bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evidence of effective disinfectant to control the transmission of Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus
Authors: He Runzhen , Zhu Ningyu , Chen Xiaoming , Liang Qianrong , Yao Gaohua , Tian Quanquan , Zhou Fan , Ding Xueyan
Published: November 2023

Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) is a significant pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality in largemouth bass, leading to enormous economic losses for largemouth bass aquaculture in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of four disinfectants (potassium permanganate, glutaraldehyde, trichloroisocyanuric acid and povidone iodine) on MSRV, to control the infection and transmission of MSRV in largemouth bass aquaculture. The disinfectants were tested at different concentrations (5, 25, 50, 100 and 500 mg/L) prepared with distilled water for 30 min contact time, and the viral nucleic acid was quantified using qPCR and the infectivity was tested by challenge experiment. Potassium permanganate at 5–500 mg/L, glutaraldehyde at 500 mg/L, trichloroisocyanuric acid at 50–500 mg/L and povidone iodine at 500 mg/L concentration could effectively decrease the virus nucleic acid, and the survival rate of largemouth bass juveniles after challenge experiment increased significantly from 3.7% ± 6.41% to 33.33 ± 11.11% – 100%. Moreover, the minimum effective time of 5 mg/L potassium permanganate was further studied at 2, 5, 10 and 20 min contact time. The viral nucleic acid decreased significantly at 5–20 min exposure time, and the survival rate increased significantly from 7.41% ± 6.41% to 77.78 ± 11.11% – 100%. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of potassium permanganate were 10.64, 6.92 and 3.7 mg/L at 24, 48 and 96 h, respectively. Potassium permanganate could be used for the control of MSRV in the cultivation process; the recommended concentration is 5 mg/L and application time should be less than 24 h. The results could be applied to provide a method to control the infection and transmission of MSRV in water, and improve the health status of largemouth bass.
The effect of lacto‐fermentation over time on the changes in zucchini flesh quality assessed using machine learning models based on image textures
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Sabanci Kadir , Aslan Muhammet Fatih
Published: November 2023

Lacto‐fermented foods may have health benefits. Therefore, the consumption of lacto‐fermented fruit and vegetables is important. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of lacto‐fermentation on zucchini flesh after 1 week and 3 months. The zucchini slices were classified using models built based on image textures using different machine learning algorithms. The developed models were characterized by overall accuracies of up to 99.33% for a combined set of textures selected from images in color channelsR,G,B,L,a,b,X,Y, andZ(IBk algorithm). Only fresh zucchini slices were correctly classified with an accuracy of 100% and Precision, F‐Measure, Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Area, and Precision‐Recall (PRC) Area of 1.000 for selected models. The greater changes in the zucchini flesh structure were observed after the first week of lacto‐fermentation compared to the fresh slices than between samples lacto‐fermented for 1 week and 3 months.

Practical Applications

The obtained results confirmed that the developed procedure combining image analysis and machine learning can be used for the quality assessment of the lacto‐fermented zucchini and the detection of the optimal period to obtain desired changes. The determination of changes in product quality as a result of lengthening the lacto‐fermentation time can be useful for detecting the optimal period of the process.
A Search for Liberalizing Religion: Political Asymmetry in the American Religious Landscape
Authors: Schnabel Landon
Published: November 2023

This study explores potential heterogeneity in the relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Rather than assume all religion is conservatizing, it conducts a broad preliminary search for liberalizing religion across three cross‐sectional national datasets. While the study finds the most liberal politics among adherents of particular “liberal” religious groups rather than among the unaffiliated, it largely fails to find forms of religion where exposure is associated with liberal politics. In fact, exposure to even “liberal” religion is generally associated with more conservative politics. American religion's political asymmetry has important societal implications in a highly religious nation where even liberal religion appears to conservatize the public.
Pharmacodynamic effects of molidustat on erythropoiesis in healthy cats
Authors: Boegel Annette , Flamme Ingo , Krebber Ralph , Settje Terry , Schmidt Franziska , Kruedewagen Eva , Mangold‐Gehring Sandra , Lainesse Chantal , Moritz Andreas , Beddies Gerald
Published: November 2023

Background

Inhibition of hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF‐PH) stimulates erythropoiesis in rats, dogs, monkeys, and humans.

Hypothesis/Objective

Determine if molidustat, a novel HIF‐PH inhibitor, stimulates erythropoiesis in healthy cats.

Animals

Seventeen healthy adult laboratory cats.

Methods

Randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Cats were treated PO once daily with suspensions of 0 (Group 1; n = 6), 5 (Group 2; n = 6), or 10 (Group 3; n = 5) mg/kg of molidustat. Effects on red blood cell parameters, reticulocyte indices and plasma erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations were evaluated. Molidustat treatment was stopped when hematocrit (HCT) exceeded 60%.

Results

Compared to placebo, a significant increase in mean HCT was evident starting on Day 14 (Group 2:54.4% vs 40.3%, P < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference [8.95‐19.28]; Group 3:61.2% vs 40.3%, P < .001, 95% CI [15.48‐26.43]) and remained significantly higher for the entire treatment period. In molidustat‐treated groups, HCT exceeded 60% on Day 21 (Group 2) and Day 14 (Group 3). Mean HCT in molidustat‐treated cats returned to within the reference range (29%‐45%) after Day 56 and was numerically comparable to placebo from Day 70 onwards. Red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentrations followed a similar pattern as HCT. Mean EPO concentrations significantly increased after molidustat administration on all assessment days. Molidustat treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Marked erythropoietic effects were identified after daily administration of molidustat to healthy cats and additional studies are warranted to evaluate the effects in anemic cats.
The role of brain oscillations in feature integration
Authors: Cobos M. I. , Melcón M. , Rodríguez‐San Esteban P. , Capilla A. , Chica A. B.
Published: November 2023

Our sensory system is able to build a unified perception of the world, which although rich, is limited and inaccurate. Sometimes, features from different objects are erroneously combined. At the neural level, the role of the parietal cortex in feature integration is well‐known. However, the brain dynamics underlying correct and incorrect feature integration are less clear. To explore the temporal dynamics of feature integration, we studied the modulation of different frequency bands in trials in which feature integration was correct or incorrect. Participants responded to the color of a shape target, surrounded by distractors. A calibration procedure ensured that accuracy was around 70% in each participant. To explore the role of expectancy in feature integration, we introduced an unexpected feature to the target in the last blocks of trials. Results demonstrated the contribution of several frequency bands to feature integration. Alpha and beta power was reduced for hits compared to illusions. Moreover, gamma power was overall larger during the experiment for participants who were aware of the unexpected target presented during the last blocks of trials (as compared to unaware participants). These results demonstrate that feature integration is a complex process that can go wrong at different stages of information processing and is influenced by top‐down expectancies.
Temporal, spatial and space–time distribution of infections caused by five major enteric pathogens, Ontario, Canada, 2010–2017
Authors: John Patience , Varga Csaba , Cooke Martin , Majowicz Shannon E.
Published: November 2023

Aims

In Canada, enteric diseases pose substantial health and economic burdens. The distribution of these diseases is uneven across both geography and time and understanding these patterns is therefore important for the prevention of future outbreaks. We evaluated temporal, spatial and space–time clustering of laboratory‐confirmed cases of Campylobacter spp. (n = 28,728), non‐typhoidal Salmonella spp. (n = 22,640), Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC; n = 1340), Yersinia spp. (n = 1674) and Listeria monocytogenes (n = 471) infections, reported between 2010 and 2017 inclusive in Ontario, the most populous province in Canada (population ~ 13,500,000 in 2016).

Methods and Results

For each enteric pathogen, we calculated the mean incidence rates (IRs) for Ontario's 35 public health unit (PHU) areas and visualized them using choropleth maps. We identified temporal, spatial and space–time high infection rate clusters using retrospective Poisson scan statistics. Campylobacter and Salmonella infections had the highest IRs, while Listeria infections had the lowest. Campylobacter, Salmonella, STEC and Listeria mostly clustered temporally in the spring/summer and sometimes extended into fall, while Yersinia showed a less clear seasonal pattern. The IR visualizations and spatial and space–time scan statistics showed geographic heterogeneity of infection rates with high infection rate clusters detected mainly in PHUs across the southwestern and central‐western regions of Ontario for Campylobacter, Salmonella and STEC infections, and mainly in PHUs located in the central‐eastern regions for Yersinia and Listeria. A high proportion of cases in some of the significant Salmonella, STEC and Listeria infection clusters were linked to disease outbreaks.

Conclusions

Results from this study will inform heightened public health surveillance, and prevention and control programmes, in populations and regions of high infection rates. Further research is needed to determine the pathogen‐specific socioeconomic, environmental and agricultural risk factors that may be related to the temporal and spatial disease patterns we observed in our study.
Special Experimental Environment for Generation IV Reactors With Graphite Reflector
Authors: Vilímová Eva , Peltan Tomáš , Škoda Radek
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for new small modular reactors (SMR) reactors with a wide range of applications, often classified as a new Generation-IV reactors. Unfortunately, there is no commercially operating nuclear reactor meeting the characteristics of Generation-IV reactors in its technical design and features. However, Generation-IV nuclear reactors are intensively developed worldwide, including the Czech Republic. To support research activities linked with the development of these reactors, an appropriate experimental environment and resources simulating conditions expected in Generation-IV reactors with graphite are needed This work builds on previous research and presents a special arrangement of the LR-0 reactor core with a double-row graphite reflector, on which the influence of graphite on the neutron field shaping and power distribution was experimentally and computationally verified. The main reason for this article is to investigate the effect of the graphite reflector, which will serve as a support for the development of neutron instrumentation for Generation-IV reactors and other support for Generation-IV research activities. The results confirm the conclusions of previous research and also provide a better knowledge of the double-row graphite reflector neutron field. The presented and tested LR-0 core arrangement is included in a set of experiments supporting the research of reactor cores with graphite reflectors.
Mixed-Variable Global Sensitivity Analysis for Knowledge Discovery and Efficient Combinatorial Materials Design
Authors: Comlek Yigitcan , Wang Liwei , Chen Wei
Published: November 2023

Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) is the study of the influence of any given input on the outputs of a model. In the context of engineering design, GSA has been widely used to understand both individual and collective contributions of design variables on the design objectives. So far, global sensitivity studies have often been limited to design spaces with only quantitative (numerical) design variables. However, many engineering systems also contain, if not only, qualitative (categorical) design variables in addition to quantitative design variables. In this paper, we integrate Latent Variable Gaussian Process (LVGP) with Sobol’ analysis to develop the first metamodel-based mixed-variable GSA method. Through numerical case studies, we validate and demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method for mixed-variable problems. Furthermore, while the proposed GSA method is general enough to benefit various engineering design applications, we integrate it with multi-objective Bayesian optimization (BO) to create a sensitivity-aware design framework in accelerating the Pareto front design exploration for metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with many-level combinatorial design spaces. Although MOFs are constructed only from qualitative variables that are notoriously difficult to design, our method can utilize sensitivity analysis to navigate the optimization in the many-level large combinatorial design space, greatly expediting the exploration of novel MOF candidates.
The Effect of Upstream Unsteadiness on the Unstarting of a Supersonic Inlet Turbine
Authors: Mushtaq Noraiz , Gaetani Paolo
Published: November 2023

A 15% increase in thermal efficiency at medium pressure ratios is promised by rotating detonation engine technology over conventional Joule–Bryton cycles. A supersonic inlet turbine is a viable option to extract substantial work from the highly fluctuating and supersonic flow delivered by the detonating combustor. However, an additional unstarting mechanism based on the generation of a collective shock from the coalescence of leading-edge bow-shock waves further restricts the available design space. First, the effect of unsteady inlet conditions with variable frequency, amplitude, and mean value on collective shock generation is investigated. Then, a fast and cost-effective tool was developed and verified to predict bow-shock wave motion from a prescribed inlet Mach trend; the parameters of the transfer function were estimated with a classical identification method based on a step-response computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The model was employed to rapidly calculate the maximum amplitude of fluctuations accepted by the supersonic blade row for each frequency and average inlet Mach number. Finally, the influence of the inlet geometric angle, pitch to leading-edge thickness ratio, and static temperature on the model parameters is studied. The preliminary observations of the parametric analysis were confirmed by the rigorous quantitative approach of a global sensitivity analysis based on Sobol sensitivity indices.
Morphogens enable interacting supracellular phases that generate organ architecture
Authors: Yang Sichen , Palmquist Karl H. , Nathan Levy , Pfeifer Charlotte R. , Schultheiss Paula J. , Sharma Anurag , Kam Lance C. , Miller Pearson W. , Shyer Amy E. , Rodrigues Alan R.
Published: November 2023

During vertebrate organogenesis, increases in morphological complexity are tightly coupled to morphogen expression. In this work, we studied how morphogens influence self-organizing processes at the collective or “supra”-cellular scale in avian skin. We made physical measurements across length scales, which revealed morphogen-enabled material property differences that were amplified at supracellular scales in comparison to cellular scales. At the supracellular scale, we found that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) promoted “solidification” of tissues, whereas bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) promoted fluidity and enhanced mechanical activity. Together, these effects created basement membrane–less compartments within mesenchymal tissue that were mechanically primed to drive avian skin tissue budding. Understanding this multiscale process requires the ability to distinguish between proximal effects of morphogens that occur at the cellular scale and their functional effects, which emerge at the supracellular scale.
A rugged yet easily navigable fitness landscape
Authors: Papkou Andrei , Garcia-Pastor Lucia , Escudero José Antonio , Wagner Andreas
Published: November 2023

Fitness landscape theory predicts that rugged landscapes with multiple peaks impair Darwinian evolution, but experimental evidence is limited. In this study, we used genome editing to map the fitness of >260,000 genotypes of the key metabolic enzyme dihydrofolate reductase in the presence of the antibiotic trimethoprim, which targets this enzyme. The resulting landscape is highly rugged and harbors 514 fitness peaks. However, its highest peaks are accessible to evolving populations via abundant fitness-increasing paths. Different peaks share large basins of attraction that render the outcome of adaptive evolution highly contingent on chance events. Our work shows that ruggedness need not be an obstacle to Darwinian evolution but can reduce its predictability. If true in general, the complexity of optimization problems on realistic landscapes may require reappraisal.
Mechanical properties pattern the skin
Authors: Banavar Samhita P. , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: November 2023

Morphogens induce variations in tissue mechanics to promote feather budding
M. S. Swaminathan (1925–2023)
Authors: Khan Sameen Ahmed , Deshmukh Sanjay Vasant
Published: November 2023

Architect of India’s green revolution
Fulminant amoebic colitis co-infection in a patient with COVID-19
Authors: Gandhi Jignesh , Awasthi Alpana Arunkumar , Banker Amay
Published: November 2023

A woman in her 80s who presented with sudden abdominal pain and bloody stool associated with fever, dry cough and malaise, was found to be COVID-19 RT-PCR positive with fulminating necrotising amoebic colitis. She underwent right extended hemicolectomy with ileostomy and survived despite an unpredictable post-operative course, the need for aggressive intensive care and other major risk factors, and was discharged home after the twentieth day of her presentation.

This case summarises the survival of a geriatric patient diagnosed with two lethal complications - amoebic colitis and COVID-19 respiratory infection with the aid of prompt surgical intervention and appropriate critical care.
Practical multidisciplinary framework for the assessment and management of patients with unexplained chronic aerodigestive symptoms
Authors: Quigley Nathan , Mistry Sandeep G , Vasant Dipesh H , Vasani Sarju
Published: November 2023

Objective

Patients experiencing unexplained chronic throat symptoms (UCTS) are frequently referred to gastroenterology and otolaryngology outpatient departments for investigation. Often despite extensive investigations, an identifiable structural abnormality to account for the symptoms is not found. The objective of this article is to provide a concise appraisal of the evidence-base for current approaches to the assessment and management of UCTS, their clinical outcomes, and related healthcare utilisation.

Design

This multidisciplinary review critically examines the current understanding of aetiological theories and pathophysiological drivers in UCTS and summarises the evidence base underpinning various diagnostic and management approaches.

Results

The evidence gathered from the review suggests that single-specialty approaches to UCTS inadequately capture the substantial heterogeneity and pervasive overlaps among clinical features and biopsychosocial factors and suggests a more unified approach is needed.

Conclusion

Drawing on contemporary insights from the gastrointestinal literature for disorders of gut–brain interaction, this article proposes a refreshed interdisciplinary approach characterised by a positive diagnosis framework and patient-centred therapeutic model. The overarching aim of this approach is to improve patient outcomes and foster collaborative research efforts.
Genetically predicted causal associations between periodontitis and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Tong Shuangshuang , Lyu Yanlin , Huang Wentao , Zeng Ruijie , Jiang Rui , Lian Qizhou , Leung Felix W , Sha Weihong , Chen Hao
Published: November 2023

Background

Psychiatric disorders have serious harm to individuals’ lives with high disease burden. Observational studies reported inconsistent associations between periodontitis and some psychiatric disorders, and the causal correlations between them remain unknown.

Objective

This study aims to explore the causal associations between periodontitis and psychiatric disorders.

Methods

A series of two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses were employed using genome-wide association study summary statistics for periodontitis in adults from Gene-Lifestyle Interactions in Dental Endpoints Consortium and 10 psychiatric disorders from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Causal effects were primarily estimated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. Various sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess the robustness of our results.

Findings

The MR analysis suggested that genetically determined periodontitis was not causally associated with 10 psychiatric disorders (IVW, all p>0.089). Furthermore, the reverse MR analysis revealed that 10 psychiatric disorders had no causal effect on periodontitis (IVW, all p>0.068). We discovered that all the results were consistent in the four MR analytical methods, including the IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median and weighted mode. Besides, we did not identify any heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy in the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

These results do not support bidirectional causal associations between genetically predicted periodontitis and 10 common psychiatric disorders. Potential confounders might contribute to the previously observed associations.

Clinical implications

Our findings might alleviate the concerns of patients with periodontitis or psychiatric disorders. However, further research was warranted to delve into the intricate relationship between dental health and mental illnesses.
Heart rate: an accessible risk indicator in adult congenital heart disease
Authors: Hendriks Paul M , van den Bosch Annemien E , Kors Jan A , Geenen Laurie W , Baggen Vivan J M , Eindhoven Jannet A , Kauling Robert M , Cuypers Judith A A E , Boersma Eric , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W
Published: November 2023

Background

Higher resting heart rate has been described as a risk factor for adverse outcome in healthy individuals and cardiovascular patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate resting heart rate as risk factor in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD).

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, patients with moderate or complex ACHD were included at routine outpatient visit. Standard 12-lead ECGs were obtained in rest. Heart rate was obtained from the ECG automatically by the Modular ECG Analysis System (MEANS). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure. Survival was derived using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Subgroups based on heart rate tertiles were compared by the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for clinical factors including age, sex and diagnosis (moderate vs complex ACHD).

Results

A total of 556 patients were included (median age 32 years (IQR 24–41), 57.6% male). Mean heart rate was 69±13 bpm. Negative chronotropic medication was used by 74 (13.3%) patients. During a median follow-up of 10.1 (IQR 9.6–10.5) years, 36 patients (6.5%) died and 83 (14.9%) reached the secondary endpoint. Patients with higher heart rates had significantly lower survival and heart failure-free survival. After adjusting for clinical factors, heart rate remained associated with mortality (HR 1.57 per 10 bpm, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.96) and mortality or heart failure (HR 1.33 per 10 bpm, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.57).

Conclusion

Higher heart rate is associated with lower survival and heart failure-free survival in ACHD.
Genotype-guided new approach for dose optimisation of hydroxychloroquine administration in Chinese patients with SLE
Authors: Xie Han , Wen Xin , Wang Yuchun , Huang Xuan , Shu Qing , Wang Dandan , Geng Linyu , Jin Ziyi , Shen Wei , Ge Weihong , Zhu Yizhun , Sun Lingyun
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The study aims to investigate the impact of gene polymorphisms on blood hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) concentrations in patients with SLE and provide guidelines for individualised care.

Methods

489 Chinese patients with SLE taking HCQ for more than 3 months were collected in this study. The blood HCQ, desethylhydroxychloroquine (DHCQ) and desethylchloroquine concentrations were measured. The optimal blood concentration of HCQ was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes involved in HCQ metabolism were genotyped and the associations with treatment effects were investigated.

Results

The cut-off value of HCQ was 559.67 ng/mL, with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.51 and 0.89, respectively. The TC and CC genotypes of CYP2C8 (rs7910936) were significantly related to the increase in blood HCQ concentrations, and the CYP2C8 (rs10882521) TT genotype was associated with lower blood HCQ concentrations. The DHCQ:HCQ ratio was highest in patients with the GG genotype of the CYP2D6*10 (rs1065852) polymorphism and lowest in those with the AA genotype. Patients with the CYP2C8 (rs7910936) CC genotype were more likely to achieve the optimal blood concentration (p=0.030) in HCQ 200 mg/day group and patients with the CYP2D6*10 (rs1065852) GG genotype were more likely to reach the optimal blood concentration (p=0.049) in 400 mg/day group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the optimal blood concentration of HCQ measured approximately 12–18 hours after the last dosage may be between 500 and 600 ng/mL in Chinese patients with SLE. The observed variations in HCQ concentrations between individuals can potentially be attributed to genetic polymorphisms in CYP2D6*10 (rs1065852) and CYP2C8 (rs7910936 and rs10882521). Genotypical testing of patients and regular monitoring of blood levels are recommended for optimising HCQ dosage management in Chinese patients with SLE.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300070628.
Involving patients as research partners in research in rheumatology: a literature review in 2023
Authors: Elhai Muriel , Benavent Diego , Aouad Krystel , Studenic Paul , Bertheussen Heidi , Primdahl Jette , Zabalan Codruta , de Wit Maarten , Gossec Laure
Published: November 2023

Objective

The inclusion of patient research partners (PRPs) in research projects is increasingly recognised and recommended in rheumatology. The level of involvement of PRPs in translational research in rheumatology remains unknown, while in randomised clinical trials (RCTs), it has been reported to be 2% in 2020. Therefore, we aimed to assess the involvement of PRPs in recent translational studies and RCTs in rheumatology.

Methods

We conducted a scoping literature review of the 80 most recent articles (40 translational studies and 40 RCTs) from four target diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and lower extremity osteoarthritis. We selected 20 papers from each disease, published up until 1 March 2023, in rheumatology and general scientific journals. In each paper, the extent of PRP involvement was assessed. Analyses were descriptive.

Results

Of 40 translational studies, none reported PRP involvement. Of 40 RCTs, eight studies (20%) reported PRP involvement. These trials were mainly from Europe (75%) and North America (25%). Most of them (75%) were non-industry funded. The type of PRP involvement was reported in six of eight studies: six studies reported PRP participation in the study design or design of the intervention and two of them in the interpretation of the results. All the trials reporting the number of PRPs (75%), involved at least two PRPs.

Conclusion

Despite a worldwide movement advocating for increased patient involvement in research, PRPs in translational research and RCTs in rheumatology are significantly under-represented. This limited involvement of PRPs in research highlights a persistent gap between the existing recommendations and actual practice.
Development and external validation of a prediction model for venous thromboembolism in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: You Hanxiao , Zhao Jiuliang , Zhang Miaojia , Jin Ziyi , Feng Xuebing , Tan Wenfeng , Wu Lijun , Duan Xinwang , Luo Hui , Zhao Cheng , Zhan Feng , Wu Zhenbiao , Li Hongbin , Yang Min , Xu Jian , Wei Wei , Wang Yanhong , Shi Juhong , Qu Jingge , Wang Qian , Leng Xiaomei , Tian Xinping , Zhao Yan , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: November 2023

Objective

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We conducted this study to develop a risk score algorithm for VTE in patients with SLE that provides individualised risk estimates.

Methods

We developed a clinical prediction model of VTE in 4502 patients with SLE based on the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research group cohort (CSTAR) from January 2009 to January 2020 and externally validated in 3780 patients with SLE in CSTAR from January 2020 to January 2022. Baseline data were obtained and VTE events were recorded during the follow-up. The prediction model was developed to predict VTE risk within 6 months in patients with SLE, using multivariate logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. SLE-VTE score and nomogram were established according to the model.

Results

A total of 4502 patients included in the development cohort, 135 had VTE events. The final prediction model (SLE-VTE score) included 11 variables: gender, age, body mass index, hyperlipidaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, C reactive protein, anti-β2GPI antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, renal involvement, nervous system involvement and hydroxychloroquine, with area under the curve of 0.947 and 0.808 in the development (n=4502) and external validation cohort (n=3780), respectively. According to the net benefit and predicted probability thresholds, we recommend annual screening of VTE in high risk (≥1.03%) patients with SLE.

Conclusion

Various factors are related to the occurrence of VTE in patients with SLE. The proposed SLE-VTE risk score can accurately predict the risk of VTE and help identify patients with SLE with a high risk of VTE who may benefit from thromboprophylaxis.
New method for merging several exponential operators’ product into one exponential operator
Authors: Zhang Chun-Zao , Fan Hong-Yi
Published: November 2023

For two operators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] which obey [Formula: see text]we shall prove [Formula: see text]which means we want to merge two exponential operators’ product into one exponential operator. This kind of operator identity is useful for calculating the quantum entropy [Formula: see text] since [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] but [Formula: see text] thus the merging operator formula is demanded. In this way, several exponential operators’ product can also be merged. We shall employ the method of integration within normally ordered product (IWOP) to derive the merging operator identity.
Joint Caching and Computing Offloading Strategies for Power Supply Chain Services Under Cloud Edge Collaborative Computing Environment
Authors: Yang Shi , Zhang Kai , Yang Bo , Zhang Lina
Published: November 2023

Aiming at the problem of long task calculation delay of traditional edge computing offloading strategy (COS), a joint caching and COS for power supply chain services under cloud edge collaborative computing environment is proposed by introducing the master-slave game model. First, for the network of information interaction between power grid system and electrical equipment suppliers, the corresponding overall model of cloud edge collaborative network is constructed by combining cloud computing, edge computing, supplier terminal communication and remote cloud. Then, the cloud-side collaborative network model is analyzed and solved by building the service function cache model, task unloading and data transmission model and power business data calculation model, respectively. Finally, by introducing the master-slave game model, the whole system is divided into three different interests of power service providers, communication providers and communication network terminal providers and the joint caching and COS for power supply chain services is given. Through simulation experiments, the proposed computing unloading strategy and the other three methods are compared and analyzed under the same experimental conditions. The results show that the service cache hit rate of the proposed method is the highest, reaching 96.35%. Compared with the other three comparison methods, it increased by 14.96%, 11.24% and 4.85%, respectively. In addition, its task computing delay is the least affected by agent computing power and agent computing resources, and its performance is better than the other three comparison methods.
A Radial Basis Function Neural Network-Based Fast Forecasting Model for Regional Economy
Authors: Liu Tangfa , Li Yan , Jiang Jianfeng
Published: November 2023

The computational intelligence-based digital forecasting for social systems has been a novel tendency. This work takes forecasting of regional economy as the problem scenario, and introduces radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) to deal with this concern. Hence, an RBFNN-based fast forecasting model for regional economy is constructed in this paper. First, the economic flow data are encoded into sequential format, and RBFNN is employed to establish a sequential forecasting model that fits flow data. In addition, a fuzzy clustering method is further utilized to complete missing data in flow sequence, in order to improve the data quality for model calculation. In simulation procedure, the proposal is implemented on real economic operation data for assessment, and mean absolute error (MAE) is introduced to measure the forecasting performance. Several typical regression-based forecasting methods are introduced as the baseline. The experimental results show that MAE of the proposal is about 20%–30% lower than that of baseline methods, showing a better forecasting performance.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE DYNAMICS OF MAGNETIZED CASSON FLUID FLOW OVER A PERMEABLE WEDGE SUBJECT TO DISSIPATION AND THERMAL RADIATIONS
Authors: GOUD B. SHANKAR , REDDY Y. DHARMENDAR , ADNAN
Published: November 2023

The streamline boundary layer Casson liquid flow via wedge inspired by magnetic field effects is considered in this study. The governing laws of Casson fluid are modified by adding the effects of radiative heat flux, viscous dissipation and the surface permeability. Afterward, the model is transformed into simplified form using similarity variables and then analyzed via numerical scheme. The significant influence of the physical parameters appeared due to acting magnetic field, radiative heat flux, dissipation function and Prandtl number is specially treated for the flow behavior and thermal transfer mechanism plotted and discussed in detail. Further, tabulated results are also provided to replicate the study in future and this model is validated with the date published in open literature and it is found that these results are accurate and aligned with existing results.
Nonlinear Vibration and Dynamic Buckling of Complex Curved Functionally Graded Graphene Panels Reinforced with Inclined Stiffeners
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Thi , Duc Vu Minh , Giang Nguyen Thi , Ly Le Ngoc , Xuan Nguyen Thi Thanh , Nam Vu Hoai
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a new semi-analytical approach for the nonlinear vibration and dynamic responses of functionally graded graphene platelet-reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) panels with complex curvature reinforced by orthogonal and/or inclined stiffeners in the thermal environment resting on the nonlinear viscoelastic foundation with the nonlinearities of von Kármán in the framework of the higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT). The three curvature types of complexly curved panels are considered to be cylindrical, sinusoid, and parabola panels. Orthogonal and/or inclined stiffeners are modeled utilizing an improved smeared stiffener technique. The stress function form is estimated by applying the like-Galerkin method for complexly curved panels. By applying the Lagrange function and Euler–Lagrange equation, the nonlinear equations of motion of the panels are obtained. The viscous damping effects of the viscoelastic foundation are considered by utilizing the Rayleigh dissipation function. Numerical results are examined utilizing the Runge–Kutta method to acquire the time-deflection curves, and by utilizing the Budiansky–Roth criterion, the critical dynamic buckling loads are determined. From the investigated results, it is possible to evaluate the nonlinear vibration and buckling dynamic responses of three forms of panels with stiffeners.
Energy estimates of Yang–Mills functional
Authors: Huang Teng
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we use the Uhlenbeck compactness theorem and Lojasiewicz–Simon gradient inequality of the Yang–Mills [Formula: see text]-energy functional to prove some energy properties of Yang–Mills connections. In particular, we can get the discreteness of Yang–Mills energy from the compactness of the moduli space of Yang–Mills connections.
Radius problems for ratios of analytic functions involving sigmoid domain
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Nagpal Sumit
Published: November 2023

The univalent function [Formula: see text] maps the open unit disk [Formula: see text] onto a sigmoid domain [Formula: see text]. The sharp radii constants have been computed for the classes involving ratios [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of analytic functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] defined in [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is subordinate to [Formula: see text], the other two ratios are subordinate to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and the quantity [Formula: see text] lies in a certain region of the right half plane.
Car Detection for Smart Parking Systems Based on Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Nguyen Duy-Linh , Vo Xuan-Thuy , Priadana Adri , Jo Kang-Hyun
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, YOLOv5 is one of the most popular object detection network architectures used in real-time and industrial systems. Traffic management and regulation are typical applications. To take advantage of the YOLOv5 network and develop a parking management tool, this paper proposes a car detection network based on redesigning the YOLOv5 network architecture. This research focuses on network parameter optimization using lightweight modules from EfficientNet and PP-LCNet architectures. On the other hand, this work also presents an aerial view dataset for car detection tasks in the parking, named the AVPL. The proposed network is trained and evaluated on two benchmark datasets which are the Car Parking Lot Dataset and the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana+ Dataset and one proposed dataset. The experiments are reported on mAP@0.5 and mAP@0.5:0.95 measurement units. As a result, this network achieves the best performances at 95.8%, 97.4%, and 97.0% of mAP@0.5 on the Car Parking Lot Dataset, the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana+ Dataset, and the proposed AVPL dataset, respectively. A set of demonstration videos and the proposed dataset are available here: https://bit.ly/3YUoSwi .
Using ground-penetrating radar to investigate deposits from the Storegga slide tsunami and other sand sheets in the Shetland Islands, UK
Authors: Buck L. , Bristow C. S.
Published: November 2023

We use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to investigate the geometry, inland extent and continuity of sand layers interpreted as tsunami deposits in the Shetland Islands, UK. Four sites where sand layers within peat deposits have been recorded in previous studies are used to provide ground truth. In addition, we describe survey results from one site where deposits are not exposed to test the potential of GPR to identify candidate tsunami deposits in areas that are not well documented. Sand layers can be clearly imaged at all five locations because they are interbedded with peat and the contrast in lithology gives a good reflection on GPR profiles, even very thin sand layers, <1 cm thick, that are beneath the theoretical resolution of the GPR. 2D and 3D surveys show that tsunami deposits appear to drape a buried topography. Most sand layers form continuous reflections, although some gaps are attributed to later erosion, most likely by streams. Sand layers have been traced up to 150 m inland and 10 m above the present shoreline, which is consistent with data from boreholes. If a similar sized event occurred today, it would have a devastating impact on the Shetland Islands.
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Storyline: Visualizing the Relationship with Triplet Entities and Event Discovery
Authors: Wang Yunchao , Sun Guodao , Zhu Zihao , Li Tong , Chen Ling , Liang Ronghua
Published: November 2023

The narrative progression of events, evolving into a cohesive story, relies on the entity-entity relationships. Among the plethora of visualization techniques, storyline visualization has gained significant recognition for its effectiveness in offering an overview of story trends, revealing entity relationships, and facilitating visual communication. However, existing methods for storyline visualization often fall short in accurately depicting the specific relationships between entities. In this study, we present

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Storyline, a novel approach that emphasizes simplicity and aesthetics of layout while effectively conveying entity-entity relationships to users. To achieve this, we begin by extracting entity-entity relationships from textual data and representing them as subject-predicate-object (SPO) triplets, thereby obtaining structured data. By considering three types of design requirements, we establish new optimization objectives and model the layout problem using multi-objective optimization (MOO) techniques. The aforementioned SPO triplets, together with time and event information, are incorporated into the optimization model to ensure a straightforward and easily comprehensible storyline layout. Through a qualitative user study, we determine that a pixel-based view is the most suitable method for displaying the relationships between entities. Finally, we apply

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Storyline to real-world data, including movie synopses and live text commentaries. Through comprehensive case studies, we demonstrate that

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Storyline enables users to better extract information from stories and comprehend the relationships between entities.
A comparative modeling study of the mitochondrial function of the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb cells in the rat kidney
Authors: Layton Anita T.
Published: November 2023

Tissue fluid composition varies substantially within the mammalian kidney. The renal cortex is well perfused and pH neutral, whereas some medullary regions are hypoxic and acidic. How do these environments affect the mitochondrial function of proximal convoluted tubule and medullary thick ascending limb cells, which reside in the cortex and medulla, respectively? This computational modeling study demonstrates that these mitochondria can adapt to their contrasting environments and exhibit different sensitivities to perturbations to local environments.
Kinetic Analysis of the Reaction between Tannic Acid (TA) and L-Lysine Diisocyanate (LDI) Systems
Authors: Karbasi Ali , Darvishi Reza , Enayati Gerdroodbar AmirHossein , Payam Ghasem
Published: November 2023

The kinetics of the synthesis of green polyurethane from the reaction between tannic acid (TA) and L-lysine diisocyanate (LDI) were investigated using the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) technique and dynamic rheological tests. The evaluation of the reaction behavior of the prepared samples was carried out using nonisothermal conditions at dynamic heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20°C/min. The evolution of the activation energy with conversion was computed through the five isoconversional methods of Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method (OFW), Friedman (FR), Starink, and Vyazovkin. The average activation energy calculated from these methods was estimated at 46.5, 46.8, 47.2, 47.3, and 51.4 KJ/mol, respectively. The preexponential factor was evaluated at

5.04
×

10

5

1/s. The overall reaction order (

n
+
m

) was also found to be around 1.8912. The results of the combination of the model-free method and model-fitting approach exhibited that the reaction mechanism was an autocatalytic type, implying the autocatalytic effect of the urethane groups formed during the reaction. The obtained kinetic for TA/LDI was verified through its good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the results found from the isothermal rheological test show that with increasing temperature, the gelation time decreases.
The Determinants of Survival Time of Premature Neonates at Shambu General Hospital
Authors: Debelo Olani
Published: November 2023

Background. Premature birth occurs before 37 completed weeks of gestation. It has a greater risk of developmental disabilities, health, and growth problems than full birth. It is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify determinants of the survival time of premature neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Shambu General Hospital. Methods. A retrospective study design was used. Data were collected from medical records of premature neonates from January 2018 to March 2021. A total of 361 premature neonates were included in the study. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier (KM) curve and log-rank test were computed. The survival time of preterm neonates were compared for different categorical covariates. The Cox’s proportional hazard model was fitted. The fitness and statistical assumptions of the model were checked. Parametric regression models were compared. Weibull regression model was fitted for premature data to identify the predictors of death time of the premature neonates. Results. The proportion of premature neonatal death was 23.3%. Gestational age, neonatal sex, place of residence, hemoglobin (Hb) level, hypertension status, HIV status, antenatal care, mode of delivery, birth weight, multiple pregnancies, perinatal asphyxia, and parity greater than 1 were significantly associated with the death time of premature neonates. Conclusion. Percentage of premature neonatal death in this study was 23.3. Improving mothers’ Hb level through routine iron supplementation, encouraging mothers to have regular antenatal follow-up at health institution were recommended.