bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rough PDEs for Local Stochastic Volatility Models
Authors: Bank Peter , Bayer Christian , Friz Peter K. , Pelizzari Luca
Published: January 2025

In this work, we introduce a novel pricing methodology in general, possibly non‐Markovian local stochastic volatility (LSV) models. We observe that by conditioning the LSV dynamics on the Brownian motion that drives the volatility, one obtains a time‐inhomogeneous Markov process. Using tools from rough path theory, we describe how to precisely understand the conditional LSV dynamics and reveal their Markovian nature. The latter allows us to connect the conditional dynamics to so‐called rough partial differential equations (RPDEs), through a Feynman–Kac type of formula. In terms of European pricing, conditional on realizations of one Brownian motion, we can compute conditional option prices by solving the corresponding linear RPDEs, and then average over all samples to find unconditional prices. Our approach depends only minimally on the specification of the volatility, making it applicable for a wide range of classical and rough LSV models, and it establishes a PDE pricing method for non‐Markovian models. Finally, we present a first glimpse at numerical methods for RPDEs and apply them to price European options in several rough LSV models.
Mitigating the impact of emotional exhaustion among young intensive care unit nurses: A structural equation model based on the conservation of resources theory
Authors: Zhang Xiaona , Huang Haitao , Du Hua , Li Dan
Published: January 2025

Background

As the backbone of the intensive care unit nursing team, young nurses' emotional and psychological well‐being is related to the physiological health and life outcomes of critically ill patients.

Aim

Exploring the impact of access to and utilization of organizational resources on emotional exhaustion among intensive care unit nurses.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional survey. SPSS 27.0 was used for descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. AMOS 25.0 was used to construct the structural equation model and conduct the Bootstrap test.

Results

A total of 447 valid questionnaires were ultimately included, with a validity rate of 91.2%. The results showed that the turnover intention of young intensive care unit nurses was high (2.06 ± 0.67). Emotional exhaustion positively predicts nurses' turnover intentions (β = 0.30, p < .001). Inclusive leadership (β = 0.075, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.116, p < .001) and distributive justice (β = 0.090, 95% CI: 0.059 to 0.132, p < .001), as organizational resources, respectively moderate the relationship between emotional exhaustion and turnover intention, and play a chain‐mediated role in their relationship (β = 0.055, 95% CI: 0.036 to 0.081, p < .000). Additionally, the study did not show a direct effect of emotional exhaustion on work engagement (β = −0.07, p = .083). Instead, this relationship is mediated through distributive justice (but not inclusive leadership) (β = −0.203, 95% CI: −0.258 to −0.146, p < .001). At the same time, inclusive leadership and distributive justice serve as serial mediators in the mechanism by which emotional exhaustion affects work engagement (β = −0.125, 95% CI: −0.167 to −0.096, p < .000).

Conclusions

This study emphasizes that organizational resources can effectively alleviate the impact of emotional exhaustion among young intensive care unit nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Health care institutions and nursing managers need to recognize the importance of utilizing organizational resources and take necessary measures to alleviate emotional exhaustion among intensive care unit nurses. By implementing effective policies, they can enhance nurses' work engagement and retain nursing talent.
The Long‐Term Effects of In Utero Exposure to Rubella
Authors: Mosca Irene , Nolan Anne
Published: January 2025

A rubella infection in early pregnancy poses a significant risk of damage to the foetus. In this paper, we examine the later‐life impact of a rubella outbreak that occurred in Ireland in 1956. Matching the outcomes of individuals born in 1954–1957 in the 2016 Irish Census of Population to the county‐level rubella incidence rate that was prevailing when respondents were in utero in early pregnancy, we find that one extra rubella case per 10,000 population is associated with between 0.4% and 1.2% point increases in the probability of having lower levels of educational attainment, being in poor health and having a disability in later life.
Dentoalveolar and Skeletal Effects of an Anterior Open Bite Treatment Protocol Using Zygomatic Anchorage
Authors: Acar Yasemin Bahar , Özbilen Elvan Önem , Yıldırım Gamze , Kahraman Dilara , Tozlu Murat , Erverdi Ahmet Nejat
Published: January 2025

Objective

Primary aim was to analyse dentoalveolar and skeletal effects induced by an anterior open bite (AOB) treatment protocol for intrusion of maxillary buccal segment. Secondary aim was to investigate whether a subsequent change occurred in hyoid position.

Materials and Methods

Study group included 28 non‐growing subjects treated in academic setting for correction of AOB. All patients received same appliance that included bilateral acrylic bite‐blocks covering posterior dentition. Intrusive force was applied between buccal bars of appliance and zygomatic multipurpose implants. Lateral cephalograms taken at pre‐treatment (T0) and after intrusion (T1) were analysed using NemoCeph software. Eight skeletal, 9 dental, 6 soft tissue and 5 hyoid parameters were measured and evaluated statistically.

Results

Mean open bite was −3.2 ± 2.1 mm at T0. T1–T0 duration was 9.6 ± 1.9 months. Increase in SNB (1.1° ± 2.1°) and the decrease in ANB (−1.1° ± 1.3°), Y‐axis (−0.5° ± 3.5°), SN‐GoGn (−2.0° ± −2.5°) and lower facial height (−1.4 ± 2.1 mm) were significant, indicating mandibular counter‐clockwise rotation. Overjet and open bite decreased significantly (−1.8 ± 2.3 mm and 4.2 ± 2.1 mm, respectively). Maxillary molars intruded (U6‐PP: −3.1 ± 1.3 mm) and distalised (ΔU6‐TVL: −1.5 ± 2.7 mm) significantly. Mean change in L6‐MP was significant (0.9 ± 1.4 mm) showing mandibular molar eruption. Lower lip‐true vertical line (TVL) showed significant forward movement of lower lip (−1.8 ± 2.3 mm). Mean changes in hyoid parameters were not significant.

Conclusion

Significant maxillary buccal segment intrusion was achieved in a relatively short period. AOB was corrected while facial profile and smile aesthetics were improved. Distalisation of maxillary molar suggests that intrusive force vector can be modified to achieve simultaneous intrusion and distalisation.
Longitudinal measures of peripheral optical quality in young children
Authors: Vera‐Diaz Fuensanta A. , Dhungel Deepa , McCullough Aidan , Kerber Kristen L. , Bex Peter J.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To assess longitudinal changes in optical quality across the periphery (horizontal meridian, 60°) in young children who are at high (HR) or low risk (LR) of developing myopia, as well as a small subgroup of children who developed myopia over a 3‐year time frame.

Methods

Aberrations were measured every 6 months in 92 children with functional emmetropia at baseline. Children were classified into HR or LR based on baseline refractive error and parental myopia. Zernike polynomials were calculated for 4 mm pupils, accounting for the elliptical shape of the pupil in the periphery. Various metrics were computed, including Strehl Ratios with only high‐order aberrations (HO‐SR). Primary spherical aberration (SA), horizontal coma and defocus were also analysed given their relevance in emmetropisation. The areas under the image quality metrics for various regions of interest were computed.

Results

HO‐SR were higher in children at HR and children with myopia, even when SA was removed from the Strehl Ratio (SR) calculation. SA was less positive in children at HR and children with myopia. Defocus was more negative in children at HR and children with myopia at all eccentricities and was even more negative when computed relative to the fovea, an effect that increased in the mid periphery. Relative peripheral defocus also became more negative over time in children at HR and children with myopia at the mid temporal retina. The other aberrations showed no significant changes in time overall.

Conclusions

This longitudinal study showed differences in HO‐SR, SA and defocus in the central and near‐peripheral retina (±20°) of young children at HR before they develop myopia compared with children at LR for myopia. The results may indicate these eccentricities are significant in providing signals for emmetropisation. The small changes noted over time may indicate that the differences are a cause of myopia development.
Ameliorating salt stress in tomato by a top‐down approach of acclimatizing the rhizosphere microbiome
Authors: Pradhan Salila , Bhattacharjee Annapurna , Dubey Shubham , Sharma Shilpi
Published: January 2025

Soil salinization adversely impacts plant and soil health. While amendment with chemicals is not sustainable, the application of bioinoculants suffers from competition with indigenous microbes. Hence, microbiome‐based rhizosphere engineering, focussing on acclimatization of rhizosphere microbiome under selection pressure to facilitate plant growth, exhibits promise. This study aimed to acclimatize a salt‐susceptible tomato cultivar to high salt concentration through a microbiome‐based top‐down approach of rhizosphere engineering. Multiple passaging of the rhizosphere microbiome of the cultivar was performed for twelve plant growth cycles in the presence of increasing salt stress. The rhizosphere microbiome of the phenotypically best‐grown plant under stress was transferred as inoculum to the next plant growth cycle. Plant growth attributes and stress marker levels were assessed, expression levels of plant salt stress‐responsive genes were examined, and the bacterial community composition in the initial and final plant growth cycles was analysed. Rhizosphere microbiome inoculation promoted plant growth under increasing salt concentrations. Stress markers were reduced in plants inoculated with an acclimatized microbiome, while the root architecture was enhanced, indicating salt tolerance. The salt stress‐responsive genes were downregulated in salt‐treated plants, whereas upregulation of these genes was observed upon microbiome inoculation. The relative abundance of Exiguobacterium, Arthrobacter, and Lysobacter was higher in microbiome‐treated plants under salt stress compared to the salt‐treated plants without microbiome inoculation. The strategy of acclimatizing the rhizosphere microbiome of a salt‐susceptible tomato cultivar was successfully implemented for stress amelioration and plant growth promotion, thereby offering a sustainable means with immense potential for application in other crops.
Assessment of cold resistance in tobacco varieties using JIP‐test parameters and seedling growth
Authors: Xie Rong‐Rong , Wu Shengxin , Huang Wei‐Lin , Luo Yaxin , Lin Jinbin , Cheng Yazhi , Lu Jianjun , Yu Wen , Chen Songbiao , Li Wenqing , Chen Li‐Song
Published: January 2025

Cold stress (CS) is a significant natural hazard, and distinguishing between plant cold resistance and sensitivity is critical for cultivar breeding and the development of germplasm resources. This study used 205 tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) varieties from around the world to investigate the changes in the chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients, JIP‐test parameters, and seedling growth caused by seven days of CS (5°C) treatment. Their cold resistance was assessed using the cold‐resistant coefficient, derived from the relative growth rate of shoots, damage scores, and JIP‐test parameters. The results showed that total electron carriers per reaction center (Sm) and relative variable fluorescence at the I‐step (VI) were better indicators of cold resistance than maximum quantum yield of photochemistry at t = 0 (Fv/Fm), which was widely used to assess plant cold resistance. Next, the study examined the effects of CS and subsequent recovery on OJIP transients, JIP‐test parameters, and seedling growth in two highly resistant (HR) and two highly sensitive (HS) varieties to confirm the reliability of the assessment methods. The results indicated that HR varieties experienced less photoinhibitory damage to photosystem II, exhibited lower growth inhibition during CS, and showed better recovery during the recovery period compared to HS varieties. These findings suggested that the JIP‐test parameters could serve as a reliable tool for assessing tobacco cold resistance and aid in selecting varieties with enhanced resilience to CS.
Unravelling OsPHT2;1 function in Chloroplast Phosphorus Homeostasis and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Low Phosphorus Stress in Rice
Authors: Lu Shanshan , Xu Xiaoming , Wu Yongzhen , Ye Jun , Wu Linyan , Nie Miaomiao , Sun Shubin , Jing Wen , Cho Hui‐kyong , Rouached Hatem , Zheng Luqing
Published: January 2025

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a critical factor limiting crop productivity, primarily due to its detrimental effects on photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation. In this study, we investigate the role of the rice gene OsPHT2;1 in mediating chloroplast P homeostasis and its subsequent impact on photosynthetic function under low P conditions. Stomatal conductance is typically positively correlated with net photosynthetic rates; however, P deficiency disrupts this relationship, leading to reduced stomatal opening and diminished photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings show that the OsPHT2;1 mutation leads to a decrease in the plastoquinone (PQ) pool size. This change is associated with altered stomatal conductance and modifications in electron transport dynamics, including an increase in the transmembrane proton gradient and a shift from linear to cyclic electron transport. This disruption significantly impairs the transport of photosynthetic products, particularly triose phosphates, essential for sucrose synthesis in the cytoplasm. Additionally, the reduced PQ pool influences the expression of key genes involved in photostability, highlighting the interplay between P homeostasis and photosynthetic regulation. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying OsPHT2;1's role in chloroplast function, our research underscores its significance in optimizing rice adaptation to low P environments, thereby enhancing crop resilience and productivity.
Inositol polyphosphates regulate resilient mechanisms in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to adapt to extreme nutrient conditions
Authors: Bedera‐García Rodrigo , García‐Gómez María Elena , Personat José María , Couso Inmaculada
Published: January 2025

In the context of climate changing environments, microalgae can be excellent organisms to understand molecular mechanisms that activate survival strategies under stress. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii signalling mutants are extremely useful to decipher which strategies photosynthetic organisms use to cope with changeable environments. The mutant vip1‐1 has an altered profile of pyroinositol polyphosphates (PP‐InsPs), which are signalling molecules present in all eukaryotes and have been connected to P signalling in other organisms including plants, but their implications in other nutrient signalling are still under evaluation. In this study, we conducted prolonged starvation in WT and vip1‐1 Chlamydomonas cells. After N and P had been consumed, they showed important differences in the levels of chlorophyll, photosystem II (PSII) activity and ultrastructural morphology, including differences in the cell size and cell division. Metabolomic analysis under these conditions revealed an overall decrease in different organic compounds such as amino acids, including arginine and its precursors and tryptophan, which is considered a signalling molecule itself in plants. In addition, we observed significant differences in RNA levels of genes related to N assimilation that are under the control of the NIT2 transcription factor. These data are of important relevance in understanding the signalling role of PP‐InsPs in nutrient sensing, especially regarding N, which has not directly been connected to these molecules in green organisms before. Additionally, the PP‐InsPs regulation over cell size and photosynthesis supports novel strategies for the generation of resilient strains, expanding the biotechnological applications of green microalgae.
Do Vulnerable Citizens (Really) Perceive Higher Bureaucracy Costs? Testing a Key Claim of the Administrative Burden Framework
Authors: Vogel Rick , Dahlweg Anne , Hattke Fabian
Published: January 2025

A key claim of the administrative burden framework is that vulnerable citizens are more affected by administrative burden than others. We test this assumption using the life events survey in Germany, an official data record covering more than 10,000 administrative encounters involving more than 5000 citizens. We find support only for the psychological costs of perceived discrimination, whereas neither compliance nor learning costs are positively associated with vulnerability. On the contrary, some vulnerable groups perceive significantly lower learning and compliance costs. Post hoc analyses suggest that these groups might feel less exposed to bureaucracy because they use fewer sources of information. Further, the results also indicate that citizens' tolerance toward burden decreases with every additional administrative encounter and that previous research has missed an important distinction between absolute and relative burden.
The Impact of Emergencies on Corruption Risks: Italian Natural Disasters and Public Procurement
Authors: Fazekas Mihaly , Nishchal Shrey , Soreide Tina
Published: January 2025

Theory and case studies suggest that emergencies and disasters increase corruption, especially in public procurement, hampering relief and reconstruction efforts. Despite a growing interest in the topic, including in research, there is still little systematic evidence about these effects, their structure and trajectories. We set out to investigate the medium‐term impact of disasters on corruption risks, using large‐scale administrative data on public tenders in Italy from 2007 to 2020, combined with data on 5 natural disasters. We employ logistic regression, coarsened exact matching and difference‐in‐differences estimators. We find that disasters increase corruption risks in the medium‐term (3 or more years after the disaster), even more than on the short term (1 year after the disaster). In the matched and diff‐in‐diff analyses, we find 3%–10% points more non‐open procedures used, 19%–21% points fewer call for tenders published, 19%–29% points more tenders with short advertisement period and 14%–17% points more single bidding tenders. Our findings highlight the importance of ring‐fencing corruption risks associated with disaster response, especially in the medium to long term.
Symmetry Analysis of the Two‐Dimensional Stationary Magnetogasdynamics Equations With Coriolis Force in Lagrangian Coordinates
Authors: Kaptsov E. I. , Meleshko S. V.
Published: January 2025

The paper focuses on symmetry analysis of the two‐dimensional stationary magnetogasdynamics equations with Coriolis force in Lagrangian coordinates. This involves the identification of equivalence transformations and the Lie algebra admitted by the equations, and its extensions for various forms of magnetic fields and Coriolis parameter, as well as the construction of group foliations. A considerable part of the work is devoted to group foliations of the magnetogasdynamics equations, extending to the nonstationary isentropic case. The group foliations' approach is typically applied to equations admitting infinite‐dimensional groups of transformations, thereby facilitating the simplification of their subsequent analysis. The results obtained in this study generalize previously known findings for the two‐dimensional shallow water equations and stationary gas dynamics equations in Lagrangian coordinates. Utilizing the constructed group foliations, invariant solutions are derived for particular forms of the entropy, illustrating the potential for further investigation in this area.
Effects of an Online Theory‐Based Educational Programme for Primiparous Women on Improving Breastfeeding‐Related Outcomes: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Wong Mei Sze , Chien Wai Tong
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a theory‐based, Real‐time‐online Education and Support with Telephone follow‐ups (REST) programme for primiparous women on their breastfeeding outcomes over 6 months postpartum.

Study Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to recruit 150 low‐risk primiparous mothers, and then they were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups by computerised block randomisation. Participants received a 3‐month real‐time online educational and support programme across antepartum and postpartum period or usual care only (75 mothers per group). Primary outcomes were exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate and breastfeeding self‐efficacy (BSE); and secondary outcomes were predominant and partial breastfeeding rate, formula feeding rate, mothers' postnatal depression score, infant's morbidity, and EBF duration at 2 and 6 months postpartum, as well as breastfeeding initiation rate.

Results

Then, 72 of 75 mothers (96%) successfully completed the REST programme. They had a significantly higher EBF rate, longer EBF duration, and greater increase in BSE, when compared to the control group at the two posttests (except the EBF rate at 6 months postpartum). Overall, the REST was highly valued by all participants on providing detailed useful information and regular postnatal follow‐ups with prompt and practical advice.

Conclusions

The REST effectively improved BSE and EBF duration of the primiparous participants over 6 months postpartum and EBF rate at 2 months postpartum. With strong commendations from primiparous mothers, the REST with prenatal and postnatal online breastfeeding support to these mothers can be offered to address breastfeeding and infant‐care needs.

Implications for Patient Care

The findings indicate that the REST conducted from prenatal to 2 months postpartum can be feasible and useful to provide adequate breastfeeding education and support in current maternal care setting under limited staff and resources. Online platforms can be used for future antenatal breastfeeding talks.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04741425
ADAPTIVE HYBRID DIFFERENTIAL EVOLUTION PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM FOR OPTIMIZATION DISTRIBUTED GENERATION IN DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS
Authors: M Saud Muhammad Noor , Md Rasid Madihah
Published: January 2025

The incorporation of Distributed Generation (DG) into the Radial Distribution System (RDS) aids in resolving power system issues such as power loss. However, finding the ideal location and size for DG is challenging yet crucial for maximizing these advantages. Inappropriate location and sizing of DG can negatively impact its benefits, highlighting the need for effective optimization methods. To address these challenges, metaheuristic methods like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Differential Evolution (DE), and Firefly algorithms are particularly useful. This research aims to determine the best location and size of DG to minimize active power losses in the RDS. Despite the success of DE and PSO in previous works, a gap remains in achieving optimal convergence performance and computational efficiency. Building on the success of DE and PSO, this study presents a hybrid optimization approach, Adaptive Hybrid Differential Evolution and Particle Swarm Optimization (AHDEPSO), to reduce power loss in RDS. This approach combines the strengths of DE and PSO, enhancing exploration and exploitation capabilities while improving convergence performance. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through testing on the IEEE 33 and IEEE 69 bus systems using MATLAB software, showing that AHDEPSO can achieve optimal computational time and best fitness function, being 38.3% faster than other algorithms. This hybrid approach offers a significant improvement over traditional methods, filling the research gap and providing a more efficient solution.
VENTILATION PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF MIXING VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN A GENERIC SCALED-DOWN EMPTY AIRCRAFT CABIN
Authors: Sarmin Shahliza Azreen , Abd Razak Azli , Jerai Fauziah , Harun Mohd Khir
Published: January 2025

The ventilation system of a commercial aircraft cabin plays an important role in ensuring passenger comfort and health during the flight. The commonly utilized ventilation system in aircraft cabin is mixing ventilation, where air is supplied either through the ceiling or sidewalls. However, ventilation efficiency can be affected by different types of mixing ventilation systems. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate airflow distribution and ventilation performance of various types of mixing ventilation systems, namely ceiling ventilation (CV), sidewall ventilation (SV), and the combination of ceiling and sidewall ventilation (CSV) of a generic scaled-down empty aircraft cabin. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Launder-Sharma Low Reynold Number (L-S LRN) turbulence model using Open-source Field Operation and Manipulation (OpenFOAM) software was utilized in this simulation. For all simulated cases, two large circulation regions were observed on both sides of the aircraft cabin, with CV depicted a greater size of circulation compared to other ventilation approaches. The velocity profiles clearly showed the difference between the three ventilation systems, particularly in the merged jet area. Furthermore, different type of ventilation system affects the distribution of the age of the air in the aircraft cabin. The ceiling supplemented with the sidewall mixing system or CSV is able to reduce the age of the air, indicating that it has better ventilation efficiency.
SLOPE STABILITY ASSESSMENT UNDER THE EFFECT OF ANTECEDENT RAINFALL-A CASE STUDY AT TELUK BAHANG PENANG
Authors: Mohamed Yusof Mohamed Khatif Tawaf , A Rashid Ahmad Safuan , Che Lat Diana , Faisal Abdul Khanan  , Abdul Rahman Muhammad Zulkarnain , Kassim Azman
Published: January 2025

Penang Island is one of the districts in Peninsular Malaysia that is highly subjected to frequent landslides. The selected study area is Jalan Teluk Bahang, located at Penang Island, Malaysia. This area has experienced a high frequency of shallow landslides in recent years. Jalan Teluk Bahang is a vital thoroughfare, connecting the city centre to Teluk Bahang. Understanding the annual rainfall pattern in Jalan Teluk Bahang area under different intensities and durations is crucial to establish a correlation between landslide events and rainfall infiltration. The study collected rainfall data for Jalan Teluk Bahang area from Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (JPS Malaysia). The slope was modelled for transient seepage and stability analysis based on geometrical information and soil parameters obtained from the subsurface investigation (SI) data. A transient numerical seepage analysis was conducted using SEEP/W software. The resulting pore-water pressure distributions were then utilised in SLOPE/W software for slope stability analysis. The analysis identified that, the prolonged low intensity of rainfall is a primary triggering factor for slope failure in the study area, with cumulative 30 days antecedent rainfall played a pivotal role. The integrated use of SEEP/W and SLOPE/W software facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the changing pore-water pressure conditions and the subsequent decrease in slope stability leading to landslides. This insight is supported by the gradual decrease in factor of safety (FOS) observed in the stability analysis leading up to landslide occurrences.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE MOVING CAR METHOD FOR TRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION ON MULTILANE HIGHWAYS
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Asmaa , Taha Mohammed Y.
Published: January 2025

Collecting traffic flow data is essential for most traffic studies to analyze and evaluate the performance of systems that provide safe trips for people and goods on highways. There are several methods for collecting traffic data. The moving car method (MCM) calculates traffic volume, speed, and travel time simultaneously, while stationary methods, such as camera recordings or radars, observe these data separately. This research aims to use both data collection methods on six segments of urban multi-lane highways to determine the accuracy of the moving car method compared to traditional methods. Additionally, it seeks to model a relationship between these methods to facilitate data collection using MCM for more accurate results. The results indicate no significant difference between the two methods, as the T statistic is less than the critical T in the t-test results. The models show low values of RMSE for the relationships between observed volume, arithmetic and harmonic mean speed, and arithmetic and harmonic means of travel time obtained by stationary methods and these data calculated by MCM. These models can be used with MCM for the study area.
PERMEABILITY AND COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF NORMAL CONCRETE SUBMERGED IN SEA AND BRACKISH WATER
Authors: Niken Chatarina , Helmi Masdar , Isneini Mohd , Prasetyo Wahono Endro , Kusumastuti Dyah Indriana
Published: January 2025

Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with numerous rivers and the longest coastline in the world, is home to many small and simple piers, most of which utilize normal concrete. This study examines the permeability of concrete with a compressive strength of 22.5 MPa (fc’) and its degradation when immersed in seawater and brackish water at a small pier in Lampung, Indonesia. The immersion durations were 28 and 56 days. The permeability test samples and the immersed concrete samples for the compression test were cylinders with a diameter of 15 cm and a height of 30 cm, subjected to a split tensile test. Permeation depth was measured from the split samples. The standard permeability test resulted in a depth of 2.66 cm, meeting the material requirements for a strong, aggressive environment. The permeability of the samples immersed in seawater increased by 4.14% and 31.74%, while those immersed in brackish water increased by 6.65% and 24.21% at 28 and 56 days, respectively, compared to the standard permeability. A deeper permeation correlated with a reduction in compressive strength. The compressive strength of concrete submerged in seawater decreased by 1.3% and 29%, and by 7% and 18.5% when submerged in brackish water at 28 and 56 days, respectively, against the original fc’. The 10% reduction in compressive strength (Cc) at 28 and 56 days is reflective of permeability and can be expressed by the equation: 10% Cc = (-tan aa) t + Cf, where the permeability slope and Csf are constants.
In utero exposure to experimental maternal asthma alters fetal airway development in sheep
Authors: Hammond Sarah J. , Roff Andrea J. , Robinson Joshua L. , Darby Jack R. T. , Meakin Ashley S. , Clifton Vicki L. , Bischof Robert J. , Stark Michael J. , Wallace Megan J. , Tai Andrew , Morrison Janna L. , Gatford Kathryn L.
Published: January 2025

The mechanisms linking maternal asthma (MA) exposure in utero and subsequent risk of asthma in childhood are not fully understood. Pathological airway remodelling, including reticular basement membrane thickening, has been reported in infants and children who go on to develop asthma later in childhood. This suggests altered airway development before birth as a mechanism underlying increased risk of asthma in children exposed in utero to MA. We hypothesised that in utero MA exposure would reduce airway diameter and increase airway‐associated smooth muscle area and reticular basement membrane thickness in neonatal offspring. Experimental MA was induced by maternal sensitisation followed by airway challenges with house dust mite before and during pregnancy. Lambs from control (n = 16) or MA (n = 26) ewes were delivered at ∼140 days gestation (term = 150 days), ventilated for 45 min, then humanely killed. Left lungs were inflation‐fixed, and cross‐sections of generation 2–5 airways were collected. Airway sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's Trichrome and Gordon and Sweet's histological stains for morphological analysis. Lamb body and lung weights were similar between groups (P > 0.5 and P > 0.7, respectively). Lambs that were exposed to MA had narrower airway diameters (P = 0.019) and thinner reticular basement membrane (P = 0.016) but similar airway‐associated smooth muscle area (P = 0.152) compared with unexposed control lambs. Our results demonstrate a potential mechanism for increased risk of asthma in children of mothers with asthma, independent of genetic risk or behavioural changes during pregnancy.
Comment on “Similar susceptibility to temporary hearing threshold shifts despite different audiograms in harbor porpoises and harbor seals” [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 155, 396–404 (2024)] (L)
Authors: Tougaard Jakob , Beedholm Kristian , Madsen Peter T.
Published: January 2025

Gransier and Kastelein [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 155, 396–404 (2024)] present a review of selected studies on temporary threshold shift (TTS) in seals and porpoises. In contrast to the conclusion made in the paper, the results presented are fully consistent with the current understanding that sound exposure level is the best overall predictor of TTSs in marine mammals. If all available TTS studies on seals and porpoises exposed to narrowband noise are included, there is support neither for the conclusion that seals and porpoises are equally susceptible to TTSs nor for their claim that audiograms are poor predictors of the frequency dependence of TTS susceptibility.
Technical Stroke Regulations Discriminate Pacing Effectiveness During a 5-km Indoor Pool Race
Authors: Bouvet Antoine , Pla Robin , Nicolas Guillaume , Bideau Nicolas
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To investigate technical regulation mechanisms of long-distance swimmers that differentiate optimal pacing strategies and the underlying kinematic parameters. Methods: Twenty-one national and international swimmers were equipped with a sacrum-worn inertial measurement unit performed during 5000-m indoor French championships. Percentage of critical swimming speed (CSS), stroke rate, stroke length, jerk cost, stroke index, and mechanical proficiency score were computed by lap. Athletes were divided into groups of pacing effectiveness based on optimal potential performance level (OPPL)—optimal (nearOPPL) and suboptimal (farOPPL)—using functional clustering of percentage of the CSS. Race sections were analyzed with a change-in-slope detection method. Common stroke-regulation abilities and deviations by pacing groups were profiled by fitting hierarchical generalized additive models between mechanical variables and laps. Results: The 2 clusters were discriminated by percentage of the CSS sustainment (P < .01). Optimal performers showed a +41.4% more stable pacing (2 race sections vs 3 for farOPPL) and a +36.7% higher end spurt, with a trend combining higher overall stroke rate (P = .08) with lower jerk cost (P = .17). Functional profiles showed that maintaining a higher stroke length and stroke index in a fatigued state, rather than overall values, allows the swinner to reach OPPL (P < .001). High regulation of mechanical proficiency score across the race, in line with pacing expectations of particular race sections, is a game changer to sustain CSS (P < .001). Conclusions: Specific profiles of stroke regulations, regarding tradeoff between stroke smoothness and resultant speed, lead to optimal pacing during the 5000-m. The results of this study enhance the technical understanding of optimal pacing in long-distance pool races for coaches and swimmers.
Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum revealing acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Ducastel Noellie , Dachelet Claire , Baeck Marie , De Greef Axel
Published: January 2025

We describe a man in his 60s presenting poor scar development following surgical treatment for popliteal aneurysm. The clinical features in a postoperative context and the poor clinical response to intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics were highly suggestive of bullous pyoderma gangrenosum. Histology, with dense inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils, subsequently confirmed the diagnosis and the response to systemic corticosteroids was rapid and complete. Further investigations revealed an underlying acute myeloid leukaemia, which is frequently associated with this type of neutrophilic dermatosis.
Acute on chronic stress fracture after a medial malleolar osteotomy following osteochondral lesion of the talus treatment
Authors: Hollander Julian J , Kamperman Remco B J , Dahmen Jari , Kerkhoffs Gino MMJ
Published: January 2025

A patient in his 40s presented at the outpatient clinic with sudden pain and swelling over his medial malleolus, 16 weeks after he had undergone osteoperiosteal autografting with a medial malleolar osteotomy for his tertiary osteochondral lesion of the talus. Postoperatively, the patient was treated using the regular evidence-based rehabilitation protocol of 5 weeks of non-weight-bearing and 5 weeks of partial weight-bearing. However, after the confirmed radiological union the patient experienced an acute on chronic stress fracture through the osteotomy line. The fracture was treated with immobilisation and all problems disappeared 16 weeks after the initial presentation of the fracture. The present case highlights the importance of a gradual increase in post-operative activities, even when radiological union has been observed.
Unexpected finding of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: mind the cocoon
Authors: van Boven Eva , Coebergh van den Braak Robert R J , van Laar Jan , Betjes Michiel G H
Published: January 2025

Here, we present a fatal case of a man in his 40s with encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). In retrospect, a spot diagnosis on the abdominal CT scan. The patient presented with progressive abdominal complaints of pain and vomiting over the last 2 months. He had a history of therapy-refractory sarcoidosis. A CT scan was performed, and loculated ascites was noted. The patient was admitted with suspected spontaneous peritoneal peritonitis but did not improve on antibiotics. Data from the microbiology, pathology and radiology investigations lead to no diagnosis. Eventually, laparoscopy revealed the diagnosis of EPS. Treatment with tamoxifen to counteract fibrosis and a pulse dose of methylprednisolone was started. Unfortunately, the patient developed a bowel perforation and died. In retrospect, the radiological sign of a cocoon encasing the small bowels should have been a clue to an early diagnosis.
Intensive care unit acquired weakness and physical rehabilitation in the ICU
Authors: Hiser Stephanie L , Casey Kelly , Nydahl Peter , Hodgson Carol L , Needham Dale M
Published: January 2025

Approximately half of critically ill adults experience intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW). Patients who develop ICUAW may have negative outcomes, including longer duration of mechanical ventilation, greater length of stay, and worse mobility, physical functioning, quality of life, and mortality. Early physical rehabilitation interventions have potential for improving ICUAW; however, randomized trials show inconsistent findings on the efficacy of these interventions. This review summarizes the latest evidence on the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, risks factors, implications, and management of ICUAW. It specifically highlights research gaps and challenges, with considerations for future research for physical rehabilitation interventions.
Monitoring for 5-aminosalicylate nephrotoxicity in adults with inflammatory bowel disease: prognostic model development and validation using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Abhishek Abhishek , Nakafero Georgina , Card Tim , Taal Maarten W , Grainge Matthew J , Aithal Guruprasad P , Mallen Christian D , Stevenson Matthew D , Riley Richard D
Published: January 2025

Objective

To develop and validate a prognostic model for risk-stratified monitoring of 5-aminosalicylate nephrotoxicity.

Methods

This UK retrospective cohort study used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum and Gold for model development and validation respectively. It included adults newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and established on 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) treatment between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2019. Drug discontinuation associated with 5-ASA nephrotoxicity defined as a prescription gap of ≥90 days with decline in kidney function was the outcome. Patients prescribed 5-ASAs for ≥6 months were followed-up for up to 5 years. Penalised Cox regression was used to develop the risk equation with bootstrapping for internal validation and optimism adjustment. Model performance was assessed in terms of calibration and discrimination.

Results

13 728 and 7318 participants who contributed 40 378 and 20 679 person-years follow-up formed the development and validation cohorts with 170 (1.2%) and 98 (1.3%) outcome events respectively. Nine predictors were included in the final model, including chronic kidney disease stage 3 and hazardous alcohol use as strong predictors. Age and Body Mass Index were weak predictors. The optimism-adjusted calibration slope, C and D statistics in the development and validation data were 0.90, 0.64 and 0.98, and 1.01, 0.66 and 0.94 respectively.

Conclusion

This prognostic model used information from routine clinical care and performed well in an independent validation cohort. It can be used to risk-stratify blood test monitoring during established 5-ASA treatment. A key limitation is that the decline in kidney function could have been due to factors other than 5-ASA nephrotoxicity.
Healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy to prevent childhood obesity: study protocol for a parallel group randomised trial — the PRE-STORK trial
Authors: Kornerup Nina , Danielsen Julie Hagstrøm , Sahl Ronni Eg , Pico Majken Lillholm , Johansen Mette Yun , Knop Filip K , Bønnelykke Klaus , Bergholt Thomas , Kelstrup Louise , Foghsgaard Signe , Ghauri Nida , Grønlund Emilie , Lund Lærke , Vinter Christina Anne , Lyng Forman Julie , Barrès Romain , Kragelund Nielsen Karoline , Andersen Andreas , Torekov Signe S , Groth Grunnet Louise , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The global prevalence of people living with overweight has tripled since 1975 and more than 40% of Danish women enter pregnancy being overweight. With the increasing rates of obesity observed in children, adolescents and adults, there is an urgent need for preventive measures. Risk factors for childhood obesity include maternal overweight or obesity before conception and excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Interventions aimed at modifying maternal lifestyle during pregnancy have demonstrated minimal positive or no impact on the health of the children. The ‘healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy to prevent childhood obesity — the PRE-STORK trial’ aims to provide insights into the effect of a lifestyle intervention initiated before conception and continued during pregnancy in women with overweight or obesity, on neonatal adiposity in their children.

Methods and analysis

In this randomised, two-arm, parallel-group, controlled trial, we will include 360 women with overweight or obesity (aged 18–40; body mass index 25–44 kg/m2) and their partners. The women will be randomised to receive either standard of care or a lifestyle intervention focused on preconception body weight reduction, regular physical exercise, healthy diet and support from a mentorbeforeandduringpregnancy. The primary outcome is the difference in neonatal adiposity measured in their children at birth. Children conceived during the trial will constitute a birth cohort, monitoring the effects on their health until the age of 18 years.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been approved by the Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics in the Capital Region of Denmark (identification number H-22011403) and will be conducted in agreement with the Declaration of Helsinki. All results, whether positive, negative and inconclusive, will be disseminated at national or international scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05578690(October 2022).
Chinese herbal formula Tongxie Yaofang granules for diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial
Authors: Liang Shi-Bing , Cheng Hong-Jie , Zhang Qiao-Yan , Han Mei , Li Yu-Fei , Cao Hui-Juan , Yu Ze-Yu , Kong Ling-Yao , Cai Yan-Mei , An Li-Bao , Zhao Bao-Tuan , Xu Shan-Shan , Yan Ling , Zhang Nai-Wei , Jia Bo-Yi , Liu Wei-Fang , Niu Fang , Wu Ba-Teer , Song Jin-Ming , Jia Shu-Xin , Shi Meng-Meng , Zhang Xiao-Na , Chung Vincent Chi Ho , Robinson Nicola , Liu Jian-Ping
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To assess the therapeutic effects and safety of Tongxie Yaofang (TXYF) granules vs placebo as an alternative treatment for diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). We hypothesised that TXYF would improve clinical responses among patients with IBS-D.

Design

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II, superiority trial.

Setting

Outpatients attending the Fangshan Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.

Participants

96 eligible participants included men and women ranging from late adolescence to middle adulthood (18–65 years), diagnosed with IBS-D according to the Rome IV criteria. In addition, they were required to have an irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) of at least 75.

Interventions

TXYF granules (3.7 g) twice daily (taken orally before meals) or placebo for 8 weeks.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary outcome was the response rate measured by the change in IBS-SSS compared with baseline at week 8. Secondary outcomes included stool frequency; stool consistency at weeks 4, 8 and 20; and quality of life, anxiety and depression at week 8; and safety was monitored throughout the trial.

Results

The TXYF and placebo groups each comprised 48 participants. The response rate was not significantly different at week 8 between the two groups (the unadjusted treatment effect estimate (intention-to-treat analysis) was 1.12 (95% CI (0.89, 1.41)), p=0.348). Both groups had a high and similar rate of symptom reduction (79.2% (38/48)vs70.8% (34/48)). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups on secondary outcomes, although both groups showed substantial improvements. Adverse events in the TXYF and placebo groups were one (sinus arrhythmia) and two (elevated transaminases, weakly positive faecal occult blood), respectively. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Despite showing clinically meaningful improvements in IBS-D symptoms and a reasonable safety profile after 8 weeks, no significant differences were observed between the TXYF and placebo groups. This suggests that the severity of IBS-D symptoms in both treatment arms might have decreased over time, regardless of the treatment, and highlights the need to investigate the relationship between IBS-D and patient psychology. Future large-scale, rigorously designed trials with longer treatment and follow-up periods are essential to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of TXYF, and to explore the psychological factors.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12453166.