bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Stability Analysis Using Convex Optimization Applied to Complex Pneumatic Systems
Authors: de Carvalho Ferreira Silva Gabriel , Massioni Paolo , Bideaux Eric , Sesmat Sylvie , Bristiel Frederic
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a modeling and stability analysis procedure using optimization under Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) constraints in order to evaluate a system’s dynamical behavior. This will help the designers to tune complex systems with respect to desired dynamical behavior. The method is applied to an aircraft engine air bleed system, composed of a pair of two-stage pressure regulation valves. The results show the method’s potential to provide a better understanding of the design parameters’ influence over the dynamical response of the system and how they can be tuned to ensure proper dynamical behavior.
Fluid Driven Soft Robotic Gripper With Biomimetic Enclosed Structure and Self-Adaptive Grasp
Authors: Wu Yaxin , Xu He , Chen Siqing , Wei Qiandiao , Xiong Xiao , Yin Hao
Published: November 2023

Soft grasping robot is an important research field in soft robot technology. It is a big problem for soft grippers to solve low load gripping and low grasping success rate. For solving these problems, a kind of enclosed structure soft gripper expansion type (ET) is proposed. The ET is driven by hydraulic or pneumatic system with stable force and high reliability. The ET is proposed based on an enclosed grasping mechanism, and based on the biomimetic underwater swallowing design method. The ET which has both advantages of economy and flexibility, self-adaptive grasps through negative pressure and positive pressure. The ET achieves the modular, mobile and adaptive grasping ability. The ET classifies as gripper A (GA) and gripper B (GB). GA has more load capacity, and GB can grab larger irregular objects. The maximum load that ET achieving is 30 N, which is able to reliably grasp objects and hold them with a force several times their weight. The side of the object is separated from the outside world as far as possible, and the inner wall of the ring is stuck to the object by the swallowing structure to the maximum extent, so as to improve the friction force as far as possible, achieve self-adaptation and save energy at the same time. When reducing the gap between the ring inner wall of the soft gripper and the target object, it further reduces the gap through pressure in case of emergencies, so as to better grip force, so that the gripper has a better fault tolerance rate and inclusiveness when it holds the object.
A Bio-Inspired Underwater Robot Inspired by Jellyfish
Authors: Xiong Xiao , Xu He , Chen Siqing , Wang Haihang , You Chaochao , Wu Yaxin
Published: November 2023

With the improvement of human living standard, the demand for exploitation and utilization of marine resources is increasing. Soft robots with adaptability and interactivity, can perform the complex motion in the complex environment, which provide a promising and feasible solution for the exploitation and utilization of marine resources. Bio-inspiration is a very popular and effective design method. Bio-inspired soft robots for Marine can maintain the biological characteristics of some species in underwater environment, which improve the adaptability of robots to the environment. In this work, we designed a reconfigurable bio-inspired jellyfish robot, driven by soft hydraulic bio-inspired execution unit, to achieve the movement and grasp in the water. The jellyfish robot is composed of four moving modules (MM), one grasping module (GM), and an buoyancy adjustment module (BAM). The actuators of MM and GM made with silicone, which has a good affinity for biology and environment, are driven by the hydraulic pressure. The BAM is actuated by pneumatic pressure. Through the proportional valve, the high-pressure fluid mediums are adjusted as low-pressure fluid with corresponding value to actuate different modules. So, we can get different amounts of force, and then make the driver have different degrees of bending. Its MM and GM are designed as reconfigured, which can cooperate with other robots to achieve more functions according to different situations. Inspired by jellyfish and fishbone, the MM is the exumbrella of the robot. To adopt that soft structure, we can make the support frame imitated by the shape of fishbone. The GM is the jellyfish tentacle in bio-inspired design. Its soft actuator is a single cavity, responding quickly. In experiments, the performance of the MM and GM are verified. The bio-inspired jellyfish robot can realize the functions of moving and grasping at the same time, and has a high environmental adaptability.
Static and Dynamic Characteristics of a Self-Expanding Elastic Pressurized Reservoir
Authors: Yao Jing , Wang Dingyu , Hao Jinlu , Liang Dong , He Aiwen
Published: November 2023

The lightweight of hydraulic components and systems can improve the maneuverability, navigating ability and carrying capacity of mobile equipment. In this study, a self-expanding elastic pressurized reservoir (SEPR) is designed and manufactured. The SEPR is capable of compensating for the volume difference in the hydraulic system and providing pressure for the pump oil supply. Firstly, the structure of SEPR is designed to meet the compensation of the system volume difference. The housing of SEPR includes an interior tube made from an elastic rubber material and an outer woven fiber ensuring its strength and realizing oil pressurization. Then, the mathematical model of SEPR is established based on the characteristics of elastic material, the geometric relationship, and the force analysis. The relationship between the volume of oil, the degree of deformation, and the pressure can be obtained. Finally, a performance test bench is built to test the SEPR, and the step response test and sine response test of SEPR are carried out. The experimental results show that the reservoir responds quickly to the actuator action in the hydraulic system, with an average response time of 0.069 seconds. The SEPR has the advantages of small volume, lightweight. The configuration and modeling method of SEPR lay a foundation for the future lightweight design of the reservoir.
Online Dynamic Model Correction for Hydraulic Manipulator Grasped Unknown Payload
Authors: Zheng Sheng , Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Junhui , Ding Ruqi , Xu Bing , Zhang Fu
Published: November 2023

Autonomous operation is a crucial feature for hydraulic manipulators to perform specialized tasks, and the effectiveness of online autonomous operation relies on the accuracy of the dynamic model. To tackle the issue of low accuracy of the dynamic model when a hydraulic manipulator grasps an unknown payload, a method of online model correction is proposed in this paper. In comparison to other online identification methods that simplify the inertia parameters of payload, an excitation trajectory based on physical feasibility is firstly designed to correct the dynamic model with non-payload under the offline identification. A forgetting factor is introduced into the recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm to further improve the effectiveness of the identification since it can continuously correct the dynamic model with the iterative formula. Through accurately identifying the complete set of inertia parameters for payload, the dynamic model is corrected in real-time. The proposed method is experimentally validated under the conditions of variable payload, and the accuracy of the corrected dynamic model is improved.
Investigation of Frictional Forces in Hydraulic Spool Valves and Their Effect on the Estimation of Axial Flow Forces
Authors: Hucko Simon , Vonderbank Tobias , Schmitz Katharina
Published: November 2023

Model-based design of hydraulic valves, as well as the acquisition of additional variables using soft sensors are rapidly gaining importance. Both, however, require an accurate and comprehensive model of the valve. One of the greatest challenges currently present, is within correctly representing the flow forces acting on the spool, which is why considerable research has been carried out investigating them. Since flow forces are always superimposed by directional frictional, inertial, and, if present, spring forces, they cannot be measured directly.

To be able to record the flow forces despite this difficulty, a new measuring method is presented. It enables the measurement of the frictional forces and thereby the calculation of the flow forces. In addition to presenting this new metrology method, the frictional force and factors influencing it, will be further investigated. These factors include the operating point-dependent non-uniform pressure distribution in the annular gap, as well as radial flow forces. The results shown in the paper contribute to a better understanding of frictional forces in hydraulic valves, thus advancing both model-based design, and soft sensor development.
Simulation Study of a Fail-Safe Steer-by-Wire for Heavy Earth Moving Machinery
Authors: Singh Vinay Partap , Huova Mikko , Minav Tatiana
Published: November 2023

Hydrostatic steering systems are commonly used in articulated heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM). In an earlier study, an energy efficient Electro-Hydrostatic Steering System (EHSS) was proposed, which works on Steer-by-Wire (SbW) principle. In the present article, the functional safety for Safety Related Parts of Control System (SRP/CS) for the EHSS is analysed and requirements are assessed. The analysis suggests that the novel EHSS is safe for critical control application like steering. A simulation analysis of the proposed EHSS is carried out on a ‘Y’ cycle operation of a wheel loader to analyse the effect of a major hazardous event on steering operation, and the ability of the proposed system to act in order to reduce the risk. It has been found that the proposed EHSS can overcome the most common mode of failure in primary steering. The primary steering is failed at two different points of operation and the secondary or emergency steering is activated to continue the steering operation as intended. The activation of emergency steering takes about 200ms in the case when primary steering fails while steering command is active, whereas 440ms when the primary steering fails during no steering command. The delay is mainly attributed to the diagnosis of failure in primary steering. In both the cases, it does not result in any hazardous movement of the steering actuators. The study demonstrates that with proper control, and even low diagnostic coverage, the proposed EHSS can meet the functional safety requirements.
Geodynamically corrected Pliocene shoreline elevations in Australia consistent with midrange projections of Antarctic ice loss
Authors: Richards Fred D. , Coulson Sophie L. , Hoggard Mark J. , Austermann Jacqueline , Dyer Blake , Mitrovica Jerry X.
Published: November 2023

The Mid-Pliocene represents the most recent interval in Earth history with climatic conditions similar to those expected in the coming decades. Mid-Pliocene sea level estimates therefore provide important constraints on projections of future ice sheet behavior and sea level change but differ by tens of meters due to local distortion of paleoshorelines caused by mantle dynamics. We combine an Australian sea level marker compilation with geodynamic simulations and probabilistic inversions to quantify and remove these post-Pliocene vertical motions at continental scale. Dynamic topography accounts for most of the observed sea level marker deflection, and correcting for this effect and glacial isostatic adjustment yields a Mid-Pliocene global mean sea level of +16.0 (+10.4 to +21.5) m (50th/16th to 84th percentiles). Recalibration of recent high-end sea level projections using this revised estimate implies a more stable Antarctic Ice Sheet under future warming scenarios, consistent with midrange forecasts of sea level rise that do not incorporate a marine ice cliff instability.
Anionic nanoplastic contaminants promote Parkinson’s disease–associated α-synuclein aggregation
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Sokratian Arpine , Duda Addison M. , Xu Enquan , Stanhope Christina , Fu Amber , Strader Samuel , Li Huizhong , Yuan Yuan , Bobay Benjamin G. , Sipe Joana , Bai Ketty , Lundgaard Iben , Liu Na , Hernandez Belinda , Bowes Rickman Catherine , Miller Sara E. , West Andrew B.
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have identified increasing levels of nanoplastic pollution in the environment. Here, we find that anionic nanoplastic contaminants potently precipitate the formation and propagation of α-synuclein protein fibrils through a high-affinity interaction with the amphipathic and non-amyloid component (NAC) domains in α-synuclein. Nanoplastics can internalize in neurons through clathrin-dependent endocytosis, causing a mild lysosomal impairment that slows the degradation of aggregated α-synuclein. In mice, nanoplastics combine with α-synuclein fibrils to exacerbate the spread of α-synuclein pathology across interconnected vulnerable brain regions, including the strong induction of α-synuclein inclusions in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. These results highlight a potential link for further exploration between nanoplastic pollution and α-synuclein aggregation associated with Parkinson’s disease and related dementias.
Type I interferon signaling induces a delayed antiproliferative response in respiratory epithelial cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Bragazzi Cunha Juliana , Leix Kyle , Sherman Emily J. , Mirabelli Carmen , Frum Tristan , Zhang Charles J. , Kennedy Andrew A. , Lauring Adam S. , Tai Andrew W. , Sexton Jonathan Z. , Spence Jason R. , Wobus Christiane E. , Emmer Brian T.
Published: November 2023

Disease progression during SARS-CoV-2 infection is tightly linked to the fate of lung epithelial cells, with severe cases of COVID-19 characterized by direct injury of the alveolar epithelium and an impairment in its regeneration from progenitor cells. The molecular pathways that govern respiratory epithelial cell death and proliferation during SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, remain unclear. We now report a high-throughput CRISPR screen for host genetic modifiers of the survival and proliferation of SARS-CoV-2-infected Calu-3 respiratory epithelial cells. The top four genes identified in our screen encode components of the same type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling complex
—IFNAR1
,
IFNAR2
,
JAK1
, and
TYK2
. The fifth gene,
ACE2
, was an expected control encoding the SARS-CoV-2 viral receptor. Surprisingly, despite the antiviral properties of IFN-I signaling, its disruption in our screen was associated with an increase in Calu-3 cell fitness. We validated this effect and found that IFN-I signaling did not sensitize SARS-CoV-2-infected cultures to cell death but rather inhibited the proliferation of surviving cells after the early peak of viral replication and cytopathic effect. We also found that IFN-I signaling alone, in the absence of viral infection, was sufficient to induce this delayed antiproliferative response in both Calu-3 cells and iPSC-derived type 2 alveolar epithelial cells. Together, these findings highlight a cell autonomous antiproliferative response by respiratory epithelial cells to persistent IFN-I signaling during SARS-CoV-2 infection. This response may contribute to the deficient alveolar regeneration that has been associated with COVID-19 lung injury and represents a promising area for host-targeted therapeutic development.

IMPORTANCE

The proliferation of respiratory epithelial cells is crucial to host recovery from acute lung injury caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other viral pathogens, but the molecular pathways that govern this process are poorly understood. We performed a high-throughput CRISPR screen that surprisingly revealed a detrimental effect of specific host response, type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling, on the fitness of SARS-CoV-2-infected Calu-3 cells. While IFN-I signaling has been previously associated with several potential downstream responses, we found this effect to be primarily mediated by an inhibition of Calu-3 cellular proliferation after the early peak of SARS-CoV-2-induced cell death. Our findings provide a plausible mechanism for how sustained IFN-I signaling during SARS-CoV-2 infection might worsen lung pathology by blocking the regeneration of the alveolar epithelium from progenitor cells.
Ancient Roman bacterium against current issues: strain Aquil_B6,
Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum,
or
Psychrobacillus psychrodurans
?
Authors: Colautti Andrea , Comi Giuseppe , Peterlunger Enrico , Iacumin Lucilla
Published: November 2023

Thanks to the development of whole-genome sequencing technologies, nowadays researchers have access to rapid, effective, and precise resources for the genetic analysis of prokaryotes. The use of metrics that consider the entire DNA sequence, such as average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization calculation, in fact, allows better results when compared to single-target gene analysis. However, it is increasingly important to employ reference databases containing correct information with high-quality sequences. The aim of this work is to taxonomically identify an unknown bacterial strain isolated from an ancient Roman amphora. However, it was necessary to resequence the genomes of the reference strains
Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum
SK 55 and
Psychrobacillus psychrodurans
DSM 11713 to obtain correct and more reliable sequences than those available. It was, therefore, possible to uniquely identify the strain Aquil_B6 as
Psy. psychrodurans
. Also, to obtain further genetic information, given the low number of sequences available for this species, the genome of strain DSM 30747 was sequenced. Further characterization was made to identify the presence of possible genetic characteristic features such as CRISPR-Cas, prophages, resistance factors, and bacteriocins of this species, making a comparison between the available genomes of
Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum
SK 55 and
Psychrobacillus psychrodurans
strains DSM 11713, DSM 30747, and Aquil_B6, to evaluate the impact of time on the evolution of the considered species.

IMPORTANCE

Since 1988, through the United States government’s founding, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has provided an invaluable service to scientific advancement. The universality and total freedom of use if on the one hand allow the use of this database on a global level by all researchers for their valuable work, on the other hand, it has the disadvantage of making it difficult to check the correctness of all the materials present. It is, therefore, of fundamental importance for the correctness and ethics of research to improve the databases at our disposal, identifying and amending the critical issues. This work aims to provide the scientific community with a new sequence for the type strain
Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum
SK 55 and broaden the knowledge of the
Psychrobacillus psychrodurans
species, in particular, considering the ancient strain Aquil_B6 found in an ancient Roman amphora.
Post-salt carbonates control salt-tectonic minibasin formation
Authors: Pichel Leonardo M. , Huismans Ritske S. , Gawthorpe Robert , Faleide Jan Inge
Published: November 2023

Salt tectonics on passive margins are driven by sediment loading and gliding with minimal influence from basement-involved tectonics and is associated with variable and complex salt structures, such as minibasins and diapirs. A major enigma in salt tectonics is the origin of load-driven diapir-flanked minibasins, synclinal depocenters formed by localized subsidence of synkinematic sediments into salt. How can less-dense clastic sediments sink into the denser salt, promoting diapirism at their flanks? We use two-dimensional numerical modeling of lithospheric extension including syn- and post-rift sedimentation to understand the evolution of salt-tectonic minibasins along rifted passive margins. Our results show that these minibasins are driven by deposition of dense early post-salt carbonates and then amplified during progradation of less-dense and compacting clastics. In contrast, basin-scale salt flow driven by clastic progradation alone, without deposition of early post-salt carbonates, does not produce minibasins as observed on salt-bearing passive margins.
Strongly peraluminous granites provide independent evidence for an increase in biomass burial across the Precambrian–Phanerozoic boundary
Authors: Mikhail Sami , Stüeken Eva E. , Boocock Toby J. , Athey Megan , Mappin Nick , Boyce Adrian J. , Liebmann Janne , Spencer Christopher J. , Bucholz Claire E.
Published: November 2023

Strongly peraluminous granites (SPGs) are generated by the partial melting of sedimentary rocks and can thus provide a novel archive to reveal secular trends in Earth’s environmental history that integrate siliciclastic sedimentary lithologies. The nitrogen (N) content of Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic SPGs reveals a systematic increase across the Precambrian–Phanerozoic boundary. This rise is supported by a coeval increase in the phosphorus (P) contents of SPGs. Collectively, these data are most parsimoniously explained by an absolute increase in biomass burial in the late Proterozoic or early Phanerozoic by a factor of ~5 and as much as 8. The Precambrian–Phanerozoic transition was a time of progressive oxygenation of surface environments paired with major biological innovations, including the rise of eukaryotic algae to ecological dominance. Because oxygenation suppresses biomass preservation in sediments, the increase in net biomass burial preserved in SPGs reveals an expansion of the biosphere and an increase in primary production across this interval.
Facial pain associated with vein of Trolard thrombosis Case report Neurology
Authors: Moreno-Cortez Katia Mabiael , Chujfi-Zamora Manir , Reyes-Vaca Jorge Guillermo , Rodriguez-Leyva Ildefonso
Published: November 2023

Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare condition, with identified and described risk factors mainly associated with prothrombotic states, with a wide variety of symptomatology based on the site affected, the most common being intracranial hypertensive syndrome, focal or encephalopathy. Cortical veins of the superficial system are among the least frequently affected veins. The following describes a case of painful facial symptoms progressing to a focal syndrome associated with a history of chronic oral contraceptive use, with thrombosis of vein of Trolard detected and successfully treated with oral anticoagulants.
Community perceptions matter: a mixed-methods study using local knowledge to define features of success for a community intervention to improve quality of care for children under-5 in Jigawa, Nigeria
Authors: Iuliano Agnese , Shittu Funmilayo , Colbourn Timothy , Salako Julius , Bakare Damola , Bakare Ayobami Adebayo A , King Carina , Graham Hamish , McCollum Eric D , Falade Adegoke G , Uchendu Obioma , Haruna Ibrahim , Valentine Paula , Burgess Rochelle
Published: November 2023

Objectives

In this study, we used the information generated by community members during an intervention design process to understand the features needed for a successful community participatory intervention to improve child health.

Design

We conducted a concurrent mixed-methods study (November 2019–March 2020) to inform the design and evaluation of a community–facility linkage participatory intervention.

Setting

Kiyawa Local Government Area (Jigawa State, Nigeria)—population of 230 000 (n=425 villages).

Participants

Qualitative data included 12 community conversations with caregivers of children under-5 (men, older and younger women; n=9 per group), 3 focus group discussions (n=10) with ward development committee members and interviews with facility heads (n=3). Quantitative data comprised household surveys (n=3464) with compound heads (n=1803) and women (n=1661).

Results

We analysed qualitative data with thematic network analysis and the surveys with linear regression—results were triangulated in the interpretation phase. Participants identified the following areas of focus: community health education; facility infrastructure, equipment and staff improvements; raising funds to make these changes. Community involvement, cooperation and empowerment were recognised as a strategy to improve child health, and the presence of intermediate bodies (development committees) was deemed important to improve communication and solve problems between community and facility members. The survey showed functional community relations’ dynamics, with high levels of internal cohesion (78%), efficacy in solving problems together (79%) and fairness of the local leaders (82%).

Conclusions

Combining the results from this study and critical theories on successful participation identified community-informed features for a contextually tailored community–facility link intervention. The need to promote a more inclusive approach to future child health interventions was highlighted. In addition to health education campaigns, the relationship between community and healthcare providers needs strengthening, and development committees were identified as an essential feature for successfully linking communities and facilities for child health.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN39213655.
Development of peanut, sesame and tree nut allergy in Polish children at high risk of food allergy: a protocol for a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ryczaj Klaudia , Szczukocka-Zych Agnieszka , Wawszczak Maria , Gawryjołek Julia , Krogulska Aneta , Krawiec Marta , Horvath Andrea , Szajewska Hania , Santos Alexandra , Bahnson Henry T , Kulus Marek
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Peanut allergies cause serious health problems worldwide. A strong finding has shown that the early introduction of peanuts into the diet of infants at high risk of food allergy reduces the prevalence of peanut allergy. Allergies to peanuts, sesame and tree nuts have been shown to coexist in 60% of cases and vary according to geographical location and dietary habits. Insights into the prevalence of nut and seed allergies in societies with varying consumption levels are essential for developing population-specific weaning guidelines. Understanding the age at which peanut allergy develops is paramount for successful early introduction strategies.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a cross-sectional study at two tertiary allergy centres in Warsaw and Bydgoszcz. Two hundred forty children aged 4–36 months with eczema or egg allergy will undergo an extensive assessment of their peanut, sesame and tree nut allergy status through skin testing, specific IgE measurements and oral food challenges. The primary outcome is the prevalence of peanut, sesame and tree nut allergies in Polish children at high risk of food allergy. Additionally, the timing of the development of peanut, sesame and tree nut allergies in the first 3 years of life in a high-risk population will be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland approved this protocol (KB/86/2021). The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal no later than 1 year after data collection. The abstract will be presented at relevant national and international conferences.

Although the authors may be able to commit to journal submission no later than 1 year after data collection, publication dates remain beyond their control.

Trial registration number

NCT05662800.
Dynamic changes in methadone utilisation for opioid use disorder treatment: a retrospective observational study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kennalley Amy L , Fanelli Jessica L , Furst John A , Mynarski Nicholas J , Jarvis Margaret A , Nichols Stephanie D , McCall Kenneth L , Piper Brian J
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major public health concern in the USA, resulting in high rates of overdose and other negative outcomes. Methadone, an OUD treatment, has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of overdose and improving overall health and quality of life. This study analysed the distribution of methadone for the treatment of OUD across the USA over the past decade and through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Retrospective observational study using secondary data analysis of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Medicaid Databases.

Setting

USA.

Participants

Patients who were dispensed methadone at US opioid treatment programmes (OTPs).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were the overall pattern in methadone distribution and the number of OTPs in the USA per year. The secondary outcome was Medicaid prescriptions for methadone.

Results

Methadone distribution for OUD has expanded significantly over the past decade, with an average state increase of +96.96% from 2010 to 2020. There was a significant increase in overall distribution of methadone to OTP from 2010 to 2020 (+61.00%, p<0.001) and from 2015 to 2020 (+26.22%, p<0.001). However, the distribution to OTPs did not significantly change from 2019 to 2021 (−5.15%, p=0.491). There was considerable state-level variation in methadone prescribing to Medicaid patients with four states having no prescriptions.

Conclusions

There have been dynamic changes in methadone distribution for OUD. Furthermore, pronounced variation in methadone distribution among states was observed, with some states having no OTPs or Medicaid coverage. New policies are urgently needed to increase access to methadone treatment, address the opioid epidemic in the USA and reduce overdose deaths.
Relationship between diabetic knowledge, attitudes and practices among patients with diabetes in China: a structural equation model
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Liang Di , Petersen Jindong Ding , Zhang Weijun , Huang Jiayan , Dong Yin
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Whether the routine delivery of diabetes-related knowledge can change patients’ attitudes and hence influence their self-management activities remains unknown in primary healthcare settings in China. Thus, this study aims to explore the complex transformation process between knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among patients with diabetes in a city in China.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Yuhuan City, Zhejiang Province, China.

Participants

A total of 803 patients with diabetes were invited to attend a questionnaire survey and 782 patients with type 2 diabetes completed the survey. The average age of participants was 58.47 years old, 48.21% of whom only attended primary school or below.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A questionnaire based on existing scales and expert consultation was applied to assess patients’ socio-demographic information (SI), disease progression risk and diabetes-related KAP. A structural equation model was built to analyse the relationships between patients’ characteristics and KAP.

Results

No significant association was found between patients’ knowledge and attitude (β=0.01, p=0.43). Better knowledge and attitude were both found to be associated with better diet and physical activities (β=0.58, p<0.001; β=0.46, p=0.01). However, patients with a more positive attitude toward diabetic care showed worse foot care practice (β=−0.13, p=0.02), while better knowledge was associated with better foot care practice (β=0.29, p<0.001). In addition, patients with higher SI (β=0.88, p<0.001) and/or disease progression risk (β=0.42, p<0.001) tended to present higher levels of disease knowledge.

Conclusions

While successful KAP transformation has been achieved in practice for diet and physical activities, there is a need to improve foot care practice. Health education should also prioritise the prevention, detection and care of diabetic foot. Also, appropriate methods should be adopted to deliver health education to vulnerable patients, such as the elderly, those living in rural areas, those with minimal education, the unemployed and low-income patients.
Whole slide imaging of tumour microenvironment in classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma: development of a clinical prediction model based on programmed death-ligand 1 and tumorous Reed-Sternberg cells
Authors: Santisteban Espejo Antonio , Bernal-Florindo Irene , Montero-Pavon Pedro , Perez-Requena Jose , Atienza-Cuevas Lidia , Villalba-Fernandez Ana , Garcia-Rojo Marcial
Published: November 2023

Aims

The prognostic impact of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) cells in classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) tumour microenvironment remains undefined.

Methods

Model development via Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis guidelines were followed. PD-L1+ and CD30+ tumoral Reed-Sternberg cells were quantified through whole slide imaging and digital image analysis in 155 digital histopathological slides of cHL. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. The analyses were reproduced for patients with advanced stages (IIB, III and IV) using the Advanced-stage cHL International Prognostic Index.

Results

The PD-L1/CD30 ratio was statistically significantly associated with survival outcomes. Patients with a PD-L1/CD30 ratio above 47.1 presented a shorter overall survival (mean OS: 53.7 months; 95% CI: 28.7 to 78.7) in comparison with patients below this threshold (mean OS: 105.4 months; 95% CI: 89.6 to 121.3) (p=0.04). When adjusted for covariates, the PD-L1/CD30 ratio retained prognostic impact, both for the OS (HR: 1.005; 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.008; p=0.000) and the progression-free survival (HR: 3.442; 95% CI: 1.045 to 11.340; p=0.04) in a clinical and histopathological multivariate model including the male sex (HR: 3.551; 95% CI: 0.986 to 12.786; p=0.05), a percentage of tumoral cells ≥10.1% (HR: 1.044; 95% CI: 1.003 to 1.087; p=0.03) and high risk International Prognostic Score (≥3 points) (HR: 6.453; 95% CI: 1.970 to 21.134; p=0.002).

Conclusions

The PD-L1/CD30 ratio identifies a group of cHL patients with an increased risk of treatment failure. Its clinical application can be performed as it constitutes an easy to implement pathological information in the diagnostic work-up of patients with cHL.
Register-based observational study of associations between inflammatory remission, formal treatment targets and the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs among patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lindqvist Joakim , Askling Johan , Lampa Jon
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess associations between inflammatory remission, formal treatment targets and the likelihood of starting a new disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), among patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with RA were identified in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (n=11 784). Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and DMARD-treatment were assessed at RA diagnosis and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months thereafter. Inflammatory remission was defined as: swollen joints (0–28)=0 and C reactive protein <10 mg/L and normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The primary treatment target was DAS28 remission (<2.6). The proportion of patients in inflammatory remission who failed to reach DAS28 targets was assessed at each follow-up visit, and their likelihood of starting a new DMARD was compared with patients in inflammatory remission who reached the treatment target. rate ratios (RR) and 95% CIs were estimated with modified Poisson regression.

Results

Overall, 34%, 39%, 44% and 47% were in inflammatory remission at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Among these, 20%, 22%, 20% and 19%, respectively, failed to reach DAS28 remission. Patients who failed to reach DAS28 remission despite being in inflammatory remission were more likely to start a new DMARD treatment (RR (95% CI) at 6 months=1.59 (1.29 to 1.96), 12 months=1.52 (1.23 to 1.87)) and 24 months=1.47 (1.20 to 1.80).

Conclusion

Failing to reach formal treatment targets, despite being in inflammatory remission, is common among patients with early RA, and is associated with an increased likelihood of starting a new DMARD-treatment.
New animal model of chronic gout reproduces pathological features of the disease in humans
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Hao Peiqi , Sun Xianrun , Ward Richard , Tang Tao , Chen Xi , Liu Yihong , Luo Guancong , Yang Yang , Xiang Cheng , An Su , Xu Tian-Rui
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Gout, as the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis, necessitates the use of animal models to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in its development. Therefore, our objective was to develop a novel chronic mouse model of gout that more closely mimics the progression of gout in humans.

Methods

A novel chronic mouse model of gout was established by a simple method, which does not require high technical proficiency, predominantly involves daily intraperitoneal injections of potassium oxonate for approximately 4 months, combined with a high fat-diet and injections of acetic acid into the hind paws to facilitate the formation of monosodium urate (MSU). Arthritis scores and paw oedema were assessed, behavioural tests were conducted, and histopathological and imaging evaluations of the arthritic paw joints were performed.

Results

After 4 months of induction, mice in the model group exhibited noticeable increases in arthritis severity, joint and cartilage damage, as well as bone erosion. Gomori’s methenamine silver stain revealed the presence of MSU crystal deposition or tophi in the paw joints or ankle joints of up to 37.9% of the model mice (11 out of 29 mice). Moreover, treatment with benzbromarone effectively prevented the further development of gout or tophi formation in model mice.

Conclusions

Our model more accurately replicates the pathological features of gouty arthritis compared with gout induced by MSU crystal injections. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for further investigations into the pathogenesis of gout and also serves as a valuable platform for screening potential antigout agents.
Post-exposure prophylaxis, STI testing and factors associated with follow-up attendance: a review of 4159 cases of acute post-sexual assault medical care
Authors: Kane Daniel , Holmes Andrea , Eogan Maeve
Published: November 2023

Background

Sexual assault (SA) is a prevalent issue with enduring consequences. Post-SA medical care mainly focuses on injuries, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and detection, as well as preventing unwanted pregnancies. Swift access to post-SA medical care is vital with sexual assault treatment units (SATUs) streamlining this care. The primary aim of our study is to report on post-SA care provided at the national SATU network in Ireland with a secondary aim of analysing factors associated with follow-up attendance for STI testing.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of all acute attendances (<7 days from incident) at the national SATU network between 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2022.

Results

A total of 4159 acute cases presented during the study period. Emergency contraception (EC) was administered to 53.8% (n=1899/3529) of cases, while postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for chlamydia was given in 75.1% (n=3124/4159) and for HIV in 11.0% (n=304/3387). Hepatitis B vaccination was initiated in 53.7% (n=2233/4159) of cases. 1.4% (n=59/4159) of the attendees were referred to an emergency department for the treatment of injuries. Follow-up appointments were scheduled for 75.8% (3151/4159) of acute cases. 71.6% (n=2257/3151) attended follow-up.

Certain factors were found to correlate with a higher likelihood of attending follow-up appointments: adolescents (p<0.0001), concern about drug-facilitated SA (DFSA) (p=0.01), no consumption of recreational drugs before the incident (p<0.0001), alcohol consumption prior to the incident (p=0.01), and not reporting the crime to the police (p<0.001). However, gender (p=0.06) and the presence of injury at time of primary attendance (p=0.97) were not predictive of likelihood of follow-up attendance.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that EC, chlamydia PEP, HIV PEP and hepatitis B vaccination were all administered at SATU. A small proportion of attenders required emergency injury care. Factors influencing attendance at follow-up include age, drug use, alcohol use and police involvement, highlighting the need for tailored patient-centred support.
Flavor-dependent U(1) extension inspired by lepton, baryon and color numbers
Authors: Van Loi Duong , Van Dong Phung
Published: November 2023

There is no reason why the gauge symmetry extension is family universal as in the standard model and the most well-motivated models, e.g. left-right symmetry and grand unification. Hence, we propose a simplest extension of the standard model – a flavor-dependent U(1) gauge symmetry – and find the new physics insight. For this aim, the U(1) charge, called X, is expressed as $$X=x B+y L$$

X
=
x
B
+
y
L

in which x and y are free parameters as functions of flavor index, e.g. for a flavor i they take $$x_i$$

x
i

and $$y_i$$

y
i

respectively, where B and L denote normal baryon and lepton numbers. Imposing a relation involved by the color number 3, i.e. $$-x_{1,2,\ldots ,n}=x_{n+1,n+2,\ldots ,n+m}=3y_{1,2,\ldots ,n+m}\equiv 3z$$

-

x

1
,
2
,
…
,
n

=

x

n
+
1
,
n
+
2
,
…
,
n
+
m

=
3

y

1
,
2
,
…
,
n
+
m

≡
3
z

, for arbitrarily nonzero z, we achieve a novel U(1) theory with implied X-charge. This theory not only explains the origin of the number of observed fermion families but also offers a possible solution for both neutrino mass and dark matter, which differs from $$B-L$$

B
-
L

extension. Two typical models based on this idea are examined, yielding interesting results for flavor-changing neutral currents and particle colliders, besides those of neutrino mass and dark matter.
Entanglement and Bell inequalities violation in $$H\rightarrow ZZ$$ with anomalous coupling
Authors: Bernal Alexander , Caban Paweł , Rembieliński Jakub
Published: November 2023

We discuss entanglement and violation of Bell-type inequalities for a system of twoZbosons produced in Higgs decays. We take into account beyond the Standard Model (anomalous) coupling betweenHand daughter bosons but we limit ourselves to an overall scalarZZstate (we exclude the possibility thatHcontains a pseudo-scalar component). In particular we consider the case when eachZdecays further into fermion-antifermion pair. We find that theZZstate is entangled and violates the CGLMP inequality for all values of the (anomalous) coupling constant. We also discuss the impact of a background on these results. The methods we develop are completely general, since they can be extrapolated to any scalar particle decaying into two spin-1 particles of different masses. Moreover, the violation of the CGLMP inequality in the final state is theoretically ensured for any value of the couplings.
Exceptionally simple super-PDE for F(4)
Authors: Santi Andrea , The Dennis
Published: November 2023

For the largest exceptional simple Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text], having dimension [Formula: see text], we provide two explicit geometric realizations as supersymmetries, namely as the symmetry superalgebra of super-PDE systems of second- and third-order, respectively.
Adoption of Internet of Things in Telecommunications: An Emerging Market Case
Authors: Jabeen Munazza , Ishaq Khurram
Published: November 2023

This paper has presented a case of the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in telecommunications in Pakistan. Through an exploratory case study, it has explored the need for IoT technology, the role of the telecom sector in IoT development, IoT strategies and business models adopted, challenges confronted, and benefits gained by telecom operators in Pakistan. The business-centric, customer-centric, and country-centric approaches were the basis for IoT technology adoption by telecom operators. By providing networks and connectivity, the telecom sector has played a significant role in the development of IoT. The telecom operators have developed their business strategies and used different business models to capitalize on their digital enabler role in the IoT domain. They also have faced challenges related to technological integration, infrastructure resources, and human resources when adopting IoT technology. The benefits realized by telecom operators were improved operational planning and processes, increased productivity, enhanced organizational performance, and IoT knowledge. These findings can guide practitioners, regulators, and policymakers in understanding the opportunities and implications of IoT in telecommunications.
A Strategy for Scaling Advanced Analytics
Authors: Berndtsson Mikael , Jonsson Anna-Carin , Carlsson Magnus , Svahn Thomas
Published: November 2023

Key elements for scaling advanced analytics.
Theoretical Analysis of Edit Distance Algorithms
Authors: Medvedev Paul
Published: November 2023

To what extent have the techniques for theoretical analysis of edit distance algorithms achieved their goals?
Data Analytics Anywhere and Everywhere
Authors: Elmqvist Niklas
Published: November 2023

Mobile, ubiquitous, and immersive computing appear poised to transform visualization, data science, and data-driven decision making.
Why Is the Current XAI Not Meeting the Expectations?
Authors: Malizia Alessio , Paternò Fabio
Published: November 2023

Seeking better explanations for how algorithmic decisions are made.
Almost-Linear-Time Algorithms for Maximum Flow and Minimum-Cost Flow
Authors: Chen Li , Kyng Rasmus , Liu Yang P. , Peng Richard , Gutenberg Maximilian Probst , Sachdeva Sushant
Published: November 2023

We present an algorithm that computes exact maximum flows and minimum-cost flows on directed graphs with
m
edges and polynomially bounded integral demands, costs, and capacities in
m

1+
o
(1)

time. Our algorithm builds the flow through a sequence of
m

1+
o
(1)

approximate undirected minimum-ratio cycles, each of which is computed and processed in amortized
m

o
(1)

time using a new dynamic graph data structure.

Our framework extends to algorithms running in
m

1+
o
(1)

time for computing flows that minimize general edge-separable convex functions to high accuracy. This gives almost-linear time algorithms for several problems including entropy-regularized optimal transport, matrix scaling,
p
-norm flows, and
p
-norm isotonic regression on arbitrary directed acyclic graphs.
There Was No 'First AI Winter'
Authors: Haigh Thomas
Published: November 2023

Despite challenges and failures, the artificial intelligence community grew steadily during the 1970s.
In the Quest for Scale-optimal Mappings
Authors: Garanzha Vladimir , Kaporin Igor , Kudryavtseva Liudmila , Protais Francois , Sokolov Dmitry
Published: November 2023

Optimal mapping is one of the longest-standing problems in computational mathematics. It is natural to measure the relative curve length error under map to assess its quality. The maximum of such error is called the quasi-isometry constant, and its minimization is a nontrivial max-norm optimization problem. We present a physics-based
quasi-isometric stiffening (QIS)
algorithm for the max-norm minimization of hyperelastic distortion.

QIS perfectly equidistributes distortion over the entire domain for the ground-truth test (unit hemisphere flattening) and, when it is not possible, tends to create zones where all cells have the same distortion. Such zones correspond to fragments of elastic material that became rigid under stiffening, reaching the deformation limit. As such, maps built by QIS are related to the de Boor equidistribution principle, which asks for an integral of a certain error indicator function to be the same over each mesh cell.

Under certain assumptions on the minimization toolbox, we prove that our method can build, in a finite number of steps, a deformation whose maximum distortion is arbitrarily close to the (unknown) minimum. We performed extensive testing: on more than 10,000 domains QIS was reliably better than the competing methods. In summary, we reliably build 2D and 3D mesh deformations with the smallest known distortion estimates for very stiff problems.