bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Interaction between Leakage Flow and Upstream Wake by Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Applied
Authors: Qiao Tianyang , Yang Ce , Hu Chenxing
Published: August 2023

The turbine blade generally works in severe aerodynamic environments such as high temperature and high pressure. Various forms of secondary flow, unsteady potential flow, periodic wake in the blade passage, and strong interactions among these flow structures affect the efficiency of the turbine seriously. This paper performs a numerical simulation of the T106 cascade to investigate the flow characteristics and performance under the interaction between upstream wake and leakage flow. The cascade flow with and without upstream wake are decomposed by proper orthogonal decomposition, and the mode characteristics of leakage flow and wake are obtained. The results indicate that periodic wake can significantly reduce the energy loss in the channel and tip leakage flow has a greater impact in the region near the shroud plane. According to the proper orthogonal decomposition, the second to seventh modes account for 96.14% of the total energy except for the time-averaged mode. The second mode is identified as the wake mode and leakage flow can significantly increase vorticity in the tip region. The harmonics of the wake mode are greatly affected by leakage flow, especially at the trailing edge region.
Influence of Spatial Characteristic Parameters of Film Cooling Holes on the Strength of Turbine Blade
Authors: Li Shifeng , Yang Baocheng , Ye Wenming
Published: August 2023

In order to improve the fatigue resistance of turbine blades with special-shaped film cooling holes in real working environments, the spatial geometric characteristics of the gas film holes are studied by using the numerical calculation method of gas-thermal-solid depth coupling, which is based on the spatial geometric characteristics of special-shaped film cooling holes. Then, the influence of stress level and durable strength at the hole edge is developed, which includes the parameters of the film jet angle, the flow direction divergence angle, the span-wise divergence angle, and the pore diameter on the film cooling holes. The results show that the flow direction expansion angle and the spanwise expansion angle are the most significant impacts on the hole edge stress at the same pore diameter and film jet angle. Compared with the cylindrical gas film hole, it is decreased by about 9.3% to 25.8%, which is the hole edge equivalent stress of the special-shaped gas film hole. The durable strength of the hole edge increases by about 11.1% to 25.2%.
A space terahertz antenna fabricated by 3d printing technology
Authors: Wang Feng , Cheng Kewei
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a case of space high-precision THz antennas based on 3D printing technology in engineering has been proposed. The reflectors and the supporting structure have been printed in an integrated way by adopting the structural optimization design method suitable for the high-precision 3D printing process and using the honeycomb structure in the low-stress area. This can avoid the assembly error caused by the assembly of various components of the antenna and achieve the goal of integrated, high-precision, lightweight, and high-thermal stability 3D printing, and manufacturing, which provides an idea for high-precision manufacturing of 3D printing technology in space-borne THz devices.
Analysis and Optimization of Interior Medium and Low Frequency Noise of a Certain Vehicle under Constant Speed Driving Conditions
Authors: Li Zhao Wen
Published: August 2023

There is a large amount of medium and low frequency noise in the interior of a certain vehicle type under constant speed driving conditions. Through identifying the noise source, it is determined that it is mainly caused by road noise. The suspension rubber bushing, mounting inching stiffness, and vehicle body sheet metal are optimized, and the interior noise is reduced by 3 to 5 dB (A).
Propeller flow field simulation analysis and structure optimization of multi-rotor UAV
Authors: Lin Xuejie , Yan Rongjie
Published: August 2023

Propeller lift characteristics are the most important parameter affecting the performance of multi-rotor UAVs. In this paper, the propellers of three airfoils, RAF 6, CLARK Y, and E214, are modeled in three dimensions. The flow field simulation analysis of the three models is carried out using FLUENT. After the simulation, it is found that the lift of CLARK Y is about 1100 N, which is the best effect, but there are problems, such as excess lift. Therefore, the wing shape of CLARK Y is optimized, and the lift force is about 700 N after optimization, which can meet the practical application requirements. It can provide some reference to the practical engineering application of UAVs.
Numerical simulation of mechanical interaction between pellet and zircaloy-4 cladding under reactivity-initiated accident conditions
Authors: Zhou Yunfei , Xu Qian , Liu Bo , Hu Zhen
Published: August 2023

Reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) is one of the accidents considered by fuel safety criteria. The power pulse caused abrupt expansion of the pellet, leading to pellet and cladding mechanical interaction (PCMI). Cladding ductility is gradually decreased in the process of oxidation and hydrogen uptake during irradiation. As a result, the extrusion of the pellet to the cladding causes the cladding to produce greater hoop stress and hoop strain, which leads to damage. A simulation of PCMI using ABAQUS was designed to analyze cladding mechanic properties. By comparing the calculation results of the simulation scheme with the data obtained in the reactor experiment, it is proved that the simulation calculation results are in good agreement with the experimental data in the reactor, and the rationality of the simulation scheme is verified. Based on the out-pile mandrel equipment simulated PCMI, the corresponding finite element model was established to study related test parameters.

By analyzing the results of the simulation calculation outside the reactor, it is found that the pellet material, cladding temperature, compression rate, tensile load, friction coefficient and the cladding hoop stress and hoop strain have a certain relationship: (1) The choice of pellet material affects the reactor. The overall law of hoop stress-strain in the external simulation results basically has no effect. (2) The temperature of the cladding has effect on the hoop stress peak. (3) The compression rate has effect on the time for the cladding to reach the hoop peak stress. (4) Tensile load will affect the starting position of the hoop stress-strain of the cladding. (5) The friction coefficient has a significant influence on the stress and strain trend of the cladding. The outside experiment can be carried out more effectively, and it can provide guidance and a basis for the outside experiment.
Numerical Simulation of Plasma Igniter Efflux Characteristics Based on Multi-Physical Field Coupling
Authors: Meng Tianyu , Wu Xing , Zhang Xun , Lin Weibin
Published: August 2023

To explore the chamber plasma jet ignition effect, the establishment of pre-chamber plasma jet ignition based on a 3D model using the method of numerical simulation was carried out on the working process of the plasma ignition numerical calculation. The analysis of firearms in the combustion chamber ignition characteristics provided a reference for the ignition performance boost. The results show that the jet velocity at the igniter outlet can reach 78 m/s and the jet temperature can reach 2300 K, which makes the hot jet spread far enough in the reflux area and ensures that the jet can achieve the effect of heating and igniting in a larger area. The mixture in the air reacts with the kerosene position along the border, ignition in the igniter fine channel before export, igniter speeding up the export position of flow velocity, the jet core region of the temperature of 2400 K, the igniter export position of kerosene component concentration was 45%, the concentration of O2 was 20%, the H2O concentration was 15%, and the CO2 concentration was 7%. The ratio of air to kerosene should be such that the two flow at similar speeds in the mixing area.
Noise Reduction on a Low Reynolds Number Propeller
Authors: Zhao Tianming , Zhao Longzhi , Zhang Yifei , Liu Lu , Xu Lijun
Published: August 2023

With the mass application of drones in daily work, more attention has been paid to the noise problem. The noise generation mechanism of low Reynolds number propellers is studied in this paper. It is found that there are laminar separation bubbles on the suction surface, causing an increase in broadband noise. Leading edge boundary layer trips are added to remove the bubbles. Finally, experimental measurements indicate that isolated propeller noise reduction is up to 5 dBA. It still has a 1.5 dBA reduction in the full-loaded hovering drone test, which brings many conveniences for daily work.
A New Intelligent Recognition Method for Maneuver Modes of Re-entry Gliding Vehicle
Authors: He Yang Chao , Wang Ya Jun , Li Jiong , Li Ming Jie , Li Wan Li , Zhang Jin Lin
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the problem of maneuver mode recognition for re-entry gliding vehicles (RGV), this article proposes a new intelligent method for maneuver mode recognition of re-entry gliding vehicles. Based on the extracted feature parameters that fit the maneuver characteristics of the vehicle trajectory and the constructed RGV maneuver modes trajectory library, an LSTM deep learning neural network was built to train the extracted new feature parameters. Compared with other typical feature parameters in network training, the results show that our proposed feature parameters converge faster and more stably in LSTM maneuver mode recognition network training, and achieve high recognition accuracy.
The Stability of Longitudinal Motion of Amphibious Aircraft During Takeoff
Authors: Shi Sheng-zhe , Gao Xian-Jiao , Jiang Ting , Sang Teng-jiao
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the mathematical model of the takeoff of an amphibious aircraft was established. On this basis, the hydrodynamic coefficients in the pitch and heave motion equation were calculated using the strip theory. The stability criterion was used to analyze the longitudinal motion stability of the amphibious aircraft during takeoff, and three characteristic parameters of the general stability of longitudinal motion were obtained: natural period, half-decay period, and damping ratio. The result showed that the motion of amphibious aircraft was stable during takeoff.
Comparison of Different Turbulence Models in Numerical Calculation of Low-Speed Flow around NACA0012 Airfoil
Authors: Sun Zhaozheng , Yan Wenhui
Published: August 2023

To further develop a more effective turbulence model and improve the calculation accuracy of the flow, a new turbulence model was constructed using the deformation rate tensor, grouping the average. Due to the need to evaluate the applicability of the new turbulence model in the numerical calculation, the flow around the NACA0012 airfoil with a Mach number of 0.15 and multiple angles of attack was calculated on the OpenFOAM calculation platform based on grid independence research. The Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) model and the newly proposed turbulence model were adopted. The surface pressure and lift coefficients of the NACA0012 airfoil were calculated and compared with the experimental data. It was revealed that the two models simulated the flow around the airfoil well, and the S-A model was slightly better for calculating the airfoil pressure coefficient. The new turbulence model was more accurate for calculating the lift coefficient, thus illustrating the preliminary applicability of the new model to the low-speed flow around the airfoil.
The Optimization of Multi-objective FJSP Based on the Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Liao Wen-jie , Fujimura Shigeru
Published: August 2023

The flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP) is a critical model in manufacturing systems that assigns operations from different jobs to various machines. However, optimizing multiple targets during the production scheduling process is always necessary. While the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is an effective method to solve the multi-objective FJSP, it can have the main drawbacks of converging too early and falling into local optimization. To address these issues, this research proposes a hybrid algorithm that combines NSGA-II and multi-objective simulated annealing using a pareto-domination based acceptance criterion (PDMOSA). The PDMOSA has a powerful search performance that can overcome the limitations of NSGA-II. The hybrid algorithm also includes original modification methods such as a deletion criterion, duplicated solution deletion, and new individual adding. Additionally, a plug-in decoding method is introduced. The proposed hybrid algorithm is compared with several improved ways based on NSGA-II in various experiments. The results demonstrate that the performance of the hybrid algorithm is better than the others in multi-objective FJSP.
Effective Behavior Change Techniques in Digital Health Interventions for the Prevention or Management of Noncommunicable Diseases: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Mair Jacqueline Louise , Salamanca-Sanabria Alicia , Augsburger Mareike , Frese Bea Franziska , Abend Stefanie , Jakob Robert , Kowatsch Tobias , Haug Severin
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite an abundance of digital health interventions (DHIs) targeting the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), it is unclear what specific components make a DHI effective.

Purpose

This narrative umbrella review aimed to identify the most effective behavior change techniques (BCTs) in DHIs that address the prevention or management of NCDs.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched for articles published in English between January 2007 and December 2022. Studies were included if they were systematic reviews or meta-analyses of DHIs targeting the modification of one or more NCD-related risk factors in adults. BCTs were coded using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1. Study quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2.

Results

Eighty-five articles, spanning 12 health domains and comprising over 865,000 individual participants, were included in the review. We found evidence that DHIs are effective in improving health outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and asthma, and health-related behaviors including physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet, weight management, medication adherence, and abstinence from substance use. There was strong evidence to suggest that credible source, social support, prompts and cues, graded tasks, goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, human coaching and personalization components increase the effectiveness of DHIs targeting the prevention and management of NCDs.

Conclusions

This review identifies the most common and effective BCTs used in DHIs, which warrant prioritization for integration into future interventions. These findings are critical for the future development and upscaling of DHIs and should inform best practice guidelines.
A Design and Analytical Strategy for Monitoring Disease Positivity and Biomarker Levels in Accessible Closed Populations
Authors: Lyles Robert H , Zhang Yuzi , Ge Lin , Waller Lance A
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we advocate and expand upon a previously described monitoring strategy for efficient and robust estimation of disease prevalence and case numbers within closed and enumerated populations such as schools, workplaces, or retirement communities. The proposed design relies largely on voluntary testing, which is notoriously biased (e.g., in the case of coronavirus disease 2019) due to nonrepresentative sampling. The approach yields unbiased and comparatively precise estimates with no assumptions about factors underlying selection of individuals for voluntary testing, building on the strength of what can be a small random sampling component. This component enables the use of a recently proposed “anchor stream” estimator, a well-calibrated alternative to classical capture-recapture (CRC) estimators based on 2 data streams. We show that this estimator is equivalent to a direct standardization based on “capture,” that is, selection (or not) by the voluntary testing program, made possible by means of a key parameter identified by design. This equivalency simultaneously allows for novel 2-stream CRC-like estimation of general mean values (e.g., means of continuous variables like antibody levels or biomarkers). For inference, we propose adaptations of Bayesian credible intervals when estimating case counts and bootstrapping when estimating means of continuous variables. We use simulations to demonstrate significant precision benefits relative to random sampling alone.
Do formal objections to the error theory overgeneralize?
Authors: Streumer Bart , Wodak Daniel
Published: August 2023

We argued that formal objections to the error theory overgeneralize and therefore fail. Christine Tiefensee and Gregory Wheeler deny this. We argue that they are wrong, for two reasons. The first concerns how we should adjudicate conflicts between formal and substantive commitments. The second concerns an overlooked tension between formal objections and non-error-theoretic views. Our discussion shows that the commitments behind formal objections to the error theory, such as the dual schema, should be regarded as much more contentious than is often assumed.
Superior Vector Plication of the Mobile Anterior Midface: The Delta Facelift
Authors: Grotting James C , Saheb-Al-Zamani Maryam , Rhee Susie
Published: August 2023

Background

Traditional plication techniques have been ineffective in addressing the anterior midface when compared to the sub–superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) “deep plane” approaches. However, by moving the plication much closer to the mobile medial fat tissues, a more effective and long-lasting plication can be accomplished without releasing the SMAS layer.

Objectives

The authors’ “Delta facelift” approach combines a rotation vertical advancement of the midface fat with a dual-vector platysmaplasty and deep cervicoplasty as indicated for a harmoniously youthful neck.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent facial rejuvenation with the Delta facelift technique between January 1, 2012, and May 30, 2021, for patient demographics, procedure details, outcomes, and complications.

Results

A total of 283 patients underwent Delta facelift (273 females, 10 males). The average age was 60.8 years old. Primary facelift was performed in 229 patients, whereas 54 facelifts were secondary or further procedures. Adjunctive procedures included autologous fat grafting (93%), blepharoplasty (52%), and skin rejuvenating procedures (35%). There were 11 self-resolving neuropraxias, 6 minor hematomas, and 6 infections. Nine patients underwent repeat Delta facelift at an average of 9.3 years.

Conclusions

The Delta rotation vertical advancement of the anterior facial fat counters the descent and deflation associated with facial aging. Dual-vector platysmaplasty, with or without myotomy, effectively manages the jowl and delineates the jawline. Addition of deep cervicoplasty is recommended for patients with oblique necks or those with subplatysmal volume excess.

Level of Evidence: 3
Progress in China's environmental policy in synergy with foundational giant panda conservation program
Authors: Swaisgood Ronald R , Wei Wei , Zhang Zejun
Published: August 2023

In recent years, China has embarked on a remarkable journey toward greater environmental sustainability, investing in a vast protected area system, ecocompensation programs, and a more protectionist regulatory framework. The result is a model program in the making, with progress and future prospects for China's environmental health that few could have foreseen a few short decades ago. Paralleling and sometimes preceding this environmental revolution, much of China's environmental attention focused on its “national treasure”—the giant panda. We explore developments, progress, and shortcomings in the emerging protections and environmental ethos alongside the rich history of giant panda conservation, culminating in the recent downlisting of the panda from Endangered to Vulnerable. We make the case that recent advancements in environmental progress, such as the development of a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature (termed ecocivilization) have been, in part, underpinned and inspired by efforts to conserve the panda.
Reducing Lipid Panel Error Allowances to Improve the Accuracy of Cardiovascular Risk Stratification
Authors: Cole Justine , Sampson Maureen , van Deventer Hendrik E , Remaley Alan T
Published: August 2023

Background

The standard lipid panel forms the backbone of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment. Suboptimal analytical performance, along with biological variability, could lead to erroneous risk assessment and management decisions. The current National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) performance recommendations have remained unchanged for almost 3 decades despite improvements in assay technology. We investigated the potential extent of risk misclassification when the current recommendations are met and explored the impact of improving analytical performance goals.

Methods

We extracted lipid panel data for 8506 individuals from the NHANES database and used these to classify subjects into 4 risk groups as recommended by the 2018 US Multisociety guidelines. Analytical bias and imprecision, at the allowable limits, as well as biological variability, were introduced to the measured values to determine the impact on misclassification. Bias and imprecision were systematically reduced to determine the degree of improvement that may be achieved.

Results

Using the current performance recommendations, up to 10% of individuals were misclassified into a different risk group. Improving proportional bias by 1%, and fixing imprecision to 3% across all assays reduced misclassifications by up to 10%. The effect of biological variability can be reduced by taking the average of serial sample measurements.

Conclusions

The current NCEP recommendations for analytical performance of lipid panel assays allow for an unacceptable degree of misclassification, leading to possible mismanagement of cardiovascular disease risk. Iteratively reducing allowable error can improve this.
Classification of Brain Tumors by Nanopore Sequencing of Cell-Free DNA from Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Afflerbach Ann-Kristin , Rohrandt Christian , Brändl Björn , Sönksen Marthe , Hench Jürgen , Frank Stephan , Börnigen Daniela , Alawi Malik , Mynarek Martin , Winkler Beate , Ricklefs Franz , Synowitz Michael , Dührsen Lasse , Rutkowski Stefan , Wefers Annika K , Müller Franz-Josef , Schoof Melanie , Schüller Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Background

Molecular brain tumor diagnosis is usually dependent on tissue biopsies or resections. This can pose several risks associated with anesthesia or neurosurgery, especially for lesions in the brain stem or other difficult-to-reach anatomical sites. Apart from initial diagnosis, tumor progression, recurrence, or the acquisition of novel genetic alterations can only be proven by re-biopsies.

Methods

We employed Nanopore sequencing on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and analyzed copy number variations (CNV) and global DNA methylation using a random forest classifier. We sequenced 129 samples with sufficient DNA. These samples came from 99 patients and encompassed 22 entities. Results were compared to clinical diagnosis and molecular analysis of tumor tissue, if available.

Results

110/129 samples were technically successful, and 50 of these contained detectable circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) by CNV or methylation profiling. ctDNA was detected in samples from patients with progressive disease but also from patients without known residual disease. CNV plots showed diagnostic and prognostic alterations, such as C19MC amplifications in embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes or Chr.1q gains and Chr.6q losses in posterior fossa group A ependymoma, respectively. Most CNV profiles mirrored the profiles of the respective tumor tissue. DNA methylation allowed exact classification of the tumor in 22/110 cases and led to incorrect classification in 2/110 cases. Only 5/50 samples with detected ctDNA contained tumor cells detectable through microscopy.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Nanopore sequencing data of cfDNA from CSF samples may be a promising approach for initial brain tumor diagnostics and an important tool for disease monitoring.
Changes in call properties of Boana pulchella (Anura, Hylidae) in response to different noise conditions
Authors: Grenat Pablo , Ferrero María , Baraquet Mariana , Pollo Favio , Otero Manuel , Salinas Zulma , Salas Nancy , Martino Adolfo
Published: August 2023

The increasing expansion of urban areas leads to the emergence of new noisy environments that can affect animal communication. Calls play a crucial role in the mating displays of anurans, and the negative impact of anthropogenic noise-induced auditory masking has been reported in several species. We investigated the acoustic variation in 96 males (n = 971 calls) of the treefrog Boana pulchella across acoustically undisturbed sites and different noise conditions, associated with urban areas (URBAN) and roads (ROAD), in Central Argentina. We analyzed the effect of anthropogenic noise conditions on 6 temporal (call duration [CD], intercall interval, first and second note duration, internote interval, and call rate) and 3 spectral (dominant frequency of first and second note, frequency difference between them) call properties. The effects of temperature and size on acoustical variables were controlled. We observed differences in all call attributes among the noise conditions, except for intercall interval. Males exposed to URBAN and ROAD exhibited significant changes in CD, dominant frequency of the second note, and frequency difference between them. URBAN males had longest internote interval, while ROAD individuals displayed increased first and second note duration and call rates. Interestingly, ROAD males exhibited immediate changes in call rate in direct response to passing heavy vehicles. Our study emphasizes the impact of anthropogenic noise on the acoustic characteristics of B. pulchella calls. Understanding how animals adapt to noisy environments is crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization on their communication systems. Future investigations should explore whether the observed call adjustments are effective in avoiding or mitigating the negative consequences of anthropogenic noise on reproductive success.
Transnational Propaganda and National Media Cultures in Weimar Political Thought
Authors: Nietzel Benno
Published: August 2023

This contribution analyses the discourse on propaganda during the Weimar Republic as a medium of transnational self-positioning and identity construction. The perception of mass media modernism in the 1920s was deeply shaped by the world war, and the concept of ‘propaganda’ dominated reflection on it. Early reviews of the propaganda war revolved around the question of how Germany could regain its former world-power status through propaganda. Two transnational propaganda campaigns are examined in closer detail: the German struggle against the Versailles ‘war-guilt clause’ and the fight against the Allied occupation of the Ruhr. They illustrate how exaggerated expectations of the power of propaganda were accompanied by conceptual ambiguities and inconsistencies. One important reason for this simultaneity was that Germans discussed propaganda in the light of national media cultures and constructed it as alien to the German nature. Many authors distinguished supposedly genuinely German values such as ‘truthfulness’, decency and profundity from the values of other national cultures, simultaneously complaining that Germany was struggling harder in the field of propaganda than other countries because of this deep-seated disposition. Such national auto-stereotypes extended into the scholarly study of propaganda, making it difficult to conceptualize it as a phenomenon of modern mass communication. The Germans’ ambivalent relationship to propaganda was also evident in politics: while the Weimar governments displayed uneasiness towards propaganda, the Nazi movement called for its unscrupulous use. In this way, the Nazis not only prepared for the destruction of democracy, but also stood for a different understanding of ‘Germanness’.
Can the people exercise constituent power?
Authors: Duke George
Published: August 2023

Contemporary constitutional theorists sometimes use the phrase “the constituent power of the people” in a way that is, on closer examination, ambiguous. It could mean that the people is the bearer of constituent power, that the people exercises constituent power, or both. This article examines this pivotal, yet rarely explicitly thematized, distinction internal to the concept of constituent power and considers its downstream implications for constitutional theory. The proposition that the people is the bearer of constituent power, I argue, is best read narrowly as a claim about the proper subject of attribution for major constitutional change. The proposition that the people exercises constituent power, however, is best read either as (i) a claim about the capacity of citizens to effect constitutional change through collective deliberation, or (ii) shorthand for the claim that representatives should always engage in processes of constitutional change on behalf of citizens. If these readings are true, the article concludes, then this has important consequences for the theory and practice of constituent power and for its relationship with political representation.
On the Frontline of Global Inequalities: A Decolonial Approach to the Study of Street-Level Bureaucracies
Authors: Eiró Flávio , Lotta Gabriela
Published: August 2023

This article aims to contribute to street-level bureaucracy (SLB) theory by bringing to the forefront the experiences and perspectives of the Global South. Our argument is that mainstream literature in this field overlooks the social tensions that are more explicit in developing societies, resulting in a structurally limited analytical framework. We identify two key factors from the Global South that are often underestimated: the high degree of social inequalities that fundamentally affect state–citizen relationships, and the ways in which the state itself reflects and reproduces these inequalities. Our critique represents a step toward decolonizing the field and highlighting the conceptual contributions that studies from and of the Global South can offer. By examining the experiences of the Global South, we can gain insights into the crises societies in the Global North are also experiencing. Our article aims to contribute to SLB theory by emphasizing the value of incorporating these perspectives into the study of SLB.
Aptamers in neuro-oncology: An emerging therapeutic modality
Authors: Doherty Caroline , Wilbanks Brandon , Khatua Soumen , Maher Louis James
Published: August 2023

Despite recent advances in the understanding of brain tumor pathophysiology, challenges associated with tumor location and characteristics have prevented significant improvement in neuro-oncology therapies. Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that fold into sequence-specific, 3-dimensional shapes that, like protein antibodies, interact with targeted ligands with high affinity and specificity. Aptamer technology has recently been applied to neuro-oncology as a potential approach to innovative therapy. Preclinical research has demonstrated the ability of aptamers to overcome some obstacles that have traditionally rendered neuro-oncology therapies ineffective. Potential aptamer advantages include their small size, ability in some cases to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, inherent lack of immunogenicity, and applicability for discovering novel biomarkers. Herein, we review recent reports of aptamer applications in neuro-oncology including aptamers found by cell- and in vivo- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment approaches, aptamer-targeted therapeutic delivery modalities, and aptamers in diagnostics and imaging. We further identify crucial future directions for the field that will be important to advance aptamer-based drugs or tools to clinical application in neuro-oncology.
Radiation protection and estimate of commercial aircrew effective doses in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Fajić Hatidža , Beganović Adnan , Odžak Senad , Odžak Almasa
Published: August 2023

Cosmic rays are the primary source of the daily exposure of aircrew and passengers to ionising radiation. This study aims to estimate the effective doses of ionising radiation for aircraft crews in Bosnia and Herzegovina by taking into consideration factors such as flight duration and altitude, as well as the geographical position of airports. The CARI-7 algorithm and neural network method were used in the analysis of data obtained from the Sarajevo International Airport. The results show that the estimated annual effective doses in 2021 range from 0.06 to 10 mSv for flights to and from Belgrade and Dubai, respectively. Both linear regression and neural network models were developed to predict the effective dose based on flight duration, average altitude, latitude and maximum altitude. The findings reveal that flight duration is the most statistically significant factor, followed by average altitude, latitude and maximum altitude.
A Child–Parent Dyad Study on Adolescent Paranoia and the Influence of Adverse Life Events, Bullying, Parenting Stress, and Family Support
Authors: Kingston Jessica L , Ellett Lyn , Thompson Elizabeth C , Gaudiano Brandon A , Krkovic Katarina
Published: August 2023

Background

Paranoid beliefs commonly occur in the general adolescent population. Exposure to adverse life events (ALEs) and/or bullying are important environmental risk factors. The extent to which others, especially parents, are available to help a young person cope with stressful situations may offset this risk.

Study Design

A cross-sectional adolescent-parent dyad design (n = 142 pairs) was used to test whether an adolescent’s perception of being supported by their family, and/or the parent’s perception of stress and burden in their parenting role, moderated the association between environmental risk and adolescent paranoid beliefs.

Study results

Moderation analysis indicated that ALEs were significantly associated with adolescent paranoid beliefs when parents reported high stress and burden in their parenting role. Conversely, at low and moderate levels of parental stress, ALEs were unrelated to paranoid beliefs. Bullying was strongly associated with paranoia, with no moderation effects. The adolescent’s perception of support within their family had no moderating effects.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that the focus of prevention should be shifted beyond just families of adolescents who are experiencing psychosis and/or have high “at-risk” profiles, to families of adolescents exposed to ALEs. Targeted support for parents to help reduce parental stress and burden, and help foster protective family environments even in the face of ALEs, is an important avenue for reducing the risk of paranoid beliefs in adolescents. Further research is required to better understand how to offset the deleterious effect of bullying on paranoid beliefs in adolescents.
Hallucination-Proneness is Associated With a Decrease in Robust Averaging of Perceptual Evidence
Authors: Larsen Emmett M , Jin Jingwen , Zhang Xian , Donaldson Kayla R , Liew Megan , Horga Guillermo , Luhmann Christian , Mohanty Aprajita
Published: August 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Hallucinations are characterized by disturbances in perceptual decision-making about environmental stimuli. When integrating across multiple stimuli to form a perceptual decision, typical observers engage in “robust averaging” by down-weighting extreme perceptual evidence, akin to a statistician excluding outlying data. Furthermore, observers adapt to contexts with more unreliable evidence by increasing this down-weighting strategy. Here, we test the hypothesis that hallucination-prone individuals (n = 38 high vs n = 91 low) would show a decrease in this robust averaging and diminished sensitivity to changes in evidence variance.

Study Design

We used a multielement perceptual averaging task to elicit dichotomous judgments about the “average color” (red/blue) of an array of stimuli in trials with varied strength (mean) and reliability (variance) of decision-relevant perceptual evidence. We fitted computational models to task behavior, with a focus on a log-posterior-ratio (LPR) model which integrates evidence as a function of the log odds of each perceptual option and produces a robust averaging effect.

Study Results

Hallucination-prone individuals demonstrated less robust averaging, seeming to weigh inlying and outlying extreme or untrustworthy evidence more equally. Furthermore, the model that integrated evidence as a function of the LPR of the two perceptual options and produced robust averaging showed poorer fit for the group prone to hallucinations. Finally, the weighting strategy in hallucination-prone individuals remained insensitive to evidence variance.

Conclusions

Our findings provide empirical support for theoretical proposals regarding evidence integration aberrations in psychosis and alterations in the perceptual systems that track statistical regularities in environmental stimuli.
City of Gauze: Medicine and the Governance of Urban Poverty
Authors: Seim Josh , DiMario Anthony
Published: August 2023

How is urban poverty governed? Scholarship emphasizes the significance of social assistance programs and criminal legal systems, but considerably less attention has been given to medical institutions. Drawing on contemporary and historical evidence across journalistic, bureaucratic, and academic texts, we conceptualize and compare three arenas for medically governing the poor in Los Angeles, California: clinical medicine, welfare medicine, and penal medicine. In addition to detailing the differences between these formations of medicine, we illustrate how each is embedded in similar political and productive relations. Ending with a call to reframe medicine as a primary institution for governing the poor, this article helps advance a relational vision of governance.
Biomarkers in aortic dissection: Diagnostic and prognostic value from clinical research
Authors: Zhao Yufei , Fu Weiguo , Wang Lixin
Published: August 2023

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition for which diagnosis mainly relies on imaging examinations, while reliable biomarkers to detect or monitor are still under investigation. Recent advances in technologies provide an unprecedented opportunity to yield the identification of clinically valuable biomarkers, including proteins, ribonucleic acids (RNAs), and deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs), for early detection of pathological changes in susceptible patients, rapid diagnosis at the bedside after onset, and a superior therapeutic regimen primarily within the concept of personalized and tailored endovascular therapy for aortic dissection.
Molecular strategy for the direct detection and identification of the most common fungal community in cerumen specimens by multiplex PCR
Authors: Jabrodini Ahmad , Sohrabizdeh Maryam , Aboutalebian Shima , Hashemi Seyed Basir , Zomorodian Kamiar , Alirezaie Arefeh , Rasti Jahromi Mona , Shamsdin Seyedeh Neda , Motamedi Marjan
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Otomycosis is a superficial fungal infection that is responsible for approximately 9–27 % of otitis externa. However, fungal communities in otomycosis are varied, but Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. are the most common causes of this infection.

Hypothesis Statement. The multiplex PCR assay is postulated to be able to directly detect more than one fungal genus in cerumen specimens.

Aim. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the role of the multiplex PCR assay in detecting the most common genus of fungi that cause otomycosis directly from the cerumen specimens.

Methodology. To detect Candida and Aspergillus/Penicillium genera, three pairs of primers, including pan-fungal, pan-Candida, and pan-Aspergillus/Penicillium, were used in a multiplex PCR. In order to evaluate the performance and reproducibility of the multiplex PCR. the cerumen of 140 patients suspected of otomycosis were investigated.

Results. Pan-Candida and pan-Aspergillus/Penicillium primers were designed to amplify the ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 region and the β-tubulin gene, respectively. In the multiplex PCR assay, 64 (47.40 %) and 118 (87.40 %) specimens were positive with pan-Candida and pan-Aspergillus/Penicillium primers, respectively. Double amplicon bands of Candida and Aspergillus were obtained in 51 (37.77 %) specimens. In the culture method, yeast (n=18, 13.33 %) and mould (n=117, 86.66 %) were isolated from 135 cerumen specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the multiplex PCR assays using culture method results as the gold standard were determined to be 94, 33, 97, and 22 %, respectively.

Conclusion. In our study, multiplex PCR assays enabled simultaneous detection of two common genera of the causative agent of otomycosis in a cerumen specimen. Regarding the high sensitivity of the first step of the multiplex PCR assay, this assay may be used for the direct detection of Candida and Aspergillus genera in other clinical specimens.
Direct and INdirect effects analysis of Genetic lOci (DINGO): A software package to increase the power of locus discovery in GWAS meta-analyses of perinatal phenotypes and traits influenced by indirect genetic effects
Authors: Hwang Liang-Dar , Cuellar-Partida Gabriel , Yengo Loic , Zeng Jian , Beaumont Robin N. , Freathy Rachel M. , Moen Gunn-Helen , Warrington Nicole M. , Evans David M.
Published: August 2023

Perinatal traits are influenced by genetic variants from both fetal and maternal genomes. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of these phenotypes have typically involved separate fetal and maternal scans, however, this approach may be inefficient as it does not utilize the information shared across the individual GWAS. In this manuscript we investigate the performance of three strategies to detect loci in maternal and fetal GWAS of the same trait: (i) the traditional strategy of analysing maternal and fetal GWAS separately; (ii) a novel two degree of freedom test which combines information from maternal and fetal GWAS; and (iii) a novel one degree of freedom test where signals from maternal and fetal GWAS are meta-analysed together conditional on the estimated sample overlap. We demonstrate through a combination of analytical formulae and data simulation that the optimal strategy depends on the extent of sample overlap/relatedness between the maternal and fetal GWAS, the correlation between own and offspring phenotypes, whether loci jointly exhibit fetal and maternal effects, and if so, whether these effects are directionally concordant. We apply our methods to summary results statistics from a recent GWAS meta-analysis of birth weight from deCODE, the UK Biobank and the Early Growth Genetics (EGG) consortium. Both the two degree of freedom (213 loci) and meta-analytic approach (226 loci) dramatically increase the number of robustly associated genetic loci for birth weight relative to separately analysing the scans (183 loci). Our best strategy identifies an additional 62 novel loci compared to the most recent published meta-analysis of birth weight and implicates both known and new biological pathways in the aetiology of the trait. We implement our methods in the online DINGO (Direct andINdirect effects analysis ofGenetic lOci) software package, which allows users to perform one and/or two degree of freedom tests easily and computationally efficiently across the genome. We conclude that whilst the novel two degree of freedom test may be particularly useful for the analysis of certain perinatal phenotypes where many loci exhibit discordant maternal and fetal genetic effects, for most phenotypes, a simple meta-analytic strategy is likely to perform best, particularly in situations where maternal and fetal GWAS only partially overlap.
Identifying Factors Associated with Lower Quarter Performance-Based Balance and Strength Tests: the Project Baseline Health Study
Authors: Taylor Kenneth A. , Carroll Megan K. , Short Sarah A. , Celestin Bettia E. , Gilbertson Adam , Olivier Christoph B. , Haddad Francois , Cauwenberghs Nicholas
Published: August 2023

Background

Physical performance tests are predictive of mortality and have been proposed for screening for certain health conditions (e.g., sarcopenia); however, the diagnostic screening and prognostic value of physical performance tests has primarily been studied in age-limited or disease-specific cohorts. In this study, we sought to identify the most salient characteristics associated with three lower quarter balance and strength tests in a deeply phenotyped cohort of community-dwelling adults.

Methods

We applied a stacked elastic net approach on detailed data on sociodemographic, health and health-related behaviors, and biomarker data from the first visit of the Project Baseline Health Study (N=2502) to determine which variables were most associated with three physical performance measures: single-legged balance test (SLBT), sitting-rising test (SRT), and 30-second chair-stand test (30CST). Analyses were stratified by age (<65 and ≥65).

Results

Female sex, Black or African American race, lower educational attainment, and health conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular conditions (e.g., hypertension) were consistently associated with worse performance across all three tests. Several other health conditions were associated with either better or worse test performance, depending on age group and test. C-reactive protein was the only laboratory value associated with performance across age and test groups with some consistency.

Conclusions

Our results highlighted previously identified and several novel salient factors associated with performance on the SLBT, SRT, and 30CST. Future research should discern and validate the value of these tests as affordable, noninvasive biomarkers of prevalent and/or future disease in the community.
Effect of prior somatosensory electrical stimulation on the wrist in biasing human hand choice
Authors: Hirayama Kento , Takahashi Toru , Koga Takayuki , Osu Rieko
Published: August 2023

Hand choice is an unconscious decision frequently made in daily life. A correlation has been found between the state of brain activity before target presentation and hand choice for the target, around which the hand choice probability is in equilibrium. However, whether the neural state before target presentation affects hand choice remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether instantaneous somatosensory electrical stimulation administered to the unilateral wrist at 0, 300, or 600 ms before the target presentation facilitates or inhibits stimulated hand choice for targets around the hand selection equilibrium point. A single electrical stimulation comprised five trains of 1 ms electrical pulses, with a 20 ms inter-pulse interval. The stimulus intensity was set at 80% of the motor threshold. Fourteen right- handed healthy adults (five females, nine males; mean age, 25.1 ± 4.64 years) participated. Unilateral wrist stimulation significantly increased the probability of choosing the stimulated hand and led to a faster reaction time than bilateral wrist stimulation and no-stimulation conditions. The results suggest that prior somatosensory stimulation significantly affects the hand-choice process, effectively promoting selection of the stimulated hand. These findings highlight the potential application of this stimulation method in stroke rehabilitation to facilitate use of the paretic hand.

Impact Statement

Prior neural stimulation significantly affected the hand-selection process by promoting the selection of the stimulated hand, thus potentially beneficial in rehabilitating the paretic hand of patients with stroke.