bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 19161: EchoMap Automatically Maps Echocardiogram Report Text to Ontology
Authors: Rizvi Sara , Ramesh Ramya , Sehgal Vibhor , Gurusamy Brinda , Tran Jeffrey , Mackensen G. Burkhard , Arnaout Rima
Published: November 2023

Background:
Big data has the potential to revolutionize echocardiography by enabling novel research and rigorous, scalable quality improvement. Text reports are a key part of such analyses. Currently, echocardiogram reports include both structured and free text and vary across institutions, hampering attempts to mine text for useful insights. Natural language processing (NLP) can help and includes both non-deep learning and deep-learning (e.g., large language model, or LLM) based techniques. Challenges to date in using echo text with LLMs include small size, domain-specific language, and high need for accuracy and clinical meaning in model results.
Hypotheses:
We tested whether we could map echocardiography text to a structured ontology using NLP.

Methods:
We developed a three-tier ontology for the echocardiographic anatomic structures, functional elements, and descriptive characteristics in an adult transthoracic echocardiogram using 919 sentences from UCSF’s structured echocardiogram report text. We tested LLM fine-tuning as well as non-LLM techniques to map echocardiography sentences to this ontology. Two-hundred twenty-eight UCSF sentences served as an internal test set. Additional test datasets included free text from UCSF reports; structured text sentences from two other hospitals; and sentences from reports representing 17 additional hospitals.

Results:
Despite all adhering to clinical guidelines for reporting, there were notable differences by institution in what structural and functional information was included in structured reporting. A non-LLM hierarchical model performed best in mapping sentences to the ontology, with internal test accuracy of 96% for the first level of the ontology, 91% for the second level, and 77% for the third level. Echomap retained good performance across diverse datasets and displayed the ability to extrapolate to ontological terms not initially included in training.

Conclusions:
We show that non-LLM NLP methods can achieve good performance and may be especially useful for small, specialized text datasets where clinical meaning is important. These results highlight the utility of a high-resolution, standardized cardiac ontology to harmonize reports across institutions.
Abstract 19181: MicroRNA Regulation of Adipose Browning and Glucose Uptake Improves Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Bestepe Furkan , Fritsche Colette M , Persing Sarah , Ruemmele Brooke , Powers Sarah , Chatterjee Abhishek , Huggins Gordon , Icli Basak
Published: November 2023

The prevalence of obesity is on the rise worldwide. Brown adipose tissue (BAT), a highly vascularized organ, is activated in response to cold temperatures to generate heat and modulate metabolic efficiency. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that are implicated in cardiometabolic disease. However, relevant miRNAs in the endothelium of the microvasculature of BAT, how they crosstalk to the surrounding adipose tissue in cardiometabolic disease is not fully understood. We profiled microRNAs from the endothelial cells (ECs) of brown adipose tissue (BAT) of mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) using microRNA-Seq and identified microRNA-485-5p (
miR-485
) as one of the most differentially regulated miRNAs compared to the chow control.
MiR-485
expression was rapidly induced in ECs in response to glucose (2.2-fold) and palmitate (1.63-fold). Loss-of-function studies revealed that neutralization of
miR-485
increased glucose uptake to 3T3-L1 adipocytes and human adipose organoids co-cultured with conditioned media from ECs deficient in
miR-485
; while also increasing the mRNA and protein expression of brown fat marker, UCP1. Multiplex ELISA analyses of conditioned media from ECs overexpressing
miR-485
showed a significant decrease in the release of IL-25 from ECs (22.5%) while the inhibition of miR-485 in ECs increased IL-25 release by 36.3%. Interestingly, IL-25 increased glucose uptake to 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Systemic intravenous delivery of LNA-anti-miR-485 inhibitor increased expression of UCP1 (31.4%) in BAT by confocal immunofluorescence, improved BAT function as measured by multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), while improving glucose tolerance and insulin resistance by 10.2% and 14.2% respectively. Metabolic profiling revealed increased energy expenditure (25%), decreased respiratory exchange rate (6%), and increased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (9.5%). The global longitudinal strain was higher by 28% compared to control mice with DIO. Our findings indicate that
miR-485
plays a key regulatory role in controlling adipose browning and metabolism in an EC-paracrine mediated crosstalk in DIO, an effect that could be exploited for therapeutic intervention in obesity-induced cardiometabolic disease.
Abstract 19190: The Impact of Donor Age on Long-Term Survival After Heart Transplantation: A Modern Analysis of the Unos Database
Authors: Fatmi Mohammad K , Agrawal Akanksha , Mackie Benjamin , Lozonschi Lucian
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
Despite innovations in organ procurement and preservation, heart transplantation (HT) remains challenged with paucity of donor organs. Data is limited regarding the influence of donor age on long term outcomes of HT.

Hypothesis:
Our aim was to investigate the impact of donor age on long-term survival of transplant recipients between the past two decades. We hypothesized that the probability of survival has increased significantly over the most recent decade with significant increases in survivability for donor hearts aged 55+ years.

Methods:
The UNOS heart transplant registry was used to analyze survival of heart transplant patients between 2000-2009 (N= 10178) and 2010-2019 (N=20990). These were further separated into three donor age groups: 18-34, 35-54, and over 55 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated over a 10-year period. Log-ranked statistical testing was used to test the survival curves for significance.

Results:
Between 2000-2009, 5895 (58%) HT were performed from donors aged 18-34, 3862 (38%) HT from ages 35-54, and 422 (4%) HT from age 55+ group. The chance of 10-year survival was 62%, 52% and 40% respectively.In the 2010-2019 era, there were 12993 (62%) HT performed from donors aged 18-34, 7363 (35%) from ages 35-54, and 634 (3%) from age 55+ group. The 10-year survival was 81%, 77% and 73% respectively.In the donor group age 55+, there was significant difference (p<0.0001) between the head trauma and cerebrovascular cause of death prior to 2010, but no difference in the new era.

Conclusions:
Our study of the UNOS database finds that the donor age of transplanted hearts significantly impacted long-term survival during 2000-2009. These significant differences carry for transplants from 2010-2019, however, we find that long-term survivability for all donor groups increased to over 70%. The largest increase was observed for donor hearts 55+ years where the chance of 10-year survival improved from 40% before 2010 to 73% after 2010.
Characterizing Mechanisms of Ischemia in Patients With Myocardial Bridges
Authors: Sinha Aish , Rahman Haseeb , Rajani Ronak , Demir Ozan M. , Li KamWa Matthew , Morgan Holly , Ezad Saad M. , Ellis Howard , Hogan Dexter , Gulati Ankur , Shah Ajay M. , Chiribiri Amedeo , Webb Andrew J. , Marber Michael , Perera Divaka
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Myocardial bridges (MBs) are prevalent and can be associated with acute and chronic ischemic syndromes. We sought to determine the substrates for ischemia in patients with angina with nonobstructive coronary arteries and a MB in the left anterior descending artery.

METHODS:

Patients with angina with nonobstructive coronary arteries underwent the acquisition of intracoronary pressure and flow during rest, supine bicycle exercise, and adenosine infusion. Coronary wave intensity analysis was performed, with perfusion efficiency defined as accelerating wave energy/total wave energy (%). Epicardial endothelial dysfunction was defined as a reduction in epicardial vessel diameter ≥20% in response to intracoronary acetylcholine infusion. Patients with angina with nonobstructive coronary arteries and a MB were compared with 2 angina with nonobstructive coronary arteries groups with no MB: 1 with coronary microvascular disease (CMD: coronary flow reserve, <2.5) and 1 with normal coronary flow reserve (reference: coronary flow reserve, ≥2.5).

RESULTS:

Ninety-two patients were enrolled in the study (30 MB, 33 CMD, and 29 reference). Fractional flow reserve in these 3 groups was 0.86±0.05, 0.92±0.04, and 0.94±0.05; coronary flow reserve was 2.5±0.5, 2.0±0.3, and 3.2±0.6. Perfusion efficiency increased numerically during exercise in the reference group (65±9%–69±13%;
P
=0.063) but decreased in the CMD (68±10%–50±10%;
P
<0.001) and MB (66±9%–55±9%;
P
<0.001) groups. The reduction in perfusion efficiency had distinct causes: in CMD, this was driven by microcirculation-derived energy in early diastole, whereas in MB, this was driven by diminished accelerating wave energy, due to the upstream bridge, in early systole. Epicardial endothelial dysfunction was more common in the MB group (54% versus 29% reference and 38% CMD). Overall, 93% of patients with a MB had an identifiable ischemic substrate.

CONCLUSIONS:

MBs led to impaired coronary perfusion efficiency during exercise, which was due to diminished accelerating wave energy in early systole compared with the reference group. Additionally, there was a high prevalence of endothelial and microvascular dysfunction. These ischemic mechanisms may represent distinct treatment targets.
Impact of Receiving Hospital on Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcome: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Texas
Authors: Huebinger Ryan , Del Rios Marina , Abella Benjamin S. , McNally Bryan , Bakunas Carrie , Witkov Richard , Panczyk Micah , Boerwinkle Eric , Bobrow Bentley
Published: November 2023

Background

Factors associated with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcome disparities remain poorly understood. We evaluated the role of receiving hospital on OHCA outcome disparities.

Methods and Results

We studied people with OHCA who survived to hospital admission from TX‐CARES (Texas Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival), 2014 to 2021. Using census data, we stratified OHCAs into majority (>50%) strata: non‐Hispanic White race and ethnicity, non‐Hispanic Black race and ethnicity, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. We stratified hospitals into performance quartiles based on the primary outcome, survival with good neurologic outcome. We evaluated the association between race and ethnicity and care at higher‐performance hospitals. We compared 3 models evaluating the association between race and ethnicity and outcome: (1) ignoring hospital, (2) adjusting for hospital as a random intercept, and (3) adjusting for hospital performance quartile. We adjusted models for possible confounders. We included 10 434 OHCAs. Hospital performance quartile outcome rates ranged from 11.3% (fourth) to 37.1% (first). Compared with OHCAs in neighborhoods of majority White race, those in neighborhoods of majority Black race (odds ratio [OR], 0.1 [95% CI, 0.1–0.1]) and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (OR, 0.2 [95% CI, 0.2–0.2]) were less likely to be cared for at higher‐performing hospitals. Compared with White neighborhoods (30.1%) and ignoring hospital, outcomes were worse in Black neighborhoods (15.4%; adjusted OR [aOR], 0.5 [95% CI, 0.4–0.5]) and Hispanic or Latino neighborhoods (19.2%; aOR, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.5–0.7]). Adjusting for hospital as a random intercept, outcomes improved for Black neighborhoods (aOR, 0.9 [95% CI, 0.7–1.05]) and Hispanic or Latino neighborhoods (aOR, 0.9 [95% CI, 0.8–0.99]). Adjusting for hospital performance quartile, outcomes improved for Black neighborhoods (aOR, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.7–1.01]) and Hispanic or Latino neighborhoods (aOR, 0.9 [95% CI, 0.8–0.996]).

Conclusions

In Black and Hispanic or Latino communities, OHCAs were less likely to be cared for at higher‐performing hospitals, and adjusting for receiving hospital improved OHCA outcome disparities.
The EVA (Early Vascular Aging) Study: Association of Central Obesity With Worse Arterial Health After Preeclampsia
Authors: Paquin Amélie , Werlang Ana , Coutinho Thais
Published: November 2023

Background

Women with preeclampsia have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. This is partly explained by the worse arterial health after preeclampsia. Central obesity (CO) is a risk factor for both preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease. Whether CO contributes to further worsening of arterial health after preeclampsia remains unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of CO and previous preeclampsia on arterial hemodynamics.

Methods and Results

We studied 40 women with previous preeclampsia (<6 years) and 40 age‐matched controls with previous normotensive pregnancy in the same timeframe. We estimated arterial hemodynamics with validated techniques combining applanation tonometry and echocardiography. CO was defined as a waist‐to‐hip ratio ≥0.85. Differences in arterial hemodynamics across the 3 groups (preeclampsia with CO, preeclampsia without CO, and controls) were assessed with multivariable linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Twenty‐six (65%) of the participants with preeclampsia had CO compared with 18 (45%) controls. Mean waist‐to‐hip ratio in patients with preeclampsia with CO, those with preeclampsia and no CO, and controls was 0.94±0.05, 0.80±0.04, and 0.83±0.07, respectively. In multivariable analyses, women with preeclampsia and CO had higher central blood pressure, arterial stiffness (carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity), steady arterial load (systemic vascular resistance), and wave reflections (reflected pressure wave amplitude, augmentation index) compared with controls (
P
<0.05 for each). Fewer hemodynamic domains were altered in the preeclampsia with no CO group, with higher central diastolic blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and wave reflections than controls (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Women with previous preeclampsia who also experience CO have the greatest alterations in arterial health and hemodynamics. Patients with preeclampsia with CO may represent a higher‐risk subgroup who could be targeted for risk stratification and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Novel Size‐Based High‐Density Lipoprotein Subspecies and Incident Vascular Events
Authors: Deets Austin , Joshi Parag H. , Chandra Alvin , Singh Kavisha , Khera Amit , Virani Salim S. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Otvos James D. , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Gruppen Eke G. , Connelly Margery A. , Ayers Colby , Navar Ann Marie , Pandey Ambarish , Wilkins John T. , Rohatgi Anand
Published: November 2023

Background

High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) particle concentration likely outperforms HDL cholesterol in predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Whether size‐based HDL subspecies explain the atheroprotective associations of HDL particle concentration remains unknown. Our objective was to assess whether levels of specific size‐based HDL subspecies associate with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a multiethnic pooled cohort and improve risk prediction beyond traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Methods and Results

Seven HDL size‐based subspecies were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance (LP4 algorithm; H1=smallest; H7=largest) among participants without prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities), MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular Endstage Disease), and DHS (Dallas Heart Study) cohorts (n=15 371 people). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between HDL subspecies and incident myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemic stroke at follow‐up (average 8–10 years) adjusting for HDL cholesterol and risk factors. Improvement in risk prediction was assessed via discrimination and reclassification analysis. Within the pooled cohort (median age 57 years; female 54%; Black 22%) higher H1 (small) and H4 (medium) concentrations were inversely associated with incident MI (hazard ratio [HR]/SD, H1 0.88 [95% CI, 0.81–0.94]; H4 0.89 [95% CI, 0.82–0.97]). H4 but not H1 improved risk prediction indices for incident MI. Increasing H2 and H4 were inversely associated with improved risk prediction indices for composite end point of stroke, MI, and cardiovascular death (HR/SD, H2 0.94 [95% CI, 0.88–0.99]; H4 0.91 [95% CI, 0.85–0.98]). Levels of the large subspecies (H6 and H7) were not associated with any vascular end point.

Conclusions

Two of 7 HDL size‐based subspecies modestly improved risk prediction for MI and composite vascular end points in a large multiethnic pooled cohort. These findings support assessment of precise HDL subspecies for future studies regarding clinical utility.
Serial Assessment of Shock Severity in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Jentzer Jacob C. , Van Diepen Sean , Patel Parag C. , Henry Timothy D. , Morrow David A. , Baran David A. , Kashani Kianoush B.
Published: November 2023

Background

One‐time assessment of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) shock classification robustly predicts mortality in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). We sought to determine whether serial SCAI shock classification could improve risk stratification.

Methods and Results

Unique admissions to a single academic level 1 CICU from 2015 to 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Electronic health record data were used to assign the SCAI shock stage during 4‐hour blocks of the first 24 hours of CICU admission. Shock was defined as hypoperfusion (SCAI shock stage C, D, or E). In‐hospital death was evaluated using logistic regression. Among 2918 unique CICU patients, 1537 (52.7%) met criteria for shock during ≥1 block, and 266 (9.1%) died in the hospital. The SCAI shock stage on admission was: A, 37.6%; B, 31.5%; C, 25.9%; D, 1.8%; and E, 3.3%. Patients who met SCAI criteria for shock on admission (first 4 hours) and those with worsening SCAI shock stage after admission were at higher risk for in‐hospital death. Each higher admission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.18–1.56]; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.70), maximum (adjusted odds ratio, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.37–1.85]; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.73) and mean (adjusted odds ratio, 2.42 [95% CI, 1.99–2.95]; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.78) SCAI shock stage was incrementally associated with a higher in‐hospital mortality rate. Discrimination was highest for the mean SCAI shock stage (
P
<0.05). Each additional 4‐hour block meeting SCAI criteria for shock predicted a higher mortality rate (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.07–1.24]).

Conclusions

Dynamic assessment of shock using serial SCAI shock classification assignment can improve mortality risk stratification in CICU patients by quantifying the magnitude and duration of shock.
Association of Prior Stroke With Health Care Perceptions of Adequate Emergency Care in Women
Authors: Stamm Brian , Royan Regina , Madsen Tracy E.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Women with a history of stroke represent a vulnerable patient population due to their extant disability, morbidity, and risk of recurrence. The association between prior stroke with patient experience and perception of emergency medical care is unknown.

METHODS:

We utilized data from the Health Care Experiences and Perception cross-sectional, online survey from the American Heart Association Research Goes Red Registry. Ordinal logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between a self-reported history of stroke in the prior 10 years and the perception of not receiving adequate care in an emergency department because of gender or race. Models were adjusted for age at the time of enrollment, race/ethnicity, myocardial infarction within 10 years, and current smoking status.

RESULTS:

A total of 3498 women participants met inclusion criteria: 89 participants with a history of stroke in the past 10 years (mean age, 49.4 years; 10.1% Black participants and 5.6% Hispanic participants) and 3409 participants without such history (mean age, 45.8 years; 7.8% Black participants and 7.0% Hispanic participants). In multivariate logistic regression models, stroke history was significantly associated with greater odds of answering “to a great extent” that “I will not receive adequate care in an emergency room based on my gender” (odds ratio, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.69–6.17]) and “…race/ethnicity” (odds ratio, 3.88 [95% CI, 1.45–10.39]). Similar results were seen for secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Women patients with a stroke history felt less likely to receive adequate emergency care based on gender and race/ethnicity. Whether these negative health perceptions are associated with delays in presentation for stroke or other time-sensitive conditions should be the focus of future studies, given that these populations are known to less frequently receive advanced therapies for stroke, in part due to delays in presentation.
FastSurfer-HypVINN: Automated sub-segmentation of the hypothalamus and adjacent structures on high-resolutional brain MRI
Authors: Estrada Santiago , Kügler David , Bahrami Emad , Xu Peng , Mousa Dilshad , Breteler Monique M.B. , Aziz N. Ahmad , Reuter Martin
Published: November 2023

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the regulation of a broad range of physiological, behavioral, and cognitive functions. However, despite its importance, only a few small-scale neuroimaging studies have investigated its substructures, likely due to the lack of fully automated segmentation tools to address scalability and reproducibility issues of manual segmentation. While the only previous attempt to automatically sub-segment the hypothalamus with a neural network showed promise for 1.0 mm isotropic T1-weighted (T1w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is a need for an automated tool to sub-segment also high-resolutional (HiRes) MR scans, as they are becoming widely available, and include structural detail also from multi-modal MRI. We, therefore, introduce a novel, fast, and fully automated deep-learning method named HypVINN for sub-segmentation of the hypothalamus and adjacent structures on 0.8 mm isotropic T1w and T2w brain MR images that is robust to missing modalities. We extensively validate our model with respect to segmentation accuracy, generalizability, in-session test-retest reliability, and sensitivity to replicate hypothalamic volume effects (e.g., sex differences). The proposed method exhibits high segmentation performance both for standalone T1w images as well as for T1w/T2w image pairs. Even with the additional capability to accept flexible inputs, our model matches or exceeds the performance of state-of-the-art methods with fixed inputs. We, further, demonstrate the generalizability of our method in experiments with 1.0 mm MR scans from both the Rhineland Study and the UK Biobank—an independent dataset never encountered during training with different acquisition parameters and demographics. Finally, HypVINN can perform the segmentation in less than a minute (graphical processing unit [GPU]) and will be available in the open source FastSurfer neuroimaging software suite, offering a validated, efficient, and scalable solution for evaluating imaging-derived phenotypes of the hypothalamus.
New Neotropical and Nearctic species of water beetles in the genera Hydraena Kugelann and Ochthebius Leach, a key to North American genera and subgenera of the family, new distribution records, and a synopsis of ecology, behavior and morphology related to aquatic life (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)
Authors: PERKINS PHILIP D.
Published: November 2023

Twenty-six new species of Hydraenidae are described, including new species from Belize (2), Mexico (16), Panama (3), St. Vincent (1), and the U.S.A. (4). High-resolution digital images of the habitus and male genitalia of holotypes are given. New distribution data are provided for 70 species, and new habitus and aedeagal images are given for members of the subgenus Spanglerina: H. (Spanglerina) brevis Sharp, H. (Spanglerina) frondsicola Perkins, and H. (Spanglerina) ingens Perkins. The following new species are described: Hydraena (Holcohydraena) chandleri, H. (Hydraenopsis) belicollis, H. (Hydraenopsis) belilymba, H. (Hydraenopsis) bicandida, H. (Hydraenopsis) canalula, H. (Hydraenopsis) comicala, H. (Hydraenopsis) concatenata, H. (Hydraenopsis) guanajuatoensis, H. (Hydraenopsis) lenticula, H. (Hydraenopsis) multivillosa, H. (Hydraenopsis) panbrevis, H. (Hydraenopsis) panelephanta, H. (Hydraenopsis) pantitillata, H. (Hydraenopsis) pocilla, H. (Hydraenopsis) reducta, H. (Hydraenopsis) saintvincentensis, H. (Hydraenopsis) scintillasolata, H. (Hydraenopsis) spiralis, H. (Hydraenopsis) temascaltepecica, H. (Spanglerina) arcei, Ochthebius (Asiobates) cascadeus, O. (Asiobates) convexus, O. (Asiobates) invictus, O. (Asiobates) shepardi, O. (s. str.) bajaensis, O. (s. str.) explicitus. New distribution records are provided for 70 species. The species status of Ochthebius (Gymnochthebius) falli (Perkins) is reinstated. A very brief synopsis is given of the exocrine secretion delivery system (ESDS) as it relates to the behavior and morphology of hydraenid aquatic life.
MJO-Induced Warm Pool Eastward Extension Prior to the Onset of El Niño: Observations from 1998 to 2019
Authors: Jauregui Yakelyn R. , Chen Shuyi S.
Published: November 2023

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are the two most important tropical phenomena that affect global weather and climate on intraseasonal and interannual time scales. Although they occur on different time scales, the MJO-induced sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the equatorial Pacific have spatial scales similar to SST anomalies prior to El Niño. This study aims to address the question of whether the MJO plays an important role in the warm pool eastward extension (WPEE) leading up to El Niño. We use over 20 years of satellite observations, including optimum interpolated SST, TRMM-GPM precipitation, and the cross-calibrated multiplatform (CCMP) surface winds from 1998 to 2019, to quantify the spatial structure and duration of the MJO-induced warm SST anomalies over the equatorial Pacific (10°S–10°N, 130°E–180°). The intensity of the MJO is measured by the total rain volume and average surface westerly wind speed throughout its convectively active phase. Results show that 1) 61% of the 98 MJO events induced a WPEE over 1000–3000 km along the equator, which can last beyond 15–30 days after the MJO precipitation ended; 2) the MJO events prior to El Niño are generally stronger and produce significant WPEE far beyond its annual cycle and increasing SST warming in the Niño-3.4 region; 3) consecutive MJO events can produce much stronger WPEE prior to El Niño, which are observed in all El Niño events from 1998 to 2019; and 4) more frequent and stronger MJO-induced WPEE occurs in March–May than other seasons. These results can help better understand the MJO–ENSO interaction and, ultimately, improve the prediction of El Niño onset.
When Pre-Release Optimism Meets Post-Release Reality: Understanding Reentry Success Through a Longitudinal Framework Assessing Pre- and Post-Release Perceptions
Authors: Lindquist Christine H. , Lattimore Pamela K. , Scaggs Samuel J. A. , Buck Willison Janeen , Walker Jason W. , Jasperson Nicole , Labrecque Ryan M.
Published: November 2023

In the identity theory of desistance, optimism is important to individual transformation. Yet unfounded optimism could be detrimental in reentry. This study developed and tested a typology of the direction and accuracy of pre-release expectations. Using longitudinal data collected pre- and post-release from 369 men and women released from prison or jail in six states, we assessed which patterns (realistic optimism, unrealistic optimism, realistic pessimism, unrealistic pessimism) predict reentry success at 6- and 12-months post-release, including finding employment and housing and avoiding criminal behavior, rearrest, and illicit drug use. Realistic optimism was found to be positively associated with reentry success in some domains. Implications for reentry practitioners are discussed.
Crime Against Women in India: A Theoretical Review
Authors: Yadav Pushpender
Published: November 2023

Sexual, physical or emotional violence against women in India is a serious form of exploitation that needs to be prevented in the nation. The objective of this article is to highlight the increasing rate, number and forms of this violence against women in the country. To protect women at individual level, it is essential to know about the forms and severity of the crimes. Further, this article is based on a theoretical analysis of a review of literature and the kind of offences women suffer. This article also analyses secondary data of National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) from the year 2016 to 2021 (NCRB, 2016–2021) which clearly reflects that crime against women has increased although it was only very low during Covid-19. This article also attempts to emphasise on the recommendations and efforts to minimise the crime against women with the help of stakeholders of the society.
Mechanical characterisation of Aerosil-polycarbonate-based ceramic nanocomposites: 3D printing versus injection moulding technology
Authors: Tarfaoui Mostapha , Qureshi Yumna , Chihi Manel , Daly Mohamed
Published: November 2023

The 3D printing of composite materials especially, nanocomposites, is an essential step in exploring new perspectives for the applications of organic matrix composite materials for industrial applications. In this work, the effect of ceramic nanofillers on the mechanical properties of a thermoplastic matrix is studied using different wt% of nanofillers (AEROSIL). The results showed that the increase in the wt% of AEROSIL resulted in an increase in the mechanical properties in terms of hardness, stiffness, ductility, and tensile strength. Moreover, these samples were 3D printed and were compared with the samples prepared by conventional injection moulding. The comparison characterized the influence of the manufacturing method on the mechanical performance of materials. Although there was very little behavior difference in both samples, the 3D-printed samples showed a weight reduction. This has broadened the possible applications of this material and technique in areas where weight is of utmost significance.
The technological landscape of human and animal transportation: Cases from Northern Nigeria and Southern Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Drengk David , Madugu Yusuf
Published: November 2023

This paper sheds light on a West African technological landscape of the early twentieth century that transcended the boundaries of various West African population groups and natural environments. The conceptual framework of technological landscape employed in this study serves to explore the everyday spaces and details of trade and transport activities of merchants from Northern Nigeria, as well as the engagement of forest dwellers in Côte d’Ivoire in the trade of gold and other natural resources they cultivated, harvested and produced in the forest. Building on archival materials from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, the paper considers various historical actors who have often been neglected in history of technology narratives but who are certainly relevant in West African (transport) history.
Perceived Neighborhood Disorder, Self-Esteem, and the Moderating Role of Religion
Authors: Ellison Christopher G. , Guven Metin , DeAngelis Reed T. , Hill Terrence D.
Published: November 2023

A growing body of work links neighborhood conditions—and particularly perceived neighborhood disorder—with diverse aspects of psychosocial functioning, including self-esteem or the global moral self-worth of the individual. Our work augments this literature by investigating the possible roles of (a) organizational religiosity (i.e., religious attendance, religious support), (b) non-organizational religiosity (i.e., prayer and religious coping practices), and (c) the sense of divine control as potential stress in mitigating the deleterious effects of neighborhood disorder on self-esteem. Data from the Nashville Stress and Health Study (NSAHS, 2011–2014) are used to test a series of hypotheses regarding the possible stress-buffering effects of multiple religious domains. Findings from multivariable regression models indicate that: (a) perceived neighborhood disorder is inversely associated with self-esteem; (b) non-organizational religiosity and the sense of divine control each mitigate this pattern; and, interestingly, (c) organizational religiosity does not buffer the association between neighborhood disorder and self-esteem. Several study limitations, as well as a number of promising directions for future research, are identified.
Let us be friends: A vision for a better global missiological engagement
Authors: Varghese Meloottu Allan
Published: November 2023

World Christianity provides a glimpse of the shifting Christian landscape from the global North to the South, influencing a change in missiological patterns, especially in light of contemporary globalization, migration, and transnationalism. This short reflection considers such transition and proposes a vision for a better global missiological engagement for the next 50 years, calling for deeper friendship between western and non-western Christians. This reflection was presented at the 50th-year banquet celebration of the American Society of Missiology (ASM).
The Effects of Decentralized Organizational Structure and an Ethical Work Climate on the Work Engagement of Local Public Officials in Thailand
Authors: Suebvises Ploy
Published: November 2023

In Thailand, an increase in urbanization, economic downturn, and greater demands of the populace have made it difficult to maintain the work engagement of local public officials. By studying 635 employees working in municipal governments in all four major regions of Thailand, this study indicates that decentralized decision-making structure and ethical climates, particularly team interest, social responsibility, and rules and standard operating procedures, tend to have a significant positive impact on work engagement. On the other hand, low formalization of organizational structures was not seen to have significant impacts. Policy and managerial implications of these findings are discussed.
Book review: Arundhathi Subramaniam, Women Who Wear Only Themselves: Conversations with Four Travelers on Sacred Journeys
Authors: Safrine N.
Published: November 2023

Arundhathi Subramaniam, Women Who Wear Only Themselves: Conversations with Four Travelers on Sacred Journeys (Delhi: Speaking Tiger, 2021), 176 pp.
Ritual Use of Ceratozamia totonacorum (Zamiaceae) Leaves in Santiago Ecatlán, Puebla, Mexico: Perspectives on Conservation
Authors: Fuentes Tania Escobar , Binnqüist Citlalli López , Peña Francisco Basurto , Velázquez-Rosas Noé , Nicolalde-Morejón Fernando , Martínez-Domínguez Lilí , Blancas José
Published: November 2023

This study focused on the use and management of Ceratozamia totonacorum leaves during the Day of the Dead in Santiago Ecatlán, an Indigenous Totonaca community located in the Sierra Norte of Puebla, Mexico. Ethnographical, ethnobotanical, and ecological methods were utilized to document the ritual use and traditional management practices of C. totonacorum. Additionally, this information was used to evaluate the impact and effect of leaf extraction on a C. totonacorum population. C. totonacorum plants grow on limestone cliffs and in adjacent agricultural fields. Experienced harvesters remove the leaves without damaging the plants, and when C. totonacorum leaves become scarce they are substituted by Chamaedorea spp. Our results show that these practices do not have a negative impact on the studied population. We conclude that community management practices have contributed to maintaining a stable population of C. totonacorum. We therefore consider the need to study the relationship between the permanence of ritual ceremonies and associated sustainable plant practices and the importance of projects based on a better understanding of ritual plant uses, which could contribute to sustainable resource and ecosystem conservation. This research demonstrates the relevance of co-designing comprehensive conservation strategies that vindicate the value and promote local expressions of traditional knowledge.
Implementation and benefits of hybrid methodology: Flipped classroom and project-based learning in mechanical engineering courses
Authors: Bolivar Rafael , Triviño Jaimes Neyl Richard , Gonzalez Edgard Aureliando
Published: November 2023

This research article introduces a hybrid methodology encompassing project-based learning (PjBL) and flipped classroom (FC) approaches. It is aimed to advance the comprehension of the implementation and benefits of FC and PjBL methodologies, particularly within engineering education. The hybrid methodology was implemented in a Mechanical Engineering program during the first semester of 2022. It was designed to address synchronous class restrictions caused by the pandemic, leading to online classes via the Microsoft Teams platform. The population consisted of 101 students from various semesters and courses. Implementation involved quizzes, workshops, a classroom project, and personal challenges as evaluation activities. The FC materials included explanatory videos, solved problems, readings, and slides. These materials were organised on the Moodle platform. The research employed quantitative and qualitative methodologies, formulating five hypotheses and designing a 14-indicator survey. The data were analysed using statistical methods such as Cronbach's alpha, Guttman's split-half, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, KMO analysis, Bartlett's test, principal component analysis, Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA, and Spearman's rho. Results indicated excellent reliability of the survey indicators, non-parametric data, and good adequacy of the proposed structure. Analysis indicated that the implementation of this methodology leads to significant benefits in terms of satisfaction, emotional engagement and stimulation levels, resulting in more effective learning and preference over the traditional approach. The perception of technology, timing, and content of videos varied among different courses. Positive comments from students supported the benefits of the hybrid methodology. It was recommended to improve the selection and quality of study materials.
First report of Eocene echinoids from the Sylhet Limestone, Mikir Hills of Assam, India: palaeontological, palaeogeography and palaeoenvironmental significance
Authors: Lokho Kapesa , Carrasco JosÉ Francisco , Biswal Shantajhara , Whiso Kezhakielie , Bhandari Ansuya
Published: November 2023

This article reports two echinoid taxa viz. Ilarionia sindensis Duncan and Sladen (1884) and Porocidaris schmidelii Münster in Goldfus (1830) from the middle Eocene Sylhet Limestone of Mikir Hills, Assam. P. schmidelii is found from the Lutetian (middle Eocene) to the Priabonian (upper Eocene) in the following regions: NE of Spain, Biarritz (Southwestern France), Angoumé (Southern Aquitaine, France), Carinthia (Southern Austria), Venetian region of Italy Provence, Southern Alps of French, Istria (Croatia), Persian Gulf, Oman and Egypt. I. sindensis was first reported from the Eocene of Sindh province from the Khirthar Series (Pakistan) and Madagascar. It is also recorded from the Bartonian–Priabonian in the following regions: NE Spain, Biarritz in Southwestern France, Angoumé in Southern Aquitaine-France, Carinthia in Southern Austria, Italian region of Veneto, Provence and southern French Alps, Persian Gulf, Oman, Egypt and Istria. They are systematically described to know their stratigraphic, palaeoenvironment and palaeogeographic distribution. The material studied herein represents the first report from the middle Eocene of India, and it significantly expands the geographical extension of Eocene marine echinoids in the northeastern part of India.
Monotonic and cyclic behaviour of deficient reinforced concrete slabs retrofitted with externally bonded carbon fibre reinforced polymer
Authors: Cao Vui Van , Vo Huy Ba , Dinh Luan Hoai , Doan Det Van
Published: November 2023

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofitting of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs has been widely investigated; however, the flexural behaviour of deficient RC slabs retrofitted with FRP under cyclic loading are limitedly explored. Towards this aim, this study experimentally and theoretically investigated the behaviour of RC slabs retrofitted with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) under monotonic/cyclic loadings. Seven full-scale RC slabs, including one control slab and six slabs retrofitted by 1/2 and one CFRP layer, namely retrofitting types I and II, were tested under monotonic and cyclic loadings until failure. The results indicated that FRP retrofitted slabs failed by CFRP debonding while the control slab failed by steel yielding. CFRP retrofitted slabs exhibited tri-linear behaviour. CFRP retrofitting types I and II improved the yield load-carrying capacity by 43.5% and 83.5%, and the maximum load-carrying capacity by 81.9% and 217.4% compared with the capacity of the control slab, respectively. The stiffness of the retrofitted slabs increased significantly, leading to a substantial reduction in the deflection capacity. Although the ductility decreased, the safety factors based on load-carrying capacity of CFRP retrofitted slabs were much higher than the safety factor of the control slab. Cyclic loading caused a marginal strength degradation while it slightly reduced the ultimate deflections. Finally, a model to compute the moment capacity of CFRP retrofitted slabs was proposed, which can be useful for engineers in practice due to its simplicity and reasonable accuracy.
Navigating the narrowing effect of public discourse for a healthier future
Authors: MacLeod Hugh
Published: November 2023

This article explores the concerning phenomenon of the narrowing effect in public discourse, particularly in the context of healthcare and Medicare. It discusses the challenges posed by this narrowing effect, the impact of cognitive biases, and the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers and organizations when patients take their concerns public. The article also emphasizes the importance of responsible leadership and offers navigation for overcoming the narrowing of public discourse.
Impact of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure and FiO2 on Lung Mechanics and Intrapulmonary Shunt in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with ARDS Due to COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Florio Gaetano , Zanella Alberto , Slobod Douglas , Guzzardella Amedeo , Protti Ilaria , Carlesso Eleonora , Canakoglu Arif , Fumagalli Jacopo , Scaravilli Vittorio , Colombo Sebastiano M. , Caccioppola Alessio , Brioni Matteo , Pesenti Antonio M. , Grasselli Giacomo
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on gas exchange in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19. Methods: Two FiO2 (100%, 40%) were tested at 3 decreasing levels of PEEP (15, 10, and 5 cmH2O). At each FiO2 and PEEP, gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, hemodynamics, and the distribution of ventilation and perfusion were assessed with electrical impedance tomography. The impact of FiO2 on the intrapulmonary shunt (delta shunt) was analyzed as the difference between the calculated shunt at FiO2 100% (shunt) and venous admixture at FiO2 40% (venous admixture). Results: Fourteen patients were studied. Decreasing PEEP from 15 to 10 cmH2O did not change shunt (24 [21-28] vs 27 [24-29]%) or venous admixture (18 [15-26] vs 23 [18-34]%) while partial pressure of arterial oxygen (FiO2 100%) was higher at PEEP 15 (262 [198-338] vs 256 [147-315] mmHg; P < .05). Instead when PEEP was decreased from 10 to 5 cmH2O, shunt increased to 36 [30-39]% ( P < .05) and venous admixture increased to 33 [30-43]% ( P < .05) and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (100%) decreased to 109 [76-177] mmHg ( P < .05). At PEEP 15, administration of 100% FiO2 resulted in a shunt greater than venous admixture at 40% FiO2, ((24 [21-28] vs 18 [15-26]%, P = .005), delta shunt 5.5% (2.3-8.8)). Compared to PEEP 10, PEEP of 5 and 15 cmH2O resulted in decreased global and pixel-level compliance. Cardiac output at FiO2 100% resulted higher at PEEP 5 (5.4 [4.4-6.5]) compared to PEEP 10 (4.8 [4.1-5.5], P < .05) and PEEP 15 cmH2O (4.7 [4.5-5.4], P < .05). Conclusion: In this study, PEEP of 15 cmH2O, despite resulting in the highest oxygenation, was associated with overdistension. PEEP of 5 cmH2O was associated with increased shunt and alveolar collapse. Administration of 100% FiO2 was associated with an increase in intrapulmonary shunt in the setting of high PEEP. Trial registration: NCT05132933.
Imperfect cross-linking of xanthan for pH-responsive bio-based composite moist wound dressings by stencil printing
Authors: Wurm Florian , Lenninger Margit , Mayr Astrid , Lass-Floerl Cornelia , Pham Tung , Bechtold Thomas
Published: November 2023

The work addresses the use of bio-based and –degradable materials for the production of a moist, adaptive and anti-microbial wound dressing. The dressing is targeted to exhibit a pH-dependent active agent release. Xanthan hydrogel structures are coated on cellulose fabrics via stencil printing and subsequently cross-linked using glyoxal. By alteration of the cross-linker content from 1 to 6% by mass, the hydrogel elasticity can be tuned within a range of 2–16 kPa storage modulus. Increasing initial glyoxal concentrations also result in higher amounts of glyoxal release. Glyoxal, an anti-microbial agent with approval in veterinary medicine, is mostly released upon wound application supporting infection management. As wound simulation, normal saline, as pH 5 and pH 8 buffer solutions, were used. The release profile and magnitude of approx. 65%–90% glyoxal is pH-dependent. Increased release rates of glyoxal are present in pH 8 fluids, which mostly base on faster hydrogel swelling. Higher total glyoxal release is present in pH 5 fluid and normal saline after 3 days. Accordingly, a pH-dependent release profile was encountered. As glyoxal attacks any cell unselectively, it is expected to be effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria. By stencil printing the dressing size can be adjusted to minimize healthy glyoxal tissue exposure.
Reason Defaults: Presenting Defaults With Reasons for Choosing Each Option Helps Decision-Makers With Minority Interests
Authors: Desiraju Shweta , Dietvorst Berkeley J.
Published: November 2023

Defaults are powerful tools for nudging individuals toward potentially beneficial options. However, defaults typically guide all decision-makers toward the same option and, consequently, may misguide individuals with minority interests. We test whether presenting defaults with information about heterogeneity can help individuals with minority interests select alternative options, and we dub this intervention a “reason default.” Reason defaults preselect the option that is best for most individuals (like standard defaults) but also explain (a) why the default was selected and (b) who should opt for an alternative. In five preregistered studies using online convenience samples of adults ( N = 4,210), we find that reason defaults can improve decision-makers’ outcomes over standard defaults and forced choices by guiding most individuals toward the default option while helping individuals with minority interests select an alternative. Further, participants reported that reason defaults enhance transparency, decision ease, and understanding of the choice relative to standard defaults and forced choices.