bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2843: Significant Association between Neutrophil Aggregation in Aspirated Thrombus and Myocardial Damage in Patients with ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Arakawa Kentaro , Yasuda Satoshi , Hao Hiroyuki , Kataoka Yu , Morii Isao , Kasahara Yoichiro , Kawamura Atsushi , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Miyazaki Shunichi
Published: August 2024

Background
: The previous flow cytometric study demonstrated that circulating neutrophil-platelet aggregate formation is useful
in vivo
marker for platelet activation (

Circulation.

2001
;
104
:
1533
–37

). However, in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the relationships between myocardial damage, platelet activation and platelet-neutrophil aggregation remains unclear. Thrombotic samples aspirated in the culprit lesions may provide intraluminal pathological information.

Methods
: We studied 107 patients with ST-segment elevation AMI (M/F:77/30, age:66±12 [mean±SD]years), in whom aspiration catheter was used during emergency percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were divided into the following two groups according to the density of neutrophils in the aspirated samples: group L (n=53), ≤100 neutrophils/0.025mm
2
thrombus; group H (n=54), >100 neutrophil/0.025mm
2
thrombus). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was reassessed six months after the onset of AMI.

Results
: Neutrophil density in thrombus was
not
time-dependent. Impaired myocardial reperfusion, defined as myocardial blush grade of 0/1 and no ST-segment resolution (<50% of initial value) was more frequently found in group H than in group L. Peak creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) level was higher and LVEF at six months after the onset was lower in group H than group L. Multivariate analysis showed that high neutrophil density in aspirated thrombus was an independent predictor of myocardial blush grade 0/1, no ST-segment resolution and LVEF at six months after the onset with odds ratio of 13.3, 8.72 and 5.09, respectively (P<0.01).

Conclusions
: Platelet-neutrophil aggregates retrieved from ruptured plaque may be associated with impairment of coronary microcirculation and resultant myocardial necrosis/dysfunction. These findings indicate the clinical importance of the interaction between thrombosis and inflammation in pathogenesis of AMI.
Abstract 340: Ablation of the Plasma Membrane Calcium ATPase 4 (PMCA4) Attenuates the Pressure Overload-Induced Hypertrophic Response and Protects against the Development of Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Oceandy Delvac , Zi Min , Prehar Sukhpal , Mohamed Tamer , Stanley Peter , Cartwright Elizabeth , Alatwi Nasser , Neyses Ludwig
Published: August 2024

We have previously reported that isoform 4 of the plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin-dependent ATPase (PMCA4) interacts with and modulates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity. Using transgenic mice overexpressing PMCA4 in the heart, we have demonstrated that the PMCA4-nNOS complex modulates cardiac contractility without altering global intracellular calcium transients (

Circulation

2007
;
115
:
483
– 492

). Here, we used PMCA4 knock out (PMCA4
−/−
) mice to test whether this novel signaling axis is involved in the regulation of mechanical stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy. PMCA4
−/−
mice and wild type (WT) littermates were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham operation. Five weeks after TAC, PMCA4
−/−
mice showed a markedly reduced hypertrophic response compared to WT as indicated by left ventricular (LV) mass/tibia length ratio (table 1

). Histological analysis demonstrated a significantly reduced cardiomyocytes cross sectional area in PMCA4
−/−
TAC compared to WT-TAC. The activation of the fetal gene program (ANP, BNP, and βMHC) was also blunted in PMCA4
−/−
TAC mice. Invasive hemodynamic and echocardiographic assessments revealed that WT-TAC animals displayed reduced contractility as well as enlargement of LV chamber dimension compared to PMCA4
−/−
TAC mice as indicated by preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW) and LV end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) suggesting a protection from the development of LV dysfunction in PMCA4
−/−
mice. We then analysed the molecular pathway which might be modified by PMCA4 gene ablation. While ERK1/2, JNK and GSK3β were not differently activated, we found that Akt activation was reduced in PMCA4
−/−
TAC compared to WT-TAC, possibly via an NO dependent mechanism. Our results suggest that PMCA4 is a powerful regulator of myocardial hypertrophy and further strengthens the notion that PMCA4 is part of a novel signaling pathway in the myocardium.

Table 1

Cardiac phenotype of PMCA4−/− mice after TAC or sham operation
Polygenic Risk and Coronary Artery Disease Severity
Authors: Sherafati Alborz , Norland Kristjan , Naderian Mohammadreza , Schaid Daniel J. , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronary atherosclerotic burden and adverse coronary heart disease events are related phenotypes with likely shared genetic cause.

METHODS:

We analyzed 6021 patients with available coronary angiography, genotyping, and exome sequencing data. We tested for associations of polygenic risk scores for coronary heart disease (PRS
CHD
) with multiple measures of coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. We assessed the joint associations of PRS
CHD
and pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 3 familial hypercholesterolemia genes, with CAD severity. We performed mediation analyses to explore whether CAD severity mediated the association of PRS
CHD
with prevalent coronary heart disease and incident myocardial infarction.

RESULTS:

A 1-SD increase in PRS
CHD
was associated with multiple measures of CAD severity, including the log Gensini score (β, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.28–0.33]). Carrying a pathogenic/likely pathogenic familial hypercholesterolemia variant was associated with a higher log Gensini score after adjustment for PRS
CHD
(β, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.03–0.38]). A 1-SD increase in PRS
CHD
was associated with incident myocardial infarction over a mean follow-up of 9.2 years (hazard ratio, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.13–1.27];
P
=5×10
−
10
), and the Gensini score mediated 90% of this association.

CONCLUSIONS:

PRS
CHD
was associated with multiple measures of CAD severity. The association of PRS
CHD
with incident myocardial infarction was almost fully mediated by CAD severity, indicating a considerable genetic overlap between the 2 phenotypes.
Determining the Authenticity of Dunhuang Colophons: Practical Procedures Derived from a Study of Three Colophons Employing Similar Templates
Authors: Chen Ruifeng
Published: August 2024

Addressing the perennial problem of forged colophons to Chinese Buddhist scriptures in Dunhuang manuscripts, I suggest some general procedures for identifying such items. Some of these approaches include comparing the date of the colophon with the time when the scripture was translated into Chinese, and comparing the script of a dubious colophon and the scripture title(s) enumerated in this colophon with the other colophons appended to the same set of scriptures. To ground these observations, I investigate the authenticity of three colophons that were composed based on similar templates. They are appended to scriptures in manuscripts BD15076, Nakamura51, and Nakamura65, respectively, which were purportedly found in the Dunhuang area. The colophons of BD15076 and Nakamura65 are probably forged, possibly produced by imitating the colophon of Nakamura51 or other similar colophons that are yet unknown to us. These approaches will help scholars avoid drawing faulty conclusions based on dubious colophons, and thus help to provide a more solid foundation for future research.
The Old Man and the Diamond Sūtra: A Case Study of the Production of Religious Manuscripts in Dunhuang during the Early Tenth Century
Authors: Feng Jing
Published: August 2024

This paper is a case study of the manuscripts of the Diamond Sūtra completed by an old man who lived in Dunhuang during the early tenth century. It investigates the textual and physical aspects of these manuscripts and reconstructs their production and use in an attempt to offer additional information on local religious life and the reproduction and transmission of the Diamond Sūtra during the medieval period. The first section focuses on a special version of the Diamond Sūtra which survives in the old man’s manuscripts and examines its textual and paratextual characteristics. This version, originating in Xichuan, provides valuable clues regarding the function and use of the Diamond Sūtra during the medieval period. The second section, based on the examination of paleographic and codicological features of the manuscripts, delineates the religious practices and motivations involved in their production and sheds light on medieval Buddhist manuscript culture.
Implementation of a Pharmacist-Driven Protocol to Improve Screening and Treatment of Iron Deficiency in Hospitalized Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chow Karissa , Trollinger Brandon , Blum Matthew , Alasfar Sami , Monroy-Trujillo Jose Manuel , Brown Dannielle
Published: August 2024

Purpose: While intravenous (IV) iron repletion is an effective tool to treat anemia and improve outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD), guideline laboratory definitions of iron deficiency differ, resulting in variability in screening and repletion strategies. This study sought to describe current practices surrounding identification and treatment of iron deficiency in CKD and then implement a pharmacist-led protocol to optimize care at a tertiary medical center. Methods: This single center, retrospective, pre- and post-protocol implementation study of adults with CKD admitted to the inpatient setting first analyzed historic practices for iron deficiency screening and treatment, followed by deployment of a pharmacist-driven protocol for iron deficiency screening and treatment. Iron deficiency was defined as transferrin saturation of ≤30% and ferritin of ≤500 ng/mL. Improvement in screening and repletion rates was analyzed. Results: Historic pre-protocol practices were reviewed in 7155 admissions of which 2559 (35.8%) included screening for iron deficiency. Over the 2 months intervention (post-protocol) period, 315 admissions were included. The average age of patients in the post-protocol cohort was 64.1 years, 53.7% were female, and 26.4% were dialysis dependent. Compared to pre-protocol, patients were 2.33 (95% CI 2.20-2.47) times more likely to be screened and deficient patients were 2.05 (95% CI 1.46-2.86) times more likely to be treated, with most receiving IV iron therapy (85.4%), in the post-protocol cohort. Patients were 3.58 times (95% CI 1.97-6.48) more likely to receive IV iron versus oral alone in the post-protocol cohort compared to pre-protocol. Conclusion: The frequency of patients with CKD screened and treated with iron increased after implementation of a pharmacist-driven protocol. This study underscores the need for a systematic approach to identification/treatment of iron deficiency in this population.
The Impact of TBXA2R Gene Variants on the Risk of Aspirin-Induced Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Forgerini Marcela , Gini Ana Luísa Rodriguez , Lemos Isabele Held , Santos Ana Caroline Silva , Bessa Maria Paula , Valentini Sandro Roberto , Mastroianni Patrícia de Carvalho
Published: August 2024

Objective: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) has been identified as a potential adverse drug reaction associated with the use of low-dose aspirin (LDA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between variants in the TBXA2R gene, which is involved in platelet aggregation, and the risk of UGIB in patients with cardiovascular diseases treated with LDA. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at a Brazilian hospital complex. Three groups were defined: (1) case group (n = 50): patients with cardiovascular disease who used LDA and were diagnosed with UGIB of non-variceal etiology, (2) LDA control group (n = 50): patients with cardiovascular disease who used LDA without developing UGIB, and (3) healthy control group (n = 189). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and blood samples were collected for the analysis of Helicobacter pylori infection and genotyping of 3 genetic variants [rs2238631 (C > T), rs4807491 (A > G), and rs1131882 (A > G)]. Results: The case group had a significantly higher frequency of carriers of the rs4807491.G allele compared to the control group of LDA users ( P-value = .004). No significant difference was observed in the proportion of carriers of the rs2238631.T and 1131882.G variants between the studied groups. Carriers of rs2238631.T (OR: 4.515, 95% CI: 1.37-14.89) and rs4807491.G allele (OR: 3.232, 95% CI: 1.12-9.37) exhibited a higher risk of UGIB. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the presence of the rs2238631 and rs4807491 variant alleles is associates with a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of UGIB in patients with cardiovascular diseases treated with LDA. Future studies with larger sample sizes should confirm these results and to better identify individuals who may benefit from chronic LDA use.
Effect of spiritual intelligence and employment status on the association between education and depressive symptoms among adults in rural Puducherry, India: A mediation analysis
Authors: Rajan Vishnu , Marimuthu Yamini , Menon Vikas , Kumar Saya Ganesh , Raj Ruben
Published: August 2024

Background:

Depression is a major global health concern, particularly in India, where it significantly impacts the population’s well-being. The interplay of various factors, including education, employment status, and spiritual intelligence, contributes to the complex landscape of depressive symptoms among adults.

Methodology:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural service areas of a tertiary care medical institution in rural India from March 2021 to September 2022. The study employed structured questionnaires and validated scales to assess depressive symptoms, spiritual intelligence, educational status, and occupational status among participants. Structural equation modelling was used for mediation analysis to evaluate the effect of spiritual intelligence and employment status on the association between education and depressive symptoms.

Results:

The study included 381 participants, with a prevalence of depressive symptoms at 14.4%. Higher educational attainment was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.17, 0.67]). Employment status mediated the relationship between education and depression, with employed individuals exhibiting lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.22, 0.82]). While spiritual intelligence was higher among those with formal education, its direct impact on depression was not statistically significant. The mediation analysis revealed that a significant portion (77.5%) of the total effect of education on depression was mediated through employment status and spiritual intelligence.

Conclusion:

The study underscores the importance of education and employment opportunities in mitigating depressive symptoms among rural adults. It suggests targeted interventions that promote education and employment support to enhance mental health resilience. While spiritual intelligence may influence mental health outcomes, its exact role requires further investigation.
Robust stability analysis of uncertain discrete-time delayed systems with finite wordlength nonlinearities via delay partitioning approach
Authors: Singh Kalpana , Kandanvli V. Krishna Rao , Kar Haranath
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to investigate the problem of robust stability of discrete-time systems with finite wordlength nonlinearities and time-varying delay. Two new delay-dependent stability criteria for such systems are proposed. The first criterion is based on estimating the forward difference of Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional using a summation inequality along with the Wirtinger-based inequality. The second one employs the method of delay partitioning where the delay range is nonuniformly divided into subintervals. The proposed criteria are distinctive and may be considered less stringent than previous criteria. Examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the criteria.
Lyapunov-based fractional-order PID controller design for coupled nonlinear system
Authors: Zaki Hammad , Rashid Aamir , Masud Usman
Published: August 2024

Coupled nonlinear systems are difficult to control due to the adverse effects of uncertainties and coupling effects with increased sensor noise. This paper proposes an improved Lyapunov-based composite controller consisting of fractional-order proportional–integral–derivative (FOPID) and velocity-based disturbance observer to deal with the motion control of uncertain, nonlinear, and coupled system. FOPID utilizes the stable filtered error to facilitate the control development and stability analysis for the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) coupled system. Moreover, a disturbance observer is developed by utilizing the velocity signals to provide robustness against the disturbances and parametric uncertainties. Enhanced infinite order disturbance observer (EIFDOB) structure is used to improve the robustness of the introduced technique despite the high-frequency sensor noise. Stability analysis is provided to verify the introduced controller through the Lyapunov stability theorem, LaSalle’s invariance principle, and Barbalat’s lemma. Signal chasing is also presented to show that all signals are ultimately bounded. Comprehensive numerical simulations are performed on high-fidelity and coupled nonlinear model of the twin rotor MIMO system where the efficiency of the presented technique is examined against the external disturbances, matched uncertainties, and sensor noise. The results presented with different scenarios show that the proposed technique performed better with more robustness than FOPID and integer order proportional–integral–derivative.
State of health estimation for the lithium-ion batteries based on CNN-MLP network
Authors: Liao Yu , Ma Xianchao , Guo Li , Feng Xu , Hu Yuhang , Li Runze
Published: August 2024

With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, it is recognized that predicting the state of health (SoH) of lithium-ion battery is crucial for ensuring the safety of networked vehicles. However, the selection of health indicators greatly influences the accuracy of SoH prognostics. To obtain an accurate estimation of SoH, this paper proposes an SoH estimation model based on incremental capacity features. First, the incremental capacity curve is extracted from battery discharge data and filtered using a Gaussian filtering algorithm to remove noise. Second, statistical features extracted from the incremental capacity curve are considered health factors, and multiple optimal features are selected using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Finally, the innovative integration of spatiotemporal feature extraction with advanced pattern recognition and nonlinear modeling led to the proposal of a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network–Multi-Layer Perceptron (CNN-MLP) model for estimating the SoH of lithium-ion batteries. To validate the high accuracy of the proposed method, experiments are conducted using the CALCE battery dataset and compared with other popular models. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can predict the SoH of the battery with superior performance, such as higher speed and accuracy.
Gearbox fault diagnosis based on improved multi-scale fluctuation dispersion entropy and multi-cluster feature selection
Authors: Li Baoyue , Yu Yonghua , Wang Weicheng , Zhang Ning , Xie Meiqiang
Published: August 2024

The vibration signal of a gearbox contains a large amount of information and can be used for fault diagnosis of gearboxes. In order to efficiently extract fault features from the vibration signals and improve the reliability of fault diagnosis, a gearbox fault diagnosis method based on improved multi-scale fluctuation dispersion entropy (IMFDE) is proposed. The method takes full advantage of sliding coarse-grained processing to alleviate the shortcomings of traditional multi-scale entropy methods and improve the stability of multi-scale fluctuating dispersion entropy (MFDE). The multi-cluster feature selection (MCFS) method is then combined with the selection of low-dimensional sensitive features from the original multi-scale features, and the sensitive feature matrix is input to a random forest (RF) classifier to mine the complex mapping relationship between the input features and the fault type to achieve fault diagnosis of gearboxes. Finally, experimental data of two gearboxes are used to verify the reliability of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can accurately determine different fault types of gearboxes and has significant advantages in terms of reliability and stability of fault identification compared with other existing methods.
Adaptive model predictive control–based curved path-tracking strategy for autonomous vehicles under variable velocity
Authors: Zhang Qian , Kong Huifang , Liu Tiankuo , Zhang Xiaoxue
Published: August 2024

Maintaining the curved path-tracking accuracy and stability of autonomous vehicles under various road conditions is a significant challenge in the field of vehicle control. To address this limitation, a curved path-tracking strategy under variable velocity based on the adaptive model predictive control (MPC) is proposed for autonomous vehicles. Through the analysis of the vehicle dynamics model, the theoretical basis is presented to improve the performance of the curved path tracking by changing the vehicle velocity, and the adaptive velocity (AV) planner is designed to generate variable velocities depending on the path curvature and road friction coefficients. In addition, the adaptive model predictive controller, which adopts the fuzzy inference system with vehicle velocity and path curvature as inputs to obtain the adaptive prediction horizon (APH), is employed to realize curved path-tracking and velocity control with actuator constraints by manipulating the steering angle of the front wheels and the longitudinal tire forces of the vehicle. In comparison with the control strategy with three other control strategies based on MPC algorithm via simulation experiments on the Simulink/CarSim platform, the curved path-tracking control strategy with AV and APH proposed in this paper exhibits satisfactory performance in terms of path-tracking accuracy and stability.
An Accessible Nephrectomy and Cystotomy Simulator for Use in Teaching Small Animal Surgery
Authors: Cruz Matheus Barbosa Gomes , Costa Lyana , Carareto Roberta , Stedile Simone Tostes de Oliveira
Published: August 2024

The use of simulators in veterinary education has been increasing over the last few years. This is fundamental for surgical classes, as simulators can provide a better learning environment for the students. Two procedures commonly taught in veterinary surgical practical classes are nephrectomy and cystotomy. However, the lack of simulators for use in these classes limits the training options to the use of cadavers, which have a number of associated disadvantages, including the potential for autolysis. The aim of this study was to develop and assess the value of a simple nephrectomy and cystotomy simulator that could replace the use of cadavers in surgical practical classes. The simulator, which represented the abdominal cavity, bladder, kidneys, ureter, vessels and adipose tissue, was constructed by using synthetic materials. To evaluate its usefulness and acceptance by the students, the learning outcomes and student satisfaction, for both the simulator and an ethically sourced dog cadaver, were compared. The students completed a Likert scale questionnaire, and the answers were evaluated by using the Diagnostic Content Validation (DCV) model. The simulator was well accepted by the students, with the best scores achieved for the ureter divulsion and ligation procedures; good results were also recorded for the kidney vessel ligature and urinary bladder suture practice. The scores showed that the simulator provided an acceptable experience during the training process and increased the confidence of the students in performing the procedure.
An analytic method to investigate hemodynamics of the cardiovascular system: Biventricular system
Authors: Zhu Yuxin , Mei Xu , Ge Wanning , Wu Tingting , Zhang Liudi , Hsu Polin
Published: August 2024

Previously, we found analytic solutions for single ventricular system based on the lumped parameter model (LPM). In this study, we generalized the method to biventricular system and derived its analytic solutions. LPM is just a set of differential equations, but it is difficult to solve due to time-varying ventricular elastance and high order. Mathematically, there exist no elementary solutions for time-varying equations. It turns out that instead of differential equations, according to volume conservation, a set of algebraic equations can be carried out. The solutions of the set of equations are just physiological states at end of systolic and diastolic phases such as end systolic/diastolic pressure/volume of left ventricle. As a preliminary application, the method is utilized to deduce the hemodynamic effects of VA ECMO. Left ventricular (LV) distension, a serious complication of VA ECMO, is usually attributed to factors such as increased afterload, inadequate LV unloading, reduced myocardial contractility or aortic valve regurgitation (AR), bronchial and Thebesian return in the absence of aortic valve (AoV) opening. Among these, reduced contractility and AR are strongly associated with LV distension. However, in the absence of reduced contractility or AR, it is less clear whether increased afterload or inadequate LV unloading alone can cause LV distension. This leads to the critical question: under what conditions does LV distension occur in the absence of reduced contractility or AR? The analytic formulas derived in this study give conditions for LV distension. Furthermore, the results show that the analytic hemodynamics are coincident with simulated results.
Protocatechuic aldehyde attenuates chondrocyte senescence via the regulation of PTEN-induced kinase 1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy
Authors: Jie Lishi , Shi Xiaoqing , Kang Junfeng , Fu Houyu , Yu Likai , Tian Di , Mei Wei , Yin Songjiang
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate whether the beneficial effects of PCA on chondrocyte senescence are mediated through the regulation of mitophagy. Chondrocyte senescence plays a significant role in the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The compound protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA), which is abundant in the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been reported to have antioxidant properties and the ability to protect against cellular senescence. To achieve this goal, a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced mouse OA model and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chondrocyte senescence model were used, in combination with PINK1 gene knockdown or overexpression. After treatment with PCA, cellular senescence was assessed using Senescence-Associated β-Galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, DNA damage was evaluated using Hosphorylation of the Ser-139 (γH2AX) staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining, mitochondrial membrane potential was determined using a 5,5',6,6'-TETRACHLORO-1,1',3,3'-*. TETRAETHYBENZIMIDA (JC-1) kit, and mitochondrial autophagy was examined using Mitophagy staining. Western blot analysis was also performed to detect changes in senescence-related proteins, PINK1/Parkin pathway proteins, and mitophagy-related proteins. Our results demonstrated that PCA effectively reduced chondrocyte senescence, increased the mitochondrial membrane potential, facilitated mitochondrial autophagy, and upregulated the PINK1/Parkin pathway. Furthermore, silencing PINK1 weakened the protective effects of PCA, whereas PINK1 overexpression enhanced the effects of PCA on LPS-induced chondrocytes. PCA attenuates chondrocyte senescence by regulating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy, ultimately reducing cartilage degeneration.
Applying Normative Ethics to Teach Economic Concepts: A Proposal
Authors: McClough David
Published: August 2024

Economics is not a value neutral discipline. Teaching economics as a positive social science ignores the intrinsic normative origin and spirit of the discipline. Acknowledging the socio-political challenges inherit in economic decisions contextualizes the presentation of economic, which contributes to student understanding of economics as an academic discipline and informs student civic engagement. This essay applies normative concepts to a variety of economic topics.
Lightweight plastic waste gypsum composites for sustainable and energy efficient buildings
Authors: Mourid Amina , El Alami Mustapha , Idrissi Kaitouni Samir , Saadani Rachid , Rahmoune Miloud
Published: August 2024

The buildup of plastic waste (PW) in different ecosystems is a major environmental issue that has detrimental effects on people, wildlife, and their habitats. Our study aims to investigate specific plaster properties while reducing the rate at which end-of-life plastic is rejected in nature. This manuscript explores a gypsum composite reinforced with plastic waste (GPPS), with an emphasis on thermo-physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics. Ten samples were produced, with varying addition rates (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) by weight of GPPS waste, incorporating three different sizes of GPPS aggregates (δ ≤ 1 mm; 1 mm < δ ≤ 1.25 mm; and 1.6 mm < δ ≤ 3 mm). The results demonstrate that the gradual increase in the quantity of GPPS aggregates incorporated into the plaster matrix produced a notable enhancement in thermal properties. However, this resulted in a slight decrease in mechanical performance due to a loss of workability. In general, the material evolution indicated that the inclusion of 15% size 2 GPPS was concluded to be the optimal arrangement for effectively reducing both thermal and mechanical qualities. Specifically, density, conductivity, and thermal diffusivity were decreased by approximately 20.73%, 42.47%, and 53.57%, respectively, while compressive strength decreased by 15.73% (6.64 MPa), a tolerable value according to the EN 13279 standard.
Using OpenStreetMap, Census, and Survey Data to Predict Interethnic Group Relations in Belgium: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Dementeva Daria , Meeusen Cecil , Meuleman Bart
Published: August 2024

Neighborhoods are important contexts in shaping interethnic group relationships and sites in which these may materialize through everyday routines in shared local spaces. In this paper, we approach neighborhoods as a small-scale set of spaces of encounter, defined as local public or semi-public spaces, where residents of different ethnic backgrounds may meet. Relying on the classical contact and group threat theories, the main assumption is that local spaces of encounter are facets of an intergroup neighborhood context and may shape intergroup relations, defined as perceived ethnic threat and intergroup friendship. Drawing on the georeferenced survey data from the Belgian National Election Study 2020 enriched with spatial features from OpenStreetMap, an innovative big geospatial data source, and census-based neighborhood characteristics, the study employs machine learning algorithms to investigate whether, which, and how neighborhood spaces of encounter can predict perceived ethnic threat and intergroup friendship, while also taking into account traditional local ethnic, socioeconomic, and individual indicators. By using OpenStreetMap to measure spaces of encounter as a novel neighborhood indicator, we develop a fine-grained typology of local spaces that is rooted in urban and intergroup relations research. The results show that for predicting intergroup friendship, the important spaces were educational, functional, public open, and user-selecting spaces, while for predicting threat functional, third, retail, and other spaces stood out prediction-wise. The results also revealed the predictive importance of individual characteristics for intergroup relations, while neighborhood characteristics were not so important, both in absolute and relative terms. We conclude by reflecting on what local spaces might matter and discuss the combination of OpenStreetMap and intergroup relations as a proof of concept and prospects for future research.
Remaining useful life prediction for multi-sensor mechanical equipment based on self-attention mechanism network incorporating spatio-temporal convolution
Authors: Yang Xu , Tang Lin , Huang Jian
Published: August 2024

Driven by the limitations of spatial feature extraction in graph learning methods of multi-sensor mechanism equipment, this paper proposes a spatio-temporal self-attention mechanism network (STCAN) that integrates spatial relationships and time series information to predict the remaining useful life (RUL). Firstly, a graph convolutional network (GCN) is applied to extract the spatial correlation characteristics and fused with the self-attention mechanism network to obtain the global and local spatial features. Subsequently, a dilated convolutional network (DCN) is integrated into the self-attention mechanism network, to extract the global and multi-step temporal features and mitigate long-term dependency issues. Finally, the extracted spatio-temporal features are used to predict the equipment’s RUL through fully connected layers. The experimental results demonstrate that STCAN outperforms some existing methods in terms of RUL prediction.
Less risk of patellofemoral degeneration without significant clinical and survivorship difference for distal tibial tuberosity high tibial osteotomy compared to biplanar high tibial osteotomy over a mid-term follow-up
Authors: Li Ke , Guo Hengbing , Sun Fenglong , Wang Hongqing
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to compare the mid-term radiographic, clinical results and survivorship between distal tibial tuberosity high tibial osteotomy (DTT-HTO) and conventional biplanar medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (cOW-HTO).

Methods

The weight-bearing line ratio (WBL%) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were evaluated using a standing anteroposterior view of lower extremity. The posterior tibial slope (PTS), Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tilting angle (TT) and lateral shift ratio (LSR) were evaluated using the lateral views and Merchant views. The Knee Society (KS) knee and function score, Lysholm score, and Anterior Knee Pain Scale (Kujala score) were were used to evaluate the functional outcomes. All parameters were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The postoperative complications and survivorship for both groups were also evaluated during the follow-up period.

Results

The WBL% and MPTA exhibited no significant differences between the two groups preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The postoperative CDI and TT in the cOW group decreased significantly compared with the DTT group ( p = .037 and .041, respectively). The PF grade showed a significant increase after DTT-HTO and cOW-HTO ( p = .036 and <0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the postoperative PF grade of cOW group was significantly higher than that of DTT group ( p = .039). The KS knee and function score, Lysholm score, and Kujala score for both groups improved similarly at the final follow-up. The survivorship free of revision was 92.7 % in the DTT group and 94.2% in the OW group.

Conclusions

Despite observing a lower risk of PF joint progression in DTT-HTO compared to cOW-HTO, the clinical outcomes and survivorship after DTT-HTO and cOWHTO were comparable over a mid-term follow-up.
Conceptualizing Symptom Invalidation as Experienced by Patients With Endometriosis
Authors: Bontempo Allyson C.
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to provide foundational work to standardize the conceptual definition of what I refer to as symptom invalidation by using invalidating environments and illness representations as guiding conceptual frameworks. Mixed deductive–inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze survey responses to an open-ended question gauging an invalidating interaction patients experienced with a clinician among 1038 patients with endometriosis. Dissimilarity in illness representations between patients and clinicians, as perceived by patients, occurred with feelings of invalidation. Invalidation was experienced in relationship to all identified domains of illness representations including how clinicians communicated the diagnosis ( identity label), the internal ( internal cause) and/or external ( external cause) nature of the cause, clinicians’ understanding of the timeline ( timeline) and consequences ( consequences), and clinicians’ understanding of control over the symptoms via the efficacy of patients ( self-efficacy) and coping procedures ( response efficacy). Inductive analysis revealed invalidation can also be related to how clinicians communicate judgments of whether patients are presenting with ulterior motives ( secondary gains). Clinicians’ actions appear to compound experiences of invalidation by not having symptoms investigated ( investigative experiences). Invalidating environments and illness representations serve as effective conceptual frameworks for providing a conceptual definition of symptom invalidation.
A Qualitative Study of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health Care Experiences With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Meharg David P. , Dennis Sarah M. , McNab Justin , Gwynne Kylie G. , Jenkins Christine R. , Maguire Graeme P. , Jan Stephen , Shaw Tim , McKeough Zoe , Rambaldini Boe , Lee Vanessa , McCowen Debbie , Newman Jamie , Longbottom Hayley , Eades Sandra , Alison Jennifer A.
Published: August 2024

Aboriginal Australians experience a high prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with high rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations. However, little is known about Aboriginal peoples’ experiences of living with COPD and how they navigate health care systems. This study used thematic analysis and Aboriginal methodology to explore Aboriginal peoples’ lived experiences of COPD, their health care journey from receiving a diagnosis of COPD to the clinical management, and the impact of COPD on their daily lives. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews over a 6-month period with 18 Aboriginal adults diagnosed with COPD from four Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in New South Wales, Australia. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to ensure rigour. The findings revealed deeply personal and reflective stories shaped by historical, social, and cultural realities of Aboriginal peoples living with COPD. Four themes were identified characterising their experiences. Based on the findings, the following guidance is provided on future COPD care for Aboriginal peoples: Better alignment of existing COPD management with Aboriginal peoples’ cultural contexts and perspectives to improve access to culturally safe care; Increased funding for ACCHS to enhance COPD management, such as early detection through case finding and access to ACCHS-led pulmonary rehabilitation; Engaging family members in COPD management and providing culturally centred COPD education that facilitates discussions and builds health literacy and self-management skills; Implementing health promotion initiatives to increase awareness and counteract fear and shame to improve early COPD detection.
Navigating Central Oxytocin Transport: Known Realms and Uncharted Territories
Authors: Parmaksiz Deniz , Kim Yongsoo
Published: August 2024

Complex mechanisms govern the transport and action of oxytocin (Oxt), a neuropeptide and hormone that mediates diverse physiologic processes. While Oxt exerts site-specific and rapid effects in the brain via axonal and somatodendritic release, volume transmission via CSF and the neurovascular interface can act as an additional mechanism to distribute Oxt signals across distant brain regions on a slower timescale. This review focuses on modes of Oxt transport and action in the CNS, with particular emphasis on the roles of perivascular spaces, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and circumventricular organs in coordinating the triadic interaction among circulating blood, CSF, and parenchyma. Perivascular spaces, critical conduits for CSF flow, play a pivotal role in Oxt diffusion and distribution within the CNS and reciprocally undergo Oxt-mediated structural and functional reconstruction. While the BBB modulates the movement of Oxt between systemic and cerebral circulation in a majority of brain regions, circumventricular organs without a functional BBB can allow for diffusion, monitoring, and feedback regulation of bloodborne peripheral signals such as Oxt. Recognition of these additional transport mechanisms provides enhanced insight into the systemic propagation and regulation of Oxt activity.
Building Up: Educational Habits That Nurture Spatial Talent
Authors: Flick Anne R. , Lakin Joni M.
Published: August 2024

Decades of research point to the value and importance of spatial skills and have demonstrated the malleability, durability, and teachability of spatial skills across the lifespan. Teachers and caregivers can apply this research in their classrooms or homes through a wide range of strategies. In this article, we offer specific, engaging activities that can be deployed across multiple curricular areas and at home to nurture a range of spatial skills, such as spatial transformations and spatial comparisons. Just as we incorporate reading into thousands of interactions with the children around us, from reading road signs to sharing our favorite books, so too do the children need spatial thinking infused into our daily interactions with them. While we offer ideas for use both in the classroom and at home, that border is permeable; many of the classroom activities can be done at home, and many of the home activities can be adapted for classroom use.
Association between BMI and success of transaxillary venous port implantation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shao Fei , Zhang Chunling , Jin Yang , Cai Hao , Pang Yunfeng , Wen Gehua , Ma Chong , Wang Guodong , Sun Ziqiang , Jin Song
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

Totally implanted venous access device are widely used for long-term chemotherapy in cancer patients. Previous studies have only focused on the analysis of complications associated with infusion port implantation, ignoring the causes of unsuccessful infusion port implantation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the success rate of transaxillary intravenous port implantation in breast cancer patients.

Materials and methods:

To review 361 breast cancer patients who underwent intravenous port implantation from January 2021 to September 2021. Baseline data, and surgical data were collected from the patients, and the success rate of puncture of the axillary vein was recorded. The logistic regression analysis and smoothed curve fitting were used to assess the relationship between BMI and the success rate of axillary venipuncture. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential interactions.

Results:

Under ultrasound guidance, 67.3% of patients (243/361) had an infusion port implanted by axillary vein puncture. There was a roughly linear relationship between BMI and the success rate of axillary venipuncture. In the multiple regression equation, BMI was significantly and negatively associated with the success rate of axillary venipuncture (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.77–0.89; p < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed that the relationship between BMI and the success rate of axillary venipuncture was stable and unaffected by other variables.

Conclusions:

The higher the patient’s BMI, the higher the chance of difficult axillary venipuncture or failed cannulation.
What audiences do with news: a broader definition of news consumption
Authors: Anderson Kirsty J.
Published: August 2024

Audiences can now access news anytime, anywhere and news spreads faster than ever before. This gives news a much broader role, amplifying and supporting social connection and knowledge acquisition. This study explores actions New Zealanders take after consuming news through the lens of uses and gratifications theory. Twenty-five participants kept a weekly diary of their news consumption and discussed actions they took following news consumption. Statistical analysis showed all participants took at least one action, including discussing news in person, sharing news online, seeking further information, or making a decision. Younger participants were more likely to share news with their friends or seek further information; the older cohort was more likely to share news publicly. The findings suggest that after consuming news, audiences may have subsequent needs and seek further gratifications, potentially leading to a second order of gratification within uses and gratifications theory.
‘Disciplining the audience’: Audience experiences with MUBI
Authors: Ildır Aslı
Published: August 2024

Through the case of MUBI, this article inquires into the changing audience habits with the proliferation of video-on-demand services and the discourse of control and choice, increased mobility, and democratic access. Drawing on in-depth interviews with subscribers of MUBI Turkey, this article explores the ways the audience relates to the imagined audience that MUBI assumes, promotes, and celebrates as a cultural gatekeeper and artistic patron/expert; and how, in turn, being a MUBI user becomes a sign of cultural taste. This study argues that even though users appreciate MUBI’s limited choice model compared to Netflix, they still experience feelings such as frustration, stress, and inadequacy. These feelings mainly result from MUBI’s artistic authority over them, established through the discourse of expertise/artistic patronage and limited-time model. On the other hand, users do not automatically accept the service’s expertise. Some are more critical of it than other VOD services (such as Netflix) because they consider watching MUBI a form of ‘intellectual labor’. Even though MUBI discursively maintains the long-standing dichotomies of niche-mainstream, arthouse-popular cinema, or high-lowbrow culture, the users experience these dichotomies more complexly according to their multiple subject positions.
The embodied experience of genetic inheritance in hereditary thrombophilia
Authors: Tomán Edina , Pintér Judit Nóra , Hargitai Rita
Published: August 2024

Our study focuses on exploring the embodied experiences of genetic inheritance within and between bodies. Drawing on insights from studies on embodied experiences and family risk we examine how interviewees perceive their vulnerability, negotiate family narratives, genetic inheritance, and the transmission of genetic knowledge within families. To answer these questions, we conducted an interpretative phenomenological analysis, based on 10 in-depth interviews with patients with thrombophilia diagnosis and venous thromboembolic disease, in Hungary. Three Experiential Themes were identified: The body as a repository of risk (1), Family heritage (2), and The borderline of thrombophilia—liminality (3). Our study has found that patients living with thrombophilia interpret their bodies as repositories of genetic risk. It seems that an important aspect of adapting to thrombophilia is the creation of genetically vulnerable identities. Alongside the new identity(ies), living with risk can induce newly discovered forms of familial responsibility, within the common identification experience of family history and succession. Based on our research, we see that individuals living with thrombophilia experience the liminality of borderlands. In some cases, however, the space between health and illness represents a dynamic permeability for people with thrombophilia, which can be triggered by medical uncertainty in addition to individual experiences and life events.