bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrence intervals for M > 7 Miyagi-ken-Oki earthquakes during an M ~ 9 earthquake cycle
Authors: Nakata Ryoko , Uchida Naoki , Hori Takane , Hino Ryota 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe 2011 Tohoku-Oki great earthquake increased the difficulty of evaluating the long-term probability of seismic activity along the Japan Trench because of the unknown impact of the unprecedentedly large slip. In this study, the long-term activity of “Miyagi-ken-Oki earthquakes”, an M > 7 earthquake sequence off Miyagi Prefecture, located at the edge of the source area of the Tohoku-Oki earthquake was simulated. We conducted numerical simulations of earthquake generation cycles based on the rate- and state-dependent friction law representing the stress accumulation and release process on the plate interface. We also validated the results based on analyses of observational data, including time intervals and afterslip distributions for the previous Miyagi-ken-Oki earthquakes. The simulation results were then compared with repeating-earthquake-derived interplate slip observations over 30 years. The results showed that the spatial and temporal characteristics of aseismic slips on the plate interface near the M > 7 Miyagi-ken-Oki source were qualitatively reproduced. The time interval between the M ~ 9 earthquake and the first M > 7 earthquake is shorter than the average recurrence interval of M > 7 earthquakes during the latter stage of each M ~ 9 earthquake cycle. In contrast, the interval between the first and the second M > 7 earthquakes is the longest in each M ~ 9 earthquake cycle. The time intervals of the M > 7 earthquakes fluctuated in the early stage compared to those in the latter stage of the M ~ 9 earthquake cycle. These characteristics were associated with the extent of the locked and afterslip areas in and around the source. Hence, monitoring the spatio-temporal distribution of the slip rate in and around the source area during the preparation process of earthquakes occurring in the downdip area off Miyagi Prefecture is very important to assess whether the next M > 7 earthquake is approaching. Furthermore, earthquake cycle simulations combined with earthquake and slow slip monitoring can provide meaningful insights for long-term assessments of great interplate earthquakes.
Design considerations for developing geothermal-assisted milk pasteurization equipment
Authors: Bist Namrata , Vaghela Parth , Kumar Tanisha , Pandey Vaishnavi , Morabiya Dharmesh , Santara Sourav , Pawar Rohit , Kumari Roshni , Yadav Kriti , Sircar Anirbid 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe naturally occurring heat inside the earth is renewable and sustainable and is known as geothermal energy. It is a renewable energy source that may be used in various applications, including milk pasteurization. This research focuses on the design considerations for developing geothermal-assisted milk pasteurization equipment which is first of its kind in Gujarat, India in direct application of geothermal energy. The novelty of this device is that it utilizes geothermal water (63 °C) from a self-flowing well to pasteurise milk. The utilization of direct heat energy from geothermal resource reduces the operational cost of milk pasteurization process. It discusses the various aspects of the design process, including efficiency calculation, heat exchange principles, system components, and control strategies. The study also discusses the result of the laboratory analysis of pasteurized milk considering microbiological and chemical parameters. The unit reduces the total plate count to 28,000 cfu/ml, within the recommended range for the WHO (30,000 cfu/ml). The paper concludes by discussing societal benefits and techno economic aspect of geothermal-assisted milk pasteurization equipment.
Spontaneous pneumothorax during vaginal hysterectomy in lithotomy with steep Trendelenburg position—a case report
Authors: Nasreen Farah , Sheikh Kulsum , Amir Syed Hasan , Maria Umme , Khalid Atif 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background

Pneumothorax associated with a steep head-down position in vaginal hysterectomy surgery is rare but can cause life-threatening complications.

Case presentation
We report a case of a female patient with no obvious lung pathology who suffered intraoperative pneumothorax associated with prolonged steep Trendelenburg position. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first well-documented case of this association. A 53-year-old female, diagnosed as a case of recurrent umbilical hernia with cystocele and rectocele was planned for vaginal hysterectomy with anterior perineorrhaphy and posterior colpoperineorrhaphy along with open mesh repair for umbilical hernia under general anaesthesia. Approximately 90 min after the steep Trendelenburg position, the peak inspiratory pressure increased, while the oxygen saturation decreased. The airway pressures remained continuously on the higher side whole throughout the surgery despite an interrupted propped-up position in between. The patient could not be extubated and shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) where ultrasonography (USG) of the lung and chest x-ray showed signs of pneumothorax. Intercostal tube drainage (ICTD) was placed, and the patient improved dramatically. It was suspected that a steep head-down position for a prolonged period led to persistently raised airway pressures and the subsequent development of pneumothorax.

Conclusions
Pneumothorax can develop in rare circumstances even if airway pressures are under the safety range. So, careful monitoring and immediate treatment are necessary to prevent the condition from worsening and anaesthesiologists must be aware of such potential danger.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Noel Julia E , Sinclair Catherine F 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Context
Thermal ablative techniques of the thyroid have recently gained clinical traction as a therapeutic alternative that provides symptomatic relief and confers potential advantages over surgery. A truly multidisciplinary technique, thyroid ablation is currently performed by endocrinologists, interventional radiologists, otolaryngologists, and endocrine surgeons. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), specifically, has seen widespread adoption, particularly in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. This review summarizes current evidence on the application of RFA in benign thyroid nodules, and provides a start to finish overview of procedural preparation, performance, and outcomes.

Evidence Acquisition
A narrative review of literature focusing on RFA in the treatment of benign nodular disease was performed. Emphasis was placed on consensus statements, best practice guidelines, multi-institutional studies, and systematic reviews to summarize key concepts in candidacy, techniques, expectations, and outcomes.

Findings
RFA is increasingly recognized as a first-line treatment strategy in the management of symptomatic nonfunctional benign thyroid nodules. It can also be considered in functional thyroid nodules with small volumes or in patients ineligible for surgery. A targeted and efficacious technique, RFA results in gradual volume reduction that preserves the function of the surrounding thyroid parenchyma. Proper procedural technique, proficiency in ultrasound, and experience in ultrasound-guided procedures are instrumental to maintaining low complication rates and achieving successful ablation outcomes.

Conclusions
In pursuit of a personalized approach, physicians across disciplines are increasingly incorporating RFA into their treatment algorithms, most commonly for benign nodules. As with any intervention, thoughtful selection and implementation ensure a safe procedure with optimal patient benefit.
Association Between Insulin Resistance and Myosteatosis Measured by Abdominal Computed Tomography
Authors: Kim Myung Jin , Cho Yun Kyung , Jung Han Na , Kim Eun Hee , Lee Min Jung , Jung Chang Hee , Park Joong-Yeol , Kim Hong-Kyu , Lee Woo Je 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Context
Ectopic fat deposition in skeletal muscle, termed myosteatosis, is a key factor in developing insulin resistance.

Objective
This work aimed to evaluate the association between insulin resistance and myosteatosis in a large Asian population.

Methods
A total of 18 251 participants who had abdominal computed tomography were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were categorized into 4 groups according to quartiles of Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). The total abdominal muscle area (TAMA) at the L3 vertebral level was segmented into normal-attenuation muscle area (NAMA), low-attenuation muscle area (LAMA), and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT). The absolute values of TAMA, NAMA, LAMA, and IMAT and the ratios of NAMA/BMI, LAMA/BMI, and NAMA/TAMA were used as myosteatosis indices.

Results
The absolute values of TAMA, NAMA, LAMA, and IMAT appeared to increase with higher HOMA-IR levels, and LAMA/BMI showed a similar upward trend. Meanwhile, the NAMA/BMI and NAMA/TAMA index showed downward trends. As HOMA-IR levels increased, the odds ratios (ORs) of the highest quartile of NAMA/BMI and NAMA/TAMA index decreased and that of LAMA/BMI increased. Compared with the lowest HOMA-IR group, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) in the highest HOMA-IR group for the lowest NAMA/TAMA quartile were 0.414 (0.364-0.471) in men and 0.464 (0.384-0.562) in women. HOMA-IR showed a negative correlation with NAMA/BMI (r = −0.233 for men and r = −0.265 for women), and NAMA/TAMA index (r = −0.211 for men and r = −0.214 for women), and a positive correlation with LAMA/BMI (r = 0.160 for men and r = 0.119 for women); P was less than .001 for all.

Conclusion
In this study, a higher HOMA-IR level was significantly associated with a high risk of myosteatosis.
Uncharacterized protein C17orf80 – a novel interactor of human mitochondrial nucleoids
Authors: Potter Alisa , Hangas Anu , Goffart Steffi , Huynen Martijn A. , Cabrera-Orefice Alfredo , Spelbrink Johannes N. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
Molecular functions of many human proteins remain unstudied, despite the demonstrated association with diseases or pivotal molecular structures, such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This small genome is crucial for the proper functioning of mitochondria, the energy-converting organelles. In mammals, mtDNA is arranged into macromolecular complexes called nucleoids that serve as functional stations for its maintenance and expression. Here, we aimed to explore an uncharacterized protein C17orf80, which was previously detected close to the nucleoid components by proximity labelling mass spectrometry. To investigate the subcellular localization and function of C17orf80, we took advantage of immunofluorescence microscopy, interaction proteomics and several biochemical assays. We demonstrate that C17orf80 is a mitochondrial membrane-associated protein that interacts with nucleoids even when mtDNA replication is inhibited. In addition, we show that C17orf80 is not essential for mtDNA maintenance and mitochondrial gene expression in cultured human cells. These results provide a basis for uncovering the molecular function of C17orf80 and the nature of its association with nucleoids, possibly leading to new insights about mtDNA and its expression.
Fibronexus formation is an early event during fibronectin-induced restoration of more normal morphology and substrate adhesion patterns in transformed hamster fibroblasts
Authors: Singer Irwin I. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
In order to determine whether fibronexus morphogenesis is involved in the establishment of more normal cellular morphology and substrate adhesion patterns in Nil/HSV transformed fibroblasts induced by treatment with exogenous fibronectin (FN), this system was studied with electron microscopy (EM), immunocytochemistry, and interference reflection microscopy (IRM). EM analysis showed that cells grown in medium with 5 % foetal bovine serum (FBS) had well-formed fibronexuses and enlarged actin-microfilament bundles at their dorsal surface by i h after FN addition. Expansion of the substrate-binding focal adhesions visualized with IRM, and increased cellular flattening, did not take place until at least 2 h later. These observations suggest that fibronexus induction and the initiation of actin-microfilament bundle enlargement occur as a direct result of FN attachment to the cell surface, with overt increases in substrate adhesion taking place subsequently. FN was not localized in focal contacts under these conditions. However, if fibronexus-reconstitution experiments were performed with Nil/HSV cultures maintained in medium with 0·3 % FBS, then fibronectin fibres and fibro-nexuses were strikingly localized at focal contacts on the ventral cell surface. Fibronectin is evidently capable of exerting either a direct or an indirect influence on substrate adhesion, which is probably regulated by serum factors.
Novel Dual Tracer Indocyanine Green and Radioisotope Versus Gold Standard Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer: The GREENORBLUE Trial
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Zhou Michael , Easwaralingam Neshanth , Seah Jue Li , Azimi Farhad , Mak Cindy , Pulitano Carlo , Warrier Sanjay 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The methods for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer have been variable in type and number of tracers. Some units have abandoned the use of blue dye (BD) due to adverse reactions. Fluorescence-guided biopsy with indocyanine green (ICG) is a relatively novel technique. This study compared the clinical efficacy and costs between novel dual tracer ICG and radioisotope (ICG-RI) with “gold standard” BD and radioisotope (BD-RI).

Methods
Single-surgeon study of 150 prospective patients with early breast cancer undergoing SLN biopsy (2021-2022) using ICG-RI compared with a retrospective cohort of 150 consecutive previous patients using BD-RI. Number of SLNs identified, rate of failed mapping, identification of metastatic SLNs, and adverse reactions were compared between techniques. Cost-minimisation analysis performed by using Medicare item numbers and micro-costing analysis.

Results
Total number of SLNs identified with ICG-RI and BD-RI was 351 and 315, respectively. Mean number of SLNs identified with ICG-RI and BD-RI was 2.3 (standard deviation [SD] 1.4) and 2.1 (SD 1.1), respectively (p = 0.156). There were no cases of failed mapping with either dual technique. Metastatic SLNs were identified in 38 (25.3%) ICG-RI patients compared with 30 (20%) BD-RI patients (p = 0.641). There were no adverse reactions to ICG, whereas four cases of skin tattooing and anaphylaxis were associated with BD (p = 0.131). ICG-RI cost an additional AU$197.38 per case in addition to the initial cost for the imaging system. Clinical trial registration: ACTRN12621001033831.

Conclusions
Novel tracer combination, ICG-RI, provided an effective and safe alternative to “gold standard” dual tracer. The caveat was the significantly greater costs associated with ICG.
Protein Adsorption on Carboxy-Functionalized Microparticles Revealed by Zeta Potential and Absorption Spectroscopy Measurements
Authors: Miyagawa Akihisa , Hagiya Kenta , Nagatomo Shigenori , Nakatani Kiyoharu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Addition of micro/nanoparticles to a protein solution leads to the formation of a protein layer on the particle surface, called a protein corona. We investigate here the adsorption behavior of myoglobin, hemoglobin, cytochrome-c, and lysozyme on carboxy-functionalized polystyrene microparticles using zeta potential and absorption spectroscopy measurements. The observed adsorption behavior differs according to the method of detection: monolayer for zeta potential and multilayer for absorption spectroscopy. Langmuir-type monolayer adsorption is observed with zeta potential measurements, because zeta potential (ζ) responds only to the charge density at the outermost protein layer. Multilayer adsorption is observed by absorption spectroscopy. Spectroscopic results were analyzed by the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model, which comprises a hard corona formed by strong interaction between the protein and the particle surface and a soft corona formed by weak interaction between adsorbed and bulk-solution proteins. The extent of hard and soft corona formation depends on pH. When a protein monolayer is prepared by covalent modification of the particle surface, the number of layers in the protein corona decreases relative to the case of protein adsorption on bare particles. This result demonstrates that electrostatic interactions between the protein and particle surface play a key role in the formation of a protein corona.
A cross-sectional analysis in order to validate the translation of FSFI-6 to Bahasa Indonesia
Authors: Sesari Saras Serani , Elvira Sylvia Detri , Priyatini Tyas , Rahardjo Harrina Erlianti 
Published: July 2023

Background: Numerous tools have been developed to assess female sexual dysfunction. Several of them have also conducted validity tests. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is one of these surveys that has been effectively translated into several different languages. The previous study on the translation and validation of the FSFI-6 questionnaire into Bahasa Indonesia used the original form (FSFI-19), which had many questions. Thus, this study was done to validate and translate a condensed version of the original questionnaire to make it more practicable for individuals to complete in a clinical context. Methods: FSFI-6 was translated into Bahasa Indonesia. Then the data were collected via questionnaires by 72 women in Rumah Sakit Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM or Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital) during the data collection period (January 2018 until April 2018). The data obtained were processed for validity and reliability using the SPSS software program 20. The tests conducted on the data included a normality test, a validity test, descriptive analysis, and reliability testing. The r-value and the value of Cronbach’s Alpha were the parameters used to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Results: The r-value on each question in the translated FSFI-6 questionnaire was greater than 0.3, while the value of Cronbach's Alpha of the questionnaire FSFI-6 was greater than 0.6, equal to 0.831. Conclusions: The FSFI-6 questionnaire short version that has been translated into Bahasa Indonesia is valid and reliable.
Meditation as an effective BCI training protocol for controlling wheeled robots
Authors: Duarte David , Lima Cabral , Lima Priscila Machado Vieira , Queiroz Rubens Lacerda , Turci Rubens 
Published: July 2023

Background: Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems allow the use of electroencephalographic activities to control devices. As such, it can be an important tool for disabled people since using a BCI does not involves any muscular stimulation. Despite its great potential as an assistive technology, BCI systems are yet scarcely available outside scientific contexts. The main reason is that BCI is still not accurate enough for real world situations. In this paper, we investigated if mindfulness meditation can help BCI users to perform better, particularly on controlling wheeled robots. Controlling wheeled robots must be seen as an important BCI research issue, since disabled people can take the best advantages from assistive wheeled robots. Methods: Case-control study with 30 subjects, meditators and non-meditators, who controlled a simulated wheeled robot using a BCI system. Results: In straight-ahead moves, the robot was 30% faster when controlled by meditators. In stop-and-go moves, the meditators controlled the robot with an accuracy of 66% while the non-meditators’ accuracy was 27%. In rectangular shape moves, meditators also performed better than non-meditators, with an accuracy of 40% against 7% of non-meditators. Conclusion: The results show that meditators performed better than non-meditators. As such, we recommend combining mindfulness meditation with standard BCI training protocols for better control of wheeled robots.
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE STAFF TRAINING SYSTEM
Authors: Kazaeva E. , VShIVCEVA A. 
Published: July 2023

The article discusses the actual problems associated with the organization of the personnel training system. With the rapid development of industry, the creation, implementation and development of new technologies, as well as competition for consumers, companies must systematically improve the skills of their employees in order to maintain competitiveness in the market. Staff training is a key factor in the success of any organization. The authors of the article analyzed the theoretical aspects related to the study of the personnel training system, identified by domestic scientists. The subject of the research is the internal system of personnel training in the organization. The purpose of the article is to analyze this system and determine its effectiveness, identify problems and suggest ways to solve them. To achieve the goal, the following research methods were used: analysis of scientific and educational literature, analysis of documentation, survey of employees. As a result of the study, problems associated with the internal system of training the organization’s personnel were identified, and solutions were proposed to improve its effectiveness. The article concludes by noting that companies that successfully organize training for their staff can significantly increase their competitiveness and improve the quality of their products and services, which in turn can lead to increased profits and business growth.
A Heuristic Approach to Explore: The Value of Perfect Information
Authors: Tehrani Shervin Shahrokhi , Ching Andrew T. 
Published: July 2023

This research introduces a new heuristic decision model called myopic-value of perfect information (VPI) to study multiarmed bandit (MAB) problems. The myopic-VPI approach only involves ranking the alternatives and computing a one-dimensional integration to obtain the expected future value of exploration. Because myopic-VPI is intuitive and does not involve solving a dynamic programming problem, it has the potential to serve as a useful heuristic approach to model exploration-exploitation tradeoffs. We conduct a series of simulation experiments to study its performance relative to other heuristics under a wide range of parameterizations. We find that myopic-VPI provides significant savings in computational time and decent performance in accumulated utility (although not the strongest) relative to other forward-looking heuristics; this suggests that it is a useful “fast-and-frugal” heuristic. Furthermore, our simulation experiments also reveal the conditions under which myopic-VPI outperforms and underperforms compared with other heuristics. Its empirical performance in the diaper category further shows that myopic-VPI can save estimation time significantly and fit the data on par with index and near-optimal, providing encouraging news that myopic-VPI could be added to the researcher’s or practitioner’s toolkit for MAB problems. This paper was accepted by Gui Liberali, marketing. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2019.00578 .