bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Analysis of Student Perceptions of Recommendations for Engagement in Design Processes
Authors: Dugan Kelley E. , Daly Shanna R.
Published: February 2024

Engineering designers are tasked with complex problems necessitating the use and development of various supports for navigating complexity. Prescriptive design process models are one such tool. However, little research has explored how engineering designers perceive these models' recommendations for engagement in design work. In this exploratory study, we analyzed data from individual semi-structured interviews with 18 mechanical engineering students to identify participant perceptions of design process models. As many design process model visualizations lack explicit attention to some social and contextual dimensions, we sought to compare perceptions among two models drawn from engineering texts and one model that was developed with the intent to emphasize social and contextual dimensions. We identified perceptions of the recommendations from the design process models related to starting and moving through a design process, gathering information, prototyping, evaluating or testing, and what they should consider. Participant perceptions across the three process models suggest different design process models make perceptions of certain recommendations more salient than others. However, participant perceptions also varied for the same process model. We suggest several implications for design education and training based on participant perceptions of the process models, particularly the importance of leveraging multiple design process models. The comprehensive descriptions of participant perceptions provide a foundation for further investigations bridging designers' perceptions to intent, behavior, and, ultimately, design outcomes.
Validation of Gear Friction Equation Using Directional Parameter
Authors: Hongu Junichi , Hattori Shunjiro , Kato Junya , Koide Takao
Published: February 2024

In our previous study, the Matsumoto equation was modified by introducing the directivity of machining marks on the tooth surfaces (directional parameter), and it was adapted to estimate the gear friction coefficient with various finishing processes. However, this new estimation equation has been applied only to gear pairs with the same finishing process and under manual transmission fluid (MTF) lubricated conditions. Thus, this study extends its application to a gear pair with different finishing processes and the case under automatic transmission fluid (ATF) lubricated conditions. Herein, efficiency tests were performed using gears with four different finishing processes (grinding, barreling, honing, and small-angle honing), and friction values obtained experimentally were compared with the values estimated from the unmodified and modified Matsumoto equations. Consequently, the correlations between the experimental and estimated friction values were significantly improved.
Extracellular WNT conveyors
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2024

The extracellular WNT-binding proteins SFRP and WIF1 promote and inhibit WNT signaling.
A case study to engage students in the research design and ethics of high-throughput metagenomics
Authors: Alexander Courtney Carroll , Gaudier-Diaz Monica M. , Kleinschmit Adam J. , Dihle Preston J. , Salger Scott A. , Vega Nic , Robertson Sabrina D.
Published: February 2024

Case studies present students with an opportunity to learn and apply course content through problem solving and critical thinking. Supported by the High-throughput Discovery Science & Inquiry-based Case Studies for Today’s Students (HITS) Research Coordination Network, our interdisciplinary team designed, implemented, and assessed two case study modules entitled “You Are What You Eat.” Collectively, the case study modules present students with an opportunity to engage in experimental research design and the ethical considerations regarding microbiome research and society. In this manuscript, we provide instructors with tools for adopting or adapting the research design and/or the ethics modules. To date, the case has been implemented using two modalities (remote and in-person) in three courses (Microbiology, Physiology, and Neuroscience), engaging over 200 undergraduate students. Our assessment data demonstrate gains in content knowledge and students’ perception of learning following case study implementation. Furthermore, when reflecting on our experiences and student feedback, we identified ways in which the case study could be modified for different settings. In this way, we hope that the “You Are What You Eat” case study modules can be implemented widely by instructors to promote problem solving and critical thinking in the traditional classroom or laboratory setting when discussing next-generation sequencing and/or metagenomics research.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
heme metabolites biliverdin IXβ and IXδ are integral to lifestyle adaptations associated with chronic infection
Authors: Shahzad Saba , Krug Samuel A. , Mouriño Susana , Huang Weiliang , Kane Maureen A. , Wilks Angela
Published: February 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a versatile opportunistic pathogen requiring iron for its survival and virulence within the host. The ability to switch to heme as an iron source and away from siderophore uptake provides an advantage in chronic infection. We have recently shown the extracellular heme metabolites biliverdin IXβ (BVIXβ) and BVIXδ positively regulate the heme-dependent cell surface signaling cascade. We further investigated the role of BVIXβ and BVIXδ in cell signaling utilizing allelic strains lacking a functional heme oxygenase (
hemO
in) or one reengineered to produce BVIXα (
hemO
α). Compared to PAO1, both strains show a heme-dependent growth defect, decreased swarming and twitching, and less robust biofilm formation. Interestingly, the motility and biofilm defects were partially rescued on addition of exogenous BVIXβ and BVIXδ. Utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we performed a comparative proteomics and metabolomics analysis of PAO1 versus the allelic strains in shaking and static conditions. In shaking conditions, the
hemO
allelic strains showed a significant increase in proteins involved in quorum sensing, phenazine production, and chemotaxis. Metabolite profiling further revealed increased levels of
Pseudomonas
quinolone signal and phenazine metabolites. In static conditions, we observed a significant repression of chemosensory pathways and type IV pili biogenesis proteins as well as several phosphodiesterases associated with biofilm dispersal. We propose BVIX metabolites function as signaling and chemotactic molecules integrating heme utilization as an iron source into the adaptation of
P. aeruginosa
from a planktonic to sessile lifestyle.

IMPORTANCE

The opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes long-term chronic infection in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients. The ability to scavenge iron and to establish chronic infection within this environment coincides with a switch to utilize heme as the primary iron source. Herein, we show the heme metabolites biliverdin beta and delta are themselves important signaling molecules integrating the switch in iron acquisition systems with cooperative behaviors such as motility and biofilm formation that are essential for long-term chronic infection. These significant findings will enhance the development of viable multi-targeted therapeutics effective against both heme utilization and cooperative behaviors essential for survival and persistence within the host.
Anaesthetic management of a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension, moderate tricuspid regurgitation and moderate right ventricular dysfunction presenting for a dilation and curettage
Authors: Anderson Joshua , Grell Ryan , Haines Daniel
Published: February 2024

A primigravida woman in her 30s with severe pulmonary hypertension, tricuspid regurgitation and depressed right ventricular function presented for therapeutic termination of pregnancy at 7 weeks gestation after referral and multidisciplinary recommendation. A slowly titrated lumbar epidural was chosen for the primary anaesthetic. Under standard American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) monitoring, invasive blood pressure monitoring and continuous transthoracic echocardiography, the patient’s right ventricular systolic function was monitored throughout the case using qualitative and quantitative metrics and was notable for a right ventricular systolic pressure of 102.4 mm Hg. Milrinone, started prior to epidural titration, was used for inotropic support. Vasopressin was used in conjunction to sustain systemic vascular resistance while having little effect on the pulmonary vascular resistance. The patient experienced no complications or exacerbation of her pulmonary hypertension and was discharged home the following day.
Advanced thymic carcinoma with a hepatic metastasis treated with chemotherapy and staged resection
Authors: Russell Sheldon , Navadgi Suresh , Clay Timothy , Starac Diana
Published: February 2024

Thymic carcinoma is rare, with resulting treatment of patients with extrathoracic metastasis being on a case-by-case basis. We describe the management of a woman in her 70s with an incidentally discovered cystic hepatic lesion with confirmation of a solitary extrathoracic metastasis from a synchronous primary thymic carcinoma. Following chemotherapy and staged resection of the metastasis and the primary tumour, the patient remained free of disease on radiological surveillance 6 months postoperatively.
Assessing the effectiveness of the expanded hepatitis A vaccination program in China: an interrupted time series design
Authors: Wu Yueqian , Wang Pengyu , Huang Yong , Chen Jinwei , Chang Yikun , Li Junxi , Wang Yibing , Hao Yuantao , Zhang Wangjian , Du Zhicheng
Published: February 2024

Introduction

China initialised the expanded hepatitis A vaccination programme (EHAP) in 2008. However, the effectiveness of the programme remains unclear. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of EHAP in the country.

Methods

Based on the provincial data on the incidence of hepatitis A (HepA), the population and meteorological variables in China, we developed interrupted time series (ITS) models to estimate the effectiveness of EHAP with the autocorrelation, seasonality and the meteorological confounders being controlled. Results were also stratified by economic zones, age groups and provinces.

Results

We found a 0.9% reduction (RR=0.991, 95% CI: 0.990 to 0.991) in monthly HepA incidence after EHAP, which was 0.3% greater than the reduction rate before EHAP in China. Across the three economic regions, we found a 1.1% reduction in HepA incidence in both central and western regions after EHAP, which were 0.3% and 1.2% greater than the reduction rates before EHAP, respectively. We found a decreased reduction rate for the eastern region. In addition, we found generally increased reduction rate after EHAP for age groups of 0–4, 5–14 and 15–24 years. However, we found decreased reduction rate among the 25–64 and ≥65 years groups. We found a slight increased rate after EHAP in Shanxi Province but not elsewhere.

Conclusion

Our finding provides comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness of EHAP in China, particularly in the central and western regions, and among the population aged 0–24 years old. This study has important implications for the adjustment of vaccination strategies for other regions and populations.
Balloon dilation for the treatment of male urethral strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Xu Chunru , Ji Xing , Zhu Zhenpeng , Cai Tianyu , Guo Zhenke , Lin Jian
Published: February 2024

Objective

The use of minimally invasive endoluminal treatment for urethral strictures has been a subject for debate for several decades. The aim of this study was to review and discuss the safety, efficacy and factors influencing the clinical application of balloon dilation for the treatment of male urethral strictures.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched for publications published before 17 July 2022.

Study selection

Two independent researchers screened and assessed the results, and all clinical studies on balloon dilation for the treatment of urethral strictures in men were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

The success rate, rate of adverse events, International Prostate Symptom Scores, maximum uroflow (Qmax) and postvoid residual urine volume were the main outcomes. Stata V.14.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Fifteen studies with 715 patients were ultimately included in this systematic review. The pooled results of eight studies showed that the reported success rate of simple balloon dilation for male urethral strictures was 67.07% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55.92% to 77.36%). The maximum urinary flow rate at 3 months (risk ratio [RR]= 2.6510, 95% CI: 1.0681 to 4.2338, p<0.01) and the maximum urinary flow rate at 1 year (RR= 1.6637, 95% CI: 1.1837 to 2.1437, p<0.05) were significantly different after dilation. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that balloon dilation is superior to optical internal urethrotomy or direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) (RR= 1.4754, 95% CI: 0.7306 to 2.9793, p=0.278).

Conclusion

Balloon dilation may be an intermediate step before urethroplasty and is a promising alternative therapy to simple dilation and DVIU. The balloon is a promising drug delivery tool, and paclitaxel drug-coated balloon dilation is effective in reducing retreatment rates in patients with recurrent anterior urethral strictures. The aetiology, location, length, previous treatment of urethral stricture may be associated with the efficacy of balloon dilation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022334403.
Snoring Survivors: the impact of obstructive sleep apnoea and continuous positive airway pressure use on in-hospital mortality, length of stay and costs among patients hospitalised with acute cardiovascular disease – A retrospective analysis of 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample Data
Authors: Ogbu Ikechukwu , Hakobyan Bagrat , Sossou Christoph , Levisman Jeffrey , Obiagwu Chukwudi , Danielian Alfred
Published: February 2024

Background

The routine administration of supplemental oxygen to non-hypoxic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been abandoned for lack of mortality benefit. However, the benefits of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use in patients hospitalised with acute cardiovascular disease and concomitant obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) remain to be elucidated.

Methods

In this retrospective case–control analysis, using 10th International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) codes, we searched the 2016–2019 Nationwide Inpatient Sample for patients diagnosed with unstable angina (UA), AMI, acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (AFRVR), who also carried a diagnosis of OSA. We identified in-hospital CPAP use with ICD-10-Procedure Coding System codes. In-hospital death, length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges were compared between patients with and without OSA, and between OSA patients with and without CPAP use.

Results

Our sample included 2 959 991 patients, of which 1.5% were diagnosed with UA, 30.3% with AMI, 37.5% with ADHF and 45.8% with AFRVR. OSA was present in 12.3%. Patients with OSA were more likely to be younger, male, smokers, obese and have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure and heart failure (p<0.001 for all). Patients with OSA had significantly lower in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.71, 95% CI (0.7 to 0.73)). Among patients with OSA, CPAP use significantly increased the odds of in-hospital death (aOR 1.51, 95% CI (1.44 to 1.60)), LOS (adjusted mean difference of 1.49 days, 95% CI (1.43 to 1.55)) and hospital charges (adjusted mean difference of US$1168, 95% CI (273 to 2062)).

Conclusion

Our study showed that patients with recognised OSA hospitalised for AMI, ADHF and AFRVR had significantly lower mortality regardless of CPAP use, while CPAP treatment among these patients was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilisation. The routine use of CPAP during acute cardiovascular encounters could neutralise the impact of chronic intermittent ischaemic preconditioning.
Integrating evidence and causal mapping of factors that influence medication decision-making by pregnant women at risk of hypertensive disorder: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Lee Yin Jien , Taft Anita , Stevenson David K , Darmstadt Gary L
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In 2018, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended low-dose aspirin to prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia among women who were at high risk. Factors influencing women’s acceptance of this recommendation span multiple sectors and levels. Understanding how these factors interact will help stakeholders design effective population-level intervention strategies. Our study aims to identify and map relationships among factors influencing the medication decisions of pregnant women at risk of hypertensive disorders.

Methods and analysis

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines will be followed for this review. A research librarian developed a comprehensive search strategy to retrieve published and unpublished English studies after 1 January 1980, involving factors that influence pregnant women’s uptake and adherence to medication for gestational hypertensive disorders. This literature includes perceptions, patterns, acceptance, refusal, tendencies, probability and service utilisation. We will search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL. Reference lists of the selected papers will be searched manually to identify more relevant studies. A two-stage independent screening, consisting of title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening, will be conducted by two independent reviewers to identify eligible articles. Extracted data will be recorded in a customised variable extraction form and input into a Microsoft Access database. The PRISMA-ScR will be used to guide the presentation of the results, which will be presented in a table and causal map to demonstrate the relationships between extracted variables and medication uptake and adherence. A conceptual simulation model will be formulated to validate the logic of the relationships between variables and identify knowledge gaps. Lastly, experts and stakeholders will be invited to critique and comment on the results.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethical approval. The full review results will be presented at a relevant conference and submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal for publication.
Empowering Ontario’s long-term care residents to shape the place they call home: a codesign protocol
Authors: Lee Chloe , Tripp Dee , McVie Melissa , Fineczko Julia , Ramsden Gale , Hothi Sobhneek , Langston Jennifer , Gilhuly Jim , Collingwood Beryl , McAiney Carrie , McGilton Katherine S , Bethell Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Background

Canada’s long-term care (LTC) homes were founded on an institutional model that viewed residents as passive recipients of care. Many homes continue to follow this model leaving residents removed from operational decision-making within their homes. However, involving residents in the design of their LTC home’s environment, programmes and operations can improve the residents’ quality of life and other outcomes. This codesign project creates a toolkit/resource for LTC homes to facilitate meaningful resident engagement in their home’s organisational design and governance.

Method

This three-part project consists of a scoping review, qualitative interviews, toolkit/resource development and prototyping. In part 1, we conduct a scoping review to synthesise existing knowledge on approaches to engaging LTC home residents in organisational design and governance of their LTC homes, as well as explore barriers, challenges and facilitators of engagement, considerations for diversity and cognitive change, and approaches to evaluation. In part 2, we will have interviews and focus groups with residents, team members (staff) and administrators to assess community capacity to implement and sustain a programme to engage LTC residents in organisational design and governance of their LTC homes. The third part of our project uses these findings to help codesign toolkit(s)/resource(s) to enable the engagement of LTC residents in the organisational design and governance of their LTC homes.

Ethics and dissemination

The project is conducted in partnership with the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils. We will leverage their communication to disseminate findings and support the use of the codesigned toolkit(s)/resource(S) with knowledge users. We will also publish the study results in an academic journal and present at conferences, webinars and workshops. These results can influence practices within LTC homes by inspiring an organisational culture where residents help shape the place they call home. The interviews and focus groups, conducted in part 2, have been submitted to the University Health Network Research Ethics Board.
Study of Whole blood in Frontline Trauma (SWiFT): implementation study protocol
Authors: Antonacci Grazia , Williams Allison , Smith Jason , Green Laura
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Uncontrolled bleeding is a major cause of death for patients with major trauma. Current transfusion practices vary, and there is uncertainty about the optimal strategy. Whole blood (WB) transfusion, which contains all components in one bag, is considered potentially advantageous, particularly for resuscitating patients with major bleeding in the prehospital setting. It could potentially improve survival, reduce donor risk and simplify the processes of delivering blood transfusions outside hospitals. However, the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of WB compared with the standard separate blood component therapy is limited. A multicentre randomised controlled trial will be conducted, alongside an implementation study, to assess the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and implementation of prehospital WB transfusion in the prehospital environment. The implementation study will focus on evaluating the acceptability and integration of the intervention into clinical settings and on addressing broader contextual factors that may influence its success or failure.

Methods and analysis

A type 1 effectiveness–implementation hybrid design will be employed. The implementation study will use qualitative methods, encompassing comprehensive interviews and focus groups with operational staff, patients and blood donor representatives. Staff will be purposefully selected to ensure a wide range of perspectives based on their professional background and involvement in the WB pathway. The study design includes: (1) initial assessment of current practice and processes in the WB pathway; (2) qualitative interviews with up to 40 operational staff and (3) five focus groups with staff and donor representatives. Data analysis will be guided by the theoretical lenses of the Normalisation Process Theory and the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was prospectively registered and approved by the South Central—Oxford C Research Ethics Committee and the Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and provided to all relevant stakeholders.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN23657907; EudraCT: 2021-006876-18; IRAS Number: 300414; REC: 22/SC/0072.
Quantitative assessments of retinal macular structure among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based, cross-sectional, optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Cong , Wang Yongxiang , Cong Lin , Liu Keke , Xu Zhe , Jiang Chunyan , Zhou Weiyan , Zhang Chunxiao , Dong Yi , Feng Jianli , Qiu Chengxuan , Du YiFeng
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To quantitatively assess and compare retinal macular structures of rural-dwelling older adults in China using two different optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners and to examine their associations with demographic, lifestyle, clinical and ocular factors.

Design, setting and participants

This population-based, cross-sectional study included 971 participants (age ≥60 years) derived from the Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China study. We collected data on demographics, lifestyle factors, clinical conditions (eg, cardiovascular disease (CVD)) and ocular factors (eg, visual acuity and spherical equivalent). We used two models of spectral-domain OCT to measure macular parameters in nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subﬁelds. Data were analysed using the multiple general linear models.

Results

Spectralis OCT demonstrated higher macular thickness but a lower macular volume than Primus 200 OCT (p<0.05). Nasal quadrant of the inner and outer subfields was the thickest, followed by superior quadrant. Adjusting for multiple potential confounding variables, older age was significantly correlated with lower average inner and outer macular thicknesses and overall macular volume. Men had higher macular parameters than women. The presence of CVD was correlated with lower central macular thickness (β=−6.83; 95% CI: −13.08 to −0.58; p=0.032). Middle school or above was associated with higher average inner macular thickness (β=7.85; 95% CI: 1.14 to 14.55; p=0.022) and higher spherical equivalent was correlated with lower average inner macular thickness (β=−1.78; 95% CI: −3.50 to −0.07; p=0.042).

Conclusions

Macular thickness and volume assessed by Spectralis and Primus 200 OCT scanners differ. Older age and female sex are associated with lower macular thickness and volume. Macular parameters are associated with education, CVD and spherical equivalent.

Trial registeration number

MIND-China study (ChiCTR1800017758).
Protocol for a prospective longitudinal cohort study on the effects of non-surgical weight loss on pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Tian Zhao , Chen Wei , Sun Zhijing
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Recent studies have recommended non-surgical weight loss and pelvic floor muscle training as first-line treatment for obese patients with urinary incontinence. However, limited studies are detecting the effect of weight loss on other types of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs), as well as on the quality of life (QoL) and the related influencing factors.

Methods and analysis

The "Weight Loss on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction"(WLPFD) observational study is a 6 months prospective, longitudinal real-world cohort study aiming to recruit 200 patients. Participants will be followed up three times during the study: at baseline, and at 2 and 6 months. The methodology involves recruitment and follow-up of participants, data collection through validated questionnaires, and statistical analysis to assess the impact of non-surgical weight loss on PFD and QoL.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been reviewed and given a favourable ethical opinion by the Peking Union Medical College Hospital ethics committee (K4278). All results from the study will be submitted to international journals and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05987085.
Forecasting disease trajectories in critical illness: comparison of probabilistic dynamic systems to static models to predict patient status in the intensive care unit
Authors: Duggal Abhijit , Scheraga Rachel , Sacha Gretchen L , Wang Xiaofeng , Huang Shuaqui , Krishnan Sudhir , Siuba Matthew T , Torbic Heather , Dugar Siddharth , Mucha Simon , Veith Joshua , Mireles-Cabodevila Eduardo , Bauer Seth R , Kethireddy Shravan , Vachharajani Vidula , Dalton Jarrod E
Published: February 2024

Objective

Conventional prediction models fail to integrate the constantly evolving nature of critical illness. Alternative modelling approaches to study dynamic changes in critical illness progression are needed. We compare static risk prediction models to dynamic probabilistic models in early critical illness.

Design

We developed models to simulate disease trajectories of critically ill COVID-19 patients across different disease states. Eighty per cent of cases were randomly assigned to a training and 20% of the cases were used as a validation cohort. Conventional risk prediction models were developed to analyse different disease states for critically ill patients for the first 7 days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Daily disease state transitions were modelled using a series of multivariable, multinomial logistic regression models. A probabilistic dynamic systems modelling approach was used to predict disease trajectory over the first 7 days of an ICU admission. Forecast accuracy was assessed and simulated patient clinical trajectories were developed through our algorithm.

Setting and participants

We retrospectively studied patients admitted to a Cleveland Clinic Healthcare System in Ohio, for the treatment of COVID-19 from March 2020 to December 2022.

Results

5241 patients were included in the analysis. For ICU days 2–7, the static (conventional) modelling approach, the accuracy of the models steadily decreased as a function of time, with area under the curve (AUC) for each health state below 0.8. But the dynamic forecasting approach improved its ability to predict as a function of time. AUC for the dynamic forecasting approach were all above 0.90 for ICU days 4–7 for all states.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that modelling critical care outcomes as a dynamic system improved the forecasting accuracy of the disease state. Our model accurately identified different disease conditions and trajectories, with a <10% misclassification rate over the first week of critical illness.
Pilot study of paediatric regional lung function assessment via X-ray velocimetry (XV) imaging in children with normal lungs and in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bruorton Matthew , Donnelley Martin , Goddard Thomas , O’Connor Antonia , Parsons David , Phillips Jessica , Carson-Chahhoud Kristin , Tai Andrew
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting autosomal recessive genetic condition. It is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes for a chloride and bicarbonate conducting transmembrane channel. X-ray velocimetry (XV) is a novel form of X-ray imaging that can generate lung ventilation data through the breathing cycle. XV technology has been validated in multiple animal models, including the β-ENaC mouse model of CF lung disease. It has since been assessed in early-phase clinical trials in adult human subjects; however, there is a paucity of data in the paediatric cohort, including in CF. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of performing a single-centre cohort study in paediatric patients with CF and in those with normal lungs to demonstrate the appropriateness of proceeding with further studies of XV in these cohorts.

Methods and analysis

This is a cross-sectional, single-centre, pilot study. It will recruit children aged 3–18 years to have XV lung imaging performed, as well as paired pulmonary function testing. The study will aim to recruit 20 children without CF with normal lungs and 20 children with CF. The primary outcome will be the feasibility of recruiting children and performing XV testing. Secondary outcomes will include comparisons between XV and current assessments of pulmonary function and structure.

Ethics and dissemination

This project has ethical approval granted by The Women’s and Children’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC ID 2021/HRE00396). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000109606.
Microbial interactions amongGardnerella,PrevotellaandFannyhesseaprior to incident bacterial vaginosis: protocol for a prospective, observational study
Authors: Muzny Christina A , Elnaggar Jacob H , Sousa Lúcia G V , Lima Ângela , Aaron Kristal J , Eastlund Isaac C , Graves Keonte J , Dong Chaoling , Van Gerwen Olivia T , Luo Meng , Tamhane Ashutosh , Long Dustin , Cerca Nuno , Taylor Christopher M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a biofilm-associated vaginal infection, remains unknown. Epidemiologic data suggest that it is sexually transmitted. BV is characterised by loss of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and an increase in facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria.Gardnerellaspp are present in 95%–100% of cases;Gardnerella vaginalishas been found to be more virulent than other BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) in vitro. However,G. vaginalisis found in women with normal vaginal microbiota and colonisation is not sufficient for BV development. We hypothesise thatGardnerellaspp initiate BV biofilm formation, but incident BV (iBV) requires incorporation of other key BVAB (ie,Prevotella bivia,Fannyhessea vaginae) into the biofilm that alter the transcriptome of the polymicrobial consortium. This study will investigate the sequence of microbiologic events preceding iBV.

Methods and analysis

This study will enrol 150 women aged 18–45 years with normal vaginal microbiota and no sexually transmitted infections at a sexual health research clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. Women will self-collect twice daily vaginal specimens up to 60 days. A combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, qPCR forGardnerellaspp,P. biviaandF. vaginae, and broad range 16S rRNA gene qPCR will be performed on twice daily vaginal specimens from women with iBV (Nugent score 7–10 on at least 2 consecutive days) and controls (with comparable age, race, contraceptive method and menstrual cycle days) maintaining normal vaginal microbiota to investigate changes in the vaginal microbiota over time for women with iBV. Participants will complete daily diaries on multiple factors including sexual activity.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol is approved by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Review Board (IRB-300004547) and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals as well as disseminated to providers and patients in communities of interest.
Intracranial aneurysm wall displacement depicted by amplified Flow predicts growth
Authors: Pionteck Aymeric , Abderezaei Javid , Fillingham Patrick , Chuang Ya-Chen , Sakai Yu , Belani Puneet , Rigney Brian , De Leacy Reade , Fifi Johanna T , Chien Aichi , Colby Geoffrey P , Jahan Reza , Duckwiler Gary , Sayre James , Holdsworth Samantha J , Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Levitt Michael R , Mocco J , Kurt Mehmet , Nael Kambiz
Published: February 2024

Background

Abnormal intracranial aneurysm (IA) wall motion has been associated with IA growth and rupture. Recently, a new image processing algorithm called amplified Flow (aFlow) has been used to successfully track IA wall motion by combining the amplification of cine and four-dimensional (4D) Flow MRI. We sought to apply aFlow to assess wall motion as a potential marker of IA growth in a paired-wise analysis of patients with growing versus stable aneurysms.

Methods

In this retrospective case–control study, 10 patients with growing IAs and a matched cohort of 10 patients with stable IAs who had baseline 4D Flow MRI were included. The aFlow was used to amplify and extract IA wall displacements from 4D Flow MRI. The associations of aFlow parameters with commonly used risk factors and morphometric features were assessed using paired-wise univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

aFlow quantitative results showed significantly (P=0.035) higher wall motion displacement depicted by mean±SD 90th%values of 2.34±0.72 in growing IAs versus 1.39±0.58 in stable IAs with an area under the curve of 0.85. There was also significantly (P<0.05) higher variability of wall deformation across IA geometry in growing versus stable IAs depicted by the dispersion variables including 121–150% larger standard deviation (

σ

U

N

) and 128–161% wider interquartile range

(

I
Q

R

U

N

)

.

Conclusions

aFlow-derived quantitative assessment of IA wall motion showed greater wall motion and higher variability of wall deformation in growing versus stable IAs.
Nutritional physiology and body composition changes during a rapid ascent to high altitude
Authors: Santangelo Carmen , Verratti Vittore , Mrakic-Sposta Simona , Ciampini Federica , Bonan Sofia , Pignatelli Pamela , Pietrangelo Tiziana , Pilato Serena , Moffa Samanta , Fontana Antonella , Piccinelli Raffaela , Donne Cinzia Le , Lobefalo Lucio , Beccatelli Matteo , Rizzini Pierluigi Lodi , Seletti Davide , Mecca Rocco , Beccatelli Tommaso , Bondi Danilo
Published: February 2024

Exposure to high altitude might cause the body to adapt with negative energy and fluid balance that compromise body composition and physical performance. In this field study involving 12 healthy adults, sex-balanced, and aged 29 ± 4 years with a body mass index of 21.6 ± 1.8 kg/m2, we investigated the effects of a 4-day trekking up to 4556 m a.s.l. on Monte Rosa (Alps, Italy). The food intake was recorded using food diaries and nutrient averages were calculated. The bio-impedance analysis was performed at low and high altitudes, and a wearable biosensor (Swemax) was used to track hydro-saline losses in two participants. Daily total energy intake was 3348 ± 386 kcal for males and 2804 ± 415 kcal for females (13%–14% protein, 35% fat, 44%–46% carbohydrates). Although there was a significant body weight loss (65.0 ± 9.3 vs. 64.2 ± 9.10 kg, p < 0.001, d = 1.398), no significant changes in body composition parameter were found but a trend in the increase of the bioelectrical phase angle in males ( p = 0.059, d = −0.991). Body water percentage significantly changed ( p = 0.026, η2 p = 0.440), but the absolute water did not, suggesting that the weight loss was not due to water loss. Salivary and urinary osmolality did not change. A reduction in sweat rate at higher altitudes was observed in both participants. Interestingly, salivary leptin increased ( p = 0.014, η2 p = 0.510), and salivary ghrelin decreased ( p = 0.036, η2 p  = 0.403). Therefore, the 4-day trekking at altitude of hypoxia exposure induced changes in satiety and appetite hormones. High altitude expeditions require more specific nutritional guidance, and using multiplex analysis could help in monitoring fluid balance and body composition.
Luminosity calibration by means of van-der-Meer scan for Q-Gaussian beams
Authors: Abed Mohamed A. , Babaev Anton A. , Sukhikh Leonid G.
Published: February 2024

Luminosity is the key quantity characterizing the performance of charged particle colliders. Precise luminosity determination is an important task in collider physics. Part of this task is the proper calibration of detectors dedicated for luminosity measurements. The wide-used experimental method of calibration is the van-der-Meer scan, which is the beam separation scan performed at specifically optimized beam conditions. This work is devoted to modeling this scan with the q-Gaussian distribution of particles in colliding beams. Because of its properties, the q-Gaussian distribution is believed to describe the density closer to reality than regular Gaussian-based models. In this work, the q-Gaussian model is applied for van-der-Meer scan modeling, and the benefits of this model for luminosity calibration task are demonstrated.
Analysis of a one-dimensional Hamiltonian with a singular double well consisting of two nonlocal $$\delta '$$ interactions
Authors: Fassari S. , Gadella M. , Nieto L. M. , Rinaldi F.
Published: February 2024

The objective of the present paper is the study of a one-dimensional Hamiltonian with the interaction term given by the sum of two nonlocal attractive $$\delta '$$

δ
′

-interactions of equal strength and symmetrically located with respect to the origin. We use the procedure known as renormalisation of the coupling constant in order to rigorously achieve a self-adjoint determination for this Hamiltonian. This model depends on two parameters, the interaction strength and the distance between the centre of each interaction and the origin. Once we have the self-adjoint determination, we obtain its discrete spectrum showing that it consists of two negative eigenvalues representing the energy levels. We analyse the dependence of these energy levels on the above-mentioned parameters. We investigate the possible resonances of the model. Furthermore, we analyse in detail the limit of our model as the distance between the supports of the two $$\delta '$$

δ
′

interactions vanishes.
Economic and Financial Applications of Benford’s Law: from Traditional Use in Audits to Help in Deep Learning
Authors: Kim Phuoc Nguyen , Contreras Jonatan , Ceberio Martine , Thach Nguyen Ngoc
Published: February 2024

Benford’s Law is an interesting and unexpected empirical phenomenon — that if we take a large list of number from real data, the first digits of these numbers follow a certain non-uniform distribution. This law is actively used in economics and finance to check that the data in financial reports are real — and not improperly modified by the reporting company. The first challenge is that the cheaters know about it, and make sure that their modified data satisfies Benford’s law. The second challenge related to this law is that lately, another application of this law has been discovered — namely, an application to deep learning, one of the most effective and most promising machine learning techniques. It turned out that the neurons’ weights obey this law only at the difficult-to-detect stage when the fitting is optimal – and when further attempts attempt to fit will lead to the undesirable over-fitting. In this paper, we provide a possible solution to both challenges: we show how to use this law to make financial cheating practically impossible, and we provide qualitative explanation for the effectiveness of Benford’s Law in machine learning.
Why Burr Distribution: Invariance-Based Explanation
Authors: Velasquez Edgar Daniel Rodriguez , Thach Nguyen Ngoc
Published: February 2024

In many practical situations, we observe a special Burr probability distribution — e.g., Burr distribution describes the distribution of people by income, it describes the rainfall data, etc. In this paper, we provide a theoretical explanation for the ubiquity of Burr distributions: namely, we show that this distribution naturally follows from scale-invariance. To be more precise, the simplest distribution that can be obtained from scale invariance is the Pareto distribution — a frequent particular case of the general Burr family of distributions. Next simplest are all distributions from the Burr family. We also use the scale-invariance approach to come up with a more general class of distributions that will, hopefully, provide an even more accurate description of the corresponding phenomena.
Why Wasserstein Metric Is Useful in Econometrics
Authors: Thach Nguyen Ngoc , Trung Nguyen Duc , Padilla R. Noah
Published: February 2024

In many practical situations, we need to change the spatial distribution of some goods. In such situations, it is desirable to minimize the overall transportation costs. In the 1-D case, the smallest transportation cost of such a change is proportional to what is known as the Wasserstein metric. The same metric can be used to describe the distance between two probability distributions. In the last decades, it turned out that this metric can be successfully used in many economic applications beyond transportation. These successes are somewhat of a mystery: in principle, there are many different metrics on the set of all probability distributions, and it is not immediately clear why namely Wasserstein metric is so successful. In this paper, we show that the Wasserstein metric naturally appears in decision making situations. This fact explains the usefulness of the Wassterstein’s metric in economic applications.
Nonlinear Effects in the Asymmetric Copula-Based Stochastic Frontier Model
Authors: Yamaka Woraphon , Maneejuk Paravee , Chimprang Namchok
Published: February 2024

Several stochastic frontier production analysis problems are not linear regression problems; two error components (inefficiency and noise) may not have symmetric dependence. In nonlinear problems, the data are divided into two or more regimes according to turning points or change points; the relationships between the output and all the inputs are allowed to differ between regimes. In the problem of two-error dependence, the inefficiency component generally plays a more dominant role than the noise component, thereby the output of each firm is mainly influenced by the inefficiency; in such cases, the symmetric dependence is not suitable. It is, therefore, desirable to come up with a new nonlinear asymmetric copula-based stochastic frontier model (SFM). Two nonlinear structures, namely kink and threshold and skew-normal copula, are suggested to SFM to deal with these problems. The Monte Carlo simulations and analysis of a real data set are employed to evaluate the accuracy and performance of proposed models. The results show that the proposed models show a higher performance when compared with the conventional linear SFM with symmetric two-error dependence.
Portfolio Optimization Based on Artificial Neural Network and GARCH-EVT-Copula Models
Authors: Ta Bao Quoc , Khai Nguyen H. Q.
Published: February 2024

Forecasting volatility is an essential task in the financial market, especially in portfolio optimization. To improve the prediction accuracy of the volatilities of assets we use a hybrid ANN-EGARCH model then combining with extreme value theory and Copula models to perform out-of-sample forecasting returns for six indices in Asia stock markets then we simulate one-day-ahead returns of these indices. We use EGARCH model to capture the leverage of return shocks due to COVID-19. Based on ANN-EGARCH-EVT-Copula models, we solve our portfolio optimization consisting of these six indices with different copula models. Using different performance measures to evaluate the efficiency of the models we show that under the Sharpe ratio and Sortino ratio the Gumbel copula gives better performance whereas with Average Drawdown and Max Drawdown measures, the Gaussian copula model is a best model for optimizing the portfolio.
RE-Trace
: Re-identification of Modified GPS Trajectories
Authors: Schestakov Stefan , Gottschalk Simon , Funke Thorben , Demidova Elena
Published: February 2024

GPS trajectories are a critical asset for building spatio-temporal predictive models in urban regions in the context of road safety monitoring, traffic management, and mobility services. Currently, reliable and efficient data misuse detection methods for such personal, spatio-temporal data, particularly in data breach cases, are missing. This article addresses an essential aspect of data misuse detection, namely, the re-identification of leaked and potentially modified GPS trajectories. We present
RE-Trace
—a contrastive learning-based model that facilitates reliable and efficient re-identification of GPS trajectories and resists specific trajectory transformation attacks aimed to obscure a trajectory’s origin.
RE-Trace
utilizes contrastive learning with a transformer-based trajectory encoder to create trajectory representations, robust to various trajectory modifications. We present a comprehensive threat model for GPS trajectory modifications and demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the
RE-Trace
re-identification approach on three real-world datasets. Our evaluation results demonstrate that
RE-Trace
significantly outperforms state-of-the-art baselines on all datasets and identifies modified GPS trajectories effectively and efficiently.