bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic Association of Epicardial Adipose Tissue with Ascending Aorta Elasticity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Song Xiang-Ting , Rui Yi-Fei , Fan Li , Yan Zi-Ning
Published: June 2022

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor located between the myocardium and visceral pericardium. In order to investigate the association between EAT and ascending aorta elasticity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we prospectively enrolled a total of 135 T2DM patients and 63 age- and gender-matched non-T2DM controls in this study. They all underwent transthoracic echocardiography to measure EAT thickness and ascending aorta inner diameters which were used to calculate ascending aorta elastic parameters: compliance (C), distensibility (D), strain (S), stiffness index (SI), and Peterson’s elastic modulus (EM). We found that the values of C, D, and S were significantly lower, while SI, EM, and EAT thickness were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared with non-T2DM controls. Compared with T2DM patients with EAT < 5 mm group, C, D, and S were significantly reduced, SI and EM were significantly increased in T2DM patients with EAT ≥ 5 mm group (all P < .05). Bivariate correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that EAT was independently associated with ascending aorta elasticity. Our findings suggest that thickened EAT in patients with T2DM is associated with ascending aorta elasticity, independent of blood glucose.
Top-Down Processing and Nature Connectedness Predict Psychological and Physiological Effects of Nature
Authors: Koivisto Mika , Jalava Enni , Kuusisto Lina , Railo Henry , Grassini Simone
Published: June 2022

Exposure to natural environments has positive psychological effects. These effects have been explained from an evolutionary perspective, emphasizing humans’ innate preference for natural stimuli. We tested whether top-down cognitive processes influence the psychophysiological effects of environments. The source of an ambiguous sound was attributed to either nature (waterfall) or industry (factory). The results suggested that the participants’ subjective experiences were more pleasant and relaxed when the sound was attributed to nature than to industry. The influence of source attribution was also reflected in physiological measures that were free of subjective biases. The power of the brain’s lower alpha band activity was stronger in the nature scenario than in the industry condition. The individuals’ nature connectedness moderated the influence of source attribution on theta band power and electrodermal activity. The results support an evolutionary-constructivist perspective which assumes that the individual’s meanings and associations modulate the innate bottom-up effects of nature exposure.
Stock Returns, Trading Volumes and Market Volatility: A Study on the Indian Stock Market
Authors: Naik Pramod Kumar , Sethy Tapas Kumar
Published: June 2022

This paper aims at investigating the effect of stock returns on trading volume and the trading volume on volatility. To accomplish the study objective, daily data from 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2020 are used. The GLS model is employed to investigate the contemporaneous relationship between the stock returns and trading volume. The EGARCH (1, 1) model is used to explore the volume–volatility relationships, and the causal relationship of stock returns–trading volumes–volatility is attained through the Granger causality test. The study finds that the effect of stock returns on trading volume is asymmetric. It indicates that the negative price changes have a less considerable impact on trading volume than the non-negative price changes. The study also supports the mixture of the distribution hypothesis that postulated the volume–volatility relationship to be positive. The volatility persistence level remains high, even after the conditional volatility model incorporates trading volumes as an exogenous variable. Further, the analysis also reveals that stock return causes trading volume and not vice versa; however, trading volumes cause return volatility.

JEL Codes: G10, G12, C22
Cyber-Ticket Touting as Fraudulent Trading
Authors: Baker Dennis
Published: June 2022

This note examines the case of R v Hunter and argues that the offence of fraudulent trading requires the business itself to be used as an instrument of fraud. It is submitted that this offence is a financial offence found in the Company Act 2006 (with a corresponding offence in the Fraud Act 2006), because an integral aspect of a business is that it generates profits or at least its raison d’être is to generate profit. Many businesses run at a loss, but that is not the raison d’être of a business. If it is accepted that it is the business itself that needs to be the instrument of fraud, then there is no need to consider the elements of the incidental frauds (false representations, deception etc) used by that business to maintain itself as an instrument of fraud. It is also submitted that the decision in R v Hunter is erroneous to the extent it suggests that wilful blindness is sufficient mens rea.
Tobacco Dependence Among French University Students: A Cluster Analytic Approach to Identifying Distinct Psychological Profiles of Smokers
Authors: Mauduy Maxime , Mauny Nicolas , Mange Jessica
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the combination of several psychological factors related to tobacco smoking to identify smokers’ psychological profiles among French university students. A cluster analysis was performed on smoking motives, psychosocial variables, and the smoker identity ( N = 909). Five profiles were identified and then compared regarding tobacco dependence and motivations to quit. “Normative” and “sociohedonist smokers” are characterized by two distinct social factors (normative influences and social motives) and moderate dependence. “Dependent identified smokers” have higher levels of dependence motives, smoker identity and tobacco dependence associated with low motivations to quit. “Inconsistent smokers” have weak smoker identity and weak smoking motives, a strong perceived control over resisting smoking, low dependence and motivations to quit. “Coping smokers” have strong sedative and addictive motives and exhibit moderate dependence and motivations to quit. This research encourages prevention programs to consider the diversity of student smokers with strategies adapted to their psychological profiles.
The Use of Lukan Hyperbole in the Acts of the Apostles
Authors: Jung Deok Hee
Published: June 2022

Luke constructs the world through a geographic description and invites his audience into a spatial image through the textual world. Here hyperbole plays an important role as an impressionistic way of projecting such an image of the world in the minds of his audience. Through hyperbole, Luke conveys his own image of the world, that is, a mental picture of the world as he wants it to be—a world reigned over by God. In this way, Lukan hyperbole functions as an important literary device through which we can discover his theological preoccupations and emphases.
Revisiting the Healing Narrative of the Gospel in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wijaya Yahya
Published: June 2022

In terms of health issues, Christians often refer to the stories of Jesus’ healings in the Gospels as an important spiritual resource. However, theological interpretations vary, depending on the hermeneutical method employed and the contextual factors considered. This article explores such approaches to the Gospels' healing narrative and relates them to the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the platform of practical theology, five theological approaches to the healing narrative are identified and then analyzed. The results of this study suggest that each approach has a degree of relevance that is worth developing to produce a theological contribution to ongoing mitigation and healing efforts.
Learning to See Like a Medical Sociologist: Comparing One- Versus Two-Semester Fieldwork-Based Courses
Authors: Lehpamer Nicole , Menchik Daniel
Published: June 2022

Using observations from a medical sociology course offered in two formats, we compare how undergraduate premedical students learned to see sociologically after (1) completing a one-semester course in which theory in medical sociology and fieldwork were taught concurrently or (2) completing a two-semester course in which theory in medical sociology and fieldwork were taught in successive semesters. We developed a taxonomy of stages to capture students’ learning and measured their progress using video simulations that alternatively depicted scenarios in a more familiar setting (an academic hospital) and a less familiar one (a foreign cultural exchange). Students learned how to see in different ways: In the one-semester course, students came to see like medical sociologists, and in the two-semester course, students also came to see like sociologists more broadly. Educators interested in teaching students to “see more” outside of the health care realm may benefit from choosing the two-semester course option.
Social Engagement of Elementary-Aged Children With Autism Live Animation Avatar Versus Human Interaction
Authors: Kellems Ryan O. , Charlton Cade T. , Black Brooke , Bussey Heidi , Ferguson Rachel , Gonçalves Bruna F. , Jensen Mikaela , Vallejo Sara
Published: June 2022

Social engagement is critical to the personal and social development of children. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit low levels of social engagement with peers and adults, with clearly fewer instances of eye contact, initiation, joint attention, and empathy. Given the pivotal role of social engagement, procedures that naturally evoke higher rates of social engagement may be critical. Prior research suggests that cartoons and other animated characters are more appealing to children with ASD than traditional face-to-face interactions with adults. However, this assertion lacks consistent empirical support. In this study, five elementary age students with ASD participated in a series of interactions with adults and live animation avatars. An alternating treatments design was used to evaluate participants’ social engagement comparing their interactions with avatars to those with humans. Data show all five participants were consistently more attentive to the avatar than to human interventionists. In addition, all participants and their parents indicated the procedures were socially valid (i.e., preferred, feasible, and effective).
Decision Delay Is a Significant Contributor to Prehospital Delay for Stroke Symptoms
Authors: Potisopha Wiphawadee , Vuckovic Karen M. , DeVon Holli A. , Park Chang G. , Phutthikhamin Nichapatr , Hershberger Patricia E.
Published: June 2022

Prehospital delay after stroke symptom onset is a primary barrier to eligibility for reperfusion therapies. Decision delay is an understudied contributor to prehospital delay. We aimed to explore decision delay as a component of prehospital delay. For this correlational study, 170 Thai acute stroke patients were interviewed to explore their treatment-seeking decision factors: prior stroke knowledge, onset context, and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors. Participants’ mean age was 61.2 years, and 46% were women. Median decision delay and prehospital delay times were 120 and 372 minutes. Decision delay represented 49% of prehospital delays. Factors shortening decision delay were atrial fibrillation, prior stroke knowledge, perceived cause of symptoms as stroke, perceived severity of symptoms, and advice from bystanders to seek treatment. In contrast, seeking support from others and self-treatment affected prolonged decision delay. Shortening decision delay, often under the patient or bystander control, can reduce overall prehospital delay.
Can a new ward environment and intensive allied health staffing model enhance therapeutic opportunities in trauma care? A behavioural mapping study of patients’ activities and interactions
Authors: Ekegren Christina L , Mather Anne M , Reeder Sandra , Kimmel Lara , Ashe Maureen C , Gabbe Belinda J
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess changes in patient activities and interactions observed in response to a new trauma ward at a level 1 trauma centre, and subsequently, a new allied health staffing model.

Design

Explorative case study using behavioural mapping.

Setting

Level 1 trauma centre in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

Hospitalised trauma patients.

Main measures

Behavioural mapping of patients’ activities and interactions was conducted by two observers over three 4-day observation phases: (i) at baseline, (ii) on the new ward and (iii) with the new staffing model. Changes in activities and interactions were assessed via negative binomial regression models and reported as incident rate ratios.

Results

In total, 1264 patient observations were recorded over an 18-month period. After moving to the new ward, patients were observed performing activities of daily living at a 2.1-fold higher rate than at baseline (95% confidence interval: 1.18, 3.81) but walking/standing/climbing stairs 54% less (95% confidence interval: 0.22, 0.94). Subsequent to the new staffing model, patients were observed in the gym at a 4.1-fold higher rate (95% confidence interval: 1.60, 10.32) and interacting with allied health professionals at a 9.1-fold higher rate (95% confidence interval: 4.88, 16.98), than at baseline. After COVID-19 restrictions were introduced, patients were observed lying down 22% more (95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.43), with 73% fewer visitor interactions (95% confidence interval: 0.17, 0.43).

Conclusions

Greater engagement in physical and social activities was observed following the implementation of the new allied health staffing model at a level 1 trauma centre. Whether these changes translate to improved trauma outcomes is important to investigate.
Pharmacological characterization of a novel putative nootropic beta-alanine derivative, MB-005, in adult zebrafish
Authors: Kolesnikova Tatiana O , Galstyan David S , Demin Konstantin A , Barabanov Mikhail A , Pestov Alexander V , S de Abreu Murilo , Strekalova Tatyana , Kalueff Allan V
Published: June 2022

Background:

Cognitive deficits represent an urgent biomedical problem, and are commonly reduced by nootropic drugs. Animal models, including both rodents and zebrafish, offer a valuable tool for studying cognitive phenotypes and screening novel nootropics. Beta-alanine and its derivatives have recently been proposed to exert nootropic activity.

Aims:

This study aimed to characterize putative nootropic profile of a novel β-alanine analogue, 1,3-diaminopropane (MB-005), in adult zebrafish.

Methods:

Nootropic profile of MB-005 was assessed in adult zebrafish in the novel tank and conditioned place aversion (CPA) tests acutely, and in cued-learning plus-maze (PMT) tests chronically.

Results/Outcomes:

MB-005 did not alter zebrafish anxiety-like behavior or monoamine neurochemistry acutely, improved short-term memory in the CPA test, but impaired cognitive performance in both CPA and PMT tests chronically.

Conclusions/Interpretation:

This study reveals high sensitivity of zebrafish cognitive phenotypes to MB-005, suggesting it as a potential novel cognitive enhancer acutely, but raises concerns over its cognitive (and, possibly, other) side-effects chronically.
Follow the money
Authors: Hughes-McLure Sarah
Published: June 2022

This paper presents an original follow the money methodology and argues for adopting the approach in geographical research. In 2011, Christophers made a compelling theoretical case for following money; however, it is empirically challenging, and his call remains unanswered. I propose an approach for following money in practice, using quantitative methods to do critical financial analysis to map and model flows of money. Drawing on the cases of vaccine bonds and rhino bonds, I illustrate this approach and make the case for this powerful methodology, outlining its contributions to advancing debates in geography. First, following money provides a robust and detailed empirical evidence base, offering a clear and precise understanding of a case study. Second, empirically, the methodology delivers a precise account of the material (re)distribution of resources, revealing who benefits or loses, by how much, and where. Theoretically, the methodology contributes to understanding the social and economic relations which support and are created by money's circulation. Fourth, following money reveals the mechanisms and consequences of financialisation. Finally, the approach contributes to understanding risk in society by uncovering financial risks, who faces them, and their significance. I also present some notes of caution on the limitations of the approach.
Chronology of Service Limit State Development for Geotechnical Elements Designed Using AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design
Authors: Samtani Naresh C. , Kulicki John M.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this paper is to provide a chronology of the development of the Service Limit State design process for geotechnical elements that are designed using the reliability-based Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) approach in the Bridge Design Specifications of AASHTO. This chronology will help future researchers to better understand the basis of decisions made by AASHTO, with input from the FHWA, and thus will serve as an important benchmark for future work.
Potential Interaction Between Sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Effect on the 6-Month Clinical Outcomes: A Preliminary Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Okazaki Tomoya , Kawakami Daisuke , Fujitani Shigeki , Shinohara Natsuyo , Kawakita Kenya , Kuroda Yasuhiro ,   on behalf of the J-PICS study group
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the potential interaction between sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on the 6-month clinical outcomes.

Methods

This secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter observational study included patients who were expected to receive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. Patients were stratified based on the incidence of sepsis and further subdivided according to the presence of ARDS. The primary endpoints for patients whose follow-up information was available included mortality (n = 162) and the occurrence of PICS (n = 96) at six months. The diagnosis of PICS was based on any of the following criteria: (1) decrease ≥ 10 points in the physical component score of the 36-item Short Form (SF36) questionnaire; (2) decrease ≥ 10 points in the mental component score of the SF-36; or (3) decline in the Short Memory Questionnaire (SMQ) score and SMQ score < 40 at six months after ICU admission. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the effect of the potential interaction between ARDS and sepsis on the 6-month clinical outcomes.

Results

The mortality in the ARDS sub-group was higher than that in the non-ARDS subgroup [47% (7/15) versus 21% (18/85)] in the non-sepsis group. However, the mortality in the ARDS and non-ARDS subgroups was similar in the sepsis group. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that ARDS was significantly associated with mortality in the non-sepsis group (adjusted OR: 5.25; 95% CI: 1.45-19.09; p = .012), but not in the sepsis group (P for interaction = .087). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed ARDS was not associated with PICS occurrence in the non-sepsis and sepsis groups (P-value for the interaction = .039).

Conclusions

This hypothesis-generating study suggested that the effect of ARDS on the 6-month outcomes depended on the presence or absence of sepsis.

Trial registration

Not applicable
Motivating Protective Behavior against COVID-19: Fear Versus Hope
Authors: Sand Gregor , Bristle Johanna
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Based on protection motivation theory, we investigate how indicators of threat perception (perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, and fear arousal) and coping appraisal (hope) are associated with older people’s motivation to engage in protective behavior after the outbreak of COVID-19.

Methods

We use multivariate regression analyses with a sample of 40,282 individuals from 26 countries participating in the SHARE Corona Survey.

Results

We find that 15% of all respondents stayed home completely—mainly the oldest and vulnerable people with prior health risk conditions. On average, older Europeans responded strongly to the recommended protective behavior measures (6 out of 7 measures adopted). Among the threat perception indicators, fear arousal is the main motivator for protective behavior, whereas the coping appraisal indicator hope shows an equally strong association.

Discussion

Given the negative health effects of fear, our findings may help evaluate and revise governmental policy responses and communication strategies.
The Disability Paradox? Trajectories of Well-Being in Older Adults With Functional Decline
Authors: van Loon Anouk M. , Depla Marja F. I. A. , Hertogh Cees M. P. M. , Huisman Martijn , Kok Almar A. L.
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The ‘disability paradox’ (DP) suggests that most older adults maintain subjective well-being (SWB) despite functional decline. However, this may depend the SWB component: positive affect (PA), negative/depressed affect (NA/DA) or life satisfaction (LS). We assessed trajectories of these components in older adults with substantial functional decline. Methods: Data originated from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ( N = 2545) observed during 1992–2008. Using latent class growth analysis, we distinguished a group with substantial functional decline and examined their SWB trajectories and individual characteristics. Results: The DP occurred more frequently for DA (Men:73%, Women:77%) and LS (Men:14%, Women:83%) than for PA (Men:26%, Women:17%). Higher perceived control (mastery) emerged as the most consistent factor associated with higher odds of the DP. Discussion: We provide a nuanced view of the DP, shifting the question from whether it exists to for which dimension of SWB and for whom it is more or less apparent.
An evaluation method for transient response performance of a turbocharger in gasoline engine: Simulation and experiment
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Ma Chaochen , Wang Hengjun
Published: June 2022

The vital issue of response lag and soot emission during transient operation of turbocharged engine, has been studied so far mainly on experiment in engine system rather than turbocharger basis. The study of turbocharger transient performance, however, is extremely important to manufacturers due to the stringent regulations of exhaust emission and economy for the turbocharger engine. Therefore, a general method independent of the engine for evaluating the transient response performance of a gasoline turbocharger is proposed in this paper. First, an explicit relationship between key thermodynamic parameters of turbine and compressor and the evaluation index of [Formula: see text] that can characterize turbocharger transient response are established. Secondly, the proposed evaluation method is tested and verified using the coupling between GT-Power and MATLAB Simulink software based on the gasoline turbocharger. The simulation results show that the appropriate conditions should be selected for the transient response test, including the starting and ending speed, the starting mass flow rate, etc. For this proposed turbocharger, the value of [Formula: see text] has a good consistency when the ending speed is 200,000 r/min and the initial mass flow rate is in the range of 0.0715∼0.0756 kg/s. Moreover, the influence of rotor moment of inertia, turbine efficiency and compressor efficiency on [Formula: see text] is analyzed in this selected condition. Finally, the evaluating method of the transient response performance of the turbocharger is conducted on a test bench. The test results are in good agreement with the simulation results, indicating that the proposed evaluation method for transient response of turbocharger has a good predictability and can be used for quantitative evaluation of transient response-ability for different turbochargers independent of engine.
The legitimacy of science and the populist backlash: Cross-national and longitudinal trends and determinants of attitudes toward science
Authors: Zapp Mike
Published: June 2022

Public attitudes toward science have risen for decades yet dropped in the most recent period coinciding with the emergence of anti-scientific populist discourses around the world. Controlling for a number of attitudinal and demographic factors, this study examines whether populist discourse and vote share as well as regime polity have an impact on the public legitimacy of science in the period 2005–2020. Cross-national findings suggest that populism is a consistent predictor of declining support for science across all models, regardless of the political system. While it might be too early to alert to lasting damage done by populist leaders to the public standing of science, more research is warranted to ascertain the impact of anti-scientific rhetoric in the “post-truth era.”
From Postcolonial to Post-COVID: Midnight Thoughts While Waiting for the Dawn
Authors: Fan Fa-Ti
Published: June 2022

This essay reflects on the theories and methods of global science and technology studies (STS). It first examines postcolonial STS and points out certain problems and limitations of the approach. It then discusses a few alternative approaches that have benefited from postcolonial STS, and also tries to carve out new directions. Finally, this article uses China and the current pandemic as a case study to explore certain critical questions for a new global STS.
What’s in a game? A dialectic of competition and cooperation in Squid Game
Authors: Kim Soo Yeon , Park Sungjoo
Published: June 2022

Squid Game, a Netflix original series about children's games turned into deathmatches, has become a phenomenal global success and has captivated the latest cultural and media scenes. This article examines the representation of games in Squid Game to argue that their unprecedented appeal to the masses derives from a paradoxical human desire for ruthless competition and moral cooperation. That is, while Squid Game presents a superb allegory of the degree to which contemporary game playing is driven by consumer capitalism, it simultaneously unfolds a moving drama in the midst of competition where unanticipated team spirit is kindled and underdogs win against all odds. Focusing on a dialectic between result-oriented competition and utopian cooperation, the article concludes that the huge popularity of Squid Game demonstrates the contemporary spectator's need for a hybrid entertainment when watching games.
World-class Universities in Russia: A Contested Norm and its Implementation
Authors: Crowley-Vigneau Anne , Kalyuzhnova Yelena , Baykov Andrey
Published: June 2022

So-called 'world-class universities’ emerged on the global higher education scene following the Second World War. Their development in countries around the world, particularly since the early 2000s, has evolved into an international norm, although not without debate and contestation. This paper applies Constructivist theory to reflect on how local contestation affected the implementation of this norm of world-class universities in Russia, at a time when the internationalization of higher education was a national priority (i.e. before the beginning of hostilities in Ukraine). The authors employ process tracing to follow the norm from its emergence on the international stage to its contemporary adoption by Russia with Project 5-100, drawing on a case study based on 22 targeted expert interviews to identify the types and roots of resistance in Russian universities. The findings indicate that Russian contestation reflects in most cases difficulties adapting to new requirements and the fear of being left behind rather than an overall rejection of the international norm of world-class universities. The study reveals that international actors are essential not only to norm diffusion on the international stage, but also during domestic norm implementation as they are instrumental in overcoming contestation.
Impact of Palliative and End of Life Care Interprofessional Education for Pre-licensure Healthcare Students: An Integrated Review
Authors: Kukimoto Yukiko , Maeda Kaoru , Yasui Nagisa , Nakamura Megumi
Published: June 2022

An accelerating aging society and rise in serious illnesses has led to an increase in deaths and made the demand for palliative care even greater. An integrated review was conducted to identify the impact of interprofessional education (IPE) on palliative/end of life (EOL) care for unlicensed health care students with a multidisciplinary approach. The databases searched included MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library’s CENTRAL. Fifteen studies were included. Participants’ disciplines included medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, chaplain, public health and psychology. Nine were pre-post design and others were post course evaluations. One research study was an interventional trial with a comparative group. The selected studies included a variety of teaching strategies such as simulation or role play, clinical experience, case study, and TOSCE training. The importance of an interprofessional approach to palliative/EOL care has been highlighted, and our review suggests that combined IPE and palliative/EOL interventions can potentially impact palliative/EOL patient outcomes. More studies are needed to clarify the effectiveness of interprofessional palliative/EOL educational interventions including facilitators, learning outcomes, variable methods or teaching strategy, and the level of students.
Longitudinal Morphological Changes in the Mucosal Free Margin After Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair
Authors: Nakajima Yuta , Yuzuriha Shunsuke , Nagai Fumio
Published: June 2022

Weakness of the mucosal free margin is common in secondary cleft lip deformities. However, the incidence is rarely reported after a long-term follow-up. We evaluated the evolution of patient mucosal free margin after primary repair and until the end of growth.

Blinded retrospective study (photography and chart reviews).

Tertiary care hospital; private practice.

Forty-eight patients with unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate who underwent primary nasolabial repair between 1996 and 2004 were followed up until their end of growth marked at 18 and 16 years of age for male and female patients, respectively.

Primary nasolabial repair using a straight-line closure without a triangular flap on the vermilion was performed; if needed, a revision surgery was performed at 5 years of age (85%).

The contour of the mucosal free margin was classified into nodular, smooth, and recessed types at 1, 5, and 10 years and at the end of growth.

At 1 year of age, the nodular type was more common (58%). However, the recessed type was more common (75%) at the end of growth. The mucosal free margin continued to change after 10 years of age. At the end of growth, half of the patients with incomplete cleft experienced center weakness, and the others had cleft-side weaknesses.

Patients with incomplete clefts showed favorable results at early ages. However, two-thirds of the patients with complete and incomplete clefts showed focal weakness at the end of growth.
Vasopressin-Induced Hyponatremia in Infants Following Cardiovascular Surgery
Authors: Bradford Caitlyn V. , Miller Jamie L. , Ranallo Courtney D. , Neely Stephen B. , Johnson Peter N.
Published: June 2022

Background

Vasopressin is increasingly used in infants following cardiac surgery. Hyponatremia is a noted adverse event, but incidence and risk factors remain undefined.

Objective

The primary objective was to identify the incidence of vasopressin-induced hyponatremia. Secondary objectives included comparing baseline and change in serum sodium concentrations between infants receiving vasopressin with and without hyponatremia, and comparing vasopressin dose, duration, and clinical characteristics in those with and without hyponatremia.

Methods

This Institutional Review Board–approved, retrospective case-control study included infants <6 months following cardiac surgery receiving vasopressin for ≥6 hours at a tertiary care, academic hospital. Patients who developed hyponatremia, cases, were matched to controls in a 1:2 fashion. Demographics and clinical characteristics were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. A conditional logistic regression was used to assess odds of hyponatremia.

Results

Of the included 142 infants, 20 (14.1%) developed hyponatremia and were matched with 40 controls. There was significant difference in median nadir between controls and cases, 142.0 versus 128.5 mEq/L (<0.001). A significantly higher number of cases received corticosteroids, loop diuretics, and chlorothiazide versus controls. The regression analysis demonstrated that each additional hour of vasopressin increased the odds of developing hyponatremia by 5% (adjusted odds ratio 1.05 [confidence interval 1-1.1]).

Conclusions and relevance

Vasopressin-induced hyponatremia incidence was <15%. Vasopressin duration was independently associated with hyponatremia development.
Memory: Synaptic or Cellular, That Is the Question
Authors: Arshavsky Yuri I.
Published: June 2022

According to the commonly accepted opinion, memory engrams are formed and stored at the level of neural networks due to a change in the strength of synaptic connections between neurons. This hypothesis of synaptic plasticity (HSP), formulated by Donald Hebb in the 1940s, continues to dominate the directions of experimental studies and the interpretations of experimental results in the field. The universal acceptance of the HSP has transformed it from a hypothesis into an incontrovertible theory. In this article, I show that the entire body of experimental and clinical data obtained in studies of long-term memory in mammals and humans is inconsistent with the HSP. Instead, these data suggest that long-term memory is formed and stored at the intracellular level where it is reliably protected from ongoing synaptic activity, including pathological epileptic activity. It seems that the generally accepted HSP became a serious obstacle to understanding the mechanisms of memory and that progress in this field requires rethinking this doctrine and shifting experimental efforts toward exploring the intracellular mechanisms.
Robust tracking for nanopositioning stages using sliding mode control with active disturbance rejection: Design and implementation
Authors: Wang Guangwei , Wang Bo , Zhao Jin , Tao Meng
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the design and implementation of a novel sliding mode control integrated with active disturbance rejection (SMCDR) for precise robust trajectory tracking of piezoelectric nanopositioning stages. The model uncertainties, nonlinearity, and external disturbances of the piezoelectric nanopositioning stage are regarded as a lumped disturbance, which is estimated by an extended state observer. The active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) strategy is used to realize a preliminary trajectory tracking, while the sliding mode control is adopted to handle the estimation error and residual uncertainties, and to improve the tracking performance. The exponential stability of the proposed SMCDR is proved using Lyapunov’s direct method. The proposed SMCDR controller combines the strength of both ADRC and sliding mode control, exhibits a simple structure, requires only the position measurements, and does not require any information of model parameters except for an approximate constant gain. Experimental results reveal the robustness of the SMCDR approach in suppressing the hysteresis of piezoelectric actuator, and illustrate the superior performance over conventional ADRC, integral sliding mode controller (ISMC) and PID controller for trajectory tracking control of piezoelectric nanopositioning stages.
An experimental study of morphological formation in bilayered tubular structures driven by swelling/growth
Authors: Liu Rui-Cheng , Jin Lishuai , Cai Zongxi , Liu Yang
Published: June 2022

Circumferential wrinkling in soft tubular tissues is vital in supporting normal physiological functions. Most existing literature was dedicated to theoretical modeling and finite element simulations based on a specific growth model. This paper presents an experimental investigation on pattern formation and evolution in bilayered tubular organs using swelling deformation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and aims at supplying a thorough comparison with theoretical and finite element results. To create a twin model in modeling and simulation, the shear modulus in the incompressible neo-Hookean material is estimated via uni-axial tensile and pure shear tests. Five bilayered tubes with different material or geometrical parameters are fabricated. Swelling experiments are carried out for these samples in an individual experimental setup where a plane-strain deformation is guaranteed, and several surface patterns and the associated mode transformations are observed, namely, creases, wrinkles, period-doubling profiles, wrinkle-to-crease transition, and wrinkle-to-period-doubling transition. In particular, an interfacial wrinkling pattern is also observed. To make comparisons, a buckling analysis is conducted within the framework of finite elasticity by means of the Stroh formulation and a refined surface impedance matrix method. In addition, a finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to trace the evolution of surface instabilities. It turns out that the experimental findings agree well with the theoretical predictions as well as the finite element results. From our experiments, it is found that creasing mode may appear instead of wrinkling mode when both layers share a similar mechanical property. It is expected that the current work could provide novel experimental insight into pattern formation in tubular structures. In particular, the traditional impedance matrix method has been adapted, which enables us to resolve eigenvalue problems with displacement boundary conditions, and the good agreement among experimental, theoretical, and simulation consequences supplies strong evidence that a phenomenological growth model is satisfactory to reveal mechanisms behind intricate surface morphology in tubular tissues.
Developing Evaluation Approaches for an Anti-Human Trafficking Housing Program
Authors: Macy Rebecca J. , Eckhardt Amanda , Wretman Christopher J. , Hu Ran , Kim Jeongsuk , Wang Xinyi , Bombeeck Cindy
Published: June 2022

The increasing number of anti-trafficking organizations and funding for anti-trafficking services have greatly out-paced evaluative efforts resulting in critical knowledge gaps, which have been underscored by recent recommendations for the development of greater evaluation capacity in the anti-trafficking field. In response to these calls, this paper reports on the development and feasibility testing of an evaluation protocol to generate practice-based evidence for an anti-trafficking transitional housing program. Guided by formative evaluation and evaluability frameworks, our practitioner-researcher team had two aims: (1) develop an evaluation protocol, and (2) test the protocol with a feasibility trial. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of only a few reports concerning anti-trafficking housing program evaluations, particularly one with many foreign-national survivors as evaluation participants. In addition to presenting evaluation findings, the team herein documented decisions and strategies related to conceptualizing, designing, and conducting the evaluation to offer approaches for future evaluations.
Elevated Levels of Pleiotropic Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) are Critically Involved With the Severity and Mortality of COVID-19: An Updated Longitudinal Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review on 147 Studies
Authors: Jafrin Sarah , Aziz Md. Abdul , Islam Mohammad Safiqul
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

Disruption in the natural immune reaction due to SARS-CoV-2 infection can initiate a potent cytokine storm among COVID-19 patients. An elevated level of IL-6 and IL-10 during a hyperinflammatory state plays a vital role in increasing the risk of severity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of circulating IL-6 and IL-10 levels as biomarkers for detecting the severity and mortality of COVID-19.

Methods:

This study was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines. Authorized databases were searched to extract suitable studies using specific search terms. RevMan 5.4 was applied for performing the meta-analysis. Mean differences in IL-6 and IL-10 levels were calculated among COVID-19 patients via a random-effects model. NOS scoring, publication bias and sensitivity analyses were checked to ensure study quality.

Results:

A total of 147 studies were selected, with 31 909 COVID-19 patients under investigation. In the severity analysis, the mean concentration of IL-6 was significantly higher in the severe COVID-19 cases than in the non-severe cases (MD: 19.98; P < .001; 95% CI: 17.56, 22.40). Similar result was observed for IL-10 mean concentration in severe COVID-19 cases (MD: 1.35; P < .001; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.80). In terms of mortality analysis, circulating IL-6 showed sharp elevation in the deceased patients (MD: 42.11; P < .001; 95% CI: 36.86, 47.36). IL-10 mean concentration was higher in the dead patients than in the survived patients (MD: 4.79; P < .001; 95% CI: 2.83, 6.75). Publication bias was not found except for comparing IL-6 levels with disease severity. Sensitivity analysis also reported no significant deviation from the pooled outcomes.

Conclusions:

Elevated levels of circulating IL-6 and IL-10 signifies worsening of COVID-19. To monitor the progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection, IL-6 and IL-10 should be considered as potential biomarkers for severity and mortality detection in COVID-19.

Systematic review registration:

INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202240046.
Extracting the Critical Points of Formaldehyde (HCHO) Emission Model in Hot Desert Climate
Authors: Jung Chuloh , Mahmoud Naglaa Sami Abdelaziz
Published: June 2022

Indoor air pollutants have various emission patterns and are influenced by indoor microclimate, the physical properties of building materials, and types of chemical substances. The difference in these emission patterns affects the prediction via simulation. This paper aims to extract factors that have an important influence on selecting empirical models by examining the emission pattern of formaldehyde (HCHO) from building materials. As a methodology, Small Chamber Pollutant Emission Test was used for six different flooring and wallpaper specimens, and HCHO was sampled and analyzed using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). The result showed that the higher the linear relationship between emission intensity and time, the more appropriate the first-order reduction model, such as flooring-A ( R2 = .99), flooring-B ( R2 = .94), wallpaper-A ( R2 = .99), and wallpaper-C ( R2 = .98). The emission pattern of HCHO in building materials is classified into three types: In type I ( R2 = .00–.11), the emission of chemical substances reaches the maximum after the start of the experiment and decreases relatively rapidly. Type II ( R2 =.00–.41), the emission pattern having the shape of a vertex with a refined concentration ascending and a gentle descending and is a type in which the suitability is significantly high in the concentration descending section, and Type III ( R2 = .33–.60), which shows a mild linear increase and decreases trend in the ascending and concentration dropping sections. It is a type that indicates the suitability with the predicted value in a meaningful way in the entire area. Even though many previous studies focused on the concentration descending section in different materials ( R2 = .51–.95), it was confirmed that the emission characteristics in the initial concentration ascending section are also critical points for simulation model selection since R2 of ascending section of Type II (.67–.70) and Type III (.77–.93) turned out statistically meaningful except Type I (.02–.25).
Exploring perceptions and experiences of female secondary school singers in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Baker Calvin P , Oti Rakena Te , Purdy Suzanne C
Published: June 2022

Female adolescent voice change (FAVC) is characterized by objectively measurable developments in both physiological and acoustical aspects of voice. Despite these observable changes, this period of vocal development has had little representation in both scientific and pedagogical research. Furthermore, few studies have articulated the perceptions and experiences of FAVC from the point of view of the singers themselves. This exploratory study collected data pertaining to vocal function and voice-learning experiences during adolescence from an anonymous cohort of female adolescent singing students in Aotearoa New Zealand. A link to an anonymous online questionnaire was disseminated through national online advertising and snowballing to prospective participants (cis-gender female adolescent singers aged 16–19 years). Using nonparametric statistical tests and qualitative analyses, significant associations were found between objective and perceptual measures of vocal function, voice-learning experience, and lesson delivery context. Participants who take individual singing lessons reported greater self-perceived ease of vocal function than those who take small group lessons. The FAVC is a stage of vocal and psycho-emotional development that may be either healthily facilitated or hindered by the level of student understanding of normal vocal-developmental characteristics as well as lesson delivery format. Data from this study add to a limited pool that aims to quantify the FAVC experience from an experiential perspective and will assist in refining pedagogical strategies for working with female adolescent singers.
Contactless measurement of hydrostatic bearing lubricating film using optical point tracking method
Authors: Michalec Michal , Hurník Jakub , Foltýn Jan , Svoboda Petr
Published: June 2022

Hydrostatic bearings are vital part of numerous industrial applications of various sizes. Especially large-scale bearings are often encountered with complications caused by pad alignment and levelling. For such cases, a contactless measurement method was developed for film thickness diagnostics of hydrostatic bearings. The proposed method is based on a monocular tracking method, which is versatile and easily applicable for in-field measurements and diagnostics of hydrostatic lubricating films. The optical method is compared with analytical calculation and film thickness data obtained from proximity sensors of the experimental device. The results show good agreement of the data obtained from proximity sensors and the analytical calculation compared to the optical measurement. The proposed method could be used to improve the hydrostatic bearing pad levelling, alignment, or film thickness diagnostics of hydrostatic bearing pads to avoid costly maintenance that might arise due to collision of sliding surfaces in the case of lubricating film failure.