bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of seismic fragility curves to multiple parameters using CyberShake simulated ground motions
Authors: Al Jamal Houssam , Azar Sarah , Dabaghi Mayssa
Published: October 2024

Several alternatives exist to compute seismic fragility curves. This study takes advantage of the large pool of site‐specific CyberShake simulated ground motions (GMs) to investigate the sensitivity of fragility curves to multiple analysis parameters: the analysis method (Multiple Stripe Analysis (MSA), Cloud Analysis (CA), or Incremental Dynamic Analysis), the number and intensity measure distribution of the GMs used, the GM selection method, and the amount of scaling. To this end, the fragility curve of a two‐dimensional steel frame is calculated for every analysis variation at the life safety limit state. By varying one parameter at a time, we can separate the effects of the various parameters from one another. We also assess the effect of the analysis parameters on the mean annual rate of exceedance of life safety. We find that if GMs are selected adequately for each method, different analysis methods can lead to consistent mean annual rates of exceedance despite some differences in their fragility curves. Generally, MSA and the proposed CA that models the increase of response variability with ground motion intensity best match empirical fragility points. The number of GMs affects the results for all analysis methods, while the intensity distribution of GMs affects results differently in different methods. When GMs are required to match earthquake scenario parameters in addition to intensity, more conservative fragility curves are obtained. Finally, fragility curves are sensitive to excessive scaling. This study provides important insights for performance‐based earthquake engineering.
Influence of masonry infills on seismic performance of BRB‐retrofitted low‐ductile RC frames
Authors: Chelapramkandy Rifan , Ghosh Jayadipta , Freddi Fabio
Published: October 2024

Reinforced concrete (RC) frames with masonry infills represent a prevalent construction typology across the globe, including moderate to high seismic regions. Such structures are often characterized by high seismic vulnerability, and consequently, there is an urgent need for retrofit solutions to effectively improve their seismic performance. Buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) represent one such solution. They are a type of dissipative device that can be included within the frames of an existing structure to increase its strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity. Although a substantial amount of research has already been performed to understand the effectiveness of BRBs as a retrofit strategy, these studies have often neglected the contribution of masonry infills and the interactions between the infills and the BRBs. While masonry infills are usually overlooked in the analysis and design stage (owing to their brittle nature), past studies indicated that their strength and stiffness may significantly alter the structure's seismic performance, leading to undesirable and unexpected results. This study presents a detailed investigation of the impact of masonry infills on the seismic response and fragility of BRB‐retrofitted RC frames. A three‐story, three‐bay, low‐ductile RC frame has been selected for case study purposes. High‐fidelity finite element models are developed in OpenSees for combinations of infilled and non‐infilled structures—with and without BRBs. Nonlinear static and dynamic analyses are performed to evaluate the seismic response of the different configurations at local and global levels. Successively, cloud analyses are conducted by considering a set of 150 ground motion records to account for the record‐to‐record variability and develop seismic fragility curves. The present study sheds some light on the mutual interaction between the infill panels and BRBs retrofit intervention and highlights the critical aspects that must be considered in the design.
Parallel two‐scale finite element implementation of a system with varying microstructure
Authors: Lakkis Omar , Muntean Adrian , Richardson Omar , Venkataraman Chandrasekhar
Published: October 2024

We propose a two‐scale finite element method designed for heterogeneous microstructures. Our approach exploits domain diffeomorphisms between the microscopic structures to gain computational efficiency. By using a conveniently constructed pullback operator, we are able to model the different microscopic domains as macroscopically dependent deformations of a reference domain. This allows for a relatively simple finite element framework to approximate the underlying system of partial differential equations with a parallel computational structure. We apply this technique to a model problem where we focus on transport in plant tissues. We illustrate the accuracy of the implementation with convergence benchmarks and show satisfactory parallelization speed‐ups. We further highlight the effect of the heterogeneous microscopic structure on the output of the two‐scale systems. Our implementation (publicly available on GitHub) builds on the deal.II FEM library. Application of this technique allows for an increased capacity of microscopic detail in multiscale modeling, while keeping running costs manageable.
Radiotherapy Combined With Zoledronic Acid for Fibrous Dysplasia With a Central Giant Cell Granuloma: A Case Report
Authors: Xu Ying , Gao Kuanke , Liu Jing , Yang Defu , Wu Tong , Zhang Haibo , Yan Ying , Lv Dongyang
Published: October 2024

Background

Giant cell reparative granulomas are nonneoplastic, benign lesions that can expand and dissolve bone. Fibrous dysplasia is a benign condition in which normal bone tissue is replaced by abnormally proliferating immature reticular bone and fibrous tissue. The combination of giant cell reparative granuloma and fibrous dysplasia is extremely rare and can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges because of the complexity of clinical presentation.

Case Presentation

We here present a patient who had a combination of fibrous dysplasia of bone and a giant cell reparative granuloma. An elderly male was admitted to the hospital with a blood‐streaked nasal discharge, blurry vision in his right eye, and an enlarged mass under the chin. A CT scan revealed that the lesion had infiltrated the head and face extensively, including the right maxillary sinus, sieve sinus, and the right nasal cavity, contraindicating surgery. The patient received a total dose of 30 Gy of 6 MV x‐ray radiotherapy delivered through helical tomotherapy over 15 sessions, with a single dose of 2 Gy being administered five times a week. Concurrently, The dose is 4 mg of zoledronic acid administered intravenously once every 21 days. After treatment, the patient's nasal congestion was significantly relieved, the vision of the right eye improved, and the mandibular lesion was significantly reduced.

Conclusions

Treatment with radiotherapy combined with zoledronic acid for our patient's inoperable osteolytic giant cell reparative granuloma adjacent to vital nerves and blood vessels was extremely effective and safe. This case report provides a reference for the management of this rare combination.
NB‐IoT: Analytical Perspective of IP Data Delivery Variants
Authors: Mandal Priyatosh
Published: October 2024

Narrowband Internet of Things (NB‐IoT) is generally used for transmission of IP data and Non IP data from sensing device to a designated IoT server. Further, the designated server takes decision and accordingly send data to necessary devices for some designated activity. Two communication architectures such as control plane based and user plane based IP data deliveries are possible. In this work, we analytically find the delay to send NB‐IoT IP data considering control plane as well as user plane of LTE‐A network. Further, we compare the delay considering these two variants of data deliveries. Comparison results show that delay of the control plane based data delivery can be more than the delay of user plane based data delivery.
Restrictions on pharmacist dispensing of mifepristone remain a hard pill to swallow
Authors: Boyden Kelli , Hatton Randy C. , Lynch Catherine M. , Brushwood David B.
Published: October 2024

This analysis explores the basis for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requiring a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for mifepristone for the termination of intrauterine pregnancy. Controversies surround mifepristone and its REMS. The safety and efficacy of mifepristone are briefly reviewed with respect to FDA's actions. It is difficult to justify the continued requirement for a REMS for mifepristone by applying the regulatory framework and considering mifepristone's safety record. Drugs with higher risks are on the US market without an FDA‐mandated REMS. Canada removed all restrictions on the use of mifepristone for abortion, which has not resulted in patient safety concerns. All pharmacists should be permitted to dispense mifepristone. The continued requirement for a mifepristone REMS in the US appears to be based more on politics rather than evidence.
Regioselective Synthesis of Imidazo[4,5‐e][1,3]Thiazino[3,2‐b][1,2,4]Triazines as New Heterocyclic System Derivatives
Authors: Izmest'ev Alexei N. , Baranov Vladimir V. , Kolotyrkina Natalya G. , Kravchenko Angelina N. , Gazieva Galina A.
Published: October 2024

A series of new 4a,7a‐diarylperhydroimidazo[4,5‐e][1,2,4]triazine‐3‐thiones were synthesized from 4,5‐diaryl‐4,5‐dihydroxyimidazolidin‐2‐ones and thiosemicarbazide in high yields, and their interaction with ethyl phenylpropiolate was studied. An effective method for the regioselective synthesis of imidazo[4,5‐e][1,3]thiazino[3,2‐b][1,2,4]triazines as new heterocycic system derivatives was proposed based on the reaction of aforementioned imidazotriazinethiones with ethyl phenylpropiolate in the presence of MeONa in methanol. The reaction is initiated by a Michael‐type addition of the imidazotriazinethiones to the triple bond of ethyl phenylpropiolate followed by intramolecular cyclization.
Inclusion of Veterans Health Administration hospitals in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings
Authors: Bagshaw Kyle , Gettel Cameron J. , Qin Li , Lin Zhenqiu , Suter Lisa G. , Rothenberg Eve , Omotosho Prince , Duseja Reena , Krabacher James , Schreiber Michelle , Nakashima Tyson , Myers Raquel , Venkatesh Arjun K.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objective

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating, established in 2016, is a summary of publicly available quality information for acute care hospitals. In July 2023, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals became eligible to receive a CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating for the first time. Our objective was to compare performance in quality ratings among VHA and non‐VHA hospitals.

Methods

We used the hospital quality measure scores posted to Care Compare on Medicare.gov as of January 2023 as our primary data set. We conducted a pair of analyses to characterize the performance of VHA hospitals compared to non‐VHA hospitals: an overall analysis including all rated hospitals, and a matched analysis in which only a single nearby hospital was included for each VHA hospital.

Results

Of the 4518 non‐VHA hospitals, 2962 (65.6%) received a Star Rating, compared to 114 (84%) of 136 VHA hospitals. VHA hospitals tended to receive higher ratings overall (one‐star: 8%; two‐star: 11%; three‐star: 14%; four‐star: 35%; five‐star: 32%) than non‐VHA (one‐star: 8%; two‐star: 22%; three‐star: 29%; four‐star: 26%; five‐star: 15%). A similar pattern was observed in the matched analysis.

Conclusions

VHA hospitals tended to perform better on the Overall Star Rating compared to non‐VHA hospitals, as evidenced by being more likely to receive a four‐ or five‐star rating. The eligibility of VHA hospitals to receive an Overall Star Rating signifies an important addition to the program that will allow Veterans to make more informed healthcare decisions.
Embryonic and Fetal Heart Development Before 12 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Hata Toshiyuki , Konishi Miyu , Koyanagi Aya , Miyagi Yasunari , Miyake Takahito
Published: October 2024

Objective

To assess embryonic and fetal cardiac growth and development using transvaginal 2‐dimensional sonography before 12 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Transvaginal scans for first‐trimester dating were performed for 131 normal fetuses at 8–11 + 6 weeks of gestation. The basal‐apical length (BAL), transverse length (TL), cardiac circumference (ECC), embryonic cardiac area (ECA), global sphericity index (GSI), and cardio‐thoracic area ratio (CTAR) were able to be obtained in 105 normal embryos and fetuses.

Results

Nomograms for several cardiac parameters including BAL, TL, ECC, ECA, GSI, and CTAR were constructed. BAL, TL, ECC, and ECA increased curvilinearly with advancing gestation (R2 = 0.97406, 0.980396, 0.978359, and 0.920705, respectively, P < .001). GSI (mean, 1.14; SD, 0.10) and CTAR (mean, 15.7%; SD, 3.3%) values were constant at 8–11 + 6 weeks of gestation. There were significant curvilinear correlations between BAL, TL, ECC, and ECA, and crown‐rump length (CRL) (R2 = 0.975976, 0.983482, 0.980673, and 0.929936, respectively, P < .001). GSI and CTAR values were not changed with the increase of CRL during this period.

Conclusion

Our results provide nomograms for several cardiac parameters which may improve the understanding of embryonic and fetal cardiac growth and development prior to 12 weeks of gestation.
Innovative Tillage Practices to Establish Productive and Sustainable Forage Production Systems in Degraded Alfalfa Pastures in Semiarid Regions
Authors: Wang Bin , Deng Jianqiang , Wang Tengfei , Hu Haiying , Usman Samaila , Lan Jian
Published: October 2024

Tillage management practices play a critical role in maintaining sustainable forage production systems in degraded alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pastures. However, climate change leads to the precipitation exhibits greater variability, the impacts of tillage practices on alfalfa productivity and forage quality as well as the relationships between water consumption and soil properties remain poorly understood. The field trial conducted from 2018 to 2020 aimed to investigate the impacts of different tillage treatments (i.e., no tillage [CK], strip subsoiling tillage [ST], strip rotary tillage [RT], and strip rotary tillage after strip subsoiling [SRT]) on soil properties, water use efficiency (WUE), and forage productivity. Compared with CK, tillage practices significantly increased forage biomass and crude protein yield (CPY), particularly in the case of the SRT treatment, in which the increase was 20.8% and 25.3% higher, respectively (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the net income in the SRT treatment exhibited the greatest value (US $1922.0 ha−1), showing a 17.0% increase compared with that in the CK treatment. The relationship of soil structure and crop water consumption became evident when tillage practices were applied in the degraded alfalfa pasture. The soil bulk density under the ST, RT, and SRT treatments decreased by 6.9%, 5.4%, and 8.6%, whereas the soil porosity increased by 8.6%, 6.7%, and 10.7% in the 0–60 cm soil layer, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the soil water content at a depth of 0–60 cm increased by 12.1% in the SRT treatment compared with the CK treatment at the harvesting stage, and the SRT treatment obtained the highest WUE of dry matter (16.9 kg ha−1 mm−1) and precipitation use efficiency of dry matter (15.8 kg ha−1 mm−1). In addition, total nitrogen in the ST, RT, and SRT treatments increased significantly by 21.4%, 11.1%, and 27.0%, respectively, and soil organic carbon in the ST, RT, and SRT treatments also increased significantly by 5.5%, 3.3%, and 10.4%, respectively, compared with those in the CK treatment (p < 0.05). Our study has demonstrated that tillage practices can optimize soil structure, improve water utilization, and increase soil fertilizer for enhancing forage productivity. The SRT practice could be a preferable approach for sustainable agricultural production of degraded alfalfa grassland in the semiarid region of China.
Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance and Environmental Regulation on Eco‐Efficiency of Farmland Utilization in China
Authors: Lu Hua , Luo Jiawei , Zhou Laiyou , Ye Jing
Published: October 2024

The farmland pollution has threatened the lifeblood of people's livelihoods through the soil‐to‐crop system, and the resulting food safety risks are becoming more and more pronounced. Digital inclusive finance (DIF) can provide convenient financial services for the eco‐transformation of farmland utilization. This study analyzed the spatial evolution pattern of eco‐efficiency of farmland utilization (EEFU) and DIF, empirically tested the impact of DIF on EEFU, and discussed the impact of DIF on EEFU with changes in the level of environmental regulatory intensity based on panel data from 2011 to 2022 in China. The results found that the development of EEFU and DIF is increasing, and the polarization phenomenon is constantly easing, but the absolute differences between different provinces in China have an expanding trend. DIF can improve the EEFU, and this promotion effect is more pronounced in eastern and central China, non‐grain‐producing areas, and areas with low levels of financial development. DIF will not be able to improve EEFU until environmental regulation has reached a certain level. China should fully leverage the positive role of DIF and environmental regulations in promoting the EEFU, provide more differentiated financial products, financial tools, and financial models for the eco‐transformation of farmland utilization, and explore a path for eco‐transformation of farmland utilization that complements environmental regulations and development of market‐inclusive finance.
Dynamically Crosslinked Hydrogels Composed of Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Tannic Acid for Sustained Release of Encapsulated Protein
Authors: Yamada Tasuku , Mizuno Yosuke , Tian Li , Kitaguchi Tetsuya , Fujie Toshinori
Published: October 2024

Polysaccharide‐based hydrogels are promising for biomedical applications such as drug delivery owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivities. In particular, there is a need for hydrogels with injectability for minimally invasive therapies and controlled sustained release for sustained drug effect. Hydrogels made from carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and tannic acid (TA) (CMC‐TA) contain dynamic covalent bonds owing to autoxidation between CMC and TA, and interact with proteins via TA, elucidation of the detailed mechanism of dynamic covalent bonding in CMC‐TA hydrogels will facilitate stable loading and zero‐order release of proteins. Herein, the physical properties of oxidized CMC‐TA (Oxi‐CMC‐TA) prepared for the encapsulation and sustained release of proteins are explored. Following incubation at 37 °C for 24 h, CMC‐TA undergoes secondary crosslinking by autoxidation to produce Oxi‐CMC‐TA. Notably, CMC‐TA is viscoelastic and shear‐thinning, allowing for injection and 3D bioprinting. Indeed, CMC‐TA can be 3D‐printed with green fluorescent protein (GFP) encapsulated in its matrix. Oxi‐CMC‐TA also exhibits an affinity for protein owing to its gallol groups, enabling Oxi‐CMC‐TA to collect GFP in aqueous solutions against a concentration gradient. Moreover, Oxi‐CMC‐TA releases GFP over 15 days. Injectable, 3D‐printable, protein‐collecting, and zero‐order sustained‐releasing Oxi‐CMC‐TA has the potential to make a significant contribution to drug delivery.
Quantum Simulations of Radiation Damage in a Molecular Polyethylene Analog
Authors: Troup Nathaniel , Kroonblawd Matthew P. , Donadio Davide , Goldman Nir
Published: October 2024

An atomic‐level understanding of radiation‐induced damage in simple polymers like polyethylene is essential for determining how these chemical changes can alter the physical and mechanical properties of important technological materials such as plastics. Ensembles of quantum simulations of radiation damage in a polyethylene analog are performed using the Density Functional Tight Binding method to help bind its radiolysis and subsequent degradation as a function of radiation dose. Chemical degradation products are categorized with a graph theory approach, and occurrence rates of unsaturated carbon bond formation, crosslinking, cycle formation, chain scission reactions, and out‐gassing products are computed. Statistical correlations between product pairs show significant correlations between chain scission reactions, unsaturated carbon bond formation, and out‐gassing products, though these correlations decrease with increasing atom recoil energy. The results present relatively simple chemical descriptors as possible indications of network rearrangements in the middle range of excitation energies. Ultimately, the work provides a computational framework for determining the coupling between nonequilibrium chemistry in polymers and potential changes to macro‐scale properties that can aid in the interpretation of future radiation damage experiments on plastic materials.
Yeast Extract Peptides Alleviate Depression in Chronic Restraint Stress Rats by Alleviating Hippocampal Neuronal Apoptosis and Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zou Zebin , Xiao Nan , Chen Zhixian , Lin Xucong , Li Yaqi , Li Pan , Cheng Qian , Du Bing
Published: October 2024

Scope

Depression as a global neurological disorder, and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and disorders of the gut microbiota are closely related to it. This study aims to expose the ameliorative effect of enzyme peptides (AP) from brewer's yeast on depressive behavior caused by chronic restraint stress (CRS) in rats.

Methods and results

After 4 weeks of AP intervention, a significant alleviation of depressive behavior in the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test (FST), and light‐dark test (LDT) is observed in depressed rats. AP ameliorates neuronal damage with increased the expression of the key CREB/BDNF/TrkB/Akt signaling pathway, which increases the levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and norepinephrine (NE) in the hippocampus, buffering hyperactivity of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA), and decreasing the serum cortisol (CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in rats. In addition, AP modulates the disruption of the rat gut microbiota by chronic restraint stress (CRS), and the changes in the abundance of Lactobacillus animalis and Lactobacillus johnsonii are probably the key for AP performing antidepressant benefits. A strong correlation is found between gut microbiota and biochemical markers of depression.

Conclusion

AP, as a natural and safe active substance, has a positive effect in the treatment of depression.
Analytical Solutions for Composite Foundations Reinforced by Partially Penetrated Stone Columns and Vertical Drains
Authors: Li Chuanxun , Lu Xiangzong
Published: October 2024

When stone columns or vertical drains are applied to improve soils, it is common to face situations where the soft soil layer is too thick to be penetrated completely. Although consolidation theories for soils with partially penetrated vertical drains or stone columns are comprehensive, consolidation theories for impenetrable composite foundations containing both two types of drainage bodies have been few reported in the existing literature. Equations governing the consolidation of the reinforced zone and unreinforced zone are established, respectively. Analytical solutions for consolidation of such composite foundations are obtained under permeable top with impermeable bottom (PTIB) and permeable top with permeable bottom (PTPB), respectively. The correctness of proposed solutions is verified by comparing them with existing solutions and finite element analyses. Then, extensive calculations are performed to analyze the consolidation behaviors at different penetration rates, including the total average consolidation degree defined by strain or stress and the distribution of the average excess pore water pressure (EPWP) along the depth. The results show that the total average consolidation rate increases as the penetration rate increases; for some composite foundations with a low penetration rate, the consolidation of the unreinforced zone cannot be ignored. Finally, according to the geological parameters provided by an actual project, the obtained solution is used to calculate the settlement, and the results obtained by the proposed solution are in reasonable agreement with the measured data.
Suppression of dystroglycan function accompanies pancreatic acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia and favours dysplasia development
Authors: Huang Ge , Ternes Luke , Lanciault Christian , MacPherson‐Hawthorne Kevin , Chang Young Hwan , Sears Rosalie C , Muschler John L
Published: October 2024

The basement membrane (BM) is among the predominant microenvironmental factors of normal epithelia and of precancerous epithelial lesions. Evidence suggests that the BM functions not only as a barrier to tumour invasion but also as an active tumour‐suppressing signalling substrate during premalignancy. However, the molecular foundations of such mechanisms have not been elucidated. Here we explore potential tumour‐suppressing functions of the BM during precancer evolution, focusing on the expression and function of the extracellular matrix receptor dystroglycan in the pancreas and pancreatic disease. We show that the dystroglycan protein is highly expressed in the acinar compartment of the normal pancreas but lower in the ductal compartment. Moreover, there is a strong suppression of dystroglycan protein expression with acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia in chronic pancreatitis and in all stages of pancreatic precancer and cancer evolution, from acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia to dysplasia to adenocarcinoma. The conditional knockout of dystroglycan in the murine pancreas produced little evidence of developmental or functional deficiency. However, conditional deletion of dystroglycan expression in the context of oncogenic Kras expression led to a clear acceleration of pancreatic disease evolution, including accelerated dysplasia development and decreased survival. These data establish dystroglycan as a suppressor of pancreatic dysplasia development and one that is muted in chronic pancreatitis and at the earliest stages of oncogene‐induced transformation. We conclude that dystroglycan is an important mediator of the tumour‐suppressing functions of the BM during precancer evolution and that reduced dystroglycan function increases cancer risk, highlighting the dynamics of cell–BM interactions as important determinants of early cancer progression. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Short‐ and Long‐Term Outcomes of Prenatally Identified Congenital Aqueductal Stenosis by Fetal MRI
Authors: Smith Noah J. , Nagaraj Usha D. , Kline‐Fath Beth M. , Bierbrauer Karin S. , Habli Mounira , Venkatesan Charu
Published: October 2024

Objective

Providing accurate prenatal prognostication for expectant parents is challenging due to limited literature on factors impacting outcomes in children with congenital aqueductal stenosis (CAS). This study stratified CAS patients into isolated or complex categories (presence of additional intra‐ or extra‐cranial anomalies or genetic syndromes) and evaluated both short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Additionally, the role of ventricular rupture was assessed.

Methods

This was a single center retrospective‐cohort study of CAS patients who underwent fetal MRI over a 10‐year period.

Results

Of 140 patients with CAS, 107 (76%) were complex and 33 (24%) were isolated. There were no differences in the size of ventricular enlargement or incidence of ventricular rupture between the two groups. 14 pregnancies were terminated, 9 experienced fetal demise/stillbirth, and there were 21 post‐natal deaths. Outcomes at the time of hospital discharge were available for 86 patients and long‐term follow‐up data for 64. CSF diversion (via ventriculoperitoneal shunt) was performed in 95% of complex and 71% of isolated CAS patients. Acutely, no differences were noted in seizures (complex: 10%; isolated: 18%) or respiratory support but there was an increased risk for feeding support. Risks for non‐ambulatory status (complex: 32% vs. isolated: 0%), epilepsy (complex: 56% vs. isolated: 19%) and long‐term gastrostomy tube assisted feeding (complex: 25.5% vs. isolated: 0%) were significantly greater with complex CAS. The presence of rupture did not impact clinical outcome.

Conclusion

Poor clinical outcome was associated with complex CAS. Ventricular rupture alone did not portend a poor outcome. Prenatal counseling can tailor prognostication by CAS type.
Artificial Neural Networks for Energy Demand Prediction in an Economic MPC‐Based Energy Management System
Authors: Alarcón Rodrigo G. , Alarcón Martín A. , González Alejandro H. , Ferramosca Antonio
Published: October 2024

Microgrids are a development trend and have attracted a lot of attention worldwide. The control system plays a crucial role in implementing these systems and, due to their complexity, artificial intelligence techniques represent some enabling technologies for their future development and success. In this paper, we propose a novel formulation of an economic model predictive control (economic MPC) applied to a microgrid designed for a faculty building with the inclusion of a predictive model to deal with the energy demand disturbance using a recurrent neural network of the long short‐term memory (RNN‐LSTM). First, we develop a framework to identify an RNN‐LSTM using historical data registered by a smart three‐phase power quality analyzer to provide feedforward power demand predictions. Next, we present an economic MPC formulation that includes the prediction model for the disturbance within the optimization problem to be solved by the MPC strategy. We carried out simulations with different scenarios of energy consumption, available resources, and simulation times to highlight the results obtained and analyze the performance of the energy management system. In all cases, we observed the correct operation of the proposed control scheme, complying at all times with the objectives and operational restrictions imposed on the system.
Robust Maximum Correntropy Kalman Filter
Authors: Saha Joydeb , Bhaumik Shovan
Published: October 2024

The Kalman filter provides an optimal estimation for a linear system with Gaussian noise. However, when the noises are non‐Gaussian in nature, its performance deteriorates rapidly. For non‐Gaussian noises, maximum correntropy Kalman filter (MCKF) is developed which provides a more accurate result. In a scenario, where the actual system model differs from nominal consideration, the performance of the MCKF degrades. For such cases, in this article, we have proposed a new robust filtering technique for a linear system which maximizes a cost function defined by exponential of weighted past and present errors weighted with the kernel bandwidth. During filtering, at each time step, the kernel bandwidth is selected by maximizing the correntropy function of error. Further, a convergence condition of the proposed algorithm is derived. Numerical examples are presented to show the usefulness of the proposed filtering technique.
Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, pkCSM Drug‐Likeness Profiles, Toxicity, and DFT Study of the Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Three Flavonoid Derivatives
Authors: Karoui Samiha , Khaoua Oussama , Benbellat Noura , Antonczak Serge , Messaoudi Abdelatif
Published: October 2024

This work presents a theoretical study of the antioxidant and anticancer properties of three flavonoid derivatives Isoquercitin, Ophioglonol, and Quercetin. DFT calculations were performed to analyze their electronic properties, providing insights into their reactivity and mechanism of action. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to examine the stability behavior of the protein‐ligand complexes, providing a detailed mechanism of the interactions at the atomic level. Additionally, some physicochemical and pharmacokinetic predictions were examined by using several web servers. Quercetin and isoquercetin show therapeutic properties, with MESP plots revealing interaction regions with SOD and hAPN targets. However, isoquercetin raises concerns related to AMES toxicity and hERG inhibition. The results of Molecular docking and MD simulations provide theoretical guidance for developing effective inhibitors to treat cancer, but further experimental validation is needed to optimize therapeutic efficacy. The MM/GBSA show that Ophioglonol has the strongest binding affinity with the protein, driven by many interactions. The Actionon also demonstrates strong binding, while Isoquercitin and Quercetin have moderate to weaker affinities. The PCA revealed distinct conformational changes in the protein upon binding with the ligand, highlighting specific regions of flexibility, which could be crucial for understanding their binding mechanisms and potential therapeutic effects.
Simultaneous Production of 111In and 109Cd by Alpha Particle Irradiation of natAg Target and Synergistic Aqueous Biphasic Separation using Green Tea Polyphenols
Authors: Mitra Sayantani , Naskar Nabanita , Lahiri Susanta
Published: October 2024

111In and 109Cd radionuclides were produced by 31 MeV
‐particle irradiation of natAg target. To separate no‐carrier added (NCA) 111In and 109Cd from bulk Ag, Aqueous Biphasic System (ABS) was constructed using twelve salts and two polyethylene glycol (PEG) combinations. Out of all these combinations, only three salts e. g., Na2SO3, Na‐ malonate and Na‐Tartrate and PEG combinations showed significant separation between bulk Ag and NCA radioisotopes. Addition of catechins extracted from green tea to the above ABS systems increased the separation factors many folds. Highest separation factor (SIn/Ag=5.6×104) for 111In was obtained in Na2SO3‐PEG 4000 and 50 mg catechins system. 109Cd retained in NCA state in the Na‐malonate phase after the extraction of 111In and bulk Ag in the catechin‐PEG phase.
Thermal Degradation Behavior of Thermally‐Oxidized Hydroxyl‐Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB): An Assessment of Thermal Stability
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Xiao Ji Jun
Published: October 2024

Thermal analysis was performed on different thermally oxidized hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) samples, varying in molecular weights, polydispersities, and viscosities. The HTPB sample was subjected to thermal ageing at 65 °C for 10 weeks and periodically withdrawn for thermal analysis. During thermal ageing, HTPB undergoes chain rearrangements that may include scission and subsequent crosslinking, leading to a higher average molecular weight and viscosity. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyses were performed on thermally oxidized HTPB samples under inert heating conditions to investigate their degradation behavior. The DSC results revealed no significant correlations between the glass transition (Tg) and the samples' molecular weight, viscosity, and polydispersity. In TGA, all HTPB samples showed a two‐step thermal decomposition process characterized by two distinct mass loss stages. Notably, the first stage exhibited a lower total mass loss and a considerably lower peak rate of mass loss than the second stage. The thermal stability of HTPB is significantly compromised by thermal‐oxidative degradation, leading to a pronounced decrease in the initial degradation temperature (TIDT) values, from 372 °C (pristine or 0 week) to 228 °C (10 weeks). Furthermore, we measured the energy of activation (Ea) and the pre‐exponential factor (A) from TGA data using the Coats–Redfern integral equation. Notably, we observed a slight but systematic increase in both Ea and A as the molecular weight of the aged samples increased.
Development of Novel 1,3,4‐Trisubstituted Pyrazole Derivatives Bearing Sulfonamide Moiety as Anticancer Agents Targeting JNK Kinases
Authors: Shams Asmaa A. , Abdel‐Maksoud Mohammed S. , Mohamed Ahmed A. B. , Brogi Simone , Moustafa Mohamed A. , El‐kerdawy Mohamed M.
Published: October 2024

In the present work, a new set of N‐(2‐((4‐(1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)pyridine sulfonamide derivatives was synthesized. Final target compounds were tested against JNK1 and JNK2 isoforms. Compounds 8f and 8d showed the highest activity over both JNK isoforms. They showed submicromolar activity over JNK1 (IC50 0.90 µM and 0.96 µM, respectively). They also showed excellent activity over JNK2 (IC50 0.62 µM and 1.07 µM, respectively). Moreover, the final target compounds were tested over HL‐60 and K‐562 cell lines for assessing the in vitro anticancer activity using sorafenib as a positive control. Compound 8f showed the highest potency at IC50 values of 6.21 and 7.43 µM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 8e and 8g exhibited strong effects on both acute leukemia cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 13.83 and 10.02 µM, respectively, as well as chronic leukemia cancer cell line with IC50 of 12.65 and 9.51 µM, respectively. Compound 8f was also tested to examine its effect on the cell cycle. Finally, a molecular docking study was conducted to understand the plausible binding modes of the most active compounds 8d and 8f within the JNK1 and JNK2 binding sites.
Acylhydrazone Bond: A Pivotal Bridge for Modifying Julolidine Derivative with Pyrazole Group as MultiStimuli‐Responsive Fluorescent Materials
Authors: Jing Tongtong , Chen Chen , Hu Haoran , Zhang Chong , Sun Chengguo , Gao Chao , Du Yang , Hu Bingcheng
Published: October 2024

To screen julolidine derivatives containing a pyrazole group with excellent fluorescence properties and promising applications in multistimuli‐responsive fluorescent materials, three novel compounds were designed and synthesized by connecting pyrazoles through typical conjugated bonds: imine (T1), dihydrazone (T2), and acylhydrazone (T3). The molecular structure of the title compounds was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HR‐MS. The representative compound T3 was verified by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Although the three compounds have roughly similar conjugated structures, dissimilarity in their fluorescence properties was apparent. The results of fluorescence studies showed that the compound T3, which was connected to julolidine and pyrazole by an acylhydrazone bond, exhibited excellent fluorescence performance compared to the other compounds T1 and T2. Compound T3 can also respond to external stimuli, such as solvent viscosity, organic acids/bases, and mechanical forces. In addition, T3 could also specifically detect Cu2+ ions, and the fluorescence titration data indicated that the low limit of detection (LOD) of compound T3 for Cu2+ is 0.26 µM within the range from 0 to 50 µM. Therefore, this work provides a preliminary basis for the development of multistimuli‐responsive fluorescent molecular materials containing acylhydrazone fragment.
The actor‐partner interdependence model of fertility stress and marital quality among couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: The mediating role of dyadic coping
Authors: Song Xiaorun , Zhao Jing , Xiao Zhuoni , Ye Hui , Dong ShiSi , Hu Lili , Cai Zhongxiang
Published: October 2024

To explore the relationships among fertility stress, dyadic coping and marital quality in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET). Couples receiving IVF‐ET treatment at the clinic of the reproductive medicine centre of a hospital in China from February 2023 to October 2023 were selected by convenience sampling. A general information questionnaire, the Infertility Fertility Stress Scale (COMP‐FPSS‐SF), the dyadic coping inventory, and the marital adjustment test were used to evaluate the results. AMOS24.0 software was used to construct an actor‐partner interdependence model that extended to mediation to analyze the relationships among couples' fertility stress, dyadic coping, and marital quality. The fertility stress level of IVF‐ET wives was significantly higher than that of their husbands (p < 0.05). Wives' levels of dyadic coping and marital quality were significantly lower than those of husbands (p < 0.05). Fertility stress, dyadic coping, and marital quality were positively correlated between IVF‐ET couples (p < 0.01). In terms of the actor effect, the fertility stress of IVF‐ET couples had a significant impact on their marital quality through their dyadic coping (β = −0.188, p < 0.05; β = −0.109, p < 0.05). In terms of partner effects, wives' fertility stress significantly affected their husbands' marital quality through their own or their husbands' dyadic coping (β = −0.055, p < 0.01; β = 0.157, p < 0.01). Dyadic coping mediates the relationship between fertility stress and marital quality in IVF‐ET couples. Nurses can use husbands and wives as central individuals and dyadic coping as the starting point to formulate intervention measures to reduce fertility stress and improve marital quality.
Development and validation of a machine learning‐based model of ischemic stroke risk in the Chinese elderly hypertensive population
Authors: Lyu Xiaoyue , Liu Jie , Gou Yingying , Sun Shengli , Hao Jing , Cui Yali
Published: October 2024

Machine learning (ML) has made some significant contributions to stroke prevention, but the stability and accuracy of existing models for clinical applications are uncertain. This study develops and validates an interpretable ML model using metabolic and coagulation biomarkers to predict ischemic stroke in elderly hypertensive patients in Northwest China. The prediction model used 453 electronic medical records for the model building (80% as a training set and 20% as a test set) and 132 for external validation. The final seven key features (D‐dimer, cystatin C, homocysteine, hemoglobin A1c, prothrombin time, low‐density lipoprotein C, and triglyceride glucose‐body mass index) were selected by the advanced approach, elastic net, and classical wrapping approaches. The final model, eXtreme gradient boosting, was identified as having superior performance than the other 9 classifers (random forest, Gaussian process, multilayer perceptron, logistic regression, support vector machine, K‐nearest neighbor, decision tree, Gaussian naive bayes, and ensemble model), with area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves of 0.97 and 0.94 for the test and external validation sets, respectively. The final model demonstrates excellent stability, accuracy, and clinical usefulness through various metrics and decision curve analysis. Additionally, an online human–machine interface application has been developed for clinical practice to help early identification and intervention for ischemic stroke in elderly hypertensive patients.
Central diabetes insipidus in two related juvenile deerhounds
Authors: Dillberger John E. , Roth‐Frank Michelle
Published: October 2024

Two related juvenile deerhounds were evaluated 2 years apart because of polydipsia, pollakiuria and periuria. Until shortly before presentation, each dog lived outdoors from 6 weeks of age with its littermates, and each litter shared a single drinking water source. Physical examination findings were unremarkable. The most noteworthy laboratory finding was hyposthenuria, although both dogs also had serum sodium concentrations at the upper end of the laboratory reference range. Both dogs responded to treatment with desmopressin acetate eye drops, which relieved their clinical signs and increased their urine specific gravities, confirming a diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of diabetes insipidus in deerhounds and only the third report to suggest that central diabetes insipidus might be heritable in dogs, as it is in humans.
Clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, histopathology and outcome in a dog with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin and concurrent involvement of the cauda equina and left sciatic nerve
Authors: Loncarica Tina , Mandara Maria Teresa , La Rosa Claudia , Balducci Federica
Published: October 2024

A 3‐year‐old, female, neutered toy poodle dog was presented with generalised tremors, neck pain and obtundation. Neurological examination revealed a multifocal localisation (brainstem and cervical spinal cord). Magnetic resonance imaging findings and cerebrospinal fluid tap were consistent with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin. After immunosuppressive treatment, the dog improved, but while tapering experienced two relapses. During the second relapse, clinical presentation revealed multifocal clinical signs affecting the brainstem, the lumbosacral spinal cord and the left sciatic nerve. Magnetic resonance imagings of the brain, lumbosacral spinal cord and the left sciatic nerve, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and histopathology of the left sciatic nerve confirmed a recurrence of a meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin involving the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Immunosuppressive treatment was re‐instituted, with improvement of clinical signs. At 1‐year follow‐up, the dog remains clinically stable with no treatment.
Catching Mind Wandering With Pupillometry: Conceptual and Methodological Challenges
Authors: Pelagatti Claudia , Blini Elvio , Vannucci Manila
Published: October 2024

Mind‐wandering (MW) refers to the shift of attention away from an ongoing task and/or external environment towards mental contents (e.g., memories, prospective thoughts) unrelated to the task. Physiological measures (e.g., pupil size, EEG, and fMRI) have often been acquired as objective markers for MW states, which has greatly helped their study as well as triangulation with other measures. Pupillometry in particular has been used as a covert biomarker of MW because it is reliably modulated by several distinct processes spanning arousal, emotion, and attention, and it signals attentional lapses. Yet, coupling MW and the measurement of pupil size has led to seemingly contrasting results. We argue that, common to the studies reviewed here, one reason is resolving to the measurement of tonic pupil size, which reflects low‐frequency, slow changes in one's physiological state, and thus implicitly assumes that MW is a static, long‐lasting process. We then additionally focus on three major axes of variability in the reviewed studies: (i) the definition and measurement of MW; (ii) the impact of contextual aspects, such as task demands and individual arousal levels; (iii) the identification and tracking of MW in combination with pupillary measures. We provide an overview of these differences and put forward recommendations for using physiological measures—including, but not limited to, pupil size—in MW research effectively. In conclusion, pupillometry can be a very informative tool for MW research, provided that it is used with the due methodological caution.
The Origin of Neutron Radiation
Authors: Swinhoe M. T. , Ensslin N.
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents the various sources of neutrons that are important in nondestructive measurements. These sources include the key mechanisms of spontaneous fission, neutrons from alpha particle reactions on light elements, and induced fission. The characteristics of neutrons resulting from typical sources are presented. A brief discussion of other neutrons sources, such as those from less common nuclear reactions, cosmic rays, and neutron generators, is included.
Neutron Detectors
Authors: Henzlova D. C. , Baker M. P. , Bartlett K. , Favalli A. , Iliev M. , Root M. A. , Sarnoski S. , Shin T. , Swinhoe M. T.
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes the principles of operation of the main types of neutron detector that are used in nondestructive assay. One section is devoted to gas detectors (3He and BF3) as well as boron-lined detectors, proton recoil detectors and fission chambers. A second section describes scintillation detectors. The description includes a discussion of light collection and signal acquisition. The measurement of neutron energy spectra is also described.