bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco‐friendly microwave‐assisted extraction of fruit and vegetable peels demonstrates great biofunctional properties
Authors: Şen Arslan Hülya
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to determine the biofunctional properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities, of peel extracts obtained through microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of red beet, dragon fruit, and prickly pear peels using water as a green solvent. Results indicated that the peel extracts exhibited high total phenolic content (TPC), ranging from 345.93 to 1651.17 mg GAE/L. The DPPH scavenging capacity of the extracts ranged between 7.16 and 34.65 mg/mL, while the ABTS scavenging capacity ranged between 0.93 and 15.27 mg/mL. Dragon fruit peel extract (DFE) and prickly pear peel extract (PPE) showed significant α‐glucosidase inhibition effects, with 67.79% and 37.50% inhibitions, respectively. Moreover, significant antibacterial activities were observed against five pathogenic bacterial strains (B. cereus, E. coli, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica) at various concentrations of extracts. The cytotoxic effect of the extracts on HT‐29 and HeLa cancer cells was also observed. The most abundant phenolic compound in DFE was rutin (0.558 mg/g); in PPE, hesperidin was the most abundant (0.596 mg/g); and in red beet peel extract (RBE), hesperidin (0.426 mg/g) was the predominant compound.
Lightweight Deep Learning Model Optimization for Medical Image Analysis
Authors: Al‐Milaji Zahraa , Yousif Hayder
Published: September 2024

Medical image labeling requires specialized knowledge; hence, the solution to the challenge of medical image classification lies in efficiently utilizing the few labeled samples to create a high‐performance model. Building a high‐performance model requires a complicated convolutional neural network (CNN) model with numerous parameters to be trained which makes the test quite expensive. In this paper, we propose optimizing a lightweight deep learning model with only five convolutional layers using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to find the best number of kernel filters for each convolutional layer. For colored red, green, and blue (RGB) images acquired from different data sources, we suggest using stain separation using color deconvolution and horizontal and vertical flipping to produce new versions that can concentrate the representation of the images on structures and patterns. To mitigate the effect of training with incorrectly or uncertainly labeled images, grades of disease could have small variances, we apply a second‐pass training excluding uncertain data. With a small number of parameters and higher accuracy, the proposed lightweight deep learning model optimization (LDLMO) algorithm shows strong resilience and generalization ability compared with most recent research on four MedMNIST datasets (RetinaMNIST, BreastMNIST, DermMNIST, and OCTMNIST), Medical‐MNIST, and brain tumor MRI datasets.
On the efficacy and efficiency of treating pediatric feeding disorder
Authors: Scott Victoria , Saini Valdeep , Totino Micaela
Published: September 2024

Inappropriate mealtime behavior (IMB) is a type of feeding challenge within the broader class of food refusal. The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the efficacy of interventions for the treatment of IMB through a meta‐analysis of research using single‐case experimental designs. We examined the extent to which different interventions resulted in decreases in IMB while also producing increases in food acceptance. This meta‐analysis was also used to examine the efficiency of different interventions in achieving clinical significance. We identified 38 studies involving 266 cases in which IMB was treated with a behavioral intervention. The results indicated interventions that combined escape extinction and non‐escape extinction had greater effect sizes for both reducing IMB and increasing food acceptance than either escape extinction alone or non‐escape extinction alone. However, interventions that included escape extinction were slightly less efficient at decreasing IMB than were interventions that did not include escape extinction. We discuss the implications of these findings and provide recommendations for future research.
Tanshinone IIA potentiates the chemotherapeutic effect of doxorubicin against breast cancer cells and attenuates the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin by regulating ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Li Shizheng , FeiyuTeng  , Zhang Jianing , Zhang Puwei , Li Manyuan , Wang Xuezhe , Li Kun
Published: September 2024

Doxorubicin (Dox) is frequently employed as a chemotherapy agent for breast cancer. As the chemotherapy moves forward, breast cancer cells tend to develop resistance to Dox, besides that, Dox are also easy to cause cardiotoxicity related to cumulative dose. Therefore, how to potentiate the chemosensitivity of breast cancer cells to Dox while attenuating its cardiotoxicity has become a research hotspot. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is known for its anticancer activity as well as for its cardioprotective effects. In view of the aforementioned facts, we assessed whether Tan IIA possesses synergism and attenuation effect on Dox for breast cancer chemotherapy. Our studies in vitro indicated that, Tan IIA could potentiate the effect of Dox on breast cancer cells proliferation inhibition and apoptosis promotion by inhibiting ERK1/2 pathway, but interestingly, Tan IIA attenuated the cytotoxicity of Dox to myocardial cells by activating ERK1/2 pathway. Additionally, our studies in vivo also suggested that Tan IIA potentiated the chemotherapeutic effect of Dox against breast cancer while attenuating Dox‐induced myocardial injury. Given that Tan IIA had a synergism and attenuation effect on Dox, we believed that Tan IIA can be used as an ideal drug in combination with Dox for breast cancer therapy.
Introduction to In Session special issue: Psychotherapy for complex PTSD
Authors: Horesh Danny , Lahav Yael
Published: September 2024

Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition resulting from exposure to chronic, interpersonal traumatic events, in which some form of control or power dynamics existed. Its clinical picture includes the main symptom clusters of posttraumatic stress disorder, accompanied by dysregulated emotion, problems in interpersonal relationships, and difficulties in identity integration. In addition, both clinical work and research have shown CPTSD to include highly distressing and complicated psychological phenomena, such as identification with the aggressor, various forms of dissociation, self‐harm and self‐destructive behaviors, and more. Due to this highly complex and multilayered clinical picture, the treatment of CPTSD poses a significant clinical challenge to therapists. In this special issue of In Session, we present a series of case studies, each representing a different therapeutic approach to CPTSD (e.g., skills training for affective and interpersonal regulation, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, psychodynamic, integrative psychotherapy). These cases also represent a wide variety of patient populations, as well as different types of underlying traumatic events. Together, they reveal the breadth of clinical possibilities currently available to trauma therapists encountering cases of CPTSD. They also highlight the challenges and dilemmas that clinicians often face when treating this condition, as well as ways to overcome those.
Patient perceptions of genetic counselors' role and emotional support needs in adults with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Radecki Myka , Halverson Colin , Wetherill Leah , Miller Mandy
Published: September 2024

One of the roles of a genetic counselor, when returning genetic test results for Parkinson's disease (PD), is to provide emotional support to the patient. However, whether or not these needs are being met in the genetic counseling setting is unknown. In this cross‐sectional qualitative study, semi‐structured interviews with 15 PD research participants were conducted to evaluate their emotional needs and expectations throughout the genetic counseling process. Interview questions assessed participants' background understanding of genetic counseling, informational and emotional expectations prior to the genetic counseling session, and experience with emotional support throughout the genetic counseling process. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we defined four major themes: (1) knowledge of genetic counselors' role in education but not in emotional support, (2) limited expectations for emotional support, (3) emotional support is not sought from genetic counselors, and (4) emotional support from genetic counselors was viewed ambivalently. One of the most important findings from this study was that regardless of whether participants had previously heard of genetic counseling, none of the participants knew that the provision of emotional support was an aspect of the genetic counselor's role. Although the majority of participants did not expect emotional support from their genetic counselor, over 60% of participants recognized that receiving emotional support is or could be important to them. Collectively, these findings highlight the necessity for enhanced patient education pertaining to the informational and emotional support that genetic counselors are trained to provide. We suggest that clarifying the role of emotional support with patients may increase comfort in disclosing their emotional needs with genetic counselors, improving patient‐centered care overall.
MRI‐based radiomic analysis of soft tissue reactions near total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Koch Kevin M. , Potter Hollis G. , Koff Matthew F.
Published: September 2024

This study applied radiomics to MRI data for automated classification of soft tissue abnormalities near total hip arthroplasty (THA). A total of 126 subjects with 1.5 T MRI of symptomatic THA were included in the analysis. Peri‐prosthetic soft tissue regions of interest were manually segmented and classified by an expert radiologist. An established radiomics library was used to extract 96 features from 2D image patches across segmented regions. Logistic regression was employed as the primary radiomic classifier, achieving an average area under curve (AUC) of 0.71 in differentiating tissue classifications spanning normal, infected, and several inflammatory, noninfectious categories. Notably, infection cases were identified with the highest accuracy, attaining an AUC of 0.79. Statement of Clinical Significance: This study demonstrates that radiomics applied to MRI data can effectively automate the classification of soft tissue abnormalities in symptomatic total hip arthroplasty, particularly in differentiating periprosthetic infections.
Dynamic Behavior of Ribbed Viscoelastic CNT‐PDMS Thin‐Films for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Phillips Matthew , Chen Muh‐Jang , Ryu Jong , Zikry Mohammed
Published: September 2024

Tailored ribbing structures are obtained by large‐scale rolling in polymer PDMS thin‐films by adding carbon nanotubes (CNT) inclusions, which significantly improved the mechanical behavior of systems subjected to dynamic compressive strain rates. A nonlinear explicit dynamic three‐dimensional finite‐element (FE) scheme is used to understand and predict the thermomechanical response of the manufactured ribbed thin‐film structures subjected to dynamic in‐plane compressive loading. Representative volume element (RVE) FE models of the ribbed thin‐films are subjected to strain rates as high as 104 s−1 in both the transverse and parallel ribbing directions. Latin Hypercube Sampling of the microstructural parameters, as informed from experimental observations, provide the microstructurally based RVEs. An interior‐point optimization routine is also employed on a regression model trained from the FE predictions that can be used to design ribbed materials for multifunctional applications. The model verifies that damage can be mitigated in CNT‐PDMS systems subjected to dynamic compressive loading conditions by controlling the ribbing microstructural characteristics, such as the film thickness and the ribbing amplitude and wavelength. This approach provides a framework for designing materials that can be utilized for applications that require high strain rate damage tolerance, drag reduction, antifouling, and superhydrophobicity.
Algorithm fashion designer? ascribed mind and perceived design expertise of AI versus human
Authors: Lee Garim , Kim Hye‐Young
Published: September 2024

The fashion industry can benefit from generative AI because the AI‐assisted design process has the potential to be more efficient and cost‐ and time‐effective. Under the mind perception theory, this study examines how consumers evaluate AI's experiential and intentional abilities and respond to AI‐designed versus human‐designed fashion products. The results of the three online experiments indicate that human‐designed products are generally more favorably evaluated than AI‐designed ones. Such preference was mainly because people ascribe a better intentional capacity to act and plan to humans than AI, which makes them believe humans have better design expertise. The preference for human design over AI design was found regardless of one's tendency to perceive AI threats. The receptivity to the AI design is increased for highly functional (vs. self‐expressive) products, but such a moderating effect of product type may not hold in intra‐product comparisons. Incorporating human elements into the AI‐assisted design process when introducing the products can alleviate the negative responses, but the effectiveness can vary depending on the levels of human elements. This study contributes to the literature by finding the perceptual superiority of human design and suggesting the potential of changing negative bias toward AI design.
Artery Grafting for Arterial Anastomoses in Head and Neck Free Tissue Transfer Reconstruction
Authors: Mastrolonardo Eric V. , Llerena Pablo , Amin Dev R. , De Ravin Emma , Nunes Kathryn , Bridgham Kelly M. , Campbell Daniel J. , Philips Ramez , Sridharan Shaum , Bur Andrés , Heffelfinger Ryan , Wax Mark K. , Curry Joseph M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Vessel grafting is an important technique in head and neck free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction when a tension‐free anastomosis is not otherwise feasible. To our knowledge, there are limited data regarding interposition artery grafts for arterial anastomoses in head and neck reconstruction. Here, we present a multi‐institutional cohort of arterial interposition grafts for FTT reconstruction for head and neck defects.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted at four tertiary care institutions for patients who underwent FTT reconstruction for head and neck defects which utilized an interposition artery graft for the arterial anastomosis. Charts were reviewed for type and length of artery grafts harvested, surgical indication, indication for artery graft, types of flaps harvested, and various preoperative characteristics (including history of radiation or previous FTT reconstruction surgery). Postoperative complications within postoperative day 30 were measured and reported.

Results

Nine patients met inclusion criteria. The lateral circumflex femoral artery (either transverse or descending branches) (n = 3) and facial artery (n = 3) were the most commonly harvested arteries. The scalp (n = 5) was the most common primary defect site. Seven grafts were harvested initially and in a planned fashion, while two were harvested as salvage techniques (either for flap salvage or vein graft failure). In planned grafts, arteries were the preferred interposition grafting method due to either size match preferences (n = 4) or similarities in wall thickness (n = 3) between graft and recipient artery. There were no reported cases of unplanned readmission, postoperative hematoma, fistula formation, wound infection, or donor site morbidities. Two patients required unplanned return to the operating room for flap compromise, both of which ultimately resulted in flap failure secondary to clot formation at both arterial and venous anastomoses.

Conclusions

When arterial pedicle length is insufficient, interposition artery grafting is both a feasible and viable technique to achieve tension‐free arterial anastomoses for select cases of highly complex head and neck free tissue reconstruction.
Accelerated model‐based T1, T2* and proton density mapping using a Bayesian approach with automatic hyperparameter estimation
Authors: Huang Shuai , Lah James J. , Allen Jason W. , Qiu Deqiang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To achieve automatic hyperparameter estimation for the model‐based recovery of quantitative MR maps from undersampled data, we propose a Bayesian formulation that incorporates the signal model and sparse priors among multiple image contrasts.

Theory

We introduce a novel approximate message passing framework “AMP‐PE” that enables the automatic and simultaneous recovery of hyperparameters and quantitative maps.

Methods

We employed the variable‐flip‐angle method to acquire multi‐echo measurements using gradient echo sequence. We explored undersampling schemes to incorporate complementary sampling patterns across different flip angles and echo times. We further compared AMP‐PE with conventional compressed sensing approaches such as the ‐norm minimization, PICS and other model‐based approaches such as GraSP, MOBA.

Results

Compared to conventional compressed sensing approaches such as the ‐norm minimization and PICS, AMP‐PE achieved superior reconstruction performance with lower errors in mapping and comparable performance in and proton density mappings. When compared to other model‐based approaches including GraSP and MOBA, AMP‐PE exhibited greater robustness and outperformed GraSP in reconstruction error. AMP‐PE offers faster speed than MOBA. AMP‐PE performed better than MOBA at higher sampling rates and worse than MOBA at a lower sampling rate. Notably, AMP‐PE eliminates the need for hyperparameter tuning, which is a requisite for all the other approaches.

Conclusion

AMP‐PE offers the benefits of model‐based recovery with the additional key advantage of automatic hyperparameter estimation. It works adeptly in situations where ground‐truth is difficult to obtain and in clinical environments where it is desirable to automatically adapt hyperparameters to individual protocol, scanner and patient.
Evaluation and management of dyspnea as the dominant presenting feature in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Mamarabadi Mansoureh , Mauney Sarah , Li Yuebing , Aboussouan Loutfi S.
Published: September 2024

Dyspnea is a common symptom in neuromuscular disorders and, although multifactorial, it is usually due to respiratory muscle involvement, associated musculoskeletal changes such as scoliosis or, in certain neuromuscular conditions, cardiomyopathy. Clinical history can elicit symptoms such as orthopnea, trepopnea, sleep disruption, dysphagia, weak cough, and difficulty with secretion clearance. The examination is essential to assist with the diagnosis of an underlying neurologic disorder and determine whether dyspnea is from a cardiac or pulmonary origin. Specific attention should be given to possible muscle loss, use of accessory muscles of breathing, difficulty with neck flexion/extension, presence of thoraco‐abdominal paradox, conversational dyspnea, cardiac examination, and should include a detailed neurological examination directed at the suspected differential diagnosis. Pulmonary function testing including sitting and supine spirometry, measures of inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, cough peak flow, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, pulse oximetry, transcutaneous CO2, and arterial blood gases will help determine the extent of the respiratory muscle involvement, assess for hypercapnic or hypoxemic respiratory failure, and qualify the patient for noninvasive ventilation when appropriate. Additional testing includes dynamic imaging with sniff fluoroscopy or diaphragm ultrasound, and diaphragm electromyography. Polysomnography is indicated for sleep related symptoms that are not otherwise explained. Noninvasive ventilation alleviates dyspnea and nocturnal symptoms, improves quality of life, and prolongs survival. Therapy targeted at neuromuscular disorders may help control the disease or favorably modify its course. For patients who have difficulty with secretion clearance, support of expiratory function with mechanical insufflation‐exsufflation, oscillatory devices can reduce the aspiration risk.
Assessing hepatitis B virus serologies when transitioning patients from intravenous immune globulin therapy to rituximab for the treatment of autoimmune neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Hahn Nicole M. , Katzin Lara W.
Published: September 2024

Introduction/Aims

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) has been used as early treatment for autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, but due to cost and frequency, may be switched to rituximab. Rituximab and other B‐cell‐depleting medications require screening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologies given the risk of HBV reactivation (HBVr). We aimed to describe the incidence and characteristics of passively transferred antiviral serologies from IVIG and how to differentiate between passive antibody transfer and resolved HBV infection.

Methods

This was a single‐center descriptive study of neurology patients prescribed rituximab and IVIG. Retrospective medical record reviews were performed and patient‐specific variables were collected.

Results

Twelve patients had reactive anti‐HBc results after starting IVIG, but only 9 were confirmed to have reactive anti‐HBc from passive transfer. Whether reactive anti‐HBc in the remaining three patients was from passive IVIG transfer could not be confirmed. Five patients with reactive anti‐HBc results during rituximab screening did not have pre‐IVIG anti‐HBc results for comparison and were started on antiviral prophylaxis. Reactive anti‐HBc serologies changed to nonreactive after IVIG discontinuation 44–321 days after the last IVIG infusion.

Discussion

This study confirms IVIG can passively transfer anti‐HBc serologies in a neurologic cohort. Ideally, HBV serologies would be checked before starting IVIG to help later determine if passive transfer occurred. With the increasing use of B‐cell‐depleting medications for neuromuscular conditions, it is important for providers to be knowledgeable on the interpretation of HBV serologies for patients on IVIG and to ensure implementation of an HBVr prophylaxis management strategy for patients when appropriate.
Study on Mode I interlaminar fracture behavior of automated fiber placement in situ consolidation thermoplastic composite considering the influence of roller compaction pressure
Authors: Liu Chen , He Chen , Zou Zhongfeng , Li Yong
Published: September 2024

This study delved into the Mode I fracture behavior of laser‐assisted automated fiber placement (AFP) in situ consolidated thermoplastic composite laminates under different curing pressures. In compliance with ASTM D5528 standards, T700 carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (T700‐CF/PEEK) double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens were fabricated and segregated into three test groups subjected to distinct roller pressures: DCB‐100N, DCB‐500N, and DCB‐1500N. The fracture toughness of these specimens was then inversely characterized by employing an optimized ASTM‐based data reduction methodology. A kind of tri‐linear cohesive zone model (CZM) incorporating the fracture process zone (FPZ) length was developed to simulate delamination behavior, showing good agreement between experimental results and simulation predictions. Compared with the other two test groups, DCB‐1500N specimens have more inter‐laminar bridging fibers and higher propagated toughness. Although the length of fiber bridging area is shorter, the fiber bridging density is higher, so the influence of fiber bridging on toughness is more pronounced in the DCB‐1500N specimens. This study provides theoretical guidance for the impact resistance design of thermoplastic composites (TPCs), offering valuable insights into the intrinsic relationship between material processing and fracture damage mechanisms.

Highlights

Explore the characteristic interlaminar fracture behavior of thermoplastic laminates made by AFP under different curing pressures.

Develop a more accurate tri‐linear CZM model to describe the plastic deformation at crack tips and fiber bridging during the delamination process.

Unveil the intrinsic relationship between AFP curing pressure and ductile fracture mechanism of thermoplastic composites.
An explainable artificial intelligence‐based approach for reliable damage detection in polymer composite structures using deep learning
Authors: Azad Muhammad Muzammil , Kim Heung Soo
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are increasingly used for structural health monitoring (SHM) of polymer composite structures. However, to be confident in the trustworthiness of AI models, the models must be reliable, interpretable, and explainable. The use of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) is critical to ensure that the AI model is transparent in the decision‐making process and that the predictions it provides can be trusted and understood by users. However, existing SHM methods for polymer composite structures lack explainability and transparency, and therefore reliable damage detection. Therefore, an interpretable deep learning model based on an explainable vision transformer (X‐ViT) is proposed for the SHM of composites, leading to improved repair planning, maintenance, and performance. The proposed approach has been validated on carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) composites with multiple health states. The X‐ViT model exhibited better damage detection performance compared to existing popular methods. Moreover, the X‐ViT approach effectively highlighted the area of interest related to the prediction of each health condition in composites through the patch attention aggregation process, emphasizing their influence on the decision‐making process. Consequently, integrating the ViT‐based explainable deep‐learning model into the SHM of polymer composites provided improved diagnostics along with increased transparency and reliability.

Highlights

Autonomous damage detection of polymer composites using vision transformer based deep learning model.

Explainable artificial intelligence by highlighting region of interest using patch attention.

Comparison with the existing state of the art structural health monitoring methods.
Understanding the impact of different nanofillers on electrical, thermal, and surface properties of corona‐aged silicone rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Kavitha N. , Manoj Dhivakar J. , Bhavani N. P. G. , Sarathi Ramanujam , Kornhuber Stefan
Published: September 2024

In the present work, the impact of corona aging on the dielectric, thermal, and surface properties of silicone rubber filled with different nanofillers such as alumina (Al2O3), aluminum trihydrate (ATH), boron nitride (BN), and titania (TiO2) are studied. The surface degradation of the silicone rubber nanocomposites after corona aging is evaluated through contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies, and by water droplet‐initiated corona inception voltage studies. Alumina filled silicone rubber shows less reduction in surface and hydrophobic properties after corona aging. Water droplet initiated corona inception voltage (CIV) under negative DC voltage is much higher than under positive DC and AC voltages. Al2O3/TiO2‐ filled silicone rubber samples show better CIV performance. The Dielectric Response Spectroscopy (DRS) indicates that TiO2 filled silicone rubber insulating material possesses higher permittivity at lower frequencies. Boron nitride added composites have high thermal conductivity whereas ATH filled silicone rubber composites shows higher decay rate, as observed through laser‐induced thermography studies. A significantly high surface leakage current is observed in all samples after corona aging. The Space Charge Limited Current (SCLC) studies clearly indicate that inclusion of nano‐fillers resulted in an increase in crossover voltage and trap density values compared to base silicone rubber.

Highlights

Al2O3 filled silicone rubber exhibits lower surface roughness even after corona aging.

High thermal conductive composites show better performance even after corona aging.

ATH, and BN filled silicone rubber have improved thermal conductivity by 35.2% and 76.3%.

TiO2 filler added silicone rubber exhibits high permittivity with low tan δ.

Al2O3 filled silicone rubber has minimal surface and volume leakage current

Crossover voltage and the trap density get enhanced on addition of fillers to the base polymer.
Family communication and bi‐dimensional student mental health in adolescents: A serial mediation through digital game addiction and school belongingness
Authors: Deniz M. Engin , Kurtulus Hacer Yildirim , Kaya Yagmur
Published: September 2024

The presence of communication within the family can be considered as a protective factor in preventing the development of mental health problems in school by acting as a buffer against mental health problems in adolescents. Thus, this study, which was designed to reveal the potential mechanisms between family communication and bi‐dimensional student mental health (psychological well‐being/distress) in Turkish adolescents, examined the serial mediator role of digital game addiction and school belongingness. The study sample consists of a total of 397 volunteering Turkish adolescents, including 206 girls (51.9%) and 191 boys (48.1%). The participants' ages range from 14 to 17 (M = 14.63 years, SD = 0.60). In this study, a cross‐sectional and explanatory design based on structural equation modeling was used. The main findings of the study are as follows: (1) digital game addiction mediated the relationship between family communication and psychological well‐being/distress, (2) school belongingness mediated the relationship between family communication and psychological well‐being/distress, and (3) the relationship between family communication and psychological well‐being/distress was serially mediated by both digital game addiction and school belongingness.
The new biologic drugs: Which children with asthma should get what?
Authors: Hillson K. , Saglani S. , Bush A.
Published: September 2024

Novel biologics (targeted antibody therapies) have revolutionized the management of severe childhood asthma. However, it is important that the right biologic is selected for the right patient, and understanding the evidence base for each biologic is crucial. Currently, four biologics (all monoclonal antibodies) are licensed in the UK for the treatment of children with severe asthma ‐ omalizumab (Xolair), mepolizumab (Nucala), and dupilumab (Dupixent) in children aged 6 years and over; and tezepelumab (Tezspire), only in children aged 12 years and over. Tezepelumab is the only licensed biological that may be beneficial in severe asthma without evidence of Type 2 inflammation. All have a good safety profile but varying degrees of clinical efficacy in children, with wide variation in treatment responsiveness between individual patients. When selecting biologics for severe asthma, it is essential to remember the limitations of the current pediatric evidence. At present, there are no results from randomized, head‐to‐head trials of biologics in severe asthma. TREAT is an ongoing trial comparing omalizumab to mepolizumab and will be one of the first to provide such evidence. We must be especially aware of the dangers of extrapolating data from adults to children, because the pathophysiology and role of biomarkers may differ significantly from adult asthma. Given the current level of knowledge, even after treatment has been initiated, children should be regularly reviewed to determine the efficacy of treatment, side‐effect profile and consideration of when treatment with the biologic should be discontinued.
Evaluating the quality of multiple‐choice question pilot database: A global educator‐created tool for concept‐based pharmacology learning
Authors: Netere Adeladlew Kassie , Hughes Tony , Babey Anna‐Marie , Hawes Martin , Mifsud Janet , Kelly John P. , Liang Willmann , Hernandez Mark , Karpa Kelly , Al‐Sallami Hesham , Fernandes Lynette B. , Aronsson Patrik , Restini Carolina , Caetano Crowley Fabiana , Djouma Elvan , Hinton Tina , Liu Johnson J. , Mraiche Fatima , White Paul J.
Published: September 2024

The Core Concepts of Pharmacology (CCP) initiative is developing educational resources to transform pharmacology education into a concept‐based approach. This study evaluated the quality of global educator‐created MCQs in generating items for the pharmacology concept inventory (PCI) instrument and developed as a resource for learning pharmacology fundamental concepts. A panel of 22 global pharmacology experts recruited from the CCP initiative research team participated in the MCQ pilot database design and evaluation. The quality analysis framework of the MCQs in the pilot database included four assessment tools: item writing guidelines (IWGs), Bloom's taxonomy, the CCP, and the MCQ design format. A two‐phase evaluation process was involved, including inter‐rater agreement on item quality, followed by resolving conflicts that occurred in quality assessment. The chi‐square (χ2) test of independence and Cramer's V correlation tests were utilized to measure the relationship among quality assessment attributes. About 200 MCQs were gathered and 98% underwent expert evaluation. Nearly 80% addressed one or more CCP, with 52% designed using a context‐dependent format. However, only 40% addressed higher levels of Bloom's cognitive domain and 10% adhered to all IWGs. A strong positive correlation was observed between the context‐based item format and its effectiveness in assessing the higher cognitive domain, the main CCP and improved IWGs adherence. Context‐based item construction can assess the higher cognitive skills and fundamental pharmacology concepts, showing potential for rigorous PCI development. The pilot database will store items to create the PCI, aiding the development of a concept‐based pharmacology curriculum.
Adaptive fast terminal sliding mode control of robotic manipulators based on joint torque estimation and friction compensation
Authors: Hu Shunjing , Wan Yi , Liang Xichang
Published: September 2024

In this work, an adaptive fast terminal sliding mode control (AFSMC) approach based on joint torque estimation and friction compensation is proposed to enhance the trajectory tracking accuracy of robotic manipulators under variable load conditions. The joint torque estimation utilizes an improved harmonic drive compliance model and adaptive low‐pass filtering, and friction compensation employs a hybrid model accounting for velocity and load torque effects. These compensations reduce the upper bound of the uncertainty, while AFSMC further reduces dependency on upper uncertainty bounds and minimizes the chattering. The stability analysis using the Lyapunov method confirms the effectiveness of this approach. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed controller achieves smaller root mean square and maximum error of trajectory tracking, thus significantly improving trajectory tracking accuracy under variable load conditions.
The association between leisure‐time physical activity and cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and job strain—Study with a Northern Finland birth cohort of 1966
Authors: Kiema‐Junes Heli , Saarinen Aino , Korpelainen Raija , Ala‐Mursula Leena , Niemelä Maisa , Farrahi Vahid , Hintsanen Mirka
Published: September 2024

Job strain is a major concern in the workplace. Work‐related stress is an increasing challenge worldwide as it is the leading cause of long‐term sickness absences, disability pensions and lower productivity. Rarely studied simultaneously, both leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) and physical fitness (PF), which comprises cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF), may have potential in preventing and managing job strain. The current study aimed to investigate whether LTPA, CRF and MF predict perceived job strain. In addition, the study examines reverse associations, that is, whether job strain predicts LTPA, CRF and MF. We used longitudinal population‐based data from a Northern Finland birth cohort of 1966 (n = 5363) to analyse LTPA, CRF and MF as well as job strain and its components, job demands and job control, at age 31 years (1997) and 46 years (2012). Leisure‐time physical activity was measured with a self‐reported questionnaire whereas CRF and MF were measured as part of clinical examination. Linear regression analyses were used to analyse the data. In both men (n = 2548) and women (n = 2815), higher baseline MF predicted lower job strain and job demands 15 years later. In women, higher baseline total LTPA predicted higher job demands, whereas in men, higher CRF predicted lower job strain and higher job control. These associations remained significant, also when adjusted for education and occupational status. In the analyses on reverse associations, higher job control and higher job demands were linked to higher leisure‐time moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total LTPA 15 years later among both men and women, except for the association between job demands and total LTPA among women. These associations remained significant after adjustment for education and occupational status, except for the association of job control with MVPA and total LTPA among men. The association of higher job demands and total LTPA became significant in women. We conclude that LTPA and PF seem beneficial in preventing and managing job strain.
Research Progress on Structure and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides from Platycodon grandiflorum
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Ji Xiaolong , Du Xin , Xu Rongling , Shi Fengcheng , Guo Xudan
Published: September 2024

Platycodon grandiflorum is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine in China, containing saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, volatile oils, polysaccharides, and other active ingredients. It has the effects of regulating immunity, anti‐inflammatory, expectorant, lowering blood lipids, antioxidation, etc., and can be used to treat symptoms such as cough, sore throat, lung pain, and expectoration. Polysaccharides are one of the important bioactive substances in P. grandiflorum, which have better anti‐tumor and enhancing immune activity, and are widely used in medicine, health food, and other fields. P. grandiflorum polysaccharide (PGP) has various biological activities and is the main component and key bioactive substance of P. grandiflorum. It has various biological effects, including immune regulation, antioxidant, anti‐tumor, liver protection, hypoglycemic, and gastrointestinal protection. This paper systematically reviews the research progress on the extraction, separation and purification, structural characteristics, and biological activity of P. grandiflorum polysaccharides in recent years both domestically and internationally, to provide the theoretical basis for improving the utilization of P. grandiflorum polysaccharides and further studying the structure–activity relationship of P. grandiflorum polysaccharides.
An improved Chinese load code method for the evaluation of wind‐induced base shear force on base‐isolated buildings
Authors: Zhou Hehong , Lie Wenchen
Published: September 2024

The isolator units in a seismically isolated structure shall have a surplus yield strength under wind loads. The isolation interface must have enough strength to state at an elastic stage under wind loads. This necessitates an accurate evaluation of wind‐induced base shear force. Initially, to calculate the equivalent static wind load (ESWL) and the base shear force of a base‐isolated building, the validity of the inertial wind load (IWL) method and Chinese load code (CLC) method, the simplification based on the IWL method, are examined via comparison with response‐history analysis results. Comparative analysis reveals that the IWL method was more accurate in evaluating the ESWL and the base shear force of base‐isolated building, while the CLC method underestimated them due to the following reasons: inaccurate fundamental modal shape, a reduced peak factor, the omission of the ESWL contribution from the isolation interface, and flawed assumptions of uniform mass distribution. Subsequently, an improved CLC method that combined the exponential modal shape and first modal generalized mass modification coefficient is proposed and verified by a case study. Compared with the CLC method, the fluctuating base shear force calculated by the improved CLC method increased by 10% in the case study. Finally, the effect of non‐uniformly distributed mass is further considered in the proposed method by devising a mass conversion coefficient, and the case study has also validated this method. Without considering the effect of the non‐uniform mass, the fluctuating base shear force will be underestimated by 7.8% in the case study.
Primary mast cell tumour of the soft palate in a dog
Authors: Frapwell Emily , Harper Aaron , Hall Jon
Published: September 2024

A 12‐year‐old, male, entire Labrador retriever was presented to its primary care practice with a history of vomiting. A soft tissue mass was identified within the soft palate. Cytology from a fine‐needle aspirate revealed atypical mast cells, consistent with a mast cell tumour. Initial staging included complete blood count, serum biochemistry, serum electrolyte assay, thoracic, abdominal and cervical radiographs, computed tomography of the head and neck, and ultrasound‐guided aspirates of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, liver and spleen. No evidence of nodal or distant metastasis was identified, and a diagnosis of primary soft palatal mast cell tumour was made. The dog underwent staphylectomy followed by adjunctive chemotherapy. Repeat staging was performed, which did not identify any evidence of metastasis. The dog died 22 months after initial presentation from an unknown cause.
Shoulder arthrodesis in a cat with humeral head dysplasia
Authors: Singh Miren , Solano Miguel Angel , Elmenhorst Kine
Published: September 2024

Shoulder arthrodesis is a recognised procedure for incapacitating shoulder conditions in dogs in cases where traditional surgical or medical interventions are not feasible. However, the use of shoulder arthrodesis in the feline patient has not been described. This case report details the novel use of shoulder arthrodesis in a 10‐month‐old cat with a chronic right forelimb lameness attributed to humeral head dysplasia. Surgical stabilisation of the right shoulder arthrodesis was achieved with two 2.4 mm Synthes locking compression plates and two 2.4 mm inter‐fragmentary positional screws. Short‐term follow‐up indicated adequate bone healing with good alignment and implant integrity. Subsequent long‐term phone follow‐up 22 months after surgery revealed a successful outcome with no visible stiffness and only a mechanical lameness. This result underscores the viability of shoulder arthrodesis as a potential option for feline patients necessitating shoulder salvage procedures.
Terrorist Trials Under Literary Scrutiny: Literature as Counterterrorist Response
Authors: Folkvord Ingvild , Lassègue Jean
Published: September 2024

Judicial trials are recognized as important steps when societies are trying to come to terms with terrorist attacks. And yet trials are often thought of either as final conclusions that can settle the matter of justice once for all or criticized as utterly insufficient, unable to reach what matters to individuals (grief, mourning, recognition and justice). In both cases, individuals are silenced as they are reduced to the status of “victims”, and their way of dealing with their own personal reconstruction being left aside. This article therefore investigates how literary responses to terrorist attacks can go beyond this conundrum and play a specific role in maintaining and developing a collective level of awareness that law, as it is performed in these very specific trials, does not cover the whole meaning of justice and injustice.

Based on literary examples from three different European contexts, Norway, Germany and France, we show various literary strategies that enable reflection on the trials themselves and on the ‘sense of injustice’ (Skhlar 1990) that remains forceful and needs to be addressed after trials are brought to an end: there is still something to be reflected upon collectively once justice has tried to establish a measure for the damages suffered. Three literary texts focused on trials are explored: Endre Ruset’s Prosjektil (2012), Yannick Haenel’s Notre solitude (2021), and Kathrin Röggla’s Verfahren (2022), all belonging to the same European post 9/11 era. Our aim is to point out how a literary re-working of judicial material, ideas and versions of the past takes place, pushing the borders of what can be thought, imagined and felt after extreme experiences of crisis and rupture.
Out in the Open
Authors: Ibarrola Jose
Published: September 2024

​An umbrella is, in itself, a curious paradox; for although we think we are sheltered, it only protects us from the rain and yet we always end up wet. The umbrella we beg for when it starts to rain is of no use to us when the storm breaks. It simply makes us feel covered in the open. Following the assassination of Jose Luis López de Lacalle at the hands of ETA, Jose Ibarrola would create his series ‘Memory and Umbrellas’ to speak about objects, images, remembrance, absence, emotions, metaphors, and tribute. Painting, for him, is an exercise of memory.
The Origin of Music and Its Specific Characteristics (the Historical-Ontological Aspect)
Authors: Rimas Juozas , Rimas Jr Juozas
Published: September 2024

The etymology of the word “music” (Isidore of Seville, the Li Ki). The importance of music in the formation of personality (Plato). The relationship between music and numbers (Pythagoras, G. W. Leibniz, A. Schopenhauer, V. Sesemann). St Augustine’s definition of music as the ability to modulate well (scientia bene modulandi). Primeval speech as primeval song (R. Steiner). The primacy of music over the text in two traditional Lithuanian harvest songs: Bėk, barali (“Run, little row of rye”) and Vai tu, rugeli (“O, you little rye”) (links to recordings, sung by the author). Music as an art of motion detected in intonations: relation of this definition of B. Asaf’ev to ideas of movement expressed by authors of different epochs (Heraclitus; St Augustine, who describes music as the science of moving well (scientia bene movendi); A. Losev, who considers continuous change is the main characteristic of music). Comparison of the expression of music with reading, which H. Gadamer defines as a constant hermeneutic movement guided by anticipation of the whole. Without expression, a piece of music is only the potential repository of intonations and a question in suspense awaiting an answer (and this answer is an expression which fulfils the idea of the work).
The Logic of Music
Authors: Rimas Juozas , Rimas Jr Juozas
Published: September 2024

The harmonic regulation of tonal relations as “musical logic,” following J. N. Forkel. The relationship between musical logic and language (J. N. Forkel, E. Hanslick; C. Dahlhaus). Language as the house of being (M. Heidegger): musical language as a way of manifesting the being of music (its idea). The thematic logic of music (F. Schlegel). “Forms set in motion by sounding” as the sole content of music (E. Hanslick): the idea, which appears in the musical material, Hanslick called “form.” The exaltation of articulated sound to the expression of thought makes up the form of language (W. von Humboldt). Music is first and last in relation to language: interjection versus lyricism (S. Kierkegaard). Absolute music as language above language (T. W. Adorno). The inner logic of music (L. B. Meyer; S. Langer; J. Shepherd). Music brings an encounter with a logic of sense other than that of reason (G. Steiner).