bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori health inequities in Aotearoa, New Zealand: an observational study protocol
Authors: Curtis Elana , Jaung Rebekah , Paine Sarah-Jane , McLeod Melissa , Tamatea Jade , Atkinson June , Jiang Yannan , Robson Bridget , Reid Papaarangi , Harris Ricci B
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had both direct and indirect impacts on the health of populations worldwide. While racial/ethnic health inequities in COVID-19 infection are now well known (and ongoing), knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on non-COVID-19-related outcomes for Indigenous peoples is less well understood. This article presents the study protocol for the Health Research Council of New Zealand funded project ‘Mā te Mōhio ka Mārama: Impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori inequities’. The study aims to explore changes in access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes for Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and non-Māori during the COVID-19 outbreak period across NZ.

Methods and analysis

This observational study is framed within a Kaupapa Māori research positioning that includes Kaupapa Māori epidemiology. National datasets will be used to report on access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori during the COVID-19 pandemic in NZ. Study periods are defined as (a) prepandemic period (2015–2019), (b) first pandemic year without COVID-19 vaccines (2020) and (c) pandemic period with COVID-19 vaccines (2021 onwards). Regional and national differences between Māori and non-Māori will be explored in two phases focused on identified health priority areas for NZ including (1) mortality, cancer, long-term conditions, first 1000 days, mental health and (2) rheumatic fever.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has ethical approval from the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC AH26253). An advisory group will work with the project team to disseminate the findings of this project via project-specific meetings, peer-reviewed publications and a project-specific website. The overall intention of the project is to highlight areas requiring health policy and practice interventions to address Indigenous inequities in health resulting from COVID-19 pandemic management (both historical and in the future).
Survival outcomes following complete mediastinal lymphadenectomy or selective mediastinal lymphadenectomy in patients with stage I–IIIA non-small cell lung cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Lai Jinxing , Huang Xiongfeng , Ren Yuxi , Chen Qiao , Li Weijuan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Lung cancer remains the largest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Surgical removal of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the potential to achieve a cure, although there is ongoing debate regarding the significance of removing mediastinal nodes and the optimal extent of lymph node excision. The purpose of this research is to assess the survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with stage I–IIIA NSCLC who received either complete mediastinal lymphadenectomy (CML) or selective mediastinal lymphadenectomy (SML).

Methods and analysis

The protocol follows the guidelines recommended in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, and this meta-analysis will be conducted in accordance with the standard methodology recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidance. We will conduct a comprehensive search for randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies examining the effectiveness of CML compared with SML in patients with stage I–IIIA NSCLC. Two authors will perform a comprehensive search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, Sinomed, VIP and Web of Science databases. There will be no restrictions on language or publication date, and the search will be conducted on 10 April 2024, with ongoing searches for new research. Reference lists will also be checked and pertinent journals will be hand searched. The primary outcomes include overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), while the secondary outcomes consist of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS rates and 1-year, 3-year and 5-year DFS rates. Two independent reviewers will screen, extract data, assess quality and evaluate the potential for bias in the selected research, with a third acting as arbitrator. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses are planned. The quality of the evidence will be evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Review Manager V.5.4 will be used for the analysis and synthesis process.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical review and approval are not necessary for this study because it is based on a secondary analysis of the literature. The results will be submitted for reporting in a peer-reviewed publication.

Study registration

Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PN7UQ).
Impact of non-participation bias due to psychiatric illness on mortality and cardiovascular event estimates: a Danish longitudinal population study
Authors: Rygner Zerlina , Ellervik Christina , Rasmussen Mads , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Poulsen Henrik E , Jørgensen Anders
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The impact of non-participation due to psychiatric illness on study outcomes in general population studies is insufficiently investigated. Here, we investigate the mental health bias in a population study and the potential impact on estimates of cardiovascular morbidity and overall survival.

Design

Data were retrieved from nationwide registries.

Setting

The Danish General Suburban Population Study (GESUS), a cross-sectional community study conducted in Naestved Municipality, Denmark, from 2010 to 2013.

Participants

49 707 subjects invited to participate in GESUS.

Main outcome measures

Factors related to non-participation were examined using multivariable logistic regression and time-to-event data using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Of 21 203 (43%) participants, 823 (3.9%) had a psychiatric diagnosis. Of 28 504 non-participants, 2453 (8.6%) had a psychiatric diagnosis (OR for non-participation 1.84 (95% CI 1.69 to 2.00)). The most under-represented psychiatric disorders in participants were organic mental disorders (5.76 (3.90 to 8.48)), substance abuse (3.12 (2.14 to 4.54)) and schizophrenia (3.12 (2.33 to 4.18)). Overall, more non-participants used psychotropic drugs than participants (1.26 (1.21 to 1.31)), and psychiatric non-participants had higher psychiatric hospital service utilisation than psychiatric participants. Compared with non-psychiatric participants in a 5-year follow-up, psychiatric non-participants had higher rates of cardiovascular events (HR 2.30 (2.07 to 2.56)) and all-cause mortality (3.37 (3.01 to 3.78)) than non-psychiatric non-participants (1.65 (1.48 to 1.83) and 2.26 (2.02 to 2.54), respectively) and psychiatric participants (1.39 (1.21 to 1.59) and 1.23 (1.05 to 1.44), respectively), pinteraction<0.0001 for both outcomes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a considerable non-participation bias due to psychiatric illness in a general population health study, potentially leading to distorted estimates of somatic morbidity and mortality. Strategies for better-representing individuals with psychiatric illnesses in population health studies are needed.
Health and economic cost estimates of short-term total and wildfire PM2.5exposure on work loss: using the consecutive California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data 2015–2018
Authors: Meng Ying-Ying , Yu Yu , Garcia-Gonzales Diane , Al-Hamdan Mohammad Z , Marlier Miriam E , Wilkins Joseph L , Ponce Ninez , Jerrett Michael
Published: March 2024

Instruction

To help determine the health protectiveness of government regulations and policies for air pollutant control for Americans, our study aimed to investigate the health and economic impacts of work loss due to sickness associated with daily all-source and wildfire-specific PM2.5(particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm) exposures in California.

Methods

We linked the 2015–2018 California Health Interview Survey respondents’ geocoded home addresses to daily PM2.5estimated by satellites and atmospheric modelling simulations and wildfire-related PM2.5from Community Multiscale Air Quality models. We calculated and applied the coefficient for the association between daily PM2.5exposure and work loss from regression analyses to the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program—Community Edition (BenMAP-CE) platform to assess the health and economic impacts of PM2.5exposure on work loss due to sickness.

Results

We observed that each 1 µg/m3increase in daily total PM2.5exposure will lead to about 1 million days of work loss per year ranging from 1.1 to 1.6 million person-days, and the related economic loss was $310–390 million. Wildfire smoke alone could contribute to 0.7–2.6 million work-loss days with a related economic loss of $129–521 million per year in 2015–2018. Using the function coefficient in the current BenMAP, the excess work-loss days due to sickness was about 250 000 days and the estimated economic loss was about $45–50 million for each 1 µg/m3increase in daily total PM2.5exposure, and wildfire smoke alone would lead to 0.17–0.67 million work-loss days with related economic loss of $31–128 million per year during the same period.

Conclusions

Both conventional and wildfire-specific sources of PM2.5produced substantial work loss and cost in California. Updating the current BenMAP-CE calculations for work-loss days will be essential in quantifying the current health impacts of PM2.5to help inform the policies and regulations to protect public health.
Feasibility of NepaDengue mobile application for dengue prevention and control: user and stakeholder perspectives in Nepal
Authors: Mahotra Anita , Pokhrel Yuvraj , Thapa Tulsi Ram , Arguni Eggi , Andono Riris Ahmad
Published: March 2024

Background

Dengue has emerged as a significant public health issue in Nepal since 2006, necessitating innovative approaches to disseminating timely information and promoting preventive behaviour. Our study focuses on developing and pretesting a mobile health app called NepaDengue, assessing its acceptance and factors influencing its implementation.

Methods

A concurrent triangulation mixed-method design was used, and an intervention was conducted among 228 university students using the mobile application. Acceptability was assessed using the technology acceptance model (TAM) based on user experiences over 1 week. Focus group discussions among students and female community health volunteers and key informant interviews among key dengue stakeholders were conducted to explore facilitators and barriers. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

The high acceptability mean rating scores reported based on the TAM construct indicate that the application is perceived as useful and easy to use and exhibits good functioning and gestural design. The use of the NepaDengue application for dengue prevention and control activities has been perceived as acceptable by users and stakeholders. However, specific barriers were identified, including concerns about sustained usability, illiteracy and limited access to the internet and smartphones. We suggested promoting the application, fostering government ownership and encouraging collaboration to enhance its reach and effective implementation.

Conclusions

The NepaDengue application has been perceived as a promising tool for dengue prevention and control in Nepal. Further piloting and implementation of the app in the community setting is recommended.
Sleep patterns and long-term mortality among older Israeli adults: a population-based study
Authors: Ashri Saar , Cohen Gali , Hasin Tal , Keinan-Boker Lital , Gerber Yariv
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The joint association of night-time sleep duration and daytime napping (siesta) with mortality remains elusive. We explored sleep patterns and long-term mortality in older adults and tested whether the relationship is modified by cognitive function.

Methods

We analysed data from 1519 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Survey of older adults aged 65+ years (‘Mabat Zahav’), conducted by the Israel Center for Disease Control during 2005–2006. A detailed questionnaire was administered at study entry to gather information on sleeping habits, including night-time sleep duration and siesta. A Mini-Mental State Examination was administered to assess cognitive status (score <27 considered impaired). Mortality data were obtained from the Ministry of Health (last follow-up: June 2019; 782 deaths). Cox models were constructed to estimate the HRs for mortality associated with sleep patterns, defined according to night sleep duration (>8 vs ≤8 hours) and siesta (Y/N). Spline regression models were constructed to examine the linearity of the association across cognitive statuses.

Results

Sleep categories among participants (mean age 75; 53% women) included 291 (19.2%) with long night sleep and siesta, 139 (9.1%) with long night sleep and no siesta, 806 (53.1%) with short night sleep and siesta, and 283 (18.6%) with short night sleep and no siesta. HRs for mortality were 2.07 (95% CI: 1.63 to 2.62), 1.63 (95% CI: 1.22 to 2.18) and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.16 to 1.76) in the former three versus latter sleep patterns, respectively. Multivariable adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical covariates attenuated the HRs to 1.27–1.41 (all p<0.05). The relationship between night sleep duration and mortality was linear (plinearity=0.047) among cognitively preserved individuals and U-shaped (pnon-linearity<0.001) among cognitively impaired ones.

Conclusions

Prolonged night sleep and siesta were associated with increased mortality, a relationship that varied by cognitive performance.
Adolescents’ reasons for accessing their health records online, perceived usefulness and experienced provider encouragement: a national survey in Sweden
Authors: Hagström Josefin , Blease Charlotte , Scandurra Isabella , Moll Jonas , Cajander Åsa , Rexhepi Hanife , Hägglund Maria
Published: March 2024

Background

Having online access to electronic health records (EHRs) may help patients become engaged in their care at an early age. However, little is known about adolescents using patient portals. A national survey conducted within the Nordic eHealth project NORDeHEALTH provided an important opportunity to advance our understanding of adolescent users of patient portals. The present study explored reasons for reading the EHRs, the perceived usefulness of information and functions in a patient portal and the association between frequency of use and encouragement to read the EHR.

Methods

Data were collected in a survey using convenience sampling, available through the Swedish online health portal during 3 weeks in January and February 2022. This study included a subset of items and only respondents aged 15–19. Demographic factors and frequencies on Likert-style questions were reported with descriptive statistics, while Fisher’s exact test was used to explore differences in use frequency based on having been encouraged to read by a healthcare professional (HCP).

Results

Of 13 008 users who completed the survey, 218 (1.7%) were unique users aged 15–19 (females: 77.1%). One-fifth (47/218, 21.6%) had been encouraged by HCPs to read their records, and having been encouraged by HCPs was related to higher use frequency (p=0.018). All types of information were rated high on usefulness, while some functions were rated low, such as blocking specific clinical notes from HCPs and managing services for family members. The main reason for reading their health records online was out of curiosity.

Conclusions

Adolescents who read their records online perceive it to be useful. Encouragement by HCPs can lead to increased use of patient portals among adolescents. Findings should be considered in the future design of patient portals for adolescents.
Novel 3D-based deep learning for classification of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using high-resolution CT
Authors: Huang Xinmei , Si Wufei , Ye Xu , Zhao Yichao , Gu Huimin , Zhang Mingrui , Wu Shufei , Shi Yanchen , Gui Xianhua , Xiao Yonglong , Cao Mengshu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is the primary cause of death in patients with IPF, characterised by diffuse, bilateral ground-glass opacification on high-resolution CT (HRCT). This study proposes a three-dimensional (3D)-based deep learning algorithm for classifying AE-IPF using HRCT images.

Materials and methods

A novel 3D-based deep learning algorithm, SlowFast, was developed by applying a database of 306 HRCT scans obtained from two centres. The scans were divided into four separate subsets (training set, n=105; internal validation set, n=26; temporal test set 1, n=79; and geographical test set 2, n=96). The final training data set consisted of 1050 samples with 33 600 images for algorithm training. Algorithm performance was evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and weighted κ coefficient.

Results

The accuracy of the algorithm in classifying AE-IPF on the test sets 1 and 2 was 93.9% and 86.5%, respectively. Interobserver agreements between the algorithm and the majority opinion of the radiologists were good (κw=0.90 for test set 1 and κw=0.73 for test set 2, respectively). The ROC accuracy of the algorithm for classifying AE-IPF on the test sets 1 and 2 was 0.96 and 0.92, respectively. The algorithm performance was superior to visual analysis in accurately diagnosing radiological findings. Furthermore, the algorithm’s categorisation was a significant predictor of IPF progression.

Conclusions

The deep learning algorithm provides high auxiliary diagnostic efficiency in patients with AE-IPF and may serve as a useful clinical aid for diagnosis.
Novel peptide-based oncolytic vaccine for enhancement of adaptive antitumor immune response via co-engagement of innate Fcγ and Fcα receptors
Authors: Feola Sara , Hamdan Firas , Russo Salvatore , Chiaro Jacopo , Fusciello Manlio , Feodoroff Michaela , Antignani Gabriella , D'Alessio Federica , Mölsä Riikka , Stigzelius Virpi , Bottega Paolo , Pesonen Sari , Leusen Jeanette , Grönholm Mikaela , Cerullo Vincenzo
Published: March 2024

Background

Cancer immunotherapy relies on using the immune system to recognize and eradicate cancer cells. Adaptive immunity, which consists of mainly antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells, plays a pivotal role in controlling cancer progression. However, innate immunity is a necessary component of the cancer immune response to support an immunomodulatory state, enabling T-cell immunosurveillance.

Methods

Here, we elucidated and exploited innate immune cells to sustain the generation of antigen-specific T cells on the use of our cancer vaccine platform. We explored a previously developed oncolytic adenovirus (AdCab) encoding for a PD-L1 (Programmed-Death Ligand 1) checkpoint inhibitor, which consists of a PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1) ectodomain fused to an IgG/A cross-hybrid Fc. We coated AdCab with major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I)-restricted tumor peptides, generating a vaccine platform (named PeptiCab); the latter takes advantage of viral immunogenicity, peptide cancer specificity to prime T-cell responses, and antibody-mediated effector functions.

Results

As proof of concept, PeptiCab was used in murine models of melanoma and colon cancer, resulting in tumor growth control and generation of systemic T-cell-mediated antitumor responses. In specific, PeptiCab was able to generate antitumor T effector memory cells able to secrete various inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, PeptiCab was able to polarize neutrophils to attain an antigen-presenting phenotype by upregulating MHC-II, CD80 and CD86 resulting in an enhanced T-cell expansion.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that exploiting innate immunity activates T-cell antitumor responses, enhancing the efficiency of a vaccine platform based on oncolytic adenovirus coated with MHC-I-restricted tumor peptides.
Association of genetic variation on X chromosome with systemic lupus erythematosus in both Thai and Chinese populations
Authors: Tangtanatakul Pattarin , Lei Yao , Jaiwan Krisana , Yang Wanling , Boonbangyang Manon , Kunhapan Punna , Sodsai Pimpayao , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , Pisitkun Prapaporn , Yang Yi , Eu-Ahsunthornwattana Jakris , Aekplakorn Wichai , Jinawath Natini , Neelapaichit Nareemarn , Hirankarn Nattiya , Wang Yong-Fei
Published: March 2024

Objectives

X chromosome has been considered as a risk factor for SLE, which is a prototype of autoimmune diseases with a significant sex difference (female:male ratio is around 9:1). Our study aimed at exploring the association of genetic variants in X chromosome and investigating the influence of trisomy X in the development of SLE.

Methods

X chromosome-wide association studies were conducted using data from both Thai (835 patients with SLE and 2995 controls) and Chinese populations (1604 patients with SLE and 3324 controls). Association analyses were performed separately in females and males, followed by a meta-analysis of the sex-specific results. In addition, the dosage of X chromosome in females with SLE were also examined.

Results

Our analyses replicated the association ofTMEM187-IRAK1-MECP2,TLR7,PRPS2andGPR173loci with SLE. We also identified two loci suggestively associated with SLE. In addition, making use of the difference in linkage disequilibrium between Thai and Chinese populations, a synonymous variant inTMEM187was prioritised as a likely causal variant. This variant located in an active enhancer of immune-related cells, with the risk allele associated with decreased expression level ofTMEM187. More importantly, we identified trisomy X (47,XXX) in 5 of 2231 (0.22%) females with SLE. The frequency is significantly higher than that found in the female controls (0.08%; two-sided exact binomial test P=0.002).

Conclusion

Our study confirmed previous SLE associations in X chromosome, and identified two loci suggestively associated with SLE. More importantly, our study indicated a higher risk of SLE for females with trisomy X.
Expanded application of wearable cardioverter defibrillators beyond current guidelines: proposal for a European register explained through single clinical scenarios
Authors: Buia Veronica , Ciotola Francesco , Bastian Dirk , Stangl Dorina , Walascheck Janusch , Rittger Harald , Vitali-Serdoz Laura
Published: March 2024

The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is becoming a more and more widely used instrument for the prevention of sudden cardiac death of patients either with a secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator indication or with a transient high risk of sudden cardiac death. Although clinical practice has demonstrated a benefit of protecting patients for a period as long as 3–6 months with such devices, the current European guidelines concerning ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are still extremely restrictive in the patient selection in part because of the costs derived from such a prevention device, in part because of the lack of robust randomised trials.

To illustrate expanded use cases for the WCD, four real-life clinical cases are presented where patients received the device slightly outside the established guidelines. These cases demonstrate the broader utility of WCDs in situations involving acute myocarditis, thyrotoxicosis, pre-excited atrial fibrillation and awaiting staging/prognosis of a lung tumour. The findings prompt expansion of the existing guidelines for WCD use to efficiently protect more patients whose risk of arrhythmic cardiac death is transient or uncertain. This could be achieved by establishing a European register of the patients who receive a WCD for further analysis.
Mixed plaque on coronary CT angiography predicts atherosclerotic events in asymptomatic intermediate-risk individuals
Authors: Warren Josephine , Ellims Andris , Bloom Jason , Sutherland Nigel , Lew Philip , Kavnoudias Helen , Paleri Sarang , Stub Dion , Taylor Andrew
Published: March 2024

Objective

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) permits both qualitative and quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic plaque and may be a suitable risk modifier in assessing patients at intermediate risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We sought to determine the association of plaque components with long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in asymptomatic intermediate-risk patients, compared with conventional coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.

Methods

100 intermediate-risk patients underwent double-blinded CCTA. Follow-up was conducted at 10 years and data were cross-referenced with the National Death Index. The primary outcome was MACE, which was a composite of death, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), revascularisation and stroke.

Results

The median time from CCTA to follow-up was 9.5 years. 83 patients completed follow-up interview and mortality data were available on all 100 patients. MACE occurred in 17 (20.5%) patients, which included 2 (2%) deaths, 8 (10%) ACS, 3 (4%) strokes and 5 (6%) revascularisation procedures. 47 (57%) patients had mixed plaque, which was predictive of MACE (OR 4.68 (95% CI 1.19 to 18.5) p=0.028). The burden of non-calcified and mixed plaque, defined by non-calcified plaque segment stenosis score, was also a predictor of long-term MACE (OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.13) p=0.002). Neither calcified plaque (OR 3.92 (95% CI 0.80 to 19.3)) nor CAC score (OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.999 to 1.02)) was associated with long-term MACE.

Conclusion

The presence and burden of mixed plaque on CCTA is associated with an increased risk of long-term MACE among asymptomatic intermediate-risk patients and is a superior predictor to CAC score.
Isolated anterior cerebral artery occlusion: an atypical form of moyamoya disease
Authors: Liu Si-Meng , Gao Gan , Hao Fang-bin , Liu Shi-tong , Yang Ri-miao , Zhang Hou-di , Wang Min-Jie , Zou Zheng-xing , Yu Dan , Zhang Qian , Guo Qing-Bao , Wang Xiao-Peng , Fu He-guan , Li Jing-Jie , Han Cong , Duan Lian
Published: March 2024

Background

The relationship between anterior cerebral artery (ACA) occlusion and moyamoya disease (MMD) has rarely been studied. In this study, we focused on a special type of MMD: isolated ACA-occlusive MMD. We investigated clinical attributes, genotypes and progression risk factors in patients with ACA-occlusive MMD, providing initial insights into the relationship between ACA occlusion and MMD.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed digital subtraction angiography (DSA) from 2486 patients and diagnosed 139 patients with ACA-occlusive MMD.RNF213p.R4810K (rs112735431) mutation analysis was performed. Patients were categorised into progression and non-progression groups based on whether they progressed to typical MMD. Differences in clinical characteristics, neuropsychological assessment, radiological findings and genotypes were evaluated. Logistic regression analyses identified risk factors for ACA-occlusive MMD progression.

Results

The median age of patients with ACA-occlusive MMD was 36 years, and the primary symptom was transient ischaemic attack (TIA). 72.3% of ACA-occlusive MMD patients had cognitive decline. Of 116 patients who underwentRNF213gene mutation analysis, 90 patients (77.6%) carried theRNF213p.R4810K GG allele and 26 (22.4%) carried the GA allele. Of 102 patients with follow-up DSA data, 40 patients (39.2%) progressed. Kaplan-Meier curve estimates indicated a higher incidence of ischaemic stroke in the progression group during follow-up (p=0.035). Younger age (p=0.041),RNF213p.R4810K GA genotype (p=0.037) and poor collateral compensation from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) to ACA (p<0.001) were risk factors of ACA-occlusive MMD progression to typical MMD.

Conclusions

Cognitive decline and TIA might be the main manifestations of ACA-occlusive MMD. Isolated ACA occlusion may be an early signal of MMD. The initial lesion site of MMD is not strictly confined to the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery. Younger patients, patients withRNF213p.R4810K GA genotype or those with inadequate MCA-to-ACA compensation are more likely to develop typical MMD.
Observed soil arching-induced ground deformation and stress redistribution behind braced excavation
Authors: Liu Muchun , Meng Fanyan , Liu Zhen , Chen Renpeng
Published: March 2024

This paper presents observed arching-induced ground deformation and stress redistribution behind braced excavation using the top-down construction method. The soil properties around the excavation were determined by laboratory and field tests. The ground deformation, soil displacement vector, strain path, principal strain, maximum shear strain, lateral earth pressure, pore water pressure, and effective stress path are presented based on the measured data. The majority of soil behind the wall is under volumetric expansion, indicating consolidation, creep behavior, or a combination of both. Besides, two periods of increases in pore pressure are observed, due to stress transfer from the lower to the upper parts (i.e., soil arching effect). The deep inward movement of the wall and the nearby soil accounts for the distribution of lateral earth pressure acting on the wall. The soil located behind the area of maximum wall deformation and adjacent to the wall, as well as the soil below the excavation base intersected by the shear plane, is in an active stress state. The lateral earth pressure at 5 m from the left excavation wall showed minimal changes, due to the combined effects of soil arching from lateral excavation and shield tunneling.
Mechanical response and energy evolution of interbedded shales subjected to multilevel constant/increasing-amplitude cyclic loading
Authors: Li Ke-Sheng , Yang Sheng-Qi , Liu Chuan-Xiao , Song Yu
Published: March 2024

The established research hotspots of shales, which play a significant roles in the stability of slopes, mainly focuses on its bedding plane effect under conventional stress paths, although landslides frequently suffer from complex stress disturbances. This study aims to investigate the effects of cyclic loading paths and interbed structure on the mechanical properties and energy evolution characteristics of shale. In the experiments, shale specimens with five types bedded angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) were prepared, and multilevel constant-amplitude cyclic loading (stress path Ⅰ) and multilevel increasing-amplitude cyclic loading (stress path Ⅱ) were performed. The results indicated that the mechanical behaviors including strength, deformation and failure modes, energy dissipation, and internal damping of shale samples were all highly affected by the bedding plane angles and the cyclic loading paths. Specifically, with the increasing of bedding angle, the peak strength, total dissipated energy, and total input energy of the shale specimens showed a “U” trend, the ultimate macro-failure mode changed from mixed tension-shear failure to failure along the bedding planes, and the damping ratio firstly increased and then decreased. In addition, test schemes of stepwise increase of the lower stress limit or keeping it constant were the differences between stress path Ⅰ and stress path Ⅱ, which significantly influenced the evolution of irreversible deformation of shale specimens. Peak strength of shale samples under stress path Ⅰ ranged from 4.3% to 23.9% lower than under stress path Ⅱ. Compared with stress path Ⅱ, elastic modulus and damping ratios of shales had the greater variations, under stress path Ⅰ, and dissipated energy and elastic strain energy were relatively low by an order of magnitude.
Reflected entropy for communicating black holes II: Planck braneworlds
Authors: Afrasiar Mir , Basak Jaydeep Kumar , Chandra Ashish , Sengupta Gautam
Published: March 2024

We obtain the reflected entropy for bipartite mixed state configurations of two adjacent and disjoint intervals at a finite temperature in finite-sized non-gravitating reservoirs described by $$CFT_2$$

C
F

T
2

s each coupled to two quantum dots at their boundaries in the large central charge limit through a replica technique. These field theory results are substantiated through a holographic computation involving the entanglement wedge cross section in the dual bulk BTZ black hole geometry truncated by two Planck branes. The two Planck branes are the holographic duals of the quantum dots described by $$AdS_2$$

A
d

S
2

slices with JT black holes. Our result reproduce the holographic duality between the reflected entropy and the bulk entanglement wedge cross section in the context of the $$AdS_3/CFT_2$$

A
d

S
3

/
C
F

T
2

correspondence. Subsequently we analyze the behaviour of the holographic Markov gap between the reflected entropy and the mutual information for different scenarios involving the subsystem sizes and time.
Spiking Neural Membrane Systems with Adaptive Synaptic Time Delay
Authors: Shen Yongshun , Liu Xuefu , Yang Zhen , Zang Wenke , Zhao Yuzhen
Published: March 2024

Spiking neural membrane systems (or spiking neural P systems, SNP systems) are a new type of computation model which have attracted the attention of plentiful scholars for parallelism, time encoding, interpretability and extensibility. The original SNP systems only consider the time delay caused by the execution of rules within neurons, but not caused by the transmission of spikes via synapses between neurons and its adaptive adjustment. In view of the importance of time delay for SNP systems, which are a time encoding computation model, this study proposes SNP systems with adaptive synaptic time delay (ADSNP systems) based on the dynamic regulation mechanism of synaptic transmission delay in neural systems. In ADSNP systems, besides neurons, astrocytes that can generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) are introduced. After receiving spikes, astrocytes convert spikes into ATP and send ATP to the synapses controlled by them to change the synaptic time delays. The Turing universality of ADSNP systems in number generating and accepting modes is proved. In addition, a small universal ADSNP system using 93 neurons and astrocytes is given. The superiority of the ADSNP system is demonstrated by comparison with the six variants. Finally, an ADSNP system is constructed for credit card fraud detection, which verifies the feasibility of the ADSNP system for solving real-world problems. By considering the adaptive synaptic delay, ADSNP systems better restore the process of information transmission in biological neural networks, and enhance the adaptability of SNP systems, making the control of time more accurate.
SON PREFERENCE, FAMILY CONTROL AND FAMILY MEMBER SELECTION BIAS: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE LISTED FAMILY FIRMS
Authors: YU XIAODONG , SUN SHIZE , LIU XIAOYUAN , CHENG XIRONG
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the influence of regional culture on local family firms from the perspective of son preference. By analyzing a sample of all 604 family firms listed on the China Shenzhen Stock Exchange, this study finds that in areas where son preference is pervasive, local family firms will give priority to introducing sons rather than daughters into the firm, and are more likely to hire a family CEO and hold more control of the firm in order to strengthen family control. Meanwhile, family firms in areas where there is a high preference for sons over daughters are also more inclined to choose close rather than distant relatives, and blood rather than affinity relatives into firms. This study contributes to this research by exploring the influence of local culture on family firms and verifying that family members are not a group with consistent interests; some family members are always given higher priority within the family. In addition, most research assumes that family firms in China are homogeneous; we demonstrate heterogeneity across China within different regions.
Diagnostic Method for Demagnetization Fault of Elevator Synchronous Traction Machine Based on Informer
Authors: Shao Peng , Zheng Bo , Tang Xiaozhou , Chen Chao , Hou Xuefeng
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a fault diagnosis method for synchronous traction machine demagnetization based on the Informer model. The method utilizes the Informer model to analyze and model the sensor data of the synchronous traction machine, adaptively learn the feature representation of time series data, and predict the future states in order to accurately identify and predict demagnetization faults. The specific steps include: (1) collecting sensor data of the synchronous traction machine, including parameters such as current, voltage, and rotational speed; (2) preprocessing the data, including denoising, normalization, and feature extraction; (3) constructing the Informer model and training and optimizing it using the preprocessed sensor data; and (4) using the trained model to predict and determine new sensor data, thereby achieving an accurate diagnosis of demagnetization faults. The advantages of this method are as follows: (1) automatic learning and extraction of important features of time series data without the need for manual feature design, improving diagnostic accuracy; (2) ability to handle long sequence data and strong modeling capability for time dependencies, better predicting future states and fault occurrences; and (3) adaptability to the characteristics and data features of different elevator systems and strong generalization capability.
The Deep Hybrid Neural Network and an Application on Polyp Detection
Authors: Wu Yi-Ta , Shih Frank Y. , Wang Cheng-Long , Hsiao Kuang-Ting , Liu You-Cheng , Chang Fu-Chieh , Yu En-Da
Published: March 2024

Mathematical morphology and convolution operators are two different methods to extract the characteristics and structures of images. Over the past decades, Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNN) have been proven to be more powerful than traditional image-processing approaches. In this paper, we propose a novel structure called Deep Hybrid Neural Network (DHNN) by taking advantage of the convolution and morphological neural layers. Its practical application to polyp detection in medical images is illustrated. For experimental completeness, we adopt nine polyp image datasets, including publicly available data and our own collected data. For performance comparisons, we select three backbone models. Experimental results show that our DHNN achieves the best performance in comparisons in terms of computational complexity and accurate performance.
A Novel Approach for Realizing Loop-Filter in Low-Distortion Noise-Coupled ΣΔ Modulators
Authors: Doolabi Sahar , Taghizadeh Mehdi , Fatehi Mohammad Hossein , Jamali Jasem
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an innovative general structure for a single-loop Sigma-Delta ([Formula: see text]) modulator that combines low-distortion and noise-coupled techniques to achieve high-resolution for low-power applications. The low-distortion technique adjusts the signal transfer function of the proposed structure to unity, while the noise-coupled technique enhances the order of quantization noise-shaping at the modulator output. These techniques were incorporated into the design to increase the modulator order without requiring additional operational amplifiers during its circuit implementation, resulting in a low-power modulator compared to similar structures. To reduce the number of required amplifiers, a second-order infinite impulse response (IIR) filter was used in the modulator loop filter, in place of two integrators. To assess the proposed structure’s performance, a third-order modulator sample was implemented and simulated for speech recognition applications, specifically, digital hearing aids, using 180 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The results indicate that for a third structure with a sampling rate of 64, an input sine signal of −6 dBFS and a sampling frequency of 2.56 MHz, the signal to noise plus distortion (SNDR) was 81.9 dB, and the dynamic range (DR) was 88 dB for a 20 KHz bandwidth. The modulator’s power consumption was 126.9 [Formula: see text]W. Circuit and system-level simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Shape evolution of thorium isotopes in between the drip-lines
Authors: Ummukulsu E. , Joseph A.
Published: March 2024

Commonly encountered shapes in nuclei are spherical, prolate and oblate. The shape of a nucleus is decided by the residual interactions among its nucleons. In our current investigation, we incorporate both axial and triaxial degrees of freedom to study how the shape of thorium nuclei changes within the boundaries of the drip lines. We employed the relativistic mean-field theory and utilized density-dependent meson-exchange as the functional throughout our calculations. We calculated the total binding energy as it varies with the deformation parameter [Formula: see text] and subsequently depicted the resulting binding energy curves. Furthermore, we examined the self-consistent energy surface for thorium isotopes with triaxial quadrupole deformations. The emergence of potential energy minima can be attributed to the presence of gaps or regions with reduced density of single-particle energy levels around the Fermi surface, as the nucleus undergoes deformation. The nuclear shape evolution of thorium isotopes ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] was investigated, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are spherical in shape and the nearby isotopes are less deformed and nearly spherical. Isotopes ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] exhibit a higher level of deformation. The most deformed nucleus is [Formula: see text] and is prolate. The weak triaxial behavior is observed within the region associated with shape phase transition.
A SYSTEMATIC INVESTIGATION OF THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN CHEMICALLY AND THERMALLY REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE USING RAMAN AND XRD
Authors: PRIYADARSHANI MANU , NEHA KUMARI , RANI RUPALI , SHARMA RISHI
Published: March 2024

This investigation aimed to explore the characteristics of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through a comprehensive approach. The synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) began with a customized adaptation of the modified Hummer’s method, followed by subsequent chemical and thermal reduction processes. Chemical reduction involved the use of ascorbic acid, hydrazine hydrate, and sodium borohydride, while thermal reduction occurred at various temperatures in the presence of hydrogen. The study employed a diverse array of analytical techniques to unravel the structural and chemical intricacies of the material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed significant changes indicative of structural transformations. Raman spectroscopy meticulously examined defects and layer formations. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) visualized the evolutionary aspects of the material’s structure. UV–VIS spectroscopy is employed to analyze the optical bandgap of the sample, and the primary importance of this study lies in its application potential for solar cells.
COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION OF EROSION CORROSION IN ELBOW PIPES UNDER VARYING FLOW CONDITIONS USING EXPLICIT DYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: ADA HEDIYE DENIZ
Published: March 2024

Erosion corrosion is encountered in many areas of industry and is a very complex phenomenon. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the effects of erosion corrosion in elbow pipes with different shear moduli, velocities of fluid, density of pipe using Ansys Workbench Explicit Dynamics module which is computer-aided and based on finite element. Statistical analyses were also performed to obtain the best flow parameters. SolidWorks program was used for three-dimensional studies considering elbow pipe design. The fluid properties and physical conditions were applied to the three-dimensional solid model in the pipe flow analysis. At the end of the dynamic analysis, erosion values (deformation) occurring in the elbow pipes were statistically compared to each other.
Effects of Concentrated Mass on the In-Plane Dynamic Behaviors of Two-Cable Networks with a Cross-Tie
Authors: Di Fangdian , Zhang Chenyu , Yin Jun , Sun Limin , Chen Lin
Published: March 2024

This study proposes a two-cable network model, which includes a cross-tie and two concentrated masses installed at the connection points of cross-tie and cable. The characteristic equation of such a cable network system is formulated via the complex modal analysis method. Then, dynamics of a twin-cable network is discussed in details, and the effect of concentrated mass on the system modal frequencies, damping and mode shapes is investigated. Furthermore, a general two-cable network system is analyzed. Results show that the concentrated mass always reduces the modal frequency, as it causes an increase in the modal mass of the system. When installing a concentrated mass in a twin-cable network, the difference of vibration modes between the cables can be increased in the in-phase modes, thereby achieving the damping effect of the damping type cross-tie on these modes. For a twin-cable network with a viscous damper, a small concentrated mass can significantly increase the modal damping of the in-phase modes as long as the damping coefficient of the damper is properly set. Meanwhile, when there is a two-cable network with unequal length cables, the presence of concentrated masses may reduce differences in vibration modes between cables, thus leading to decreased damping of some modes.
Dynamic Modeling and Optimization Analysis of Rigid–Flexible Coupling Manipulator Based on Assumed Mode Method
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Dai Kun , Liu Yue , Ma Fei , Guo Zhongyuan , Jiang Zhouxiang , Suo Shuangfu
Published: March 2024

Lightweight robotic arms are one of the main technologies to improve the working performance of robotic arms in the future. Focusing on the spatial vibrations issue brought about by the light-weighting of a space robotic arm in this paper, a rigid–flexible coupling dynamics model of a space robotic arm system was established based on the assumed mode method and Lagrange method. Based on the lightweight flexible robotic arm structure, a comparative analysis of the first four mode functions was conducted under different fixed constraints and physical properties to determine the mode order that matches the simulation analysis of this robotic arm, thus, further simplifying the rigid–flexible coupling dynamics equations of the system. The overall rigid model and simplified dynamic model of the robotic arm system were solved by using MATLAB, resulting in a motion trajectory of the flexible arm end in space. The three-dimensional model was validated and simulated using virtual prototype technology under the same joint inputs as the model in MATLAB. The simulation results demonstrated that the trajectory of the end of the flexible arm was basically the same between simplified dynamics model simulation and virtual prototype simulation, and the maximum deviation of the end trajectories of the flexible connecting rods [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] was less than 18[Formula: see text]mm and 58[Formula: see text]mm, respectively. Meanwhile, the trajectory trend of the end of the flexible arm in the two aforementioned models was the same as the simulation results of the ideal model (overall rigid model). The above conclusions can verify the correctness of the mathematical model of dynamics obtained from the calculations in this paper. In addition, the research data showed that the maximum vibration deviation of the flexible arm was stabilized within a certain value range under different joint inputs, and this research also provided theoretical support for the late vibration suppression control of the spatial rigid–flexible coupled robotic arm.