bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The uncertain correlation of ANCAs in patients with lupus nephritis and crescents, an experience from Chinese centers
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Zhou Fei , Zhao Yan , Luo Congjuan , Luo Yankun , Zhou Yun
Published: October 2024

Background

The precise role of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) in the pathologic course of crescentic lupus nephritis (LN) remains unclear. Our study aimed to assess whether ANCA-positive serology in patients with LN and crescents is associated with different clinicopathologic features and outcomes.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 658 patients diagnosed with LN between 2010 and 2022. Among them, 64 (9.7%) patients who had complete follow-up and clinical data were reclassified as crescentic glomerulonephritis. Of these, 11 patients with incomplete ANCA data and 7 patients with less than 10 glomeruli under light microscopy were excluded; ultimately, 46 patients were enrolled: 12 with ANCA positivity and 34 with ANCA negativity. Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were analysed and compared.

Results

Our data did not reveal any differences in clinical or laboratory parameters or histopathological features except for a significantly higher level of proteinuria or proportion of nephrotic syndrome (p < 0.05) at presentation before biopsy in the ANCA-negative group than in the ANCA-positive group,and a lower level of serum albumin (p < 0.05) in the ANCA-negative group than in the ANCA-positive group. No significant differences in complete remission or partial response were detected between the two groups based on the 2021 KDIGO criterion.

Conclusion

Short-term follow-up (average follow-up time of less than 3 years) did not reveal any difference in outcomes between ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative crescentic LN. However, the role of ANCAs in the pathological course of crescentic lupus nephropathy and the effect of ANCAs on long-term outcomes remain to be determined.

Graphical abstract
Effect of Cu Alloying and Heat Treatment Parameters on NiTi Alloy Phase Stability and Constitutive Behavior
Authors: Cai S. , Schaffer J. E. , Shi T. , Gao J. , Kadeřávek L.
Published: October 2024

NiTiCu alloys with Cu-content up to 20 at.% were successfully made into fine wire with cold-drawn area reduction of 70%. These materials were heat treated and tested at different conditions to study phase transformation and constitutive behavior. It is found that: (1) At Cu-content less than 7.5 at.%, increasing Cu stabilizes the B2 austenite, suppresses R-phase, and slightly decreases B19’ transformation temperatures. At higher level, Cu suppresses B19’-phase, but promotes B19 martensitic phase. (2) Increasing Cu decreases thermal temperature hysteresis and lattice strains during phase transformation. (3) The effect of Cu on stress hysteresis depends on test conditions. A continuous increase in Cu does not guarantee a continuously decreased stress hysteresis. (4) Heat treatment affects Ti2(Ni,Cu)3 precipitation. The highest phase transformation temperatures were obtained after annealing at ~ 600 °C. (5) The $${\left\{102\right\}}_{\text{B}19}$$

102

B
19

and $${\left\{120\right\}}_{\text{B}19}$$

120

B
19

martensite texture comes from the $${\left\{111\right\}}_{\text{B}2}$$

111

B
2

austenite texture after phase transformation through {111} and/or {011} martensite twins. These texture patterns explain the relatively short transformation strains and suggest potential for large improvement through processing-induced texture optimization. (6) The combined effects of Cu addition and cold work strengthening largely increase thermal cycling stabilities of NiTiCu alloys and make them promising candidates for actuator applications.
On concerns with cause-specific incidence and subdistribution hazard
Authors: Nakamura Tsuyoshi , Yamada Tomomi
Published: October 2024

An event that hinders or changes the possibility of observing the event of interest is called a competing risk. For instance, clinical studies for those with multimorbidity or critically severe illnesses often require consideration of competing risks, as the occurrence of other events may preclude the primary event of interest. Since the one-to-one correspondence between the cause-specific hazard and the cause-specific incidence is lost in the classical competing risk model (Andersen et al., International Journal of Epidemiology 41:861–870, 2012), the Fine-Gray hazard was developed. The cause-specific incidence and the Fine-Gray hazard have been widely used and have become the default methods in competing risk analysis. The cause-specific incidence, however, often fails to represent treatment effects properly due to failures of the competing causes, particularly when the hazards of the competing causes are considerably different between the control and treatment arms. This study introduces a new incidence termed, cause-distinct incidence, which has a one-to-one correspondence with the cause-specific hazard and is less affected by competing causes than the cause-specific incidence. Whilst, recent studies have found unexpected effects of censors on the Fine-Gray hazard analysis. For instance, the estimation of the censoring distribution can affect the accuracy or censoring can complicate the estimation. The root cause of these unexpected phenomena has been uninvestigated. The basic requirement for the hazard is that it be independent of the distribution of independent censoring. Nevertheless, this study verifies mathematically and also numerically that the Fine-Gray hazard depends on the distribution of independent censoring.
On Small-Amplitude Asymmetric Water Waves
Authors: Svensson Seth Douglas
Published: October 2024

We generalize the method used by Mæhlen and Seth (Asymmetric traveling wave solutions of the capillary–gravity Whitham equation, 2023, arxiv:2312.15343) used to prove the existence of small-amplitude asymmetric solutions to the capillary–gravity Whitham equation, so that it can be applied directly to a class of similar equations. The purpose is to prove or disprove the existence of asymmetric waves for the water wave problem or other model equations for water waves. Our main result in this paper is a theorem that gives both necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of small-amplitude periodic asymmetric solutions for this class of equations. The result is then applied to an infinite depth capillary–gravity Whitham equation and an infinite depth capillary–gravity Babenko equation to show a nonexistence result of small-amplitude waves for these equations. This example also highlights the similarities between these equations suggesting the potential existence of small-amplitude asymmetric waves for the finite depth capillary–gravity Babenko equation.
Tuning Optical and Electrochemical Properties of Nb2O5 Thin Films via WO3 Doping
Authors: Sultana Rezwana , Islam Karimul , Chakraborty Supratic
Published: October 2024

WO3-doping significantly enhances the optical and electrochemical properties of Nb2O5 thin films, making them ideal for optoelectronic applications. This study investigates WO3-doped Nb2O5 thin films deposited via reactive co-sputtering of niobium and tungsten metal targets at room temperature. WO3 concentration was controlled by adjusting the power to the tungsten target. The microstructure, surface morphology, optical, and electrochemical properties of the deposited films were analyzed. X-ray diffraction revealed that the films are polycrystalline, with improved crystallinity as WO3 content increased. Higher doping reduced microstrain and increased grain size. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed chemical composition and doping levels. Atomic force microscopy showed uniform surface morphology in pristine films, with increased surface roughness at higher WO3 concentrations. The optical parameters of the thin films were evaluated by measuring their transmittance and reflectance spectra across a wavelength range of 300 to 800 nm. Optical analysis revealed reduced transmittance and reflectance but higher absorption at a 41% WO3 concentration. The absorption coefficient exhibits a redshift in the absorption edge accompanied by a reduction in the energy band gap from 3.75 eV to 3.10 eV as the doping concentration increases. The film with 41% WO3 demonstrated high absorption, low transmittance, and enhanced optical and electrical conductivity. This balance between high conductivity and low transmittance ensures that WO3 doped Nb2O5 thin films can be a suitable material for sensor and solar cell applications. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed the impact of WO3 doping on cathode current density and total charge density. Remarkably, the best performance was observed for the 41% WO3 doped thin film. Overall, WO3 doping strongly influences the optical and electrochemical properties, indicating that a specific concentration of WO3 in WO3-Nb2O5 mixed oxide thin films holds great potential for electrochromic devices, while also being suitable for use in sensors and solar cells.
The application of quality improvement concepts, strategies, and tools to enhance participation in clinical trials among Latino families
Authors: Malke Keanaan , Hemler Jennifer R. , Lima Daniel , Colon Pablo , Mendoza Caroline , Azcona Naomy , Devine Katie A. , Mackie Thomas I. , Ramachandran Usha , Forbes Darlene , Lucas Michael , Hudson Shawna V. , Jimenez Manuel E.
Published: October 2024

Underrepresentation of people from racial and ethnic minoritized groups in clinical trials threatens external validity of clinical and translational science, diminishes uptake of innovations into practice, and restricts access to the potential benefits of participation. Despite efforts to increase diversity in clinical trials, children and adults from Latino backgrounds remain underrepresented. Quality improvement concepts, strategies, and tools demonstrate promise in enhancing recruitment and enrollment in clinical trials. To demonstrate this promise, we draw upon our team’s experience conducting a randomized clinical trial that tests three behavioral interventions designed to promote equity in language and social-emotional skill acquisition among Latino parent–infant dyads from under-resourced communities. The recruitment activities took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified the need for responsive strategies and procedures. We used the Model for Improvement to achieve our recruitment goals. Across study stages, we engaged strategies such as (1) intentional team formation, (2) participatory approaches to setting goals, monitoring achievement, selecting change strategies, and (3) small iterative tests that informed additional efforts. These strategies helped our team overcome several barriers. These strategies may help other researchers apply quality improvement tools to increase participation in clinical and translational research among people from minoritized groups.
Dilution dysfunction: evaluation of automated disinfectant dispenser systems in 10 hospitals demonstrates a need for improved monitoring to ensure that correct disinfectant concentrations are delivered
Authors: Cadnum Jennifer L. , Kaple Claire E. , Eckstein Elizabeth C. , Saade Elie A. , Ray Amy J. , Zabarsky Trina F. , Guerrero Bernardino J. , Yassin Mohamed H. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: October 2024

Automated dispensers that dilute concentrated disinfectants with water are commonly used in healthcare facilities. In a point-prevalence product evaluation, 9 of 10 (90%) hospitals using dilutable disinfectants had 1 or more malfunctioning dispensers. Twenty-nine of 107 (27.1%) systems dispensed product with lower-than-expected concentrations, including 15 (14.0%) with no detectable disinfectant.
Risk of rehospitalization due to Clostridioides difficile infection among hospitalized patients with Clostridioides difficile: a cohort study
Authors: Drwiega Emily N. , Johnson Stuart , Danziger Larry H. , Skinner Andrew M.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Reducing rehospitalization has been a primary focus of hospitals and payors. Recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is common and often results in rehospitalization. Factors that influence rehospitalization for CDI are not well understood.

Objective:

To determine the risk factors that influence rehospitalization caused by CDI.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, of patients aged ≥18 who tested positive for C. difficile while hospitalized.

Setting:

Academic hospital.

Methods:

The risk of rehospitalization was assessed across exposures during and after the index hospitalization using a Cox proportional hazards model. The primary outcome of this study was 60-day CDI-related rehospitalization.

Results:

There were 559 hospitalized patients with a positive CD test during the study period, and 408 patients were included for analysis. All-cause rehospitalization was 46.1% within 60 days of the index hospital discharge. Within 60 days of discharge, 68 patients developed CDI, of which 72.5% (49 of 68) were rehospitalized specifically for the management of CDI. The risk of rehospitalization in patients with CDI was higher among patients who were exposed to systemic antibiotics ([adjusted hazard ratio] aHR: 2.78; 95% CI, 1.36–5.64) and lower among patients who had post-discharge follow-up addressing C. difficile (aHR: 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28–0.98).

Conclusions:

Exposure to systemic antibiotics increased the risk of rehospitalization due to CDI, while post-discharge follow-up decreased the risk of rehospitalization due to CDI. Comprehensive transitions of care for hospitalized patients with C. difficile may reduce the risk of CDI-related rehospitalization.
Changes in use of multiplex respiratory panel testing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Baghdadi Jonathan D. , Tung Chih Chun , Johnson J. Kristie , Morgan Daniel J. , Harris Anthony D.
Published: October 2024

Background:

COVID-19 changed the epidemiology of community-acquired respiratory viruses. We explored patterns of respiratory viral testing to understand which tests are most clinically useful in the postpandemic era.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study of discharge data from PINC-AI (formerly Premier), a large administrative database. Use of multiplex nucleic acid amplification respiratory panels in acute care, including small (2–5 targets), medium (6–11), and large panels (>11), were compared between the early pandemic (03/2020–10/2020), late pandemic (11/2020–4/2021), and prepandemic respiratory season (11/2019 - 02/2020) using ANOVA.

Results:

A median of 160.5 facilities contributed testing data per quarter (IQR 155.5–169.5). Prepandemic, facilities averaged 103 respiratory panels monthly (sd 138), including 79 large (sd 126), 7 medium (sd 31), and 16 small panels (sd 73). Relative to prepandemic, utilization decreased during the early pandemic (62 panels monthly/facility; sd 112) but returned to the prepandemic baseline by the late pandemic (107 panels monthly/facility; sd 211). Relative to prepandemic, late pandemic testing involved more small panel use (58 monthly/facility, sd 156) and less large panel use (47 monthly/facility, sd 116). Comparisons among periods demonstrated significant differences in overall testing (P < 0.0001), large panel use (P < 0.0001), and small panel use (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Postpandemic, clinical use of respiratory panel testing shifted from predominantly large panels to predominantly small panels. Factors driving this change may include resource availability, costs, and the clinical utility of targeting important pathogenic viruses instead of testing “for everything.”
Large-scale coherent structures in turbulent channel flow: a detuned instability of wall streaks
Authors: Ciola N. , De Palma P. , Robinet J.-C. , Cherubini S.
Published: October 2024

In this paper it is shown that a modal detuned instability of periodic near-wall streaks originates a large-scale structure in the bulk of the turbulent channel flow. The effect of incoherent turbulent fluctuations is included in the linear operator by means of an eddy viscosity. The base flow is an array of periodic two-dimensional streaks, extracted from numerical simulations in small domains, superposed to the turbulent mean profile. The stability problem for a large number of periodic units is efficiently solved using the block-circulant matrix method proposed by Schmid et al. (Phys. Rev. Fluids, vol. 2, 2017, 113902). For friction Reynolds numbers equal or higher than

$590$

, it is shown that an unstable branch is present in the eigenspectra. The most unstable eigenmodes display large-scale modulations whose characteristic wavelengths are compatible with the large-scale end of the premultiplied velocity fluctuation spectra reported in previous computational studies. The wall-normal location of the large-wavelength near-wall peak in the spanwise spectrum of the eigenmode exhibits a power-law dependence on the friction Reynolds number, similarly to that found in experiments of pipes and boundary layers. Lastly, the shape of the eigenmode in the streamwise-wall-normal plane is reminiscent of the superstructures reported in the recent experiments of Deshpande et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 969, 2023, A10). Therefore, there is evidence that such large-wavelength instabilities generate large-scale motions in wall-bounded turbulent flows.
Transient Joule–Thomson cooling during CO2 injection in depleted reservoirs
Authors: Tweed Lucy E.L. , Bickle Michael J. , Neufeld Jerome A.
Published: October 2024

The injection of

${\rm CO}_2$

into depleted reservoirs carries the potential for significant Joule–Thomson cooling, when dense, supercritical

${\rm CO}_2$

is injected into a strongly under-pressured reservoir. The resulting low temperatures around the wellbore risk causing thermal fracturing of the well/near-well region or causing freezing of pore waters or formation of gas hydrates which would reduce injectivity and jeopardise well and reservoir integrity. These risks are particularly acute during injection start-up when

${\rm CO}_2$

is in the gas stability field. In this paper we present a model of non-isothermal single-phase flow in the near-wellbore region. We show that during radial injection, with fixed mass injection rate, transient Joule–Thomson cooling can be described by similarity solutions at early times. The positions of the

${\rm CO}_2$

and thermal fronts are described by self-similar scaling relations. We show that, in contrast to steady-state flow, transient flow causes slight heating of

${\rm CO}_2$

and reservoir gas either side of the thermal front, as pressure diffuses into the reservoir. The scaling analysis here identifies the parametric dependence of Joule–Thomson cooling. We present a sensitivity analysis which demonstrates that the primary controls on the degree of cooling are reservoir permeability, reservoir thickness, injection rate and Joule–Thomson coefficient. The analysis presented provides a computationally efficient approach for assessing the degree of Joule–Thomson cooling expected during injection start-up, providing a complement to complex, fully resolved numerical simulations.
Reassessing the diversity, affinity, and construction of terminal Ediacaran tubiform fossils from the La Ciénega Formation, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Schiffbauer James D. , Wong Clara , Davis Cassidy , Selly Tara , Nelson Lyle L. , Pruss Sara B.
Published: October 2024

The terminal Ediacaran Period is signaled worldwide by the first appearance of skeletonizing tubular metazoan fossils, e.g., Cloudina Germs, 1972 and Sinotubulites Chen, Chen, and Qian, 1981. Although recent efforts have focused on evaluating the taxic composition and preservation of such assemblages from the southwestern United States, comparable forms reported in the 1980s from Mexico remain to be re-examined. Here, we reassess the latest Ediacaran skeletal materials from the La Ciénega Formation of the Caborca region in Sonora, Mexico, using a combination of analytical methods: optical microscopy of extracted fossils, thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray tomographic microscopy. From our examination, we conclude that the La Ciénega hosts a polytaxic assemblage of latest Ediacaran tubular organisms that have been preserved through two taphonomic pathways: coarse silicification and calcareous recrystallization preserving finer details. Further, these fossils show signs that their shells might not have been inflexible or completely mineralized in vivo, and that they might also record tentatively interpreted predation traces in the form of drill holes or puncture marks. This work, along with ongoing efforts around the world, helps to provide a framework for biostratigraphic correlation and possible subdivision of the Ediacaran Period, and further shapes our view of metazoan evolution and ecology in the interval directly preceding the Cambrian explosion.
On transience of
$\mathrm{M}/\mathrm{G}/\infty$
queues
Authors: Popov Serguei
Published: October 2024

We consider an

$\mathrm{M}/\mathrm{G}/\infty$

queue with infinite expected service time. We then provide the transience/recurrence classification of the states (the system is said to be at state n if there are n customers being served), observing also that here (unlike irreducible Markov chains, for example) it is possible for recurrent and transient states to coexist. We also prove a lower bound on the growth speed in the transient case.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms relating to psychosocial functioning for people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder
Authors: Grootendorst-van Mil Nina , Chang Chin-Kuo , Chandran David , Schirmbeck Frederike , van Beveren Nico , Shetty Hitesh , Stewart Robert , Ahn-Robbins Deborah , de Haan Lieuwe , Hayes Richard D
Published: October 2024

To assess the psychosocial functioning concerning obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) comorbidity in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder diagnosed in a large case register database in Southeast London. Data were retrieved from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Biomedical Research Centre (SLaM BRC) register using Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) system, a platform allowing research on full but de-identified electronic health records for secondary and tertiary mental healthcare services. Information of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder diagnosis and OCS/OCD status was ascertained from structural or free-text fields through natural language processing (NLP) algorithms based on artificial intelligence techniques during the observation window of January 2007 to December 2016. Associations between comorbid OCS/OCD and recorded Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) for problems with activities of daily living (ADLs), living conditions, occupational and recreational activities, and relationships were estimated by logistic regression with socio-demographic confounders controlled. Of 15,412 subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder, 2,358 (15.3%) experienced OCS without OCD, and 2,586 (16.8%) had OCD recorded. The presence of OCS/OCD was associated with more problems with relationships (adj.OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.25–1.44), ADLs (adj.OR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.22–1.41), and living conditions (adj.OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.22–1.41). Sensitivity analysis revealed similar outcomes. Comorbid OCS/OCD was associated with poorer psychosocial functioning in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. This finding highlights the importance of identification and treatment of comorbid OCS among this vulnerable patient group.
Postprandial plasma aminoacidemia and indices of appetite regulation following pea-rice blend, pea isolate and whey protein ingestion in healthy young adults
Authors: Rogers Lucy M. , Belfield Archie E. , Korzepa Marie , Gritsas Ari , Churchward-Venne Tyler A. , Breen Leigh
Published: October 2024

Plant-derived proteins are often deficient in essential amino acids and have lower rates of digestibility than animal-derived proteins. Blending different plant-derived proteins could compensate for these deficiencies and may augment postprandial aminoacidemia over single-source plant proteins. This study assessed plasma amino acids and appetite hormones, appetite sensations and ad libitum energy intake following ingestion of a pea-rice protein blend (BLEND), compared with pea-only (PEA) and whey (WHEY) protein. In a randomised, double-blind, crossover design, ten healthy adults (M n 4, F n 6; mean (sd) age 22 (sd 3) years; BMI 24 (sd 3) kg·m2) ingested 0·3 g·kg·body mass–1 of BLEND, PEA or WHEY. Arterialised venous blood samples and appetite ratings were obtained in the fasted state and over 240 min postprandially. Energy intake was measured via an ad libitum buffet-style test meal. Mean plasma essential amino acid incremental AUC was higher in WHEY, compared with PEA (P < 0·01; mean diff (95 % CI): 44 218 (15 806, 72 631) μmol·240 min·l–1) and BLEND (P < 0·01; 14 358 (16 031, 101 121) μmol·240 min·l–1), with no differences between PEA and BLEND (P = 0·67). Plasma ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1, appetite ratings and ad libitum energy intake responses did not differ between treatments (P > 0·05 for all). Ingestion of a pea-rice protein blend did not augment postprandial aminoacidemia above pea protein, perhaps attributable to marginal differences in essential amino acid composition. No between-treatment differences in appetite or energy intake responses were apparent, suggesting that the influence of protein ingestion on perceived appetite ratings and orexigenic hormonal responses may not be solely determined by postprandial plasma aminoacidemia.
Gassmann triples with special cycle types and applications
Authors: Kammeyer Holger , Kionke Steffen
Published: October 2024

We show that if one of various cycle types occurs in the permutation action of a finite group on the cosets of a given subgroup, then every almost conjugate subgroup is conjugate. As a number theoretic application, corresponding decomposition types of primes effect that a number field is determined by the Dedekind zeta function. As a geometric application, coverings of Riemannian manifolds with certain geodesic lifting behaviours must be isometric.
Longitudinal panel networks of risk and protective factors for early adolescent suicidality in the ABCD sample
Authors: Wallace Gemma T. , Conner Bradley T.
Published: October 2024

Rates of youth suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are rising, and younger age at onset increases vulnerability to negative outcomes. However, few studies have investigated STBs in early adolescence (ages 10–13), and accurate prediction of youth STBs remains poor. Network analyses that can examine pairwise associations between many theoretically relevant variables may identify complex pathways of risk for early adolescent STBs. The present study applied longitudinal network analysis to examine interrelations between STBs and several previously identified risk and protective factors. Data came from 9,854 youth in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study cohort (Mage = 9.90 ± .62 years, 63% white, 53% female at baseline). Youth and their caregivers completed an annual measurement battery between ages 9–10 through 11–12 years. Panel Graphical Vector Autoregressive models evaluated associations between STBs and several mental health symptoms, socioenvironmental factors, life stressors, and substance use. In the contemporaneous and between-subjects networks, direct associations were observed between STBs and internalizing symptoms, substance use, family conflict, lower parental monitoring, and lower school protective factors. Potential indirect pathways of risk for STBs were also observed. Age-specific interventions may benefit from prioritizing internalizing symptoms and early substance use, as well as promoting positive school and family support.
Cattle breeding, associations, and rural development: The Italian case study in the 20th century
Authors: Marigliano Marco , Locatelli Andrea Maria
Published: October 2024

The research reconstructs and analyses the role played by livestock associations in Italy during the 20th century. The article initially focuses on local associative experiences before World War II and subsequently on national associations, whose formation also depended on the goal of promoting the application of technical innovations. Their impact, specifically that of artificial insemination and semen freezing, has indeed influenced the production process in the livestock sector since the 1940s with genetic changes in animals for productivity purposes. Focusing on specific case studies (mainly Associazione Italiana Allevatori, but also ANAFI, ANARB, and ANABIC), the paper analyses the motivations behind the establishment of the associations, the relationships with members and public institutions, and finally, support strategies for breeders.
The potential use of game theory in decision-making in CHD
Authors: Francis Jeevan , Prothasis Sneha , Ganesh Ayalvadi , Ekkunagul Thanapon , Stoica Serban
Published: October 2024

Background: Congenital cardiac care involves multiple stakeholders including patients and their families, surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthetists, the wider multidisciplinary team, healthcare providers, and manufacturers, all of whom are involved in the decision-making process to some degree. Game theory utilises human behaviour to address the dynamics involved in a decision and what the best payoff is depending on the decision of other players.Aim: By presenting these interactions as a strategic game, this paper aims to provide a descriptive analysis on the utility and effectiveness of game theory in optimising decision-making in congenital cardiac care.Methodology: The comprehensive literature was searched to identify papers on game theory, and its application within surgery. Results: The analysis demonstrated that by utilising game theories, decision-making can be more aligned with patient-centric approaches, potentially improving clinical outcomes.Conclusion: Game theory is a useful tool for improving decision-making and may pave the way for more efficient and improved patient-centric approaches.
Outcomes in infective endocarditis among adults with CHD: a comparative national study
Authors: Byrne Ryan D. , Lopez Keila N. , Broda Christopher R. , Dolgner Stephen J.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Given increased survival for adults with CHD, we aim to determine outcome differences of infective endocarditis compared to patients with structurally normal hearts in the general population.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study identifying infective endocarditis hospitalisations in patients 18 years and older from the National Inpatient Sample database between 2001 and 2016 using International Classification of Disease diagnosis and procedure codes. Weighting was used to create national annual estimates indexed to the United States population, and multivariable logistic regression analysis determined variable associations. Outcome variables were mortality and surgery. The primary predictor variable was the presence or absence of CHD.

Results:

We identified 1,096,858 estimated infective endocarditis hospitalisations, of which 17,729 (1.6%) were adults with CHD. A 125% increase in infective endocarditis hospitalisations occurred for adult CHD patients during the studied time period (p < 0.001). Adults with CHD were significantly less likely to experience mortality (5.4% vs. 9.5%, OR 0.54, CI 0.47–0.63, p < 0.001) and more likely to undergo in-hospital surgery (31.6% vs. 6.7%, OR 6.49, CI 6.03–6.98, p < 0.001) compared to the general population. CHD severity was not associated with increased mortality (p = 0.53). Microbiologic aetiology of infective endocarditis varied between groups (p < 0.001) with Streptococcus identified more commonly in adults with CHD compared to patients with structurally normal hearts (36.2% vs. 14.4%).

Conclusions:

Adults with CHD hospitalised for infective endocarditis are less likely to experience mortality and more likely to undergo surgery than the general population.
Adherence to high-frequency ecological momentary assessment in persons with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Rabinowitz Amanda R. , Hart Tessa
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) involves repeated collection of real-time self-report data, often multiple times per day, nearly always delivered electronically by smartphone. While EMA has shown promise for researching internal states, behaviors, and experiences in multiple populations, concerns remain regarding its feasibility in samples with cognitive impairments, like those associated with chronic moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods:

This study examines adherence to a 7-week high-frequency (5x daily) EMA protocol in individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, considering changes in response rate over time, as well as individual participant characteristics (memory function, education, injury severity, and age).

Results:

In the sample of 39 participants, the average overall response rate was 65% (range: 5%–100%). Linear mixed-effects modeling revealed a small but statistically significant linear decay in response rate over 7 weeks of participation. Individual trajectories were variable, as evidenced by the significant effect of random slope. A better response rate was positively associated with greater educational attainment and better episodic memory function (statistical trend), whereas the effects of age and injury severity were not significant.

Conclusions:

These findings shed light on the potential of EMA in TBI studies but underscore the need for tailored strategies to address individual barriers to adherence.
Framing the Default
Authors: Chandrashekar Subramanya P. , Fillon Adrien A.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: A key finding within nudging research is the default effect, where individuals are inclined to stay with a default option when faced with a decision, rather than exploring alternatives (e.g., a preselected job opportunity among two alternatives). Similarly, the study of framing effects delves into how the presentation and context of decisions influence choices (e.g., choosing vs. rejecting a job opportunity among two alternatives). Specifically, previous literature examining choosing versus rejecting decision frames in various situations has found that these frames do not invariably complement each other; therefore, individuals’ preferences vary based on the task frame. Yet, simultaneous testing of multiple nudges remains relatively unexplored in the literature. In the current study involving 1,072 participants, we examined how framing and default effects can influence decision-making in hypothetical scenarios. The decision scenarios involved two different domains—work and health. We found that framing had a strong effect on decision-making in both work and health domains, whereas default setting contributed only to a limited extent in the work domain and no effect was found in the health domain, mirroring related recent research findings. We argue for a more careful design of nudge interventions when multiple overlapping nudges are used and for a contextual approach to applying behavioral science to citizens.
Customized Statistically Downscaled CMIP5 and CMIP6 Projections: Application in the Edwards Aquifer Region in South‐Central Texas
Authors: Wootten A. M. , Başağaoğlu H. , Bertetti F. P. , Chakraborty D. , Sharma C. , Samimi M. , Mirchi A.
Published: October 2024

Climate projections are being used for decision‐making related to climate mitigation and adaptation and as inputs for impacts modeling related to climate change. The plethora of available projections presents end users with the challenge of how to select climate projections, known as the “practitioner's dilemma.” In addition, if an end‐user determines that existing projections cannot be used, then they face the additional challenge of producing climate projections for their region that are useful for their needs. We present a methodology with novel features to address the “practitioner's dilemma” for generating downscaled climate projections for specific applications. We use the Edwards Aquifer region (EAR) in south‐central Texas to demonstrate a process to select a subset of global climate models from both the CMIP5 and CMIP6 ensembles, followed by downscaling and verification of the accuracy of downscaled data against historical data. The results show that average precipitation changes range from a decrease of 10.4 mm to an increase of 25.6 mm, average temperature increases from 2.0°C to 4.3°C, and the number of days exceeding 37.8°C (100°F) increase by 35–70 days annually by the end of century. The findings enhance our understanding of the potential impacts of climate change on the EAR, essential for developing effective regional management strategies. Additionally, the results provide valuable scenario‐based projected data to be used for groundwater and spring flow modeling and present a clearly documented example addressing the “practitioner's dilemma” in the EAR.
Crops Feed Rain to Drylands in Northwest China
Authors: An Qiang , Staal Arie , Liu Liu , Cheng Yongming , Liu Jing , Huang Guanhua
Published: October 2024

As a key region supplementing China's limited croplands, Northwest China has undergone rapid cropland expansion over the past decades to satisfy rising food demand from population growth and socio‐economic development. Although cropland expansion may overconsume local water resources in general, in Northwest China, increased precipitation and enhanced glacier melt have increased the water available for croplands. Counterintuitively, the enhanced evapotranspiration (ET) resulting from this cropland expansion could benefit remote ecologically vulnerable natural vegetation through atmospheric moisture recycling. In this study, we used a moisture tracking model to quantify contributions of croplands and cropland expansion to local precipitation and the consequent precipitation supply to natural vegetation in Northwest China. We found that the croplands contributed 27.69 billion m3/year (2.13%) of regional total precipitation and supplied 17.30 billion m3/year (2.39%) of precipitation over natural vegetation, and the cropland expansion resulted in a net increase of 80.25 million m3/year (1.07% of the total increase) in regional precipitation and 36.23 million m3/year (4.56% of the total increase) in precipitation supply for natural vegetation. Among different types of natural vegetation, grasslands received the most precipitation supply due to its vast area, followed by forests and shrublands. The more arid regions experienced not only faster rates of cropland expansion but also obtained a greater increase in regional precipitation and precipitation supply to natural vegetation. Our study quantifies the ecological impacts of cropland expansion through moisture recycling in Northwest China. This shows the complexities of water competition between agricultural development and ecological conservation in drylands and elsewhere.
Fifteen Years Later, Scientists Locate a Lunar Impact Site
Authors: Scharping Nathaniel
Published: October 2024

The impact crater from NASA’s LCROSS mission lies hidden in an eternally dark region of the Moon.
The Variability of the Size Distributions of Submicron Particles in the Oceans
Authors: Xiong Yuanheng , Zhang Xiaodong , Huot Yannick , Stephens Brandon M. , Carlson Craig A.
Published: October 2024

The size distribution of submicron particles is essential for understanding their biogeochemical and optical roles, but it has seldom been measured. This study utilizes ViewSizer 3000, an instrument that tracks Brownian motions of particles, to measure the particle size distributions (PSD) from 250 to 1,050 nm in the North Pacific Ocean (NP) and the North Atlantic Ocean (NA) at depths from 5 to 500 m. The concentration of particles varies over one order of magnitude at any given size bin, with greater variations up to two orders of magnitude at sizes >600 nm. In both locations, concentrations decrease with depth. Bacterioplankton are a dominant component, accounting for 65%–90% of the submicron particles in the surface waters (<100 m) and approximately 30%–40% at depths >150 m at both sites. In the NP, the volume mean diameter increased approximately 5% from the morning to noon at the surface, probably resulting from the diurnal growth of bacterioplankton. In the NA, the concentration and mean size increased by >60% and ∼10% respectively after one storm that introduced a different particle population into the study area.
Impaired brain glucose metabolism in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor knockout mice
Authors: Li Hui , Fang Yujiao , Wang Da , Shi Bowen , Thompson Garth J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Quantitative mapping of the brain’s metabolism is a critical tool in studying and diagnosing many conditions, from obesity to neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, noninvasive approaches are urgently required. Recently, there have been promising drug development approaches for the treatment of disorders related to glucose metabolism in the brain and, therefore, against obesity-associated diseases. One of the most important drug targets to emerge has been the Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor (GLP-1R). GLP and GLP-1R play an important role in regulating blood sugar and maintaining energy homeostasis. However, the macroscopic effects on brain metabolism and function due to the presence of GLP-1R are unclear.

Methods

To explore the physiological role of GLP-1R in mouse brain glucose metabolism, and its relationship to brain function, we used three methods. We used deuterium magnetic resonance spectroscopy (DMRS) to provide quantitative information about metabolic flux, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to measure brain glucose metabolism, and resting state-functional MRI (rs-fMRI) to measure brain functional connectivity. We used these methods in both mice with complete GLP-1R knockout (GLP-1R KO) and wild-type C57BL/6N (WT) mice.

Results

The metabolic rate of GLP-1R KO mice was significantly slower than that of WT mice (p = 0.0345, WT mice 0.02335 ± 0.057 mM/min, GLP-1R KO mice 0.01998 ± 0.07 mM/min). Quantification of the mean [18F]FDG signal in the whole brain also showed significantly reduced glucose uptake in GLP-1R KO mice versus control mice (p = 0.0314). Observing rs-fMRI, the functional brain connectivity in GLP-1R KO mice was significantly lower than that in the WT group (p = 0.0032 for gFCD, p = 0.0002 for whole-brain correlation, p < 0.0001 for ALFF).

Conclusions

GLP-1R KO mice exhibit impaired brain glucose metabolism to high doses of exogenous glucose, and they also have reduced functional connectivity. This suggests that the GLP-1R KO mouse model may serve as a model for correlated metabolic and functional connectivity loss.
Wafer-scale integration of two-dimensional perovskite oxides towards motion recognition
Authors: Deng Ming , Li Ziqing , Liu Shiyuan , Fang Xiaosheng , Wu Limin
Published: October 2024

Two-dimensional semiconductors have shown great potential for the development of advanced intelligent optoelectronic systems. Among them, two-dimensional perovskite oxides with compelling optoelectronic performance have been thriving in high-performance photodetection. However, harsh synthesis and defect chemistry severely limit their overall performance and further large-scale heterogeneous integration. Here, we report the wafer-scale integration of highly oriented nanosheets by introducing a charge-assisted oriented assembly film-formation process and confirm its universality and scalability. The shallow-trap dominance induced by structural optimization endows the device with a distinguished performance balance, including high photosensitivity close to that of single nanosheet units and fast response speed. An integrated ultra-flexible 256-pixel device demonstrates the versatility of material-to-substrate integration and conformal imaging functionality. Moreover, the device achieves efficient recognition of multidirectional motion trajectories with an accuracy of over 99.8%. Our work provides prescient insights into the large-area fabrication and utilization of 2D perovskite oxides in advanced optoelectronics.
Novel Megaptera novaeangliae (Humpback whale) haplotype chromosome-level reference genome
Authors: Carminati Maria-Vittoria , Gashi Vlonjat Lonnie , Li Ruiqi , Klee Daniel Jacob , Padula Sara Rose , Patel Ajay Manish , Tan Andy Dick Yee , Mattos Jacqueline , Kane Nolan
Published: October 2024

The sequencing of a kidney sample (KW2013002) from a stranded Megaptera novaeangliae (Humpback whale) calf is the first chromosome-level reference genome for this species1. The calf, a 457 cm and 2,500 lbs male, was found stranded in Hawai’i Kai, HI, in 2013 and was marked as abandoned/orphaned. In 2023, 1 g of kidney was sequenced with PacBio long-read DNA sequencing, chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C), RNA sequencing, and mitochondrial sequencing to comprehensively characterize the genome and transcriptome of M. novaeangliae. Data validation includes a synteny analysis, mitochondrial annotation, and a comparison of BUSCO scores (scaffold v. reference genome and Balaenoptera musculus (Blue whale) v. M. novaeangliae). BUSCO analysis was performed on an M. novaeangliae scaffold-level assembly to determine genomic completeness of the reference genome, with a scaffold BUSCO score of 91.2% versus a score of 95.4%. Synteny analysis was performed using the B. musculus genome as comparison to determine chromosome-level coverage and structure. Further, a time-based phylogenetic tree was constructed using the sequenced data and publicly available genomes.