bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food pattern modeling to inform global guidance on complementary feeding of infants
Authors: Arimond Mary , Wiesmann Doris , Grummer‐Strawn Laurence M. , Ferguson Elaine L.
Published: December 2023

Nutrient needs are difficult to meet during infancy due to high nutrient requirements and the small quantities of food consumed. Guidelines to support food choice decisions are critical to promoting optimal infant health, growth and development and food pattern modeling can be used to inform guideline development. We employed the Optifood modeling system to determine if unfortified complementary foods could meet 13 nutrient targets for breastfed infants (6–11 months), and to describe food patterns that met, or came as close as possible to meeting targets. We also examined the impacts of eliminating food groups, increasing starchy staple foods or adding sentinel unhealthy foods. We collated a global food list from dietary studies in 37 countries and used this list to develop nutrient values for a set of 35 food subgroups. We analyzed infant dietary intakes from studies in eight countries to inform maximum quantities and frequencies of consumption for these subgroups in weekly food patterns. We found that unfortified foods could meet targets for most infants for 12 nutrients, but not for iron. For the smallest and youngest infants, with the lowest energy intakes, there were additional deficits for minerals. Best‐case food patterns that met targets or came as close as possible to meeting targets included ample amounts of diverse vegetables, diverse plant‐ and animal‐source protein foods, small amounts of whole grain foods and dairy and no refined grains or added fats or sugar. There were nutrient deficits if animal‐source foods or vegetables were eliminated or if unhealthy foods were included.
Monocular 3D object detection for construction scene analysis
Authors: Shen Jie , Jiao Lang , Zhang Cong , Peng Keran
Published: December 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) object detection, that is, localizing and classifying all critical objects in a 3D space, is essential for downstream construction scene analysis tasks. However, accurate instance segmentation, few 2D object segmentation and 3D object detection data sets, high‐quality feature representations for depth estimation, and limited 3D cues from a single red‐green‐blue (RGB) image pose significant challenges to 3D object detection and severely hinder its practical applications. In response to these challenges, an improved cascade‐based network with a transformer backbone and a boundary‐patch‐refinement method is proposed to build hierarchical features and refine object boundaries, resulting in better results in 2D object detection and instance segmentation. Furthermore, a novel self‐supervised monocular depth learning method is proposed to extract better feature representations for depth estimation from construction site video data with unknown camera parameters. Additionally, a pseudo‐LiDAR point cloud method and a 3D object detection method with a density‐based clustering algorithm are proposed to detect 3D objects in a construction scene without help from 3D labels, which will serve as a good foundation for other downstream 3D tasks. Finally, the proposed model is evaluated for object instance segmentation and depth estimation on the moving objects in construction sites (MOCS) and construction scene data sets. It brings a 9.16% gain in terms of mean average precision (mAP) for object detection and a 4.92% gain in mask mAP for object instance segmentation. The average order accuracy and relative mean error for depth estimation are improved by 0.94% and 60.56%, respectively. This study aims to overcome the challenges and limitations of 3D object detection and facilitate practical applications in construction scene analysis.
Valuing the Surplus: Perspectives on Julian Horton's Article ‘On the Musicological Necessity of Music Analysis’, Musical Quarterly, 3/i–ii, pp. 62–104.Contributors: Kofi Agawu, Gurminder K. Bhogal, Esther Cavett, Jonathan Dunsby, Julian Horton, Alexandra Monchick, Ian Pace, Henry Stobart and Simon Zagorski‐Thomas, compiled and edited by Esther Cavett
Authors: Agawu Kofi , Bhogal Gurminder Kaur , Cavett Esther , Dunsby Jonathan , Horton Julian , Monchick Alexandra , Pace Ian , Stobart Henry , Zagorski‐Thomas Simon
Published: December 2023

Julian Horton's 2020 article on the ‘necessity of analysis’ delineates previous critiques of music analysis into the performative and the historicist and counters their assumptions. He proposes that analysis remains viable in light of historical, ontological, systemic, discursive, phenomenological and political imperatives. Seven respondents critique his account from the perspectives of pedagogy, performance, traditional literacies, popular music, ethnomusicology, world music and the postcolonial. Horton responds to these responses, and Jonathan Dunsby concludes with a summary of key issues. This Critical Forum is proposed as a kaleidoscopic collection rather than a single review and raises fundamental questions about the nature of analysis within the academy, and the very purpose of musicological research.
Exploration of the effects of incarceration on the health of Latina women and their children using the life course theory
Authors: Crawford Allison D. , McGlothen‐Bell Kelly , Testa Alexander , McGrath Jacqueline M. , Cleveland Lisa
Published: December 2023

Objective

Use the Life Course Theory (LCT) to explore the effects of involvement with the justice system on the health of Latina women and their children.

Design

A supplementary analysis was conducted using data collected from the original study to answer a new research question.

Setting

South Central Texas.

Participants

A primary qualitative data set from 12 Latina women involved with the justice system.

Methods

We applied LCT principles and used thematic content analysis as such we employed categoric distinction: lifespan development, time and place in individuals’ lives, the timing of lives, human agency, and linked lives to analyze participants’ narratives.

Results

Five themes emerged that aligned with LCT principles: (1) It feels like I'm living in my own prison; (2) What do I have to live for now; (3) It is like double punishment; (4) They made my choices; and (5) People didn't really understand. Participants felt helpless with few options to overcome their prior adversities, which affected their ability to make positive future choices.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the potential, long‐term, negative health consequences that may result from incarceration. Considering that justice system involvement can lead to more profound maternal and child health disparities, our findings suggest that greater advocacy from the nursing profession would increase accessibility to equitable and respectful maternity and women's health care services.

Key points

Involvement with the justice system can result in negative health consequences for women and their children.

Maternal and child health disparities are often more profound after involvement with the justice system.

Greater advocacy is needed from the nursing profession to ensure access to equitable and respectful maternity and women's health care services.
Duration of exposure to inheritance law in India: Examining the heterogeneous effects on empowerment
Authors: Biswas Shreya , Das Upasak , Sarkhel Prasenjit
Published: December 2023

The impact of public programs involving legal protection may depend on the duration of exposure, especially in developing countries with persistent social norms. A longer duration of the program is likely to be associated with gradual positive changes in these norms that beneficiaries could leverage in their favor. However, program effects might also decay if the norms do not change with time, even several years after the legal reforms. This paper examines the heterogeneous impact of the duration of exposure to gender‐neutral reforms in the inheritance law in India on women empowerment. We use the time lag between the year of the amendment in the respective states and the year of marriage to generate exogenous variation in reform exposure among women. The findings indicate a significant non‐linear increase in empowerment because of higher exposure. The gains are more pronounced for instrumental empowerment that relates to the ability to make decisions and to a lesser extent, albeit positively for intrinsic, which pertains to expansion of agency. The impact remains significant across women from rural/urban sector or social groups. At a more disaggregated level, greater exposure led to higher mobility, higher household decision‐making ability, reduced husband controlling behavior, and lesser emotional violence.
Fourteen‐item perceived stress scale assessment using item response theory among pregnant women
Authors: Pintro Kedie , Sanchez Sixto E. , Rondon Marta B. , Gelaye Bizu
Published: December 2023

The current study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish language version of the 14‐item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐S) in a population of pregnant women who speak Spanish in Peru using item response theory (IRT). Our study consisted of 5,435 pregnant women who participated in the Pregnancy Outcomes Maternal and Infant Study (PrOMIS) cohort in Peru. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to determine dimensionality of the scale in this population, and item response theory was conducted to determine the applicability of the PSS. The PSS consisted of a 2‐factor questionnaire measuring perceived stress and coping capacity accounting for 77% of variability. The IRT analysis showed differences in item difficulty and discrimination. Item difficulty represents the level of the latent construct where 50% of respondents endorse a particular response, and item discrimination determines the rate of change of the probability of endorsing an item for differing ability levels. For the first factor, perceived stress, item 12 was the least difficult and item 2 was the most difficult. For the second factor, coping capacity, item 9 was the least difficult and item 6 was the most difficult. The Spanish version of the 14‐item PSS can be a useful assessment tool for perceived stress, but more IRT should be done to delve further into the psychometric properties of the questionnaire to inform clinicians and policy makers more appropriately.
Are different countries equally green with envy? A comparison of the everyday concept of envy in the United States, Spain, and Germany
Authors: Schweiger Gallo Inge , Görke Lucia A. , Alonso Miguel A. , Herrero López Reyes , Gollwitzer Peter M.
Published: December 2023

Using a prototype approach to emotion concepts, we mapped the internal structure and content of the everyday concept of envy (as used in the United States) and its translation equivalents of envidia in Spanish and Neid in German. In Study 1 (total N = 415), the features of the concept of envy, envidia, and Neid were generated via an open‐ended questionnaire. In Study 2 (total N = 404), participants rated the degree of typicality of the constitutive features on a forced‐choice questionnaire. The prototype analysis of envy, supplemented with network analyses, revealed that the largest connected set of features of envy, envidia, and Neid shared a group of central features, including features related to success or to people with a better appearance. Still, envy, envidia, and Neid did differ with respect to their constituent peripheral features as well as the density of their networks, their structure, and the betweenness centrality of the nodes. These results suggest that a prototype approach combined with network analysis is a convenient approach for studying the internal structure of everyday emotion concepts and the degree of overlap with respect to the translation equivalents in different countries.
Reductivism versus perspectivism versus holism: A key theme in philosophy of science, and its application to modern linguistics
Authors: Collin Finn , Durst‐Andersen Per
Published: December 2023

We use recent developments within philosophy of science and within certain strands of linguistic research to throw light on each other. According to Ronald Giere's perspectivist philosophy of science, the scientific understanding of reality must proceed along different, mutually irreducible lines of approach. Giere's proposal, however, leaves unresolved the problem of how to integrate the ever‐growing multitude of highly diverse scientific accounts of what is, after all, one and the same world. We propose a technique for the alignment of different perspectives that will permit cross‐perspectival explanation, and thus allow for a more holistic picture of reality to emerge. With respect to modern linguistics, however, Giere's perspectivism merely legalises a de facto state of affairs, as this discipline displays the peaceful coexistence of a multitude of different theoretical perspectives. Still, this makes it all the more important to show how the different aspects of language picked out by these different perspectives combine to form one single complex reality. During our investigation, a largely overlooked type of reduction within linguistics comes to light, prevalent in classical as well as current work within speech act theory and politeness theory. We suggest how a more holistic understanding of language can be attained through our technique for integrating different perspectives.
Prevalence of maternal depression and anxiety symptoms and associations with child mental health outcomes in rural Nepal
Authors: Dielemans Aila , Mahat Pashupati , Dunn Julia Alexandra , Balcke Emily , Kumar Jha Rajesh , Ghimire Smriti , Gaire Himal , Honikman Simone
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study describes the prevalence, associated factors and child mental health outcomes related to symptoms of maternal depression and anxiety within 5 years after childbirth in a rural district in Nepal. This association is not well‐understood in rural, community‐based settings in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC).

Methods

A sample of 347 women with children under 5 years was recruited in September 2019 for a cross‐sectional study in the rural Saptari district in Nepal. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between maternal depressive or anxiety symptoms and children's experience and impact of emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Results

In total, 144 women (41.5%) had moderate or severe depression symptoms and 118 (34%) had anxiety symptoms. Mothers with a lower income were more likely to have anxiety symptoms than the highest income group (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–3.0). An association existed between maternal depressive symptoms and the impact of emotional or behavioural difficulties in children (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.02–5.84). In contrast, there was no association between maternal anxiety and child outcomes.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the prevalence of probable maternal anxiety and depression symptoms was relatively high in this rural, low‐resourced and community‐based setting in Nepal. Maternal depressive symptoms were associated with the degree of impact on children's mental health post‐infancy, emphasising the importance of improving maternal mental health in the early years of a child's life.
On finite d$d$‐maximal groups
Authors: Lucchini Andrea , Sabatini Luca , Stanojkovski Mima
Published: December 2023

Let be a positive integer. A finite group is called ‐maximal if it can be generated by precisely elements, whereas its proper subgroups have smaller generating sets. For , the ‐maximal groups have been classified up to isomorphism and only partial results have been proved for larger . In this work, we prove that a ‐maximal group is supersolvable and we give a characterisation of ‐maximality in terms of so‐called maximal ‐pairs. Moreover, we classify the maximal ‐pairs of small rank obtaining, as a consequence, the classification of the isomorphism classes of 3‐maximal finite groups.
Drivers, hitting times, and weldings in Loewner's equation
Authors: Margarint Vlad , Mesikepp Tim
Published: December 2023

In addition to conformal weldings , simple curves growing in the upper half plane generate driving functions and hitting times through Loewner's differential equation. While the Loewner transform and its inverse have been carefully examined, less attention has been paid to the maps . We study the continuity properties of these latter transformations and show that uniform driver convergence implies uniform hitting time convergence and uniform welding convergence, even when the corresponding curves do not converge. Welding convergence implies neither hitting time nor driver convergence, while hitting time convergence implies driver convergence in (at least) the case of constant drivers. As an application, we show that a curve of finite Loewner energy can be well approximated by an energy minimizer that matches ’s welding on a sufficiently‐fine mesh.
A unified approach to higher order discrete and smooth isoperimetric inequalities
Authors: Kwong Kwok‐Kun
Published: December 2023

We present a unified approach to derive sharp isoperimetric‐type inequalities of arbitrary high order. In particular, we obtain (i) sharp high‐order discrete polygonal isoperimetric‐type inequalities, (ii) sharp high‐order isoperimetric‐type inequalities for smooth curves with both upper and lower bounds for the isoperimetric deficit, and (iii) sharp higher order Chernoff‐type inequalities involving a generalized width function and higher order locus of curvature centers. Our approach involves obtaining higher order discrete or smooth Wirtinger inequalities via Fourier analysis, by examining a family of linear operators. The key to our approach is identifying the appropriate linear operator and translating the analytic inequalities into geometric ones.
High-Gain-Observer-Based Predictive Output Feedback for Nonlinear Systems With Large Input-Delays
Authors: Lei Jing
Published: December 2023

The predictor feedback has been demonstrated to be quite effective in large delay compensation. However, few researches in the field of predictor feedback for large delays focused on output feedback control (OFC). This paper develops the previous work to design high-gain-observer-based predictive output feedback for nonlinear systems with large delays. Two methods are employed for large delay compensation: the backstepping-based partial differential equation (PDE) method and the reduction-based ordinary differential equation (ODE) method. It appears that, for continuous-time control, the first method leads to simpler linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions and deal with larger delays, whereas the second method is easily exploited for sampled-data implementation under continuous-time measurement. Lyapunov–Krasovskii method is presented to guarantee the exponential stability of the nonlinear systems under predictor-based controllers. Through a simulation example of pendulum, the proposed methods are demonstrated to be efficient when the input delays are too large for the system to be stabilized without a predictor.
Optimal Control of Mechanical Systems Based on Path-Fitted Variational Integrators
Authors: Kong Xinlei , Yu Shiyu , Wu Huibin
Published: December 2023

In view of the crucial importance of optimal control in many application areas and the improved performance of path-fitted variational integrators, the paper links these two aspects and presents a methodology to find optimal control policies for mechanical systems. The main process of the methodology is employing path-fitted variational integrators to discretize the forced mechanical equations and further take the obtained discrete equations as equality constraints for the final optimization problem. Simultaneously, the discretization also provides a reasonable way to approximate the objective function and incorporate the boundary conditions. With the transformation of optimal control problems into nonlinear optimization problems, all the benefits of path-fitted variational integrators are inherited by the presented methodology, mainly expressed in giving more faithful optimizations and thus more accurate solutions, providing a greater possibility of global optimality, as well as conserving computed control efforts. These superiorities, verified by the optimal control of an overhead crane, indicate that the methodology has high potential application in industrial control field.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in samples of Ryugu formed in the interstellar medium
Authors: Zeichner Sarah S. , Aponte José C. , Bhattacharjee Surjyendu , Dong Guannan , Hofmann Amy E. , Dworkin Jason P. , Glavin Daniel P. , Elsila Jamie E. , Graham Heather V. , Naraoka Hiroshi , Takano Yoshinori , Tachibana Shogo , Karp Allison T. , Grice Kliti , Holman Alex I. , Freeman Katherine H. , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Nakamura Tomoki , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Yabuta Hikaru , Sakamoto Kanako , Yada Toru , Nishimura Masahiro , Nakato Aiko , Miyazaki Akiko , Yogata Kasumi , Abe Masanao , Okada Tatsuaki , Usui Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Saiki Takanao , Tanaka Satoshi , Terui Fuyuto , Nakazawa Satoru , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi , Hamase Kenji , Fukushima Kazuhiko , Aoki Dan , Hashiguchi Minako , Mita Hajime , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Ogawa Nanako O. , Sakai Saburo , Parker Eric T. , McLain Hannah L. , Orthous-Daunay Francois-Regis , Vuitton Véronique , Wolters Cédric , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Hertkorn Norbert , Thissen Roland , Ruf Alexander , Isa Junko , Oba Yasuhiro , Koga Toshiki , Yoshimura Toshihiro , Araoka Daisuke , Sugahara Haruna , Furusho Aogu , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Aoki Junken , Kano Kuniyuki , Nomura Shin-ichiro M. , Sasaki Kazunori , Sato Hajime , Yoshikawa Takaaki , Tanaka Satoru , Morita Mayu , Onose Morihiko , Kabashima Fumie , Fujishima Kosuke , Yamazaki Tomoya , Kimura Yuki , Eiler John M.
Published: December 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contain ≲20% of the carbon in the interstellar medium. They are potentially produced in circumstellar environments (at temperatures ≳1000 kelvin), by (~10 kelvin) interstellar clouds, or by processing of carbon-rich dust grains. We report isotopic properties of PAHs extracted from samples of the asteroid Ryugu and the meteorite Murchison. The doubly-
13
C substituted compositions (Δ2×
13
C values) of the PAHs naphthalene, fluoranthene, and pyrene are 9 to 51‰ higher than values expected for a stochastic distribution of isotopes. The Δ2×
13
C values are higher than expected if the PAHs formed in a circumstellar environment, but consistent with formation in the interstellar medium. By contrast, the PAHs phenanthrene and anthracene in Ryugu samples have Δ2×
13
C values consistent with formation by higher-temperature reactions.
Biomimetic, knittable aerogel fiber for thermal insulation textile
Authors: Wu Mingrui , Shao Ziyu , Zhao Nifang , Zhang Rongzhen , Yuan Guodong , Tian Lulu , Zhang Zibei , Gao Weiwei , Bai Hao
Published: December 2023

Aerogels have been considered as an ideal material for thermal insulation. Unfortunately, their application in textiles is greatly limited by their fragility and poor processability. We overcame these issues by encapsulating the aerogel fiber with a stretchable layer, mimicking the core-shell structure of polar bear hair. Despite its high internal porosity over 90%, our fiber is stretchable up to 1000% strain, which is greatly improved compared with that of traditional aerogel fibers (~2% strain). In addition to its washability and dyeability, our fiber is mechanically robust, retaining its stable thermal insulation property after 10,000 stretching cycles (100% strain). A sweater knitted with our fiber was only one-fifth as thick as down, with similar performance. Our strategy for this fiber provides rich possibilities for developing multifunctional aerogel fibers and textiles.
AI is transforming how science is done. Science education must reflect this change.
Authors: Erduran Sibel
Published: December 2023

There is growing interest in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in
science education
. Many issues and questions raised about the role of AI in science education target primarily science learning objectives. They relate to AI’s capacity to generate tools for teaching, learning, and assessment, as well as the
advantages and disadvantages of using such tools
. But another important discussion receiving far too little attention in science education concerns how AI is transforming the nature of science (NOS) itself and what such transformation implies for the education of young children. For education, it is critical to ask what AI-informed NOS is, what skills it demands of learners, and how schools can aim to achieve them.
Evaluation of PhenoMATRIX and PhenoMATRIX PLUS for the screening of MRSA from nasal and inguinal/perineal swabs using chromogenic media
Authors: Cherkaoui Abdessalam , Renzi Gesuele , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the clinical performances of PhenoMATRIX and PhenoMATRIX PLUS for the screening of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) from nasal and inguinal/perineal ESwabs using chromogenic media. The automated performances were compared to the manual reading. Additionally, we evaluated PhenoMATRIX PLUS for the automatic release of the negative results to the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and the automatic discharge of the negative plates from the incubators. A total of 6,771 non-duplicate specimens were used by PhenoMATRIX as a machine learning model. The validation of these settings was performed on 17,223 non-duplicate specimens. The MRSA positivity rate was 5% (866/17,223). Validated settings were then used by PhenoMATRIX PLUS on another 1,409 non-duplicate specimens. The sensitivities of PhenoMATRIX and PhenoMATRIX PLUS were 99.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 99.2%–99.9%] and 100% (95% CI, 92.1%–100%), respectively. The specificities of PhenoMATRIX and PhenoMATRIX PLUS were 99.1% (95% CI, 99.0%–99.2%) and 95.2% (95% CI, 93.8%–96.1%), respectively. All the 1,297 MRSA-negative specimens analyzed by PhenoMATRIX PLUS were automatically released and sent to the LIS immediately after availability of the culture image on the WASPLab (100% accuracy). All negative media plates were automatically discarded. PhenoMATRIX PLUS decreases the time spent by technologists on negative plates and ensures optimal usage of the incubators' capacity.
Supplemental Material: Methane-carbon budget of a ferruginous meromictic lake and implications for marine methane dynamics on early Earth
Authors: Akam Sajjad Abdullajint , Chuang Pei-Chuan , al. et
Published: December 2023

Additional information on lake setting, water chemistry measurements, organic carbon loading calculation, sediment coring, age dating, mass accumulation rates, reaction transport model description, δ13C and C:N compositions for organic carbon source identification, oxidation state of iron in sediments, methane storage comparison with lakes of similar size, and overall carbon cycling schematic.  
Supplemental Material: From dome to duplex: Convergent gravitational collapse explains coeval intracratonic doming and nappe tectonics, central Australia
Authors: Ibrahim Youseph , al. et
Published: December 2023

Additional field photographs, structural data, geochronology methodology and results, and additional information on the numerical modeling setup 
Supplemental Material: Travertine records climate-induced transformations of the Yellowstone hydrothermal system from the late Pleistocene to the present
Authors: Harrison Lauren N. , et al.
Published: December 2023

Field photos of all travertine deposits described in this manuscript and a geologic map of Terrace Spring.
Felbamate urolithiasis
Authors: Bergelson Ilana , Walker Chance , Frank Elizabeth L , Steinberg Ryan
Published: December 2023

Drug-induced nephrolithiasis is an important consideration in recurrent stone formers with polypharmacy. While felbamate nephrolithiasis has previously been published in the paediatric population, we present the oldest published case of a felbamate stone in an adult, a man in his 30s with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Even with moderate dosing, high drug serum levels can occur. Performing at least one stone analysis remains a critical component to care in these patients. Urologists should have a high index of suspicion for drug stone when stone analysis returns indeterminate characterisation in the absence of infection. Close communication with neurology is key to preventing recurrent stone disease.
Surgical admission secondary to perigastric appendagitis: an uncommon cause of acute epigastric pain
Authors: Ireland Max Edward , O’Brien Matthew , May Denzil , Shetty Dushyant
Published: December 2023

A patient in her late 20s presented with severe epigastric pain. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed to exclude an upper gastrointestinal perforation. This showed findings of perigastric appendagitis. This is a rare cause of severe upper abdominal pain. The patient was treated with oral and intravenous analgesia medication and discharged the next day. No surgical intervention was required.
Predictors of parenchymal hematoma and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large ischemic core due to large vessel occlusion: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Alexandre Andrea M , Scarcia Luca , Brunetti Valerio , Scala Irene , Kalsoum Erwah , Valente Iacopo , Camilli Arianna , De Leoni Davide , Colò Francesca , Frisullo Giovanni , Piano Mariangela , Rollo Claudia , Macera Antonio , Ruggiero Maria , Lafe Elvis , Gabrieli Joseph D , Cester Giacomo , Limbucci Nicola , Arba Francesco , Ferretti Simone , Da Ros Valerio , Bellini Luigi , Salsano Giancarlo , Mavilio Nicola , Russo Riccardo , Bergui Mauro , Caragliano Antonio A , Vinci Sergio L , Romano Daniele G , Frauenfelder Giulia , Semeraro Vittorio , Ganimede Maria P , Lozupone Emilio , Romi Andrea , Cavallini Anna , Milonia Luca , Muto Massimo , Giordano Flavio , Cirillo Luigi , Calabresi Paolo , Pedicelli Alessandro , Broccolini Aldobrando
Published: December 2023

Background

The aim of our study was to find predictors of parenchymal hematoma (PH) and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and baseline large infarct.

Methods

The databases of 16 stroke centers were retrospectively screened for patients with anterior circulation LVO and baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≤5 that received MT. Procedural parameters, including the number of passes during first and second technique of MT, were recorded. Outcome measures were occurrence of PH type 2 and any type of PH after MT, and the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–3 and 0–2.

Results

In total, 408 patients were available for analysis. A higher number of passes in the second technique was predictive of PH type 2 (odds ratio (OR) - 3.204, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.140 to 9.005), whereas procedure conducted under general anesthesia was associated with lower risk (OR 0.127, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.808). The modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2c-3 was associated with the mRS score 0–3 (OR 3.373, 95% CI 1.891 to 6.017), whereas occurrence of PH type 2 was predictive of unfavorable outcome (OR 0.221, 95% CI 0.063 to 0.773). Similar results were found for the mRS score 0–2 outcome measure.

Conclusion

In patients with large ischemic core, a higher number of passes during MT and procedure not conducted under general anesthesia are associated with increased rate of PH type 2, that negatively impact the clinical outcome. Our data outline a delicate balance between the need of a complete recanalization and the risk of PH following MT.
Type 17-specific immune pathways are active in early spondyloarthritis
Authors: Hughes Catherine D , Ryan Sarah E , Steel Kathryn J A , van den Beukel Michelle D , Trouw L A , van Schie Karin A J , Toes René E M , Menon Bina , Kirkham Bruce W , Taams Leonie S
Published: December 2023

Objective

Undifferentiated, early inflammatory arthritis (EIA) can differentiate into seropositive or seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA), peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) or remain as seronegative undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (UIA). Little is known about immune pathways active in the early stages of SpA and seronegative UIA, in contrast to detailed knowledge of seropositive RA. The aim of this study was to examine if specific immune pathways were active in synovial CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in EIA.

Methods

Synovial fluid (SF) samples from 30 patients with EIA were analysed for expression of IL-17A, IFNγ and TNFα in CD8+ or CD4+ T cells. Final clinical diagnoses were made at least 12 months after sample collection, by two independent clinicians blind to the study data.

Results

Flow cytometry analysis of all EIA samples indicated considerable variation in synovial IL-17A+CD8+ T cells (Tc17) cell frequencies between patients. The group with a final diagnosis of SpA (psoriatic arthritis or peripheral SpA, n=14) showed a significant enrichment in the percentage of synovial Tc17 cells compared with the group later diagnosed with seronegative UIA (n=10). The small number of patients later diagnosed with seropositive RA (n=6) patients had few Tc17 cells, similar to our previous findings in established disease. In contrast, RA SF contained a significantly higher percentage of CD8+IFNγ+ T cells compared with SpA or seronegative UIA.

Conclusion

These results suggest that adaptive T cell cytokine pathways differ not only between RA and SpA but also seronegative UIA early in the disease process, with a particular activation of Tc17 pathways in early SpA.
Impact of disease outcomes on the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Health Index (ASAS HI): a Bayesian network analysis of the DESIR cohort
Authors: Redeker Imke , Landewé Robert , van der Heijde Désirée , Ramiro Sofia , Boonen Annelies , Dougados Maxime , Braun Jürgen , Kiltz Uta
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to build a structural model visualising and quantifying the interrelationships of different disease outcomes with the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Health Index (ASAS HI) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

Cross-sectional data collected at month 72 of the Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifferénciées Récentes cohort was analysed. Combining prior knowledge and observed data, probabilistic Bayesian network modelling was used to study how the interplay of different disease outcomes affects the ASAS HI, which measures disease-specific overall functioning and health. Disease outcomes comprised, among others, the Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and the Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI).

Results

Data of 384 patients were analysed. The obtained structure suggests that ASAS HI is determined by both patient-reported physical function (BASFI) and disease activity (ASDAS). The parameters of the structural model show that an increase of ASDAS or BASFI by 1 unit corresponds to an increase of ASAS HI by 0.70 or 1.25 units, respectively. Moreover, the model suggests that disease activity has an indirect impact on ASAS HI via BASFI. No relationship between spinal mobility or structural damage and ASAS HI was found.

Conclusions

This is the first structural model developed to better understand the construct and the interplay between clinically relevant outcomes related to ASAS HI in axSpA patients. It shows that disease activity and physical function have a strong impact on ASAS HI, confirming it to be a valid construct of overall functioning and health in axSpA patients.
The s process in massive stars, a benchmark for neutron capture reaction rates
Authors: Pignatari Marco , Gallino Roberto , Reifarth Rene
Published: December 2023

A clear definition of the contribution from the slow neutron-capture process (s process) to the solar abundances between Fe and the Sr-Zr region is a crucial challenge for nuclear astrophysics. Robust s-process predictions are necessary to disentangle the contribution from other stellar processes producing elements in the same mass region. Nuclear uncertainties are affecting s-process calculations, but most of the needed nuclear input are accessible to present nuclear experiments or they will be in the near future. Neutron-capture rates have a great impact on the s process in massive stars, which is a fundamental source for the solar abundances of the lighter s-process elements heavier than Fe (weak s-process component). In this work we present a new nuclear sensitivity study to explore the impact on the s process in massive stars of 86 neutron-capture rates, including all the reactions between C and Si and between Fe and Zr. We derive the impact of the rates at the end of the He-burning core and at the end of the C-burning shell, where the $$^{22}$$

22

Ne($$\alpha $$
α
,n)$$^{25}$$

25

Mg reaction is is the main neutron source. We confirm the relevance of the light isotopes capturing neutrons in competition with the Fe seeds as a crucial feature of the s process in massive stars. For heavy isotopes we study the propagation of the neutron-capture uncertainties, finding a clear difference of the impact of Fe and Co isotope rates with respect to the rates of heavier stable isotopes. The local uncertainty propagation due to the neutron-capture rates at the s-process branching points is also considered, discussing the example of $$^{85}$$

85

Kr. The complete results of our study for all the 86 neutron-capture rates are available online. Finally, we present the impact on the weak s process of the neutron-capture rates included in the new ASTRAL library (v0.2).
Flexible Robust Control Strategy for Synchronization of Uncertain Non-Linear Systems with Control Input Non-Linearity
Authors: Mawamba Vannick Fopa , Kammogne Alain Soup Tewa , Kengne Jacques , Siewe Martin Siewe
Published: December 2023

A robust global fuzzy sliding mode controller is designed in this paper for the synchronization of non-linear systems with control input non-linearities (CIN) and uncertainties. A consistent global fuzzy sliding mode control (GFSMC) law is developed, which guarantees the suppression of the reaching phase and the presence of the sliding phase from the initial time. Chattering phenomenon, which is characteristic of customary sliding mode control (SMC), avoided by the on-line fuzzy regulation of the sliding surface in the controller, when the system is subject to disturbances and CIN. Finite-time boundedness (FTB) properties are designed with adequate conditions, which are entrenched in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) with the help of cost and Lyapunov functions. Numerical simulations for the synchronization problem of the chaotic modified Colpitt’s system and Duffing system clearly show the good performance of the proposed control scheme. The present work provides a regular procedure to design GFSMC for a class of non-linear systems with CIN.
A Blockchain Architecture to Increase the Resilience of Industrial Control Systems from the Effects of a Ransomware Attack: A Proposal and Initial Results
Authors: Kirkman Stephen S. , Fulton Steven , Hemmes Jeffrey , Garcia Christopher , Wilson Justin C.
Published: December 2023

The motivation of this research (and also one of the nation’s cyber goals) is enhancing the resilience of Industrial Control Systems (ICS)/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems against ransomware attacks. ICS and SCADA systems run some of the most important networks in the country: our critical infrastructure (i.e., water flow, power grids, etc.). Disruption of these systems causes confusion, panic, and in some cases loss of life. We propose a SCADA architecture that uses blockchain to help protect ICS data from ransomware. We focus on the historian. In a SCADA system, the historian collects events from devices in the control network for real-time and future analysis. We choose to use Ethereum and its Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus protocol. The other goal of this research focuses on the resilience of blockchain. There is very little research in protecting the blockchain itself. By performing encryption testing on an Ethereum private network, we explore how vulnerable blockchain is and discuss potential ways to make a blockchain client more resilient.
Application of Asymptotic Analysis of a High-Dimensional HJB Equation to Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Hu Lei
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider a portfolio optimization problem where the wealth consists of investing into a risky asset with a slow mean-reverting volatility and receiving an uncontrollable stochastic cash flow under the exponential utility. The Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation formulated from the optimal investment problem is a high-dimensional nonlinear partial differential equation and difficult to find its analytical or numerical solutions. The paper provides a tractable asymptotic approach which treats the initial problem as a perturbation around the constant volatility problem. In this paper, we present a formal derivation of asymptotic approximation and prove the accuracy of the value function. Moreover, an illustrative example is provided to assess our approximate strategy and value function.
Effects of Different Aquafeed Sources on Growth Performance, Oxidative Capacity, and Fatty Acid Profile of Three Carps Reared in the Semi-Intensive Composite Culture System
Authors: Zulfiqar Talha , Sarwar Muhammad Sajjad , Chaudhry Abdul Shakoor , Hafeez-ur-Rehman Muhammad , El Basuini Mohammed F. , Khalil Hala Saber
Published: December 2023

The current experiment is designed to evaluate the effect of different aquafeeds (farm-made versus commercial) on growth, body composition, oxidative capacity, and fatty acid profile in the semi-intensive composite culture system. For this, 1,100 fingerlings/acre having initial body weight and length, Labeo rohita (61.34 g, 171 mm), Catla catla (71.45 g, 181 mm), and Cyprinus carpio (30.80 g, 91 mm) were randomly distributed to 16 ponds and randomly fed on eight different diets (n = 2 pond/diet) in a completely randomized research design. Aquafeed were farm-based diets (D1–D2) and commercial aquafeed (D3–D8). The farm-made diets contained various crude protein levels of maize gluten (24.9%) and rice polish (7.3%), whereas commercial diets were procured from commercial feed plants (AMG, Supreme, Aqua, Star Floating, Hi-Pro, and Punjab feed). The growth performance of carps (L. rohita and C. catla) was significantly improved (p<0.05) by feeding D3 as compared to other diets. Similarly, white blood cell concentration was greater (p<0.05) in all species fed by D3 than in those fed on D7, D8, D5, D6, D1, and D2 fed groups, respectively. Alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine phosphatase activities were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the D3-fed L. rohita, C. catla, and C. carpio compared with those fed on the rest of the treatments. The activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were also higher (p<0.05) for the D3 fed L. rohita, C. catla, and C. carpio than those fed on the rest diets. The groups fed on D3 and D4 had greater (p<0.05) concentrations of myristic (14), palmitic acid (16), and stearic (18) acids than those fed on the rest of the commercial diets. However, meat chemical composition was similar (p>0.05) across the treatments. These results also prove that the increase in the dietary protein level and lipid content can improve the fish’s body’s crude protein and fat levels. Feeding D3 improved the production performance, oxidative status, and fatty acid profile in composite major carps culture systems. Thus, based on growth, survival, and body composition, it is concluded that D3 and D4 may be recommended for a commercial culture of major carps. Dietary treatments had no significant impact (p>0.05) on water’s physical–chemical properties. Calcium content and alkalinity varied (p<0.05), with D5 showing the lowest calcium and the highest alkalinity.
The Combined Effect of Nanoclay Powder and Curing Time on the Properties of Class G Cement
Authors: Ahmed Abdulmalek , Mahmoud Ahmed Abdulhamid , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: December 2023

When the cement paste is subjected to stresses, the cement matrix and its characteristics are dramatically influenced, especially in the early ages of cement hydration when the cement properties have not yet settled. Nanoclay, which is made up of very small particles, was used to improve the properties of cement. In this study, the early-age performance of cement made with nanoclay powder for use in oil wells is assessed. Ten cement samples were made and cured at varying times (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours), wherein 1% by weight of cement of nanoclay was used in five samples, and in the other five samples, there was no nanoclay present in the cement. Failure properties, petrophysical parameters, and elastic properties were studied for all the cement samples. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were all used to describe the cement samples and determine how different curing times affected the cement’s mineralogical and microstructural features. The results displayed that compressive and tensile strengths were shown to increase with curing time for both the base (control) and nanoclay cement samples; however, the compressive and tensile strengths of the nanoclay cement samples were found to be greater than the base sample by 20.2% and 17.9%, respectively. This is due to the presence of more calcium silicate hydrate in these samples. Nanoclay cement had 76.9% lower permeability than control cement, which can be related to the capacity of the nanoclay particles to fill the microstructure dominating the base samples as curing time increased. Young’s modulus of the cement was lowered by 1.8%, while Poisson’s ratio was increased by 2.7% when nanoclay was incorporated. Nanoclay cement has a 29.2% smaller porosity than regular cement, and this porosity increases as the cement cures. The novelty of this work is that several properties of the class G cement were evaluated at the early stage of hydration, where the nanoclay particles were used to improve these properties.
Treatment Resistance to TNF‐α Inhibitors in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Gholami Amirmansoor , Vafaeian Ahmad , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Etesami Ifa , Balighi Kamran , Jan Delnavaz , Salehi Farid Ali , Vafaei Ali , Mahmoudi Hamidreza
Published: December 2023

Background. Treatment resistance to biologic treatment at specific sites in the body is a challenging issue. However, there is insufficient evidence for factors affecting the resistance of these areas to biological therapies. Methods. In this study, patients with moderate‐to‐severetreatment‐resistant psoriasis who were biologic naïve and referred to Razi hospital were included. The relationship between treatment resistance in different areas and demographic and clinical variables was investigated. Results. A total of 131 biologic‐naïve patients with psoriasis treated with anti‐TNF‐α were included in this study. The most common resistant sites included the scalp, anterior lower legs, and elbows. Also, hand‐ and toe‐nail involvements were considerable. BMI, gender, smoking, PASI score, the duration of the disease, the time distance between diagnosis and treatment, and treatment regiments were found to affect the incidence of resistance to treatment in multiple areas, while age, the incidence of recalcitrant disease and/or psoriatic arthritis, and the duration of current treatment did not have effects. Conclusion. The most common refractory sites were the scalp, anterior lower legs, and elbows. This study should be followed up with larger samples containing a variety of biological treatments in order to evaluate the results.