daughter, both harboring a novel LRP5 pathogenic variation.

Methods

The investigation involves a retrospective review of medical records accompanied by multimodal imaging. Molecular characterization was performed using whole exon sequencing, and the pathogenic variant was subsequently confirmed through Sanger sequencing.

Result

A 6-year-old girl diagnosed with anisometropic amblyopia exhibited macular dragging and peripheral avascular retina in her right eye. Whole exon sequencing identified a previously unreported heterozygous missense LRP5 pathogenic variation, Glu528Lys. Simultaneously, her 43-year-old mother also carried the same mutation, manifesting peripheral exudations, avascular areas, and multiple microaneurysms. Notably, both cases presented distinctive phenotypes of FEVR.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the diversity in clinical presentations associated with FEVR, emphasizing the pivotal role of genetic evaluation. Despite variations in severity between the eyes of the same patient, it is crucial to remain vigilant for potential progression to a pathological status in the seemingly normal eye. Additionally, this study contributes to expanding the genetic spectrum of FEVR.
Investigation on bearing resistance of thin-walled circular steel tube subjected to eccentric loading
Authors: Tang Zhenyun , Li Jiayu , Wang Mingqiao , Wang Xin , Yu Chunyi , Li Zhenbao
Published: May 2024

In the engineering structures using circular steel tube (CST), the eccentric loading of CST members often occurs due to installation error and structural form. Existing research mainly focuses on the bearing resistance of circular steel pipes under the condition of eccentricity at one end. In practical application, both ends of CST members also may be eccentric. And with the increase in eccentricity, material yielding may occur prior to flexural buckling. So far, it’s lack of reports about the mechanical behavior of CST members subjected to eccentric loading at both ends and the boundary between material yielding and flexural buckling. This paper presents experimental, numerical and theoretical studies on bearing resistance of thin-walled circular steel tube with slenderness ratio of 30, 40 and 50, subjected to eccentric loading at one end and both ends, respectively. The study reveals a significant discrepancy in the prediction of bearing resistance for circular tubes subjected to eccentric loading at both ends according to existing design codes. Considering the synthesis of bending moment and deflection caused by eccentric loading at both ends, the calculation method of the bearing resistance based on flexural buckling of CST is established, which enhances the prediction accuracy of test verification. In addition, a theoretical boundary between the two failure modes appearing in CST members under eccentric loading at one and both end(s) - flexural buckling and reaching the material yielding strength - was established as dominated by the slenderness ratio and loading eccentricity.