bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioengineering Cell Therapy for Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Huang Ngan F. , Stern Brett , Oropeza Beu P. , Zaitseva Tatiana S. , Paukshto Michael V. , Zoldan Janet
Published: January 2024

Peripheral artery disease is an atherosclerotic disease associated with limb ischemia that necessitates limb amputation in severe cases. Cell therapies comprised of adult mononuclear or stromal cells have been clinically tested and show moderate benefits. Bioengineering strategies can be applied to modify cell behavior and function in a controllable fashion. Using mechanically tunable or spatially controllable biomaterials, we highlight examples in which biomaterials can increase the survival and function of the transplanted cells to improve their revascularization efficacy in preclinical models. Biomaterials can be used in conjunction with soluble factors or genetic approaches to further modulate the behavior of transplanted cells and the locally implanted tissue environment in vivo. We critically assess the advances in bioengineering strategies such as 3-dimensional bioprinting and immunomodulatory biomaterials that can be applied to the treatment of peripheral artery disease and then discuss the current challenges and future directions in the implementation of bioengineering strategies.
Thrombomodulin Switches Signaling and Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Cleavage Specificity of Thrombin
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Giri Hemant , Panicker Sumith R. , Rezaie Alireza R.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Cleavage of the extracellular domain of PAR1 (protease-activated receptor 1) by thrombin at Arg41 and by APC (activated protein C) at Arg46 initiates paradoxical cytopathic and cytoprotective signaling in endothelial cells. In the latter case, the ligand-dependent coreceptor signaling by EPCR (endothelial protein C receptor) is required for the protective PAR1 signaling by APC. Here, we investigated the role of thrombomodulin in determining the specificity of PAR1 signaling by thrombin.

METHODS:

We prepared a PAR1 knockout (PAR1
−/−
) EA.hy926 endothelial cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 and transduced PAR1
−/−
cells with lentivirus vectors expressing PAR1 mutants in which either Arg41 or Arg46 was replaced with an Ala. Furthermore, human embryonic kidney 293 cells were transfected with wild-type or mutant PAR1 cleavage reporter constructs carrying N-terminal Nluc (NanoLuc luciferase) and C-terminal enhanced yellow fluorescent protein tags.

RESULTS:

Characterization of transfected cells in signaling and receptor cleavage assays revealed that, upon interaction with thrombomodulin, thrombin cleaves Arg46 to elicit cytoprotective effects by a β-arrestin-2 biased signaling mechanism. Analysis of functional data and cleavage rates indicated that thrombin-thrombomodulin cleaves Arg46>10-fold faster than APC. Upon interaction with thrombin, the cytoplasmic domain of thrombomodulin recruited both β-arrestin-1 and -2 to the plasma membrane. Thus, the thrombin cleavage of Arg41 was also cytoprotective in thrombomodulin-expressing cells by β-arrestin-1-biased signaling. APC in the absence of EPCR cleaved Arg41 to initiate disruptive signaling responses like thrombin.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that coreceptor signaling by thrombomodulin and EPCR determines the PAR1 cleavage and signaling specificity of thrombin and APC, respectively.
Atypical hemispheric re-organization of the reading network in high-functioning adults with dyslexia: Evidence from representational similarity analysis
Authors: Cavalli Eddy , Chanoine Valérie , Tan Yufei , Anton Jean-Luc , Giordano Bruno L. , Pegado Felipe , Ziegler Johannes C.
Published: January 2024

It has been argued that university students with dyslexia compensate for their reading deficits by a neural re-organization of the typical reading network, where the lexical representations of words are (re-)structured according to semantic rather than orthographic information. To investigate the re-organization of neural word representations more directly, we used multivariate representational similarity analyses (RSA) to find out which brain regions of the reading network respond to orthographic and semantic similarity between 544 pairs of words and whether there were any differences between typical and dyslexic readers. In accordance with the re-organization hypothesis, we predicted greater similarity (i.e., correlation of neural dissimilarity matrices) in adult dyslexic than in typical readers in regions associated with semantic processing and weaker similarity in regions associated with orthographic processing. Our results did not confirm these predictions. First, we found sensitivity to semantic similarity in all three subparts of the fusiform gyrus (FG1, FG2, and FG3) bilaterally. Adults with dyslexia showed less (rather than more) sensitivity to semantic similarity in the posterior subpart of fusiform gyrus (FG1) in the left hemisphere. Second, in typical readers, sensitivity to orthographic information was not only found in the left fusiform gyrus (FG1, FG2, and FG3) but also in left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Adults with dyslexia, in contrast, did not show sensitivity to orthographic information in left IFG. However, they showed increased sensitivity to orthographic information in the right hemisphere FG1. Together, the results show abnormal orthographic processing in left IFG and right FG1 and reduced semantic information in left FG1. While we found evidence for compensatory re-organization in adult dyslexia, the present results do not support the hypothesis according to which adults with dyslexia rely more heavily on semantic information. Instead, they revealed atypical hemispheric organization of the reading network that is not restricted to the typical left language hemisphere.
The Origins of the Peloponnesian War, the Origins of the Peloponnesian War, and Theories of International Relations
Authors: Low Polly
Published: January 2024

This article investigates the theoretical assumptions and implications of de Ste. Croix’s approach to interstate politics in The Origins of the Peloponnesian War. It suggests that two approaches can be identified in the work: one which sees a fundamental connection between political systems within a state and that state’s conduct of interstate politics, and another, closer to conventional ‘Realist’ theories, which sees a clear dividing line between domestic and interstate politics, and in which interstate relations need to be understood according to a distinct analytical framework. Although this tension was probably not a particular concern to de Ste. Croix himself, it does have a bearing on ongoing debates in International Theory; the final part of the article briefly explores the possibility that the concept of ‘compulsion’, important to both Thucydides’ and de Ste. Croix’s understanding of the causes of the Peloponnesian War, might provide a way of reconciling these two approaches.
Between ‘The Character of the Athenian Empire’ and The Origins of the Peloponnesian War (and beyond)
Authors: Canevaro Mirko , Lewis David
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the fortune of Geoffrey de Ste. Croix’s famous article ‘The Character of the Athenian Empire’, and reassesses its basic thesis that the Athenian Empire was popular among the lower classes of the allied cities in the light of recent developments in the field. After surveying the article’s immediate and more recent reception, and discussing its relation with The Origins of the Peloponnesian War and The Class Struggle in the Ancient Greek World, it isolates four key new trends in Greek history that, while going against some of Ste. Croix’s basic convictions, end up reinforcing his overall case. These are: a renewed attention to the mass and elite dichotomy, with recent work interpreting Greek oligarchy as a fundamentally reactive and anti-demotic regime; the recognition of the continued relevance of Persian meddling in the later fifth-century; a sea-change in Attic epigraphy which has led to the post-dating of several ‘imperial’ decrees; the new recognition of the dynamism of the Greek economy, and of the economic function of the Athenian Empire itself. Finally, the article addresses the paradigm of class struggle and stresses how democracy and economic dynamism, to which the Athenian Empire contributed, fostered the growth of slave markets and worsened the exploitation of ‘marginal’ regions as slave suppliers.
Checklist of helminth parasites of Chiroptera of North America north of Mexico
Authors: KINSELLA JOHN M. , TKACH MAKSYM V. , TKACH VASYL V.
Published: January 2024

A parasite-host, host-parasite and distribution-based checklist of helminths found in bats (Chiroptera) of North America north of Mexico is presented. The parasite-host checklist includes a total of 93 species (including records without a species identification) of helminth parasites reported in the literature from 30 species of bats. These include 54 trematodes, 11 cestodes, and 28 nematodes. Each helminth species is listed under its most current accepted name, with all known synonyms, distribution by state/province, and references for each geographic location. Lists of helminths reported from individual species of bats as well as states of the United States and provinces/territories of Canada are also provided. The following new combinations are proposed: Paralecithodendrium alaskensis (Neiland, 1962) n. comb. for Prosthodendrium alaskensis Neiland, 1962; Paralecthodendrium longiforme (Bhalerao, 1926) n. comb. for Lecithodendrium longiforme Bhalerao, 1926; and Paralecithodendrium singularium (Byrd & Macy, 1942) n. comb. for Prosthodendrium singularium Byrd & Macy, 1942. The state of knowledge of helminths of bats in North America is briefly discussed.
Enhancing Organic Dye Removal with Biopolymeric Ferric Sulfate-Modified Diatomite: Characterization, Adsorption Performance, and Mechanism Insights
Authors: Xu Shixin , Li Xin , Yang Wei , Zhong Jiexiong , Shi Leyao , Sun Mingyue , Xu Xiaohui
Published: January 2024

Diatomite (DE) is a widely used adsorption material in wastewater treatment due to its cost-effectiveness, high porosity, and stability. To improve its adsorption properties, we synthesized biopolymeric ferric sulfate (BPFS) through biocatalytic oxidation, known for its efficient removal
of organic compounds. In this study, we prepared a novel adsorbent, biopolymeric ferric sulfate-modified diatomite (BPFS-DE), by modifying DE with BPFS. We characterized DE and BPFS-DE using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption–desorption,
and X-ray diffraction (XRD), to assess their physical and chemical properties before and after modification. We investigated the adsorption performance of BPFS-DE for acid chrome blue K (ACBK) and analyzed the adsorption mechanisms. Our results revealed that modification with BPFS increased
the porosity and specific surface area of DE. BPFS-DE exhibited remarkable adsorption capabilities (98.6%) for ACBK under pH 6.0, 30 °C, and a 30-minute adsorption time. Langmuir adsorption isotherm models demonstrated excellent agreement (R = 0.9896) with the adsorption data, highlighting
the effectiveness of the BPFS-DE adsorbent. Furthermore, the pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics model provided a better fit (R = 0.9075) than the pseudo-first-order model, accurately reflecting the adsorption process. The adsorption process was found to be spontaneous and exothermic.
Notably, BPFS-DE outperformed DE in terms of adsorption efficiency. The synthesized BPFS-DE emerges as a promising adsorbent for treating industrial wastewater contaminated with dyes.
Improving the Science for Wildland Fire Prediction at S2S Scales
Authors: Turner D. D. , Ott L. , Steblein P. F. , Stieglitz M. , Tweedy O. , Furman J. , James C. S.
Published: January 2024

The size, duration, impact, and cost of wildland fire is increasing over the last several decades. A recent Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services (ICAMS)-sponsored workshop focused on the scientific questions and challenges associated with subseasonal-to-seasonal wildfire outlooks. Opinions from this workshop, including recommended cross-agency motivation and activities, are provided.
Comparing Medication History Capture Rates In-Person Versus Hybrid: A Multisite Pilot Study
Authors: Joshi Amee , Smetana Keaton S. , Mostafavifar Lisa , Sherry Maggie , Mehta Bella H.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Medication history is the method many organizations use to adhere to The Joint Commission’s (TJC) National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) to communicate accurate patient medication information. Literature is sparse comparing the number of medication histories completed in-person versus virtually. Methods: This is a single system, multi-site, retrospective observational study. Patients included were admitted through the Emergency Department during October 2022. The primary aim of this study compared the percent capture rates of medication history between 2 hybrid sites to an in-person site within a health-system. Our secondary objective compared the differences in the ‘medication history acuity score’ (MHAS), defined as the total number of edits, additions, and deletions made during a medication history. Results: The medication history capture rate at the in-person site was 74% and at the hybrid sites were 91% and 80%. There were no differences in total medications on each medication history between in-person and hybrid (11 [5-16] vs 11 [6-16]; P = .252). There were no differences in changes made on medication histories between in-person and hybrid (4 [1-7] vs 3 [1-7]; P = .595). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that medication history capture rates and MHAS are comparable in both in-person and hybrid environments. This similarity suggests the feasibility of implementing hybrid models for medication history services in diverse healthcare settings, potentially enhancing the capacity of health systems to meet TJC NPSG. These findings indicate that hybrid models could be an effective strategy for healthcare systems to optimize their medication history services, especially in settings with varied patient volumes and site specialties.
Framework for metamodel-based design optimization considering product performance and assembly process complexity
Authors: Eremeev Pavel , Cock Alexander De , Devriendt Hendrik , Naets Frank
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a method for simultaneous evaluation of the assembly process complexity together with the performance of the future product. It allows for product design optimization, considering different aspects of the future design at the early stage of the development process. The proposed method, embodied in a fully automated framework, substitutes the traditional sequential development process with a more efficient and rapid combined procedure, which addresses multiple design aspects simultaneously. Design for assembly (DFA) rules, used as quantitative metrics of the ease-of-assembly of the whole product and individual assembly operations, are automatically evaluated together with performance metrics, estimated based on finite element (FE) simulations. The direct solution to this optimization problem might be inefficient or impossible since it requires the recurrent evaluation of computationally expensive discrete and continuous functions with unknown behavior that represent the optimization objectives and constraints. For that reason, the proposed framework employs regression models based on the Gaussian process and artificial neural networks, thus achieving the optimal design of a product as a result of metamodel-based design optimization (MBDO). The suggested approach is demonstrated in the optimization of a gearbox assembly, considering its mechanical performance and assembly process. Comparing the results of the metamodel-based and direct design optimization shows that MBDO allows finding a better solution using a three times smaller computational budget. In addition, analysis of the results obtained using stationary sampling data sets of different sizes highlighted the limitations of the employed sampling procedure.
Investigation of the effects of cellulose nanofiber on the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) crosslinked by 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid
Authors: Pham Thi Ni , Ho Le Hanh Trang , Vu Trung Nam , Tran Hoang An , Nguyen Ngoc Mai , Nguyen Thu Ha , Le Quang Dien , Tran Thi Thuy
Published: January 2024

Bio-based and biodegradable materials have received special interests in recent years as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), cellulose nanofiber (CNF), and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) are typical examples among these environmentally friendly molecules. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of CNF reinforcement and crosslinking with FDCA on the properties of PVA. The composite films were prepared via a straightforward mechanical-dispersion method, wherein CNF was incorporated into a PVA solution and subsequently crosslinked with FDCA. Comprehensive characterizations, including Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis/Differential Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA/DTGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing, and morphological studies, were performed to assess the impact of these modifications. Our findings revealed significant enhancements in the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. Notably, the tensile strength of the PVA-c-FDCA/CNF composite with 2% CNF reached 37.08 MPa, representing a twofold increase compared to both crosslinked PVA (16.84 MPa) and unmodified PVA (14.57 MPa). TGA/DTGA analysis demonstrated improved thermal stability, with the degradation temperature reaching 371°C, compared to the 298°C observed for PVA. DSC and XRD results indicated a reduction in PVA crystallinity after crosslinking and blending with CNF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed good compatibility between PVA and CNF. This study underscores the potential of CNF reinforcement and FDCA crosslinking as a viable strategy to enhance the mechanical properties of PVA-based materials.
Research data management services among librarians in Nigerian universities
Authors: Adekoya Clement Ola , Guobiazor Isioma Rita , Busayo Isaac Oluwadare , Alade Adesola Victoria
Published: January 2024

The contemporary advancements in network technologies and scholarly communication which provide opportunities to academic libraries to look for novel means of engaging with researcher communities has necessitated librarians to retort with service innovations in data science and research data management (RDM). The aim of this study is to investigate Research data management services among librarians in Nigerian universities. A questionnaire was used to collect data on RDM services among librarians in Nigerian universities for this study. The participants were the librarians in the public universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study found that the roles of librarians in RDM services in Nigerian universities are to encourage research facilitation and promote scientific communication. The extent of involvement of librarians in RDM in Nigeria is low. The study also found that although librarians in Nigerian universities derive many benefits from RDM services, they encounter challenges such as a lack of data management plan and limited grants from research funding agencies in contributing to RDM. It was therefore recommended that universities in Nigeria should create RDM centers in the libraries to prevent data loss and for easy accessibility of research data by researchers
Motorized Two-Wheeler Overtaking: An Analysis of Strategies and Factors Affecting Overtaking Duration on Undivided Highways in Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions
Authors: Keshari Sagar , Thombre Anurag , Ghosh Indrajit
Published: January 2024

The increasing penetration of motorized two-wheelers (MTWs) on road networks of developing countries and their growing share in road crashes necessitate efficient driver assistance systems to support drivers in risky and hazardous situations. MTWs exhibit complex maneuvers while driving. Overtaking is one such complex maneuver from a safety viewpoint. While a few studies have explored this topic, none have modeled overtaking duration in heterogeneous traffic conditions. The present study investigates the overtaking behavior of MTWs and identifies the factors affecting the total overtaking duration using a hazard-based duration approach. For this purpose, a field study was conducted using instrumented MTWs, and a total of 250 overtaking maneuvers were observed in which 154 (62%) occurred in the same lane, called overtaking with lane sharing. The remaining 96 (38%) happened with a lane change, referred to as overtaking with lane changing, which is a unique finding with respect to overtaking strategies opted by MTW riders. It was found that the mean overtaking duration and overtaking distance for lane sharing were 5.2 s and 63 m, and for lane changing were 5.4 s and 59 m, respectively. Subsequently, hazard-based duration model results reveal that overtaking duration was found to be positively related to the initial gap, final gap, speed of the overtaken vehicle, and multiple overtaking. In contrast, the speed of the overtaking (instrumented MTW) vehicle has a negative impact on overtaking duration. The study findings will enable the development of an advanced rider assistance system for overtaking support of MTW riders.
Investigating temperature variability on antioxidative behavior of synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticle for potential biomedical application
Authors: Pandey Shivam , Kumari Sneha , Manohar Aeshala Leela , Singh Sushant
Published: January 2024

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP) have garnered significant attention due to their versatile redox properties and wound-healing applications. The antioxidative nature of CNP is due to its ability to be oxidized and reduced, followed by the capture or release of oxygen which is used for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, CNP is produced through a wet chemistry approach and its tunable redox property is tested across a range of temperatures. The synthesized CNP was observed to reveal the signature peak at 245 nm indicating a high Ce+3/Ce+4 ratio. Towards evaluating the redox antioxidative behavior, CNPs were subjected to a comprehensive analysis for superoxide dismutase mimetic analysis with riboflavin-mediated nitroblue tetrazolium scavenging assay. The results demonstrated that the redox activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles was strongly influenced by the different temperature ranges. Superoxide dismutase mimetic activity was observed to be reduced with a decrease in temperature as we moved from 4°C (80% activity) to −80°C (47% activity) at 1 mM conc of CNP. Similarly, the SOD mimetic activity increased with an increase in temperature from 40°C (72% activity) to 70°C (94% activity). Further, CNP was found to inhibit E. coli (gram+ve) and Enterobacter (gram−ve) beyond 70% simultaneously at 1 mM conc, indicating its potential application as a remarkable antimicrobial agent. CNP also inhibited the alpha-amylase activity up to the 60% at 1 mM conc suggesting its potential application in antidiabetic wound healing therapy. Overall, the CNP finds its application in mitigating the oxidative stress-related disorder exhibited by its high antioxidative, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic behavior.
Maintenance architecture design of equipment operation and maintenance system based on digital twins
Authors: Jingyu Lu , Weixi Ji , Chen Chen , Su Xuan
Published: January 2024

The digital twins process of equipment operation and maintenance involves massive data and complex business logic. Through data awareness of equipment and workshop environment. According to the characteristics of equipment operation and maintenance, the data characteristics and requirements are analysed, an equipment operation and maintenance management system based on the micro-service framework is proposed, a set of equipment operation and maintenance digital twins are designed and a general reference software architecture is designed and by checking the underlying in-heap pattern reduces high-impact portions of memory to provide accurate follow-up complex digital twins modelling provides the architectural foundation.
Assembly feature construction method of equipment mesh model for digital twin workshops
Authors: Luo Ruiping , Sheng Buyun , Song Kun , Jian Yuchao , Fu Gaocai , Zhao Feiyu
Published: January 2024

The digital twin workshop is the basic unit for realizing smart manufacturing. Its model is the prerequisite for applying digital twins in workshops. Geometric model assembly is the primary concern in workshop-level digital twin modeling. However, current research lacks sufficient focus on the efficiency and application modes of equipment mesh model assembly features in geometric model assembly, hindering the construction of the workshop-level digital twin model. The equipment-level digital twin model typically only contains assembly information between individual parts and is generally represented by polygonal meshes; the lack of assembly information between equipment models impedes the assembly of the workshop-level digital twin model. To improve the efficiency of workshop-level digital twin modeling and the reusability of the original 3D assembly information, this paper proposes an assembly feature construction method of equipment mesh model for digital twin workshops. A 3D assembly information model is constructed to describe the information related to the equipment geometric model and the assembly features. Then, the assembly features of the equipment mesh model are gradually positioned preliminarily and precisely, achieving precise mapping of the assembly features in the 3D information model to the equipment mesh model and efficient construction of equipment mesh model assembly features. Finally, with the construction and application of equipment mesh model assembly features in an arc welding workshop and storage workshop as an example, the feasibility of the method in improving the modeling efficiency is verified through relevant comparative experiments.
Design and analysis of three-dimensional braiding machine with track change interlocking
Authors: Cai Gaowei , Meng Zhuo , Zhang Yujing , Guo Zhuang
Published: January 2024

When performing three-dimensional braiding, the carrier base of a conventional braiding machine can only be move on a single track, but cannot be switched between tracks. In this study, a three-dimensional braiding machine with orbital change interlocking is designed to realize the carrier track change. Aiming at the crucial components in track change interlocking mechanism, the track change process is separated into seven periods, and the driving function of slider and electric rotary are obtained. The kinematics model of track change interlocking mechanism is established, the velocity, position and trajectory of carrier base are analyzed on ADAMS simulation software. The results show that the carrier base maximum velocity is −226.51 mm/s, the carrier base maximum position is 68.30 mm, and the carrier base maximum vibration is 0.14 to 1.08 mm in track change process, prototype test indicate that three-dimensional braiding machine with track change interlocking is feasible, provides reference for the future design of three-dimensional braiding machine.
Repairing Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Injury in Mice
Authors: Zhao Shasha , Li Zhaozhi , Li Kun , Dai Xiaoyu , Xu Zhe , Li Li , Wang Huanhuan , Liu Xiaodun , Li Dong
Published: January 2024

Lead acetate can cause testicular damage in males. In this study, we assessed the repairing effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on testicular injury caused by lead acetate in mice. MSCs were injected into mice with testicular injury by intraperitoneal injection, and the organ coefficient of reproductive organs, sperm motility, hormone level and antioxidant index of mice were tested. Compared with the normal group, the coefficient of reproductive organs and sperm motility were reduced in the model group, and histopathology showed obvious testicular injury, proving successful modeling. Compared with the model group, the reproductive organ coefficient and sperm motility were improved in the experimental group, and histopathology showed that the testicular injury could be significantly improved. Sex hormone secretion tends to be normal, and the antioxidant index increased. Sequencing results showed that there were 485 upregulated genes and 172 downregulated genes between the model group and the control group, and 210 upregulated genes and 482 downregulated genes between the experimental group and the model group. Differentially expressed genes are mainly concentrated in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, apoptosis signaling pathway, and arginine biosynthesis signaling pathway. Overall, MSCs can significantly improve the degree of damages to mice testis caused by lead acetate and have a certain repairing effect.
Restorative Justice in Cases of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States: A Metasynthesis
Authors: Balser Sarah , Withrow Ashley , Johnson Liat R. , Duke Chaikin Caroline
Published: January 2024

Restorative justice (RJ) has been applied to intimate partner violence (IPV) cases, but some question whether RJ is appropriate for IPV. This review is the first to focus on qualitative research on how RJ is interpreted and used in IPV cases in the United States. Six articles met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that RJ is used with the criminal legal system (CLS), initiated by the victim, and is not community-oriented. Concerns for victims being harmed or retraumatized were not supported in RJ processes happening in relation to the CLS, with some providers highlighting the importance of facilitation training and techniques. Additional research is needed to explore RJ processes and their relationship to the CLS for IPV.
Thrombotic Risk and Calculated Whole Blood Viscosity in a Cohort of Patients With New Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Carlisi Melania , Presti Rosalia Lo , Mancuso Salvatrice , Siragusa Sergio , Caimi Gregorio
Published: January 2024

The pathogenesis of venous thromboembolism in multiple myeloma is still poorly understood because multiple factors are involved. In particular, the increase in whole blood viscosity has a key role and, therefore, we performed an evaluation of some hemorheological determinants in multiple myeloma patients, putting them in relation to the thrombotic risk, with the aim to evaluate if an alteration of the hemorheological pattern was associated with a higher thrombotic risk. We performed an observational retrospective cohort study with data collected from January 2017 to September 2022. In a group of 190 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, we have examined the trend of calculated blood viscosity according to the Merrill formula, and we stratified the patients for the thrombotic risk in accordance with the IMWG/NCCN guidelines and with IMPEDE VTE score. Using the thrombotic risk stratification proposed by IMWG/NCCN any variation in calculated blood viscosity is evident, while, with the IMPEDE VTE score, we observed an increase in calculated blood viscosity in patients with “intermediate + high” risk. The calculated blood viscosity is higher in subjects presenting an “intermediate + high” thrombotic risk according to the IMPEDE VTE score. This association could therefore lay the groundwork for further research with the aim to confirm the role of hemorheological pattern in MM-related thrombotic risk.
Shared control for human–machine co-driving vehicles based on constraint-following approach
Authors: Zhang Xinrong , Xu Quanning , Gong Xinle , Li Xueyun , Huang Jin
Published: January 2024

To ensure the human–machine co-driving vehicle path-tracking accuracy, as well as to diminish the effects of vehicle underactuated characteristics and undesirable driver operation, a parallel shared control framework is proposed in this paper. By structuring a rational driving weights allocation module, the framework enables cooperative driving between the driver and automated system. First, for the front steering vehicle, a robust path-tracking controller is proposed using the constraint-following approach. The system uncertainty is decomposed into matched and non-matched uncertainties. As the non-matched portions are orthogonal to the constraint-following geometric space, they will not affect control performance. Therefore, the constraint-following control (CFC) is designed to handle the path-tracking equality constraint, initial state deviations, and matched uncertainties. Second, a fuzzy rule-based driving weights allocation module is proposed. According to the lateral deviation and the relative accuracy of the steering angle, the allocation module adjusts the driving weight of the driver and automated system to improve the vehicle condition. Finally, the simulation results show that the framework can effectively reduce the emergence caused by the driver or automated system, and significantly improve the path-tracking performance. Additionally, as the controller exhibits sufficient robustness, it can handle multiple sources of uncertainty in vehicle systems.
Sociohistorical development of sim racing in European and Asia-Pacific esports: A cross-cultural qualitative study
Authors: Lefebvre Florian , Malinen Ville , Karhulahti Veli-Matti
Published: January 2024

With the accelerated growth of the sim racing industry over the last few years, research on the phenomenon has started to emerge. Nonetheless, the history of sim racing remains unmapped. This study aims to fill the gap by investigating the development in sim racing in Europe and in Asia-Pacific between 1997 and 2021. Twenty four semi-structured interviews were carried out with experts representing sim racing associations, event organizers, and teams from Europe and Asia-Pacific. Data were analyzed using an inductive-deductive codebook approach. The results show the evolution of sim racing throughout five sociohistorical stages, which demonstrate how sim racing emerged as a hybrid of esports and motorsports and has kept evolving since ‘in-between’ their respective actors until today. The findings suggest that the slow evolution of sim racing has been particularly dependent on networked sociocultural actors, while positively affected by uncontrollable events like the COVID-19 pandemic. As a key implication, we find that the history of sim racing differs from that of esports by its multifaceted dependence on the motorsports ecosystem.
Stability and analysis of the vibrating motion of a four degrees-of-freedom dynamical system near resonance
Authors: Amer TS , Ismail AI , Shaker MO , Amer WS , Dahab HA
Published: January 2024

This article investigates the impact of three harmonically external moments on the motion of a four-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) nonlinear dynamical system composed of a double rigid pendulum connected to a nonlinear spring with linear damping. In light of the system’s generalized coordinates, the governing system (GS) of motion is derived using Lagrange’s equations. With the use of the multiple-scales method (MSM), the approximate solutions (AS) of the equations of this system are obtained up to a higher order of approximation, maybe the third order. Within the framework of the absence of secular terms, the conditions of solvability are obtained. Accordingly, the different resonance cases are categorized, and three of them are investigated simultaneously. Thus, these conditions are updated in preparation for achieving the modulation equations (ME) for the examined system. The numerical solutions (NS) of the GS are achieved using the algorithms of fourth-order Runge–Kutta (4RK), which are compared with the AS, which displays their high degree of consistency and demonstrates the precision of the MSM. The motion’s time history, steady-state solutions, and resonance curves are graphed to demonstrate the influence of various system physical parameters. All relevant fixed points at steady-state situations are identified and graphed in accordance with the Routh–Hurwitz criteria (RHC). Therefore, the zones of stability/instability of are checked and analyzed. Numerous real-world applications in disciplines like engineering and physics attest to the significance of the nonlinear dynamical system under study such as in shipbuilding, automotive devices, structure vibration, developing robots, and analysis of human walking.
Reactivating voices of the youth in safeguarding cultural heritage in Iraq: the challenges and tools
Authors: Selim Gehan , Farhan Sabeeh Lafta
Published: January 2024

This article contributes to a growing academic debate about the role of young people in safeguarding the memory of the past to support post-war rebuilding through physical urban reform and national rebranding. It also provides new opportunities for young people to amplify their voices after years of struggle. We pose the following question: How can the youth better leverage heritage to emphasise commonalities, cultural links, and educational understanding, which can break down ideological barriers and create sustainable peace? Through a critical thematic analysis of 45 open-ended interviews held in Iraq, we developed a set of recommendations that allows the youth to engage in dialogue around the country and its cultural heritage through oral history, testimonies, and documentaries. The outcomes of this research could enable the youth to reflect on their interpretation of heritage contestation and their active role towards safeguarding Iraq’s cultural heritage.
How to get angry online…properly: Creating online deliberative systems that harness political anger's power and mitigate its costs
Authors: Palmer Amitabha
Published: January 2024

Under conditions of high social and political polarization, expressing political anger online toward systemic injustice faces an apparent trilemma: Express none but lose anger's valuable goods; express anger to heterogeneous audiences but risk aggravating inter-group polarization; or express anger to like-minded people but succumb to the epistemic pitfalls and extremist tendencies inherent to homogeneous groups. Solving the trilemma requires cultivating an online environment as a deliberative system composed of four kinds of groups—each with distinct purposes and norms. I argue that applying empirically-guided design principles to this systems framework provides political anger a place where its powers can serve justice without damaging the epistemic, ethical, emotional, and community resources required for a democratic path to correcting systemic injustice.
Age logics in social work: The case of harm reduction for people over the age of 50 with long-term substance use problems residing in wet eldercare facilities in Sweden
Authors: Jönson Håkan , Harnett Tove
Published: January 2024

Age is a commonly used criterion in social work, whether for entry and exit or for decisions about the appropriate measures for clients. This study introduces the concept of age logics in social work and investigates the use of age in ‘wet’ eldercare facilities. Wet eldercare facilities are harm reduction arrangements open to people over the age of 50 with long-term substance misuse. No treatment is provided, and residents can continue to consume alcohol and other substances for the rest of their lives. At wet eldercare facilities, age is used to mark a shift in ambition: earlier efforts to treat are replaced by attempts to provide care and dignity. The article uses wet eldercare facilities as the example with which to ( i) introduce age logics as an analytical tool for critical studies of age in social work; ( ii) understand how age logics are used in harm reduction arrangements for older people; and ( iii) propose a method to increase age awareness and identify and challenge problematic uses of age in social work. The empirical data consists of interviews with 31 residents, 11 caseworkers and 12 staff members at two Swedish wet eldercare facilities. The analysis identifies four types of age logics linking chronological age with its meanings: ( a) the logic of changeability; ( b) the logic of lifestyle; ( c) the logic of function; and ( d) the logic of administrative fit. Together they construct an ideal type of the ‘older addict’, which justified existing arrangements.
The Day Disparities Died
Authors: Buchanan Kyrel L.
Published: January 2024

For many, many years, the public health community has grappled with health disparities. Reducing and/or eliminating health disparities are well-established goals, and have become a fixture in the public health space. The focus on health disparity elimination has permeated policy, resources, institutions of higher learning, and research agendas, to name a few. As a Black female public health professional, I believe that we play a central role in moving the country from a place of disparity to equity. Not only are our professional experiences critical for advancing public health, but our lived experiences can also contribute to the transformation that we all seek. This piece, titled “The Day Disparities Died,” reflects this belief. To view the original version of this poem, see the supplemental material section of this article online.
Effects of systemic oxytocin administration on ultraviolet B-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity and tactile hyposensitivity in mice
Authors: Boada M Danilo , Gutierrez Silvia , Eisenach James C
Published: January 2024

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces cutaneous inflammation, leading to thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. Here, we examine the mechanical properties and profile of tactile and nociceptive peripheral afferents functionally disrupted by this injury and the role of oxytocin (OXT) as a modulator of this disruption. We recorded intracellularly from L4 afferents innervating the irradiated area (5.1 J/cm2) in 4-6 old week male mice (C57BL/6J) after administering OXT intraperitoneally, 6 mg/Kg. The distribution of recorded neurons was shifted by UVB radiation to a pattern observed after acute and chronic injuries and reduced mechanical thresholds of A and C- high threshold mechanoreceptors while reducing tactile sensitivity. UVB radiation did not change somatic membrane electrical properties or fiber conduction velocity. OXT systemic administration rapidly reversed these peripheral changes toward normal in both low and high-threshold mechanoreceptors and shifted recorded neuron distribution toward normal. OXT and V1aR receptors were present on the terminals of myelinated and unmyelinated afferents innervating the skin. We conclude that UVB radiation, similar to local tissue surgical injury, cancer metastasis, and peripheral nerve injury, alters the distribution of low and high threshold mechanoreceptors afferents and sensitizes nociceptors while desensitizing tactile units. Acute systemic OXT administration partially returns all of those effects to normal.
Operational reliability analysis of remote operated vehicle based on dynamic Bayesian network synthesis method
Authors: Wang Chuan , Yuan Song , Yu Chao , Deng Xin , Chen Qiufan , Ren Liang
Published: January 2024

In this study, we propose a reliability framework that combines the GO method with fault tree analysis and integrates human factor reliability analysis. Taking the application of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in underwater oil and gas production as an example, a reliability model of ROV operation process is established. The human reliability in the ROV operation process is analyzed on the basis of Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM) extension approach. The influence of human factor reliability and equipment reliability on the system is compared and analyzed. The importance of each operation step is also compared and analyzed. A sensitivity analysis of the ROV during operation is performed. This study provides a theoretical basis for the improvement and maintenance of the operational reliability of ROV. The proposed reliability modeling approach solves the reliability analysis problem of large and complex operating systems.
Cerebral Protection in Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Review and Contemporary Assessment of Randomized Trial Data
Authors: Mehta Vivek C. , Chandrasekhar Sanjay A. , Quimby Donald L. , Bhandari Ajay , Mazo Victoria , Glaser Alexander D. , Rose David Z. , Mohanty Bibhu D.
Published: January 2024

As the population has aged and as aortic valve therapies have evolved, the use of trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has grown dramatically over the past decade. A well-known complication of percutaneous cardiac intervention is embolic phenomena, and TAVR is among the highest risk procedures for clinical and subclinical stroke. As indications for TAVR expand to lower-risk and ultimately younger patients, the long-term consequences of stroke are amplified. Cerebral embolic protection (CEP) devices have taken a on unique preventative role following the Food and Drug Administration approval of the SentinelTM Cerebral Protection System (CPS). More recently, the PROTECTED TAVR study has spurred extensive debate in the neuro-cardiac community. In this review we describe the contemporary literature regarding stroke risk associated with TAVR, the history and role of CEP devices, a PROTECTED TAVR sub-group analysis, and implications for next steps in the field. Lastly, we explore the unique need for CEP in a younger TAVR population, as well as directions for future research.
Screening with urine Histoplasma antigen test in asymptomatic patients starting TNF-alpha inhibitor therapy: a cohort study
Authors: Cipolat Murillo M. , Rodrigues Débora R. R. , Silveira Letícia G. , Silveira Inês G. , Nothaft Mahara S. V. , Brenol Claiton V. , da Silva Larissa R. , Pasqualotto Alessandro C. , Falci Diego R.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Histoplasmosis is the second most frequent granulomatous disease in patients treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors, second only to tuberculosis. However, there is limited information about pre-therapy screening procedures and the need for preventive treatments for patients who will start immunobiologicals.

Methods:

This is a cohort study that evaluated the prevalence of histoplasmosis in asymptomatic HIV-negative patients before initiation of TNF-α inhibitors by testing for Histoplasma antigen in urine samples. The patients included completed a 180-day follow-up after the initiation of the biologics to assess the onset of symptoms suggestive of histoplasmosis.

Results:

From January 2021 to December 2022, 54 patients who were prescribed a TNF-α inhibitor agent for treating autoimmune diseases in centers in southern Brazil were included. In the screening before therapy, the prevalence of a positive urinary Histoplasma antigen test was 14.8%. None of the 54 patients developed histoplasmosis after 6 months of immunobiological therapy, including the eight patients who tested positive.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of Histoplasma capsulatum infection in chronic patients may be higher than expected, but the impact of latent infection in asymptomatic patients is still uncertain, including those starting treatment with immunobiological drugs such as TNF-α inhibitors. Our study did not identify risk factors for the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis in this group, including a positive result in an antigen test performed before immunobiological therapy. To date, there is no evidence to recommend routine antigen-based screening or preventive therapy for histoplasmosis before initiating a TNF-α inhibitor.