bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise Mitigates Endothelial Pyroptosis and Atherosclerosis by Downregulating NEAT1 Through N6-Methyladenosine Modifications
Authors: Yang Qingyuan , Chen Shiliang , Wang Xingyi , Yang Xinyu , Chen Liangqi , Huang Tuo , Zheng Yang , Zheng Xianghui , Wu Xiaojun , Sun Yong , Wu Jian
Published: April 2023

Background:

The benefits of exercise on the cardiovascular system are widely recognized; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we report the effect of the long noncoding RNA NEAT1 (nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1), which is regulated by exercise, on atherosclerosis development after N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications.

Methods:

Using clinical cohorts and NEAT1
−/−
mice, we determined the exercise-mediated expression and role of NEAT1 in atherosclerosis. To investigate the mechanism of epigenetic modification of NEAT1 regulated by exercise, we identified METTL14 (methyltransferase-like 14)—a key m6A modification enzyme under exercise—and found that METTL14 alters the expression and role of NEAT1 through m6A modification and elucidated the specific mechanism of METTL14 in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the NEAT1 downstream regulatory network was investigated.

Results:

We found that NEAT1 expression was downregulated with exercise and that downregulation of NEAT1 was an important factor in the improvement of atherosclerosis with exercise. Exercise-mediated loss of function of NEAT1 can delay atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, we showed that exercise induced a significant downregulation of m6A modification and METTL14, which binds to the m6A sites of NEAT1 and promotes NEAT1 expression through subsequent YTHDC1 (YTH domain-containing 1) recognition to promote endothelial pyroptosis. Furthermore, NEAT1 induces endothelial pyroptosis by binding KLF4 (Kruppel-like factor 4) to promote the transcriptional activation of the key pyroptotic protein NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3), whereas exercise can attenuate NEAT1-mediated endothelial pyroptosis to improve atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

Our study of NEAT1 provides new insights into the improvement of atherosclerosis by exercise. This finding demonstrates the role of exercise-mediated NEAT1 downregulation in atherosclerosis while expanding our understanding of the mechanisms by which exercise regulates long noncoding RNA function through epigenetic modifications.
Use of a Pulmonary Artery Pressure Sensor to Manage Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Thohan Vinay , Abraham Jacob , Burdorf Adam , Sulemanjee Nasir , Jaski Brian , Guglin Maya , Pagani Francis D. , Vidula Himabindu , Majure David T. , Napier Rebecca , Heywood Thomas J. , Cogswell Rebecca , Dirckx Nicholas , Farrar David J. , Drakos Stavros G. , Burdorf Adam , Nsair Ali , Kolodziej Andrew , Bhimaraj Arvind , Lampert Brent , Jaski Brian , Chien Christopher , Majure David , Pagani Francis , Vidula Himabindu , Herr Jared , Rahman Joseph , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Zacharias Michael , Jacob Miriam , Sulamanjee Nasir , Moss Noah , Patel Priyesh , Cogswell Rebecca , Napier Rebecca , Drakos Stavros , Heywood Thomas
Published: April 2023

Background:

Hemodynamic-guided management with a pulmonary artery pressure sensor (CardioMEMS) is effective in reducing heart failure hospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure. This study aims to determine the feasibility and clinical utility of the CardioMEMS heart failure system to manage patients supported with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).

Methods:

In this multicenter prospective study, we followed patients with HeartMate II (n=52) or HeartMate 3 (n=49) LVADs and with CardioMEMS PA Sensors and measured pulmonary artery pressure, 6-minute walk distance, quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L scores), and heart failure hospitalization rates through 6 months. Patients were stratified as responders (R) and nonresponders to reductions in pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PAD).

Results:

There were significant reductions in PAD from baseline to 6 months in R (21.5–16.5 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), compared with an increase in NR (18.0–20.3;
P
=0.002), and there was a significant increase in 6-minute walk distance among R (266 versus 322 meters;
P
=0.025) compared with no change in nonresponder. Patients who maintained PAD <20 compared with PAD ≥20 mm Hg for more than half the time throughout the study (averaging 15.6 versus 23.3 mm Hg) had a statistically significant lower rate of heart failure hospitalization (12.0% versus 38.9%;
P
=0.005).

Conclusions:

Patients with LVAD managed with CardioMEMS with a significant reduction in PAD at 6 months showed improvements in 6-minute walk distance. Maintaining PAD <20 mm Hg was associated with fewer heart failure hospitalizations. Hemodynamic-guided management of patients with LVAD with CardioMEMS is feasible and may result in functional and clinical benefits. Prospective evaluation of ambulatory hemodynamic management in patients with LVAD is warranted.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03247829.
Optimal Randomization Designs for Large Multicenter Clinical Trials: From the National Institutes of Health Stroke Trials Network Funded by National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Experience
Authors: Zhao Wenle , Yeatts Sharon D. , Broderick Joseph P. , Selim Magdy H. , Adeoye Opeolu M. , Durkalski-Mauldin Valerie L. , Meinzer Caitlyn N. , Martin Reneé H. , Dillon Catherine R. , Cassarly Christy N. , Pauls Keith H. , Elm Jordan J.
Published: April 2023

From 2016 to 2021, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Trials Network funded by National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke initiated ten multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials. Optimal subject randomization designs are demanded with 4 critical properties: (1) protection of treatment assignment randomness, (2) achievement of the desired treatment allocation ratio, (3) balancing of baseline covariates, and (4) ease of implementation. For acute stroke trials, it is necessary to minimize the time between eligibility assessment and treatment initiation. This article reviews the randomization designs for 3 trials currently enrolling in Stroke Trials Network funded by National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the SATURN (Statins in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Trial), the MOST (Multiarm Optimization of Stroke Thrombolysis Trial), and the FASTEST (Recombinant Factor VIIa for Hemorrhagic Stroke Trial). Randomization methods utilized in these trials include minimal sufficient balance, block urn design, big stick design, and step-forward randomization. Their advantages and limitations are reviewed and compared with traditional stratified permuted block design and minimization.
Linkage of the Circumglobal Teleconnection and the Interannual Variability of Early Spring Diabatic Heating over Low-Latitude Highlands in Southeast Asia
Authors: Yang Yu , Wen Dayong , Cao Jie
Published: April 2023

This study explores the linkage of the circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) on the variability of early spring diabatic heating over the Southeast Asian low-latitude highlands (SEALLH) using ERA5 data. The early spring diabatic heating over the SEALLH shows significant interannual variability with a quasi-3-yr period. Anomalies in the advection of the early spring diabatic heating in the troposphere over the SEALLH associated with CGT are mainly responsible for the interannual variability of early spring diabatic heating over the SEALLH. When CGT is in phase with an anomalous cyclone over the eastern midlatitude North Atlantic, an anomalous cyclone usually dominates the west SEALLH throughout the troposphere. Stronger-than-normal southerly winds located on the east flank of the anomalous cyclone in the lower–upper troposphere transport more high-enthalpy air mass from lower latitudes to the SEALLH and then result in stronger-than-normal early spring diabatic heating over the SEALLH. When CGT is in phase with an anomalous anticyclone over the eastern North Atlantic, the opposite conditions occur, and weaker-than-normal early spring diabatic heating is observed over the SEALLH. Such significant correlation between CGT and early spring diabatic heating over the SEALLH can persist from winter to early summer. The key physical processes revealed in the observational analysis are mostly confirmed by the historical simulation performed with the EC-EARTH3 model.

Significance Statement

The low-latitude highlands in Southeast Asia are one of the earliest diabatic heating sources in the Asian summer monsoon region. Variability of diabatic heating over the low-latitude highlands in Southeast Asia significantly regulates the weather and climate over the Asian summer monsoon region. However, the interannual variability of early spring diabatic heating over the low-latitude highlands in Southeast Asia remains unclear. This study determines that the circumglobal teleconnection links with the interannual variability of early spring diabatic heating over the low-latitude highlands in Southeast Asia via modulating the local advection process from the previous winter. These results build a bridge connecting the anomalous signals occurring in the upper reaches of the low-latitude highlands in Southeast Asia with the weather and climate in the local and lower reaches of the low-latitude highlands in Southeast Asia.
The Variability of Pan Evaporation over China during 1961–2020
Authors: Wang Hong , Sun Fubao , Liu Fa , Wang Tingting , Feng Yao , Liu Wenbin
Published: April 2023

The most basic features of climatological normals and variability are useful for describing observed or likely future climate fluctuations. Pan evaporation (Epan) is an important indicator of climate change; however, current research on Epan has focused on its change in mean rather than its variability. The variability of monthly Epan from 1961 to 2020 at 969 stations in China was analyzed using a theoretical framework that can distinguish changes in Epan variance between space and time. The Epan variance was decomposed into spatial and temporal components, and the temporal component was further decomposed into interannual and intra-annual components. The results show that the variance in Epan was mainly controlled by the temporal component. The time variance was mainly controlled by intra-annual variance, decreasing continuously in the first 30 years, and slightly increasing after the 1990s. This is mainly due to the fact that the decrease of wind speed and the increase of water vapor pressure deficit with the temperature increase offset each other and inhibit the variability of Epan. The variance decreased more in the northern region, whereas it exhibited a small decrease or slight increase in the southern region. The reduction in seasonality was dominated by spring, followed by summer. The differences in Epan variability in space and season were mainly caused by the differing rates of change in evaporation driving forces, such as a greater reduction in wind speed in the northern region and spring.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to better understand how the variability of evaporation changes rather than in mean under climate change. This is important because the variability is useful to describe the observed or likely future fluctuations, and a small fluctuation may have large impacts on water practices, such as agricultural production. Our findings showed that the temporal and spatial variability of evaporation decreased due to its drivers offsetting each other. However, because the drivers are numerous and continuously changing under climate change, it is necessary to pay attention to its mean and variability for serving water resources practice.
Calibration Transfer Methodology for Cloud Radars Based on Ice Cloud Observations
Authors: Jorquera Susana , Toledo Bittner Felipe , Delanoë Julien , Berne Alexis , Billault-Roux Anne-Claire , Schwarzenboeck Alfons , Dezitter Fabien , Viltard Nicolas , Martini Audrey
Published: April 2023

This article presents a calibration transfer methodology that can be used between radars of the same or different frequency bands. This method enables the absolute calibration of a cloud radar by transferring it from another collocated instrument with known calibration, by simultaneously measuring vertical ice cloud reflectivity profiles. The advantage is that the added uncertainty in the newly calibrated instrument can converge to the magnitude of the reference instrument calibration. This is achieved by carefully selecting comparable data, including the identification of the reflectivity range that avoids the disparities introduced by differences in sensitivity or scattering regime. The result is a correction coefficient used to compensate measurement bias in the uncalibrated instrument. Calibration transfer uncertainty can be reduced by increasing the number of sampling periods. The methodology was applied between collocated W-band radars deployed during the ICE-GENESIS campaign (Switzerland 2020/21). A difference of 2.2 dB was found in their reflectivity measurements, with an uncertainty of 0.7 dB. The calibration transfer was also applied to radars of different frequency, an X-band radar with unknown calibration and a W-band radar with manufacturer calibration; the difference found was −16.7 dB with an uncertainty of 1.2 dB. The method was validated through closure, by transferring calibration between three different radars in two different case studies. For the first case, involving three W-band radars, the bias found was of 0.2 dB. In the second case, involving two W-band and one X-band radar, the bias found was of 0.3 dB. These results imply that the biases introduced by performing the calibration transfer with this method are negligible.
Supervisee Nondisclosure: Does Relational Humility Matter?
Authors: Taylor Englann J. , Ellis Michael V.
Published: April 2023

Applying the relational humility model to address gaps in the clinical supervision literature, we tested the interpersonal constructs of relational humility, supervisory working alliance, and relational behavior as predictors of supervisee nondisclosure (i.e., clinically-related and supervision-related nondisclosure). We hypothesized that relational humility moderates the relation between supervisory working alliance and supervision-related nondisclosure and that the supervisory working alliance and relational behavior each uniquely predicts supervisee nondisclosure. Self-report data from 312 trainees in the United States receiving clinical supervision across training settings found relational humility, supervisory working alliance, and relational behavior explained over a quarter of the variance in the multivariate construct of supervisee nondisclosure. Relational humility significantly moderated (and amplified) the inverse relation between the supervisory working alliance and supervision-related nondisclosure. The supervisory working alliance and relational behavior did not uniquely predict clinically-related or supervision-related nondisclosure. Results are discussed for their practical, theoretical, and research implications.
The Shadow of Deterrence: Why Capable Actors Engage in Contests Short of War
Authors: Gannon J. Andrés , Gartzke Erik , Lindsay Jon R. , Schram Peter
Published: April 2023

Defense policy makers have become increasingly concerned about conflict in the “gray zone” between peace and war. Such conflicts are often interpreted as cases of deterrence failures, as new technologies or tactics—from cyber operations to “little green men”—seem to increase the effectiveness of low-intensity aggression. However, gray zone conflict could also be a case of deterrence success, where challengers adopt a constrained form of aggression in response to a credible escalation threat. We develop a model that formalizes both scenarios and identifies distinct empirical patterns across the two cases. We use the model’s findings to empirically analyze Russian gray zone activity since the 1990s, finding that Russian activity appears, in part, to be restrained by NATO’s deterrent threat. Our model also shows that developing gray zone conflict capabilities can lead to more peace but could also backfire and provoke a challenger to escalate to war.
Non-surgical external jugular vein catheterization using an ear vein access in piglets
Authors: Ringer S.K. , Schmid A. , Weiss M. , Ohlerth S. , Spielmann N. , Clausen N.G.
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of external jugular vein catheterization through an ear vein in piglets. Forty-six sevoflurane-midazolam anaesthetized piglets were included. External jugular vein catheterization was conducted through the ear vein using the Seldinger technique. Part 1 ( n = 27): optimal puncture site was based on the deltoid tuberosity as a landmark to reach the external jugular vein. The final position of the catheter was verified in 25 piglets using computer tomography. Catheterization time was recorded and patency of the catheter assessed by repeated blood sampling for up to 4 h. Part 2 ( n = 19): ear vein catheterization was without taking into account any landmarks. Functionality for blood sampling was evaluated as described in part 1. Catheter advancement was possible in 25/27 and 18/19 piglets in parts 1 and 2, respectively. Median (range) time required for successful catheterization was 1.95 (1–10) min ( n = 38). The deltoid tuberosity was a good landmark to reach the external jugular vein. But blood sampling was also possible through catheters ending slightly cranial to the external jugular vein. Despite successful catheter advancement, blood sampling was not possible from one catheter in each part of the study (total: two piglets). One of these catheters presented luminal damage, while the other one presented as normal after being removed from the animal. Summarizing, central vein catheterization through the ear vein was feasible in 93.5% and repeated blood sampling was possible in 89.1% of the piglets ( n = 46).
Minds of Monsters: Scary Imbalances Between Cognition and Emotion
Authors: Hernandez Ivan , Ritter Ryan S. , Preston Jesse L.
Published: April 2023

Four studies investigate a fear of imbalanced minds hypothesis that threatening agents perceived to be relatively mismatched in capacities for cognition (e.g., self-control and reasoning) and emotion (e.g., sensations and emotions) will be rated as scarier and more dangerous by observers. In ratings of fictional monsters (e.g., zombies and vampires), agents seen as more imbalanced between capacities for cognition and emotion (high cognition–low emotion or low cognition–high emotion) were rated as scarier compared to those with equally matched levels of cognition and emotion (Studies 1 and 2). Similar effects were observed using ratings of scary animals (e.g., tigers, sharks; Studies 2 and 3), and infected humans (Study 4). Moreover, these effects are explained through diminished perceived control/predictability over the target agent. These findings highlight the role of balance between cognition and emotion in appraisal of threatening agents, in part because those agents are seen as more chaotic and uncontrollable.
Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of the Munich Wrist Questionnaire in Patients With Wrist Problems
Authors: Yetiş Mehmet , Ceylan İsmail , Canlı Mehmet , Gürses Ömer Alperen , Aslan Mensure , Horoz Levent , Tayfur Abdulhamit
Published: April 2023

Evidence for the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Munich Wrist Questionnaire (MWQ), a patient reported outcome measurement tool (PROM) was evaluated. A total of 80 patients (54.1 ± 1.4 years, 68 females) with wrist problems were recruited. The MWQ was translated into Turkish (MWQ-TR). Criterion validity with Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) was tested by using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Intraclass correlations coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze the test-retest reliability. There was a moderate correlation (r = −0.49, p < 0.001) between MWQ-TR and DASH, while correlations were strong between MWQ-TR and PRWE (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability of MWQ-TR was moderate (ICC = 0.67, 95% CI 0.26–0.84). The MWQ-Turkish version demonstrated evidence for its validity and reliability to evaluate pain, work/daily life activities and function in people with wrist problems in a Turkish population.
Influence of particle geometry and size on the cell morphology of vacuum assisted rotationally molded foam
Authors: Werner J , Drummer D
Published: April 2023

An increased awareness of sustainability among the population leads, from an industrial point of view, to efforts to act more ecologically as well as to the aim for lower production costs and an increased efficiency. With this in mind, a new process has been developed for foaming without blowing agents in rotational molding. Process related air inclusions in the polymer melt are expanded to form the cell structure by means of vacuum application. In the presented study, the influence of different particle sizes as well as the arising potential of deploying microgranules in the otherwise powder-based process is investigated with regard to the resulting foam cells. The results confirm that particle size and form greatly influence the existence and size of air inclusions in the polymer melt. It could be proven that these differences, caused by the particle characteristics, propagate during the foaming process and lead to different cell morphologies in the resultant foam. Furthermore, it is indicated that qualitative predictions of the resulting cell dimensions can be made on the basis of bulk density measurements and the analysis of the sintering behaviour of the initial particles.
Novel cannulation strategy with a bidirectional cannula for distal limb perfusion during peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal life support: A preliminary, single-centre study
Authors: Simons Jorik , Doddema Arne R , Körver Erik PJ , di Mauro Michele , Agricola Sandra , Smets Jeroen , Metz Renske , Mariani Silvia , De Piero Maria Elena , Matteucci Matteo , Romeo Jamie , Ravaux Justine M. , van Mook Walther NKA , Mees Barend ME , Lorusso Roberto
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Limb ischemia is a severe complication of peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (V-A ECLS). Several techniques have been developed to prevent this, but it remains a major and frequent adverse event (incidence: 10–30%). In 2019, a new cannula with bidirectional flow (retrograde towards the heart and antegrade towards the distal limb) has been introduced. A single-centre experience with this cannula in patients undergoing peripheral V-A ECLS is herewith reported.

Methods

This prospective observational study included adults (≥18 years) undergoing V-A ECLS from January 2021 to October 2022 with the use of a bidirectional femoral artery cannula. Primary outcome was limb ischemia requiring intervention during cardio-circulatory support. Secondary outcomes were compartment syndrome, limb amputation, cannulation site bleeding, need for other surgical intervention due to cannula related complications, duplex ultrasound parameters from the femoral vessels, and in-hospital survival.

Results

Twenty-two consecutive patients were included. During extracorporeal life support (ECLS) support, limb ischemia requiring intervention occurred in one patient (4.5%) and no patients developed a compartment syndrome, or required a fasciotomy or amputation. Significant bleeding was reported in two patients (9%) due to slight cannula dislodgement, easily solved with cannula repositioning. In-hospital survival was 63.6%.

Conclusions

The bidirectional cannula is associated with a low risk for limb ischemia-related complications compared to current literature, and apparently represents a safe alternative to dedicated distal perfusion cannula. Further studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
Clinical decision support for ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Will we fly by wire?
Authors: Pladet Lara , Luijken Kim , Fresiello Libera , Miranda Dinis Dos Reis , Hermens Jeannine A , Smeden Maarten van , Cremer Olaf , Donker Dirk W , Meuwese Christiaan L
Published: April 2023

Prognostic modelling techniques have rapidly evolved over the past decade and may greatly benefit patients supported with ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Epidemiological and computational physiological approaches aim to provide more accurate predictive assessments of ECMO-related risks and benefits. Implementation of these approaches may produce predictive tools that can improve complex clinical decisions surrounding ECMO allocation and management. This Review describes current applications of prognostic models and elaborates on upcoming directions for their clinical applicability in decision support tools directed at improved allocation and management of ECMO patients. The discussion of these new developments in the field will culminate in a futuristic perspective leaving ourselves and the readers wondering whether we may “ fly ECMO by wire” someday.
Audiences’ emotional response to choir singing by people living with mental health conditions
Authors: Williams Elyse , Jetten Jolanda , Dingle Genevieve A.
Published: April 2023

Growing evidence shows that choirs improve the well-being of people experiencing chronic mental health conditions; however, the impact of performances by “recovery choirs” (i.e., singers with mental health conditions) on their community audience members has not been examined. In three studies, we explored whether performances foster positive emotions toward recovery choristers. In Study 1, we surveyed 50 audience members before and after a public concert and found that watching the recovery choir sing increased positive emotions and attitudes toward mental health recovery. In a randomized experiment, Study 2a ( n = 322) and 2b ( n = 403) found that watching a short film of both a recovery choir and an amateur community choir singing increased positive emotions toward the choristers in comparison with a control activity condition. There was mixed evidence for effects on social connectedness, acceptance, and belief in mental health recovery. The effects of watching the choirs singing on social connectedness and acceptance of the choristers were mediated by positive emotions. Our results provide new evidence of the audience’s responses to amateur choir performances, by demonstrating that witnessing both community and recovery choir performances can foster admiration, respect, and positive regard toward choristers regardless of their mental health status.
Renewable based techno-economic analysis for telecommunication system: A case study of western Himalaya
Authors: Sharma Sumit , Sood Yog Raj , Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Vineet , Kumar Vineet
Published: April 2023

This research article presents a technoeconomic analysis of an RET-based model for powering a hilly remote area telecom tower in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Using the HOMER software tool with various evolutionary algorithms, the study found that the most feasible configuration was 30 kW of SP panels, 10 kW of DG units, 20 batteries, and 10 units of converter with a minimum energy cost value of 0.256 $/kWh. The energy cost values from various evolutionary techniques such as HHO, WOA, PSO, and GA were also observed to be competitive. After policy intervention and government subsidies, the cost of energy reduced to 0.167 $/kWh, which is significantly less compared to the diesel-powered system. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was carried out for changes in solar radiations, ambient temperature, and diesel fuel prices to determine the best optimal configuration for the study.
Investigation of In Situ Thermal Properties and Early-Age Pavement Behavior in the Design and Performance Evaluation of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement in Louisiana, U.S
Authors: Mahdi Moinul , Wu Zhong , Liu Yilong , Sobhani Md Golam
Published: April 2023

The proven durability and high load-carrying capacity of roller compacted concrete pavement (RCCP), combined with its simple and cost-effective construction method and high placement speed, has created a great deal of interest from many states and local transportation agencies in the U.S. Roller compacted concrete (RCC) mixture uses less cement content and less water compared with conventional concrete mixtures, which reduces the total shrinkage strain and RCC set temperature during the hardening stage, resulting in a reduction of early-age deformation and stress developments in the RCCP. Currently, research on the early-age behavior and other thermal properties of RCCP has not been well documented. Therefore, investigations of early-age behavior and thermal properties such as coefficient of thermal expansion, ultimate shrinkage, and built-in curling are needed to understand the true behaviors of RCCP under real climatic conditions. On the other hand, the currently available RCC thickness design procedures, for example, Street-Pave and Pavement Designer, are in general short of flexibility in consideration of the combined effect of wheel and environmental loading on RCCP performance. The primary objective of this work is to investigate the early-age behavior of RCCP and to evaluate the effect of thermal properties on the design and performance of RCCP constructed in Louisiana.
In search of the quasi-isotropic laminate with optimal delamination resistance under off-axis loads
Authors: Guillamet G , Costa J , Turon A , Mayugo JA
Published: April 2023

Delamination is one of the most feared failure modes in laminated composites and yet there is a lack of well established procedures to find the ply configuration with the highest delamination resistance for a given geometry of the component and a set of elastic and strength constraints. This paper presents a methodology for determining the quasi-isotropic ply sequence more resistant to delamination under off-axis uniaxial tension. Delamination is considered to be triggered by interlaminar stresses at free-edges or by matrix cracks. Two different ply thicknesses (standard and thin) and two sets of ply orientations (multiples of π/4 or π/8) are considered. The results show that the use of thin plies enlarges the design domain by up to 70% and generates a practically isotropic safe space. The methodology presented is also suitable for optimizing the delamination resistance of other load cases with stress singularities.
Development and Validation of a Cognitive Load Measure for General Educational Settings
Authors: Ober Teresa M. , Lu Yikai , Blacklock Chessley B. , Liu Cheng , Cheng Ying
Published: April 2023

We develop and validate a self-report measure of intrinsic and extrinsic cognitive load suitable for measuring the constructs in a variety of learning contexts. Data were collected from three independent samples of college students in the U.S. ( N total = 513; M age = 21.13 years). Kane’s (2013) framework was used to validate the measure. Three types of validity evidence were presented: scoring, generalization, extrapolation. After establishing evidence of validity, especially measurement invariance, we then compared group mean differences based on students’ demographic characteristics. These findings support the psychometric integrity of this measure of cognitive load, which may be used to investigate cognitive load in various learning contexts, particularly examining factors that may perpetuate or mitigate differences in cognitive load between students. Such a measure could be useful in educational and clinical settings as a mechanism for early identification of potential learning challenges.
Different Concentrations of Albumin Versus Crystalloid in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Geng Li , Tian Xiaoxue , Gao Zifeng , Mao Aiqin , Feng Lei , He Chao
Published: April 2023

Objective

The best type of resuscitation fluids for sepsis and septic shock patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different concentrations of albumin on reducing the mortality rate of theses patients by meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were used for screening the relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible if they compared the effects of albumin with crystalloid on mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Data were examined and extracted by two reviewers independently. Any disagreements were resolved by consensus with or without the help from a third reviewer. Data including mortality, sample size of the patients, and resuscitation endpoints were extracted. Meta-analysis was carried based on the corresponding odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Eight studies with a total of 5124 septic patients and 3482 septic shock patients were included in this study. Compared with crystalloid, the use of albumin may represent a trend toward reduced the 90-day mortality of septic patients (OR 0.91 [0.80, 1.02]; P = .11) and significantly improved the outcome of septic shock patients (OR 0.85 [0.74, 0.99]; P = .04). Further analysis showed a potentially beneficial role of both 4% to 5% and 20% albumin on reducing the mortality of septic patients. The use of 20% albumin significantly decreased the 90-day mortality of septic shock patients (OR 0.81 [0.67, 0.98]; P = .03), which was better than 4% to 5% albumin and crystalloid.

Conclusions

Albumin treatment, particularly 20% albumin, significantly reduced the 90-day mortality in septic shock patients. Both 4% to 5% and 20% of albumin may work better than crystalloid in improving the survival rate of patients with sepsis, but more relative RCTs are required for validation.
Autonomous overtaking control considering the velocity change of obstacle vehicles on two-lane highways
Authors: Yang Rong , Yang Lin , Huang Wei , Huang Junming
Published: April 2023

Aiming at the speed change of obstacle vehicles in the process of autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) overtaking on two-lane highways, an overtaking control method including trajectory planning and trajectory control is proposed. First, the reference overtaking trajectory of the AGV is planned in stages (lane changing, passing and merging) using fifth order polynomials satisfying stability and comfort constraints. The initial planning trajectory may be unsafe due to the speed change of obstacle vehicles. So a collision prediction algorithm is built to predict two kinds of dangerous situations in real time: AGV collides with the leading vehicle during lane changing, and AGV collides with the oncoming vehicle during merging. Secondly, the potential field of the obstacle vehicles embedded with the relative speed is established and combined with the road potential field as the risk indicator. Then, combining the nonlinear model predictive control algorithm and risk index, the overtaking trajectory is replanned in real time with the initial trajectory as reference. Finally, a lateral path tracking controller based on model predictive control and a longitudinal speed tracking controller based on sliding mode control are established to track the planned trajectory rapidly and stably. To verify the performance of the proposed method, overtaking in three cases is simulated, and vehicle responding curves are obtained. The results show that the proposed control method can achieve safe and stable overtaking.
Heterogeneous impacts of carbon emission trading on green innovation: Firm-level in China
Authors: Zhang Haotian , Sun Xiumei , Ahmad Mahmood , Wang Xueyang
Published: April 2023

As an important market-based environmental policy, carbon emissions trading has played an increasingly important role in promoting energy conservation, emission reduction, and green innovation. The Chinese government started to implement a Carbon Emission Trade scheme in 2013 successively. This study uses a multi-period difference in difference to investigate the impact of Carbon Emission Trade on green innovation in panel data of listed companies from 2008 to 2020. The results show that: (1) Carbon Emission Trade significantly improves green innovation by 0.1916%. The robust test verifies the results. (2) The impact of Carbon Emission Trade on green innovation is heterogeneous at regional, industrial, and firm levels. From the regional level, Carbon Emission Trade has a stronger effect on regions with high marketization and low emissions. From the industry level, the policy effects are more pronounced in technology-intensive industries and the power industry, and negative policy effects are generated in Chemical industry, steel, and paper industries. From the enterprise level, Carbon Emission Trade shows better policy effects in state-owned enterprises, large enterprises. (3) Carbon Emission Trade enhances green innovation by reducing corporate financing constraints, improving corporate human capital, and strengthening government. (4) The enhancement of green innovation by Carbon Emission Trade balances the benefits. Increasing carbon price, market size and activity inhibit the increase of Carbon Emission Trade on green innovation. Based on the findings, the paper provides a new reference for the establishment of a carbon market.
Position-based impedance torque control for automatic clutch with robust predefined-time stability guarantee
Authors: Pan Tao , Zang Huaiquan
Published: April 2023

Accurate clutch torque control is essential in improving vehicle comfort, drivability, and fuel economy. In this article, for automatic clutch system with electro-hydraulic clutch actuator, a clutch torque control strategy with a robust predefined-time stability guarantee based on position closed-loop impedance control is proposed and evaluated. For this purpose, a general second order model of electro-hydraulic clutch actuator with a disturbance term is established. Based on this model, a reference position compensator based on force control in the outer loop and a predefined-time backstepping position controller in the inner loop are developed. In addition, to obtain the release load of the release bearing, a virtual sensor is designed, composed of an online adaptive sliding mode disturbance observer with predefined-time stability and an offline Gaussian process model of uncertain disturbance based on the Gaussian process machine learning method. Finally, simulations and experiments are completed to verify the proposed control strategy. The results show that the control strategy can realize the precise clutch torque tracking control and achieve satisfactory performance.
Tricin attenuates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting oxidative stress and angiogenesis through regulating Sestrin2/Nrf2 signaling
Authors: Yang Xueli , Li Dalei
Published: April 2023

To explore the potential function of tricin in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and investigate whether Sestrin2 is closely involved in DR. A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin-induced diabetes model in Sprague-Dawley rats and a high glucose-induced retinal epithelial cell model in ARPE-19 cells were established. The retinas were removed and examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. The proliferation ability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of ARPE-19 cells were detected by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) and flow cytometry. Then, the content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum or cell supernatant was tested using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the expression of Sestrin2, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in retina tissue or ARPE-19 cells were validated through western blot and immunofluorescence assays. With the increase of MDA and ROS concentration, Sestrin2 expression was downregulated significantly, and Nrf2 and HO-1 expression was also reduced in retina tissue or ARPE-19 cells of model group, whereas CD31 and VEGFR2 expression was upregulated. However, tricin ameliorated the oxidative stress and angiogenesis and rectified the abnormal expression of Sestrin2/Nrf2 in diabetic retinopathy. Further mechanistic studies showed that silence Sestrin2 reduced the protective effect of tricin on ARPE-19 cells, as well as abolished its regulating effect on the Nrf2 pathway. These results suggested that tricin inhibits oxidative stress and angiogenesis in retinal epithelial cells of DR rats via reinforcing Sestrin2/Nrf2 signaling.
A multistate approach for the study of interventions on an intermediate time-to-event in health disparities research
Authors: Valeri Linda , Proust-Lima Cecile , Fan Weijia , Chen Jarvis T. , Jacqmin-Gadda Helene
Published: April 2023

We propose a novel methodology to quantify the effect of stochastic interventions for a non-terminal intermediate time-to-event on a terminal time-to-event outcome. Investigating these effects is particularly important in health disparities research when we seek to quantify inequities in the timely delivery of treatment and its impact on patients’ survival time. Current approaches fail to account for time-to-event intermediates and semi-competing risks arising in this setting. Under the potential outcome framework, we define causal contrasts relevant in health disparities research and provide identifiability conditions when stochastic interventions on an intermediate non-terminal time-to-event are of interest. Causal contrasts are estimated in continuous time within a multistate modeling framework and analytic formulae for the estimators of the causal contrasts are developed. We show via simulations that ignoring censoring in intermediate and/or terminal time-to-event processes or ignoring semi-competing risks may give misleading results. This work demonstrates that a rigorous definition of the causal effects and joint estimation of the terminal outcome and intermediate non-terminal time-to-event distributions are crucial for valid investigation of interventions and mechanisms in continuous time. We employ this novel methodology to investigate the role of delaying treatment uptake in explaining racial disparities in cancer survival in a cohort study of colon cancer patients.
Porous bunker: Private security contractors and the plasticity of Mogadishu’s international ‘green zone’
Authors: Norman Jethro
Published: April 2023

From Baghdad’s ‘Emerald City’ to Kabul’s ‘Kabubble’, international green zones have been characterized as ‘bunkerized’ and temporary. Despite efforts to make these spaces appear sealed, they are more porous than we assume. Drawing on fieldwork in Mogadishu and research with private security contractors, this article reconceptualizes international enclaves in terms of their inherent plasticity, moulded by the mobilities, intentions and bureaucracies of those within. The article illustrates the heterogenous sociospatial relations within Mogadishu’s green zone, arguing that it is sustained through internal frictions and transgressive spatial practices that are not captured by the bunkerization motif. The limits of bunkerization are revealed most starkly through the work of security contractors who enjoy greater mobility and access to information than many of the green zone’s transient international workers. They assume the gatekeeper role, sustaining conditions of manageable insecurity by ordering the messy sociopolitical space of the city into bounded zones. Beyond the façade of the enclave, however, their mobility is reliant on ‘local’ Somali partners navigating the complexities of Mogadishu on their behalf. As an interface between the secure inside and the dangerous outside, some contractors have emerged as opportunistic power-brokers connecting Somali entrepreneurs on the outside to the resources within.
Modes of Technology Accumulation, Total Factor Productivity and Indian Manufacturing Sector: Firm-Level Analysis
Authors: Kaur Kawaljeet , Mehta Swati
Published: April 2023

Accumulation of technology has largely been acknowledged as an important factor determining productivity of the manufacturing firms. However, there are different domestic and foreign means of technology spillover that lead to its accumulation leading industry specific technological complexity. In the past, researchers have examined the process of technology accumulated through various channels and also their impact on productivity of the manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of literature for a detailed industry specific analysis in this direction. In an attempt to fill this gap, the present study provides a detailed micro level analysis regarding the impact of various channels of technology accumulation on productivity of the manufacturing firms especially taking into consideration their technology intensity. It was found that at the aggregate level, the impact of stock of embodied and disembodied imported technology is positive on productivity of the manufacturing firms whereas the impact of domestic technology is found to be negative and significant. However, results at the disaggregated level depict inter sectoral variation regarding the impact of various channels of technology accumulation on the productivity of the different manufacturing firms.
Association of Frailty and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcomes in Older U.S. Veterans
Authors: Tosi Dominique M , Fernandez Marlena C , Oomrigar Shivaan , Burton Lorena P , Hammel Iriana S , Quartin Andrew , Ruiz Jorge G
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Determine the association between frailty and immediate survival of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in older Veterans. Secondary outcomes: compare in-hospital mortality, duration of resuscitation efforts, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, neurologic outcomes, and discharge disposition between frail and non-frail Veterans. Methods: Retrospective cohort study including Veterans 50 years and older, who were “Full Code” and had in-hospital cardiac arrest between 7/1/2017 and 6/30/2020, at the Miami VAMC. Frailty Index for the VA (VA-FI) was used to determine frailty status. Immediate Survival was determined by return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and in-hospital mortality was determined by all-cause mortality. We compared outcomes between frail and non-frail Veterans using chi-square test. After adjusting for age, gender, race, and previous hospitalizations, we used multivariate binomial logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals to analyze the relationship between immediate survival and frailty, and in-hospital mortality and frailty. Results: 91% Veterans were non-Hispanic, 49% Caucasian, 96% male, mean age 70.7 ± 8.5 years, 73% frail and 27% non-frail. Seventy-six (65.5%) Veterans had ROSC, without difference by frailty status ( P = .891). There was no difference based on frailty status of in-hospital mortality, discharge disposition, or neurologic outcomes. Frail and non-frail Veterans had resuscitation efforts lasting the same amount of time. Conclusions and Implications: CPR outcomes were not different depending on frailty status in our Veteran population. With these results, we cannot use frailty – as measured by the VA-FI - as a prognosticator of CPR outcomes in Veterans.