bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epistaxis Versus Nonepistaxis Bleeding in Anticoagulated Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48 Trial
Authors: Semco Robert S. , Bergmark Regan W. , Murphy Sabina A. , Cange Abby L. , Unverdorben Martin , Chen Cathy Z. L. , Ruff Christian T. , Antman Elliott M. , Giugliano Robert P. , Bergmark Brian A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Epistaxis is common with antithrombotic therapy and is often troublesome to patients, yet its frequency, severity, and outcomes are poorly characterized.

Methods and Results

Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 48 (ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48) randomized 21 105 patients with atrial fibrillation and CHADS2 risk score ≥2 to higher‐dose edoxaban regimen (60 mg daily, dose‐reduced to 30 mg), lower‐dose edoxaban regimen (30 mg, dose reduced to 15 mg, daily), or warfarin. Bleeds were adjudicated using International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria. Patients with intracranial hemorrhage during follow‐up were excluded; those with >1 bleeding event were categorized according to their most severe event. The safety cohort with interval censoring during drug interruption was analyzed. Proportions were compared using Pearson's chi‐square test and treatment arms were compared using a Cox proportional hazards model. Among 5247 patients with a bleeding event, 1008 (19.2%) had epistaxis and 4239 (80.8%) had nonepistaxis bleeding. Epistaxis events were less severe than nonepistaxis bleeds (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis major: 3.2% versus 20.7%; clinically relevant nonmajor: 64.7% versus 60.1%; minor: 32.1% versus 19.2%;
P
<0.001). Permanent drug discontinuation was similar following epistaxis versus nonepistaxis bleeding in patients with major (59.4% versus 53.6%;
P
=0.52) or clinically relevant nonmajor (32.5% versus 33.3%;
P
=0.70) bleeding but was significantly higher in patients with minor epistaxis versus other minor bleeds (33.3% versus 23.9%;
P
=0.001). Compared with warfarin, higher‐dose edoxaban regimen had similar risk of epistaxis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09 [95% CI, 0.95–1.26]), whereas lower‐dose edoxaban regimen conferred reduced risk (HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.62–0.86]).

Conclusions

Epistaxis was frequent, and despite being overall less severe than nonepistaxis bleeding, was associated with similar rates of anticoagulant discontinuation. Compared with warfarin, lower‐dose edoxaban regimen reduced the risk of epistaxis by 27% whereas higher‐dose edoxaban regimen had no effect.

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier:
NCT00781391
.
Excessive Supraventricular Ectopic Activity in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Is Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Detection Within 24 Months After Stroke: A Predefined Analysis of the MonDAFIS Study
Authors: Haeusler Karl Georg , Tütüncü Serdar , Fiessler Cornelia , Jawad‐Ul‐Qamar Muhammad , Kunze Claudia , Schurig Johannes , Dietzel Joanna , Krämer Michael , Petzold Gabor C. , Royl Georg , Helberg Torsten , Thomalla Götz , Nabavi Darius G. , Röther Joachim , Laufs Ulrich , Veltkamp Roland , Heuschmann Peter U. , Kirchhof Paulus , Olma Manuel C. , Endres Matthias
Published: January 2025

Background

Excessive supraventricular ectopic activity (ESVEA) is regarded as a risk marker for later atrial fibrillation (AF) detection.

Methods and Results

The investigator‐initiated, prospective, open, multicenter MonDAFIS (Impact of Standardized Monitoring for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Ischemic Stroke) study randomized 3465 patients with acute ischemic stroke without known AF 1:1 to usual diagnostic procedures for AF detection or additive Holter monitoring in hospital for up to 7 days, analyzed in a core laboratory. Secondary study objectives include the comparison of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, and all‐cause death within 24 months in patients with ESVEA (defined as ectopic supraventricular beats ≥480/day or atrial runs of 10–29 seconds or both) versus patients with newly diagnosed AF versus patients without ESVEA or AF (non‐ESVEA/AF), randomized to the intervention group. Overall, 1435 (84.8%) of 1714 patients randomized to the intervention group had analyzable study ECG monitoring of at least 48 hours' duration within the first 72 hours of monitoring. ESVEA was detected in 363 (25.3%) patients, while AF was first detected in 48 (3.3%) patients. Within 24 months, AF was newly detected in 67 (18.5%) patients with ESVEA versus 60 (5.9%) patients without ESVEA/AF‐ (
P
<0.001). The composite outcome at 24 months was not different between patients with ESVEA and patients without ESVEA/AF (15.2% versus 12.6%;
P
=0.242). All‐cause death was numerically higher in patients with ESVEA (6.6% versus 3.2%), but failed statistical significance (
P
=0.433) in multivariate analysis (including age, heart failure, stroke severity, and creatinine at baseline).

Conclusions

ESVEA in the acute phase of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack is associated with AF detection during follow‐up and therefore may be used to select patients for prolonged ECG monitoring.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02204267.
Sex Differences in the Association Between Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy and Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The ACCORD Study
Authors: Zhou Ziwei , Huang Yiquan , Zhuang Xiaodong , Guo Yue , Xie Peihan , Xiong Zhenyu , Liu Menghui , Zhang Wenjing , Zhong Junqi , Li Yi , Liao Xinxue
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a severe complication of type 2 diabetes. Significant sex‐related differences have been observed in type 2 diabetes consequences such as mortality. However, the effect of sex on the association between CAN and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes is currently unknown.

Methods and Results

We assessed 7866 participants in the ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) trial, including 4730 men and 3136 women. CAN was diagnosed using a combination of heart rate variability and QT interval index, which has 3 different definitions. There were 1364 cases of all‐cause mortality and 452 cases of cardiovascular disease mortality during a median follow‐up of 9.7 years. We used multivariable Cox regression models to assess the association between different CAN definitions and mortality. In women, various CAN measures were statistically significant associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (CAN1: hazard ratio [HR], 1.64 [95% CI, 1.28–2.09]; CAN2: HR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.17–2.15]; CAN3: HR, 1.78 [95% CI, 1.20–2.65]) and mortality (CAN1: HR, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.44–3.52]; CAN 2: HR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.28–3.87]; CAN3: HR, 3.31 [95% CI, 1.67–6.57]). CAN was not significantly associated with mortality in men. A significant multiplicative interaction of CAN and sex was observed on both mortality outcomes (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions

Significant sex‐related differences were observed in CAN and its associated mortality. In terms of mortality risk prevention, CAN should be given greater consideration in women with type 2 diabetes.
Representation of Women in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Randomized Controlled Trials: Systematic Review
Authors: Khaing Eh , Aroudaky Ahmad , Dircks Danielle , Almerstani Muaaz , Alziadin Nmair , Frankel Samuel , Hollenberg Benjamin , Limsiri Pattarawan , Schleifer William , Easley Arthur , Tsai Shane , Anderson Daniel , Windle John , Khan Faris , Haynatzki Gleb , Peeraphatdit Thoetchai , Goyal Neha , Dunbar Matos Christina L. , Naksuk Niyada
Published: January 2025

Background

Sex inequality in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to cardiovascular disease has been observed. This study examined the proportion of women enrolled in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation RCTs and the potential risks of underrepresentation of women.

Methods and Results

We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for AF ablation RCTs published from 2015 to 2022. Participant characteristics were compared among trials with higher and lower proportions of women. Of 147 AF ablation RCTs (30,055 participants), only 10 trials had enrolled women ≥50% of the total participants. Additionally, 42 trials (28.57%) excluded pregnant/breastfeeding women; 6 (4.1%) excluded reproductive‐age women without reliable birth control. The proportion of women in AF RCTs ranged from 9% to 71% (median 31.5%), whereas the median proportion of men was 67.7%. The rate of women included in the trials was stable from 2015 to 2022 (
P
=0.49). Study characteristics, including funding source, showed no correlation with the rate of inclusion of women. RCTs with a higher proportion of female participants enrolled older patients with AF, had a higher prevalence of hypertension but less persistent AF, and smaller left atrium size (
P
<0.05 for all). Biological sex was evaluated as a risk factor or in a subgroup analysis in 28 RCTs; 10.7% of these trials observed the implication of sex on their results.

Conclusion

Women were underrepresented in contemporary AF ablation RCTs. Additionally, women enrolled in AF RCTs were likely to have more comorbidities but less advanced AF, limiting the applicability of the results to women with AF.
Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients Without Cardiogenic Shock Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Miller P. Elliott , Gordon Aliza S. , Liu Ying , Ahmad Tariq , Bromfield Samantha G. , Girotra Saket , Davila Carlos D. , Crawford Geoffrey , Whitney John , Desai Nihar R.
Published: January 2025

Background

The use of mechanical circulatory support devices for high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has increased over the past decade despite limited data of benefit. We sought to examine the association between intravascular microaxial left ventricular assist device (LVAD) versus intra‐aortic balloon pump use in patients without cardiogenic shock (CS) undergoing PCI.

Methods and Results

This retrospective study analyzed claims data from a large, insured population who underwent PCI without CS from April 1, 2016 to July 31, 2022. Using inverse probability treatment weighting, we assessed for the association between device type and clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included stroke, bleeding, incident dialysis, repeat revascularization, and total health care costs during the index admission and at 30 days. We identified 2879 patients without CS who underwent PCI with either an intra‐aortic balloon pump or microaxial LVAD. The mean±SD age was 68.2±12.5 years, and 27% (n=764) were women. After propensity weighting, intravascular LVAD use was not associated with a significant difference in either in‐hospital (odds ratio [OR] 1.30 [95% CI, 0.88–1.91];
P
=0.19) or 30‐day mortality (OR, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.84–1.69];
P
=0.33) compared with intra‐aortic balloon pump use. Compared with those receiving an intra‐aortic balloon pump, the mean total costs for the index admission ($96 716 versus $71 892;
P
<0.001) and at 30 days (+$16 671 [95% CI, $6639–$28 103];
P
=0.001) were significantly higher in those receiving an intravascular LVAD. There was no significant association between device type and stroke, bleeding, incident dialysis, and repeat revascularization at any time point (all
P
>0.05).

Conclusions

In patients without CS undergoing PCI, intravascular LVAD use was associated with higher costs but not associated with lower mortality. Randomized data are needed to improve device selection for patients without CS undergoing PCI.
Differentiation of Related Events in Hippocampus Supports Memory Reinstatement in Development
Authors: Varga Nicole L. , Roome Hannah E. , Molitor Robert J. , Martinez Lucia , Hipskind Elizabeth M. , Mack Michael L. , Preston Alison R. , Schlichting Margaret L.
Published: January 2025

Adults are capable of either differentiating or integrating similar events in memory based on which representations are optimal for a given situation. Yet how children represent related memories remains unknown. Here, children (7–10 years old) and adults formed memories for separate yet overlapping events. We then measured how successfully remembered events were represented and reinstated using fMRI. We found that children formed differentiated representations in the hippocampus—such that related events were stored as less similar to one another compared with unrelated events. Conversely, adults formed integrated representations, wherein related events were stored as more similar, including in medial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, hippocampal differentiation among children and medial prefrontal cortex integration among adults tracked neocortical reinstatement of the specific features associated with the individual events. Together, these findings reveal that the same memory behaviors are supported by different underlying representations across development. Specifically, whereas differentiation underlies memory organization and retrieval in childhood, integration exhibits a protracted developmental trajectory.
The Source of Grotius’s ‘Etiamsi Daremus … Deus Non Esse’
Authors: Schuessler Rudolf
Published: January 2025

The immediate source of Grotius’s etiamsi-claim (natural law would be valid even if there were no God or human affairs were no concern for him) has never been convincingly identified. This paper argues that Grotius’s formulation of the claim derives from a very similar sentence of Bartolomé de Medina (1527–1580), a Spanish scholastic and eminent member of the School of Salamanca, whose work Grotius quotes in De iure belli ac pacis. Medina ascribes the sentence to Seneca, but there is apparently no such proposition in Seneca’s extant works. Nevertheless, related propositions were attributed to Seneca in the medieval period, not least in sermons and pastoral writings, even in vernacular languages. This shows that, even outside academic debates, counterfactual reasoning involving God’s non-existence or indifference to human affairs was not considered illicit or dangerous in the Middle Ages.
Мовний образ Божої Матері в текстах духовних пісень книжного та народного походження
Authors: Данилюк [Danyliuk] Ніна [Nina]
Published: January 2025

The Linguistic Image of the Mother of God in the Texts of Religious Songs of Book and Folk Origin
This article analyses the stylistic means of verbalising the linguistic image of the Mother of God in the texts of religious songs of book and folk origin. It has been established that the image in question combines pagan ideas about the Mother Goddess and Christian beliefs in the Mother of the Son of God. The study also points out a synonymous-variant series for the designation of the Mother of God with such dominants as Virgin, Mary, Mother, Queen and Holy Protectress. As discussed, the semantics of key units is revealed through linguistic means, primarily epithets, similes and metaphors. The following peculiarities of the representation of the linguistic image of the Mother of God have been identified: in the works of book origin, the authors emphasise her divine essence, depicting her in an iconographic style; in folklore, the folk interpretation as an earthly woman prevails. The linguistic image of the Mother of God is qualified as a component of the linguistic and conceptual worldview of Ukrainians.
 
Językowy obraz Matki Boskiej w tekstach pieśni religijnych pochodzenia książkowego i ludowego
Niniejszy artykuł analizuje środki stylistyczne użyte do werbalizacji językowego obrazu Matki Boskiej w tekstach pieśni religijnych pochodzenia książkowego i ludowego. Jak ustalono, obraz ten łączy pogańskie wyobrażenia o Bogini Matce i chrześcijańskie wierzenia w Matkę Syna Bożego. W opracowaniu wskazano również szeregi synonimiczno-wariantywne określenia Matki Boskiej z takimi dominantami, jak Dziewica, Maryja, Matka, Królowa, Święta Opiekunka. Semantyka kluczowych jednostek ujawnia się poprzez środki językowe, przede wszystkim epitety, porównania i metafory. Ustalono następującą specyfikę przedstawiania językowego obrazu Matki Boskiej: w utworach pochodzenia książkowego autorzy podkreślają jej boską istotę, przedstawiając ją w stylu ikonograficznym; w folklorze przeważa jej ludowa interpretacja jako ziemskiej niewiasty. Językowy obraz Matki Boskiej uznano za element językowego i pojęciowego obrazu świata Ukraińców.
Reading Dr C. Rangarajan’s Kutty Memorial Lecture After Thirty Years: Revisiting Central Bank Autonomy
Authors: Ray Partha
Published: January 2025

This article looks at issues on central bank autonomy in the backdrop of Dr C. Rangarajan’s Tenth M. G. Kutty Memorial Lecture in Kolkata on 17 September 1993 on ‘Autonomy of Central Banks’. In this context, this article raises three key points. First, Rangarajan was ahead of his time to think through the intricate public policy issues relating to central bank autonomy. Second, thanks to him, that India could get rid of the fiscal dominance in monetary policy, in general, and the practice of ad hoc treasury bills, in particular. Third, while sea changes have happened in the Indian monetary and fiscal policy following Rangarajan’s arguments for central bank autonomy, the issue still remains relevant. The article flags three such issues: (a) capital account management, (b) transfer of RBI profits to the government and (c) regulatory jurisdiction over the payment system.

JEL Codes: E4, E5
The Strong Black Woman Schema and Mental Health: Examining the Role of Personal Mastery
Authors: Jones Martinque K. , Hill-Jarrett Tanisha G. , Jean-Ceide Cassandre
Published: January 2025

Research has established a direct link between endorsement of the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema and negative mental health outcomes. However, few have examined the factors that may explain this association. To address this gap in the literature, we examined personal mastery as a mediator of the relationship between endorsement of the SBW schema and negative mental health outcomes in a sample of 135 Black women. We also investigated this mediational pathway among subcomponents of the SBW schema: emotional strength, independence, and caretaking. We found that personal mastery mediated the association between endorsement of the SBW schema and negative mental health outcomes: greater endorsement of the SBW schema was associated with lower mastery, and subsequently more anxiety and depressive symptoms. We identified a similar pattern of results when testing two SBW schema subcomponents: emotional strength and caretaking. Study findings further evidence the deleterious impact of the SBW schema on Black women’s mental health, while illuminating one explanatory factor in this relationship—personal mastery. We conclude by discussing areas for future research and practice with Black women.
Composite model predictive current control for PMSM servo system
Authors: Yang Kaifeng , Li Haifeng , Li Shihua
Published: January 2025

This research delves into the development of a composite model predictive controller designed for the current loop in a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) servo system. In order to enhance the performance of a system, the proposed controller integrates an extended state observer (ESO) and actuating delay compensation. The ESO is employed for the estimation of the lumped disturbance affecting the PMSM, while the prediction model incorporates both the estimated lumped disturbance and the delayed actuating output to derive an optimized control law. Simulation and experimental results further validate the effectiveness of the approach, offering an innovative solution to the actuating delay challenge and a considerable increase in the bandwidth of the current loop.
Speed-sensorless model predictive thrust control of linear induction motor based on improved extended Kalman filter observer
Authors: Feng Fu , Yang Jie , Hu Hailin , Liang Jianbin , Yu Shiyan
Published: January 2025

This paper puts forth a strategy for sensorless finite-set model predictive thrust control (FS-MPTC) of linear induction motors (LIM) based on an improved extended Kalman filter (IEKF) observer. It is designed to address the shortcomings of existing LIM sensorless vector control methodologies, namely their lack of robustness and ineffective decoupling due to dynamic end effects. First, a fifth-order nonlinear discrete model of LIM is established in order to meet the requirements of sensorless FS-MPTC. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) observer based on the state-space equations is derived with the objective of achieving synchronous online observation of current, flux linkage and speed. In order to address the limitations of the traditional EKF, which employs a fixed system noise covariance matrix, this paper introduces an adaptive adjustment mechanism based on the difference between the theoretical predictions and actual measurements of the observer. This mechanism allows for the covariance matrix Q to be adjusted in real-time. The enhanced IEKF observer is then put forth. Simulation and experimental outcomes illustrate that, in comparison to the conventional EKF, the IEKF is capable of effectively adapting to internal noise fluctuations resulting from disparate operational conditions, system disturbances and LIM dynamic end effects. It is able to accurately estimate speed and flux linkage, operating stably under both high and low-speed conditions with commendable dynamic and robust performance.
Enabling Local Solutions to Global Challenges: The interplay between paradox knots and paradox salience in an NGO working in Uganda
Authors: Waldner Carolin J. , Schrage Stephanie , Rasche Andreas
Published: January 2025

Addressing grand challenges confronts organizations with global–local and other paradoxes that can result in ‘paradox knots’ where responding to one paradox impacts another. Drawing on a longitudinal qualitative case study of an NGO operating in Uganda, we study how such knots impact ‘paradox salience’, i.e. their visibility and perceived urgency. We elucidate the knotted nature of two paradoxes: a global–local paradox and an identity elasticity paradox. Our analysis shows how the salience of these paradoxes developed inversely as the organization’s response to the global–local paradox amplified the salience of the identity elasticity paradox while its response to the identity elasticity paradox mitigated the salience of the global–local paradox. With these findings we contribute to the paradox literature by developing the concept of knotting mechanisms that tie paradoxes together and at the same time impact their salience within organizations. We explain how such mechanisms can produce different types of paradox knots and discuss what differentiates these types. We further contribute to the literatures that discuss NGOs’ local adaptation processes and identity elasticity by showing how the fluidity of organizational identity acts as a precondition for the local contextualization of development solutions.
Characterizing astrocyte-mediated neurovascular coupling by combining optogenetics and biophysical modeling
Authors: Suarez Alejandro , Fernandez Lazaro , Riera Jorge
Published: January 2025

Vasoactive signaling from astrocytes is an important contributor to the neurovascular coupling (NVC), which aims at providing energy to neurons during brain activation by increasing blood perfusion in the surrounding vasculature. Pharmacological manipulations have been previously combined with experimental techniques (e.g., transgenic mice, uncaging, and multiphoton microscopy) and stimulation paradigms to isolate in vivo individual pathways of the astrocyte-mediated NVC. Unfortunately, these pathways are highly nonlinear and non-additive. To separate these pathways in a unified framework, we combine a comprehensive biophysical model of vasoactive signaling from astrocytes with a unique optogenetic stimulation method that selectively induces astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in a large population of astrocytes. We also use a sensitivity analysis and an optimization technique to estimate key model parameters. Optogenetically-induced Ca2+ signals in astrocytes cause a cerebral blood flow (CBF) response with two major components. Component-1 was rapid and smaller (ΔCBF∼13%, 18 seconds), while component-2 was slowest and highest (ΔCBF ∼18%, 45 seconds). The proposed biophysical model was adequate in reproducing component-2, which was validated with a pharmacological manipulation. Model’s predictions were not in contradiction with previous studies. Finally, we discussed scenarios accounting for the existence of component-1, which once validated might be included in our model.
Morphological symmetries in robotics
Authors: Apraez Daniel Ordoñez , Turrisi Giulio , Kostic Vladimir , Martin Mario , Agudo Antonio , Moreno-Noguer Francesc , Pontil Massimiliano , Semini Claudio , Mastalli Carlos
Published: January 2025

We present a comprehensive framework for studying and leveraging morphological symmetries in robotic systems. These are intrinsic properties of the robot’s morphology, frequently observed in animal biology and robotics, which stem from the replication of kinematic structures and the symmetrical distribution of mass. We illustrate how these symmetries extend to the robot’s state space and both proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensor measurements, resulting in the equivariance of the robot’s equations of motion and optimal control policies. Thus, we recognize morphological symmetries as a relevant and previously unexplored physics-informed geometric prior, with significant implications for both data-driven and analytical methods used in modeling, control, estimation and design in robotics. For data-driven methods, we demonstrate that morphological symmetries can enhance the sample efficiency and generalization of machine learning models through data augmentation, or by applying equivariant/invariant constraints on the model’s architecture. In the context of analytical methods, we employ abstract harmonic analysis to decompose the robot’s dynamics into a superposition of lower-dimensional, independent dynamics. We substantiate our claims with both synthetic and real-world experiments conducted on bipedal and quadrupedal robots. Lastly, we introduce the repository MorphoSymm to facilitate the practical use of the theory and applications outlined in this work.
The Strong Widows of the North — Women and Economic Activity in Nineteenth Century Helsinki
Authors: Moring Beatrice
Published: January 2025

The aim of this article is to analyze the presence of widows in trade and crafts in early- and mid-nineteenth century Helsinki, while the guilds were still operational, and around the time they were abolished. With the aid of tax records, municipal council minutes, and guild records widows engaged in economic activity have been located. The intention of this study is to demonstrate that widow headship and commercial engagement in this pre-industrial town was neither rare nor brief.
Impact of Older Adults’ Internet Use on Economic Burden of Informal Caregiving
Authors: Kim Jeehoon , Joo Heesoo , Hageman Sally A.
Published: January 2025

This article is temporarily under embargo.
A class of Landweber-type iterative methods based on the Radon transform for incomplete view tomography
Authors: Liu Duo , Qu Gangrong
Published: January 2025

Background

We study the reconstruction problem for incomplete view tomography, including sparse view tomography and limited angle tomography, by the Landweber iteration and its accelerated version. Traditional implementations of these Landweber-type iterative methods necessitate multiple large-scale matrix-vector multiplications, which in turn require substantial time and storage resources.

Objective

This paper aims to develop and test a novel and efficient discretization approach for a class of Landweber-type methods that minimizes storage requirements by incorporating the specific structure of the incomplete view Radon transform.

Methods

We prove that the normal operator of incomplete view Radon transform in these methods is a compact convolution operator, and derive the explicit representation of its convolution kernel. Discretized by the pixel basis, these Landweber-type iterative methods can be implemented quickly and accurately by introducing a discretized convolution operation between two small-scale matrices with minimal storage requirements.

Results

For the simulated complete and limited angle data, the reconstruction results using various Landweber-type methods with our proposed discretization scheme achieve a 1-5dB improvement in PSNR and require one-third of computation time compared to the traditional approach. For the simulated sparse view data, our discretization scheme yields a valid image with the highest PSNR.

Conclusions

The Landweber-type iterative methods, when combined with our proposed discretization approach based on the Radon transform, are effective for addressing the incomplete view tomography problem.
CEO and academic mismatch
Authors: Aimone Jason A , Hudja Stanton , McCormick Blaine
Published: January 2025

How do CEOs and academics differ in how they view academic research? We survey a sample of CEOs and business-school academics to measure their views on each other and on academic research. We explore differences between these two groups with an experimental beauty contest game (EBC) and by asking how much they value and trust different business disciplines, data types, and academic methodologies. We observe, in the EBC, that both CEOs and academics similarly hold relatively lower expectations about the reasoning abilities of CEOs than academics. While CEOs and academics both tend to trust company-specific data and simpler, more scientific methodologies, the groups differ in the value they place on disciplines that address CEOs’ duties and business specific methodologies. Together, our results shed new light on the disconnect between academic research and practitioners and indicate areas where that gap can be improved.
Examining Instagram Addiction and Social Isolation: Study Conducted Among Iranian Students Based on Uses and Gratification Theory
Authors: Joorabchi Toktam Namayandeh , Haghighat Amin Farokhi , QorbanianQohroudi Mehdi
Published: January 2025

This article concentrates on identifying problematic usage of Instagram, emphasising the mediation effects of Instagram use gratification among students. A quantitative methodology was employed via a structured questionnaire survey. A sample comprising 392 students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in Iran was selected utilising a stratified random sampling technique. The students’ ages varied from 18 to 47, with the majority being in the younger group of 18 to 23. The pattern and purpose of using Instagram influence the gratification derived from its use. Instagram use gratification demonstrates significant associations with social isolation; however, this correlation is not evident to the purposes and patterns of Instagram usage. The findings indicated that no substantial relationships existed between the patterns of Instagram usage and the gratification obtained from it, nor with Instagram addiction. However, a significant correlation was observed concerning the purpose of Instagram usage. The mediating effect of Instagram gratification was notably significant solely in social isolation. The moderating influences of gender, academic discipline, marital status and parental educational level were deemed insignificant. The implications arising from this study are subsequently discussed.
Self-Enhancement Mentality or Cognitive Preferences? Unpacking Different Approaches to Understanding Cultural Variations in Attribution Patterns
Authors: Zhang Congcong , Yuan Connie Y. , Wei Lu , Jung Joo-Young , Qiu Jack Linchuan , Hwang Seongbin , Song Céline Yunya
Published: January 2025

Existing studies showed inconsistent results about whether and how attribution patterns differ across cultures. We reviewed three different theoretical approaches in this study: the relative self-enhancement approach, the universal self-enhancement approach and the cognition approach, and found that each theoretical approach has received empirical support and informed competing hypotheses. Hence, the main goal of this study is to investigate the three theoretical approaches simultaneously using experimental data and explore how these approaches explain attribution behavior across cultures in a qualitatively different manner. In Study 1, we recruited participants from the U.S., mainland China and Hong Kong of China for an online experiment. In Study 2, we recruited participants from the U.S., mainland China, Singapore and Japan, and introduced alternative measures to assess attribution behavior. Results suggested that: a) attribution behavior can be influenced by both self-enhancing motives and cognitive processes, along with measurement instruments. Specifically, the cognition approach was supported when attribution was assessed with Likert scales. In contrast, when attribution was measured by rank-order questions, the relative self-enhancement approach was supported; and b) attribution decisions diverged within East Asian countries but converged between some Eastern cultures (e.g., mainland China and Singapore) and the West. Our results showed that acknowledging the idiosyncrasy of each cultural group and investigating each group as a separate cultural unit are necessary and important for theoretical development in attribution. Future directions and implications were also discussed.
Emergence of bimodulus (tension–compression asymmetric) behavior modeled in granular micromechanics framework
Authors: Misra Anil , Placidi Luca
Published: January 2025

Many materials exhibit a bimodulus behavior which manifests as tension–compression asymmetry under uniaxial loading conditions. From the viewpoint of engineering analyses and design, attempts have been made to properly account for this asymmetry by defining bimodulus models under various multiaxial loading conditions. The models available in the literature propose a complex set of cases valid for different combination of tensile/compressive loading characterized in either strain or stress space based on classical continuum mechanics. The key drawback of these propositions is the attempt to reduce an inherently nonlinear problem to a simpler linear one in opposition to the clear evidence of loading dependency. Moreover, the proposed approaches are generally conceived in an orthotropic framework even though the material is initially isotropic. It is only upon the deformation that an apparent anisotropy is induced due to the tension–compression asymmetry, which cannot be considered in the initial, reference, configuration. Indeed, from a fundamental viewpoint, the emergence of the macroscale asymmetry and induced anisotropy has its roots in the microscale mechanics of an otherwise isotropic (or other) microstructure. To further expatiate the fundamental view, we exploit the granular micromechanics paradigm to present a simple continuum model within the isotropic framework in reference configuration. Using this approach, the macroscale tension–compression asymmetry and induced anisotropy is shown to emerge naturally without the inconsistencies observed in the methods proposed in the literature.
Efficiency and scalability of fully-resolved fluid-particle simulations on heterogeneous CPU-GPU architectures
Authors: Kemmler Samuel , Rettinger Christoph , Rüde Ulrich , Cuéllar Pablo , Köstler Harald
Published: January 2025

Current supercomputers often have a heterogeneous architecture using both conventional Central Processing Units (CPUs) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). At the same time, numerical simulation tasks frequently involve multiphysics scenarios whose components run on different hardware due to multiple reasons, e.g., architectural requirements, pragmatism, etc. This leads naturally to a software design where different simulation modules are mapped to different subsystems of the heterogeneous architecture. We present a detailed performance analysis for such a hybrid four-way coupled simulation of a fully resolved particle-laden flow. The Eulerian representation of the flow utilizes GPUs, while the Lagrangian model for the particles runs on conventional CPUs. Two characteristic model situations involving dense and dilute particle systems are used as benchmark scenarios. First, a roofline model is employed to predict the node level performance and to show that the lattice-Boltzmann-based Eulerian fluid simulation reaches very good performance on a single GPU. Furthermore, the GPU-GPU communication for a large-scale Eulerian flow simulation results in only moderate slowdowns. This is due to the efficiency of the CUDA-aware MPI communication, combined with the use of communication hiding techniques. On 1024 A100 GPUs, an overall parallel efficiency of up to 71% is achieved. While the flow simulation has good performance characteristics, the integration of the stiff Lagrangian particle system requires frequent CPU-CPU communications that can become a bottleneck, especially when simulating the dense particle system. Additionally, special attention is paid to the CPU-GPU communication overhead since this is essential for coupling the particles to the flow simulation. However, thanks to our problem-aware co-partitioning, the CPU-GPU communication overhead is found to be negligible. As a lesson learned from this development, four criteria are postulated that a hybrid implementation must meet for the efficient use of heterogeneous supercomputers.
The Whakapiri framework in higher education: nurturing relational teaching
Authors: Moriarty Hoani , Severinsen Christina , Rowe Luke , Towers Andy
Published: January 2025

A growing body of research suggests that utilising Indigenous frameworks grounded in relational connection and multi-modal knowledge acquisition has numerous benefits for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This article focuses on the Whakapiri framework, and its application at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand, within a new undergraduate mental health and addiction programme. This programme aims to equip graduates in the field, providing them with the foundational knowledge and engagement competencies necessary for working with both Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) and non-Māori. The Whakapiri framework enhances student engagement, fosters relational teaching practices, and designs effective online learning curricula. The framework also informs the design of online learning curricula, acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities of digital education environments. Through its emphasis on engaging, enlightening, and empowering, the Whakapiri framework offers professional guidance and enriches student engagement, teaching methodologies, and the development of online learning curricula.
Finite element modelling of T-shaped RC beams with locally reduced cross sections
Authors: Zhang Shishun , Zhang Dongdong , Nie Xuefei , Ye Jianping
Published: January 2025

A novel seismic retrofit technique, known as the section reduction (SR) technique, was proposed for reinforced concrete (RC) frames to realize the strong column and weak beam hierarchy. The SR technique involves the removing a portion of concrete at the bottom zone of the beam near the joint, along with shear strengthening of the weakened area using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). Preliminary experimental studies on RC beams with locally reduced cross sections (i.e., a gap) have demonstrated that the inclusion of a gap can effectively weaken the negative bending capacity of a T-shaped RC beam. However, there was no finite element (FE) approach for predicting the behaviour of such RC beams. Therefore, this paper aims at establishing a reliable FE approach for T-shaped RC beams with a gap. A total of five gap sizes were examined, including three small gap sizes and two large gap sizes. The applied FRP-strengthening system consisted of the CFRP U-jackets below and on both sides of the gap. In the proposed FE approach, two concrete cracking models available in ABAQUS/Explicit, including the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model and the brittle cracking (BC) model, were examined. Moreover, two tensile damage models were considered. The FE results showed that the CDP model with a power law tensile damage model is suitable for specimens that failed in a flexural mode, while the BC model with secant modulus of concrete adopted is suitable for specimens failing in a shear mode. The FE results also verified that increasing the gap height reduces the negative bending capacity of the beam more effectively than increasing the gap length, and the application of the FRP-strengthening system can enhance the ductility of the weakened beam. The proposed FE approach can be used for the subsequent proposal of strength model and design method of such beams.
Train-bridge interaction under correlated wind and rain using machine learning
Authors: Wandji Zoumb Patrick Arnaud , Bwemba Charles , Mbessa Michel , Moussus Teddy Walter , Kemta Leonel Privat
Published: January 2025

The stochastic response of the high-speed train running along the bridge is susceptible to significant effects of wind and rain simultaneously. In this study, an efficient probability method for simulating the train-bridge interaction (TBI) was developed by combining wind-rain and train-bridge interaction (WRTBI) models with machine learning methods. The high-speed train was defined as multibody system (MBS) and the bridge was described over finite element method (FEM). The wind load was modeled based on the standard turbulent model and the rain load was defined according to Euler multi-phase model. The WRTBI was solved using a co-simulation method between finite element analysis and multibody system (FEA-MBS). A machine learning consisting of support vector machine (SVM) and Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) was introduced to substitute further FEA-MBS simulations, to overcome time-consuming issue. The results show that when the train runs along the bridge at the speed range of 260 km/h to 300 km/h, the maximum error is 12% in the case where the wind and rain loads are considered with the case where only the wind load is considered. The maximum displacement of the bridge in z direction increase to around 33.33%. from 25 to 100 years return period.
Effect of serum uric acid to creatinine ratio on cognitive function decline in middle-aged adults: Longitudinal evidence from CHARLS
Authors: Zhou Xiangjun , Wang Zhe , Zhu Yi , Feng Shuang , Wu Haijian , Zhu Dongliang , Wu Zheyuan , Kao Qingjun
Published: January 2025

Background

Serum uric acid (SUA) was a predictor of cognitive function. The association of SUA/serum creatinine ratio (Scr), which represents renal function-normalized SUA and cognitive function is unknown.

Objective

This study investigated the association of the SUA/Scr with cognitive function and the potential mediation effect of inflammation in the above relationship.

Methods

This study used 1–5 waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. 3302 participants aged 45–60 years at baseline were included. Among them, 1129 who attended subsequent 2–3 waves were further included for cumulative exposure calculation to the SUA/Scr ratio. The Cox models were used to evaluate the impact of baseline SUA/Scr ratio and its cumulative exposure on cognitive function decline.

Results

During a median follow-up of 8.6 years, there were 1512 (45.8%) cognitive function declined. After adjustment, the highest quartile of the SUA/SCr ratio was associated with the highest risk of cognitive function decline (Hazard ratio, 1.175; 95% confidence interval, 1.015–1.360). Restricted cubic spline showed a linear association between the SUA/Scr ratio and the risk of cognitive function decline (pnon−linear = 0.514). There were a stronger association of cumulative SUA/Scr ratio and its exposure burden with cognitive function decline [the highest versus lowest quartile: 1.635 (1.006–2.656), the high versus low group: 1.729 (1.212–2.466), respectively]. No significant mediating effect through white blood cell count or C-reactive protein in SUA/Scr ratio-cognitive function decline was found.

Conclusions

The SUA/Scr ratio was associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline, whereas the mechanism mediated by inflammation indicators was not found.
Body composition differences in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: da Silva Pinto Gabriel Malvezzi , de Souza Crepalde Luiz Otávio , Scalli Ana Carolina Aparecida Marcondes , de Oliveira Marcos Paulo Braz , Furtado Guilherme Eustáquio , Brito-Costa Sonia , Guimarães Nathalia Sernizon , de Castro Cezar Natália Oiring
Published: January 2025

Background

Research on body composition and fat distribution in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has presented conflicting findings.

Objective

Compare body composition and anthropometric measurements in older adults with and without AD.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA standards. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, WPRIM, and the Spanish Bibliographic Index of Health Sciences were searched up to September 2024, considering observational studies that compared body composition between AD groups and controls. Outcomes included body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), impedance, resistance, and reactance. The methodological quality and level of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute scale and GRADE, respectively. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to calculate mean differences (MD).

Results

Fourteen studies involving 2761 older adults were included. Older adult women with AD showed a lower body fat percentage (p < 0.01; MD = −5.07) and BMI (p = 0.05; MD = −1.28) compared to controls. Older adult men with AD had higher impedance (p = 0.01; MD = 2.05), resistance (p = 0.02; MD = 45.10), and lower reactance (p = 0.03; MD = −2.05) compared to controls. No significant differences in body fat percentage or BMI were found between older adults with and without AD, regardless of gender.

Conclusions

Women with AD showed lower body fat percentage and BMI, while men with AD had higher impedance, resistance, and lower reactance. These factors should be included in geriatric assessments for AD patients, though further research is needed to understand their link to cognitive outcomes in AD.
SMOC2 promotes microglia activity and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wan Tianchi , Wang Chunkai
Published: January 2025

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is characterized by cognitive decline and the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ). It affects millions, with numbers expected to double by 2050. SMOC2, implicated in inflammation and fibrosis, may play a role in AD pathogenesis, particularly in microglial cell function, offering a potential therapeutic target.

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD) leads to neurodegeneration, affecting cognition, language, and personality, underscoring the urgency for effective treatments. Our study investigates the role of secreted modular calcium-binding protein 2 (SMOC2) in microglial cells and its impact on AD pathology.

Methods

We introduced SMOC2 overexpression and interference vectors into microglial cells treated with Aβ. Activity and phagocytosis were assessed using CCK8 and flow cytometry. SMOC2 mRNA levels were quantified by qPCR, and protein levels of SMOC2, TGF-β1, p-NF-κB/NF-κB were analyzed by western blot. Aβ content was determined by ELISA, and immunofluorescence detected TNF-α, IL-1β, CD163, and CD206.

Results

Aβ treatment inhibited microglial activity and phagocytosis, but SMOC2 disruption enhanced these functions (p < 0.05). SMOC2 overexpression increased its expression and Aβ levels, while interference reduced them (p < 0.001). SMOC2 overexpression also decreased TGF-β1, CD163, and CD206, and increased p-NF-κB/NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

SMOC2 plays a crucial role in microglial cell activity, phagocytosis, and polarization, potentially through the TGF-β1/NF-κB pathway, offering insights into AD pathogenesis.