bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common synaptic input, synergies and size principle: Control of spinal motor neurons for movement generation
Authors: Hug François , Avrillon Simon , Ibáñez Jaime , Farina Dario
Published: November 2022

Understanding how movement is controlled by the CNS remains a major challenge, with ongoing debate about basic features underlying this control. In current established views, the concepts of motor neuron recruitment order, common synaptic input to motor neurons and muscle synergies are usually addressed separately and therefore seen as independent features of motor control. In this review, we analyse the body of literature in a broader perspective and we identify a unified approach to explain apparently divergent observations at different scales of motor control. Specifically, we propose a new conceptual framework of the neural control of movement, which merges the concept of common input to motor neurons and modular control, together with the constraints imposed by recruitment order. This framework is based on the following assumptions: (1) motor neurons are grouped into functional groups (clusters) based on the common inputs they receive; (2) clusters may significantly differ from the classical definition of motor neuron pools, such that they may span across muscles and/or involve only a portion of a muscle; (3) clusters represent functional modules used by the CNS to reduce the dimensionality of the control; and (4) selective volitional control of single motor neurons within a cluster receiving common inputs cannot be achieved. Here, we discuss this framework and its underlying theoretical and experimental evidence.

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Research on Life Extension of Water Hydraulic Control Valve Based on Augmented Reality for Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Xu He , Sun Feng
Published: November 2022

The life extension of the control valve is deserving of research. The study of life extension associated with control valves is a multidisciplinary problem, but it mainly depends on the control valve’s failure. To monitor the operating state of the control valve, this paper provides decision-making suggestions for extending the service life of the control valve by augmented reality (AR)-based cavitation analysis. The valve core is an essential part of the control valve and is often exposed to cavitation. To study the cavitation area near the control valve core, the analysis of the transparent control valve body made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material was carried out in this study. The emergence of PMMA eased the capturing of images by high-speed photography. A feature-based algorithm was written using Python software to visualize the cavitation area. Furthermore, we combined AR-based cavitation observation and fault diagnosis to guide the life extension process of the control valve with the visual flow field information.
Experimental Validation of Extremum Seeking Control for a Midsize Hydrostatic Transmission Wind Turbine
Authors: Escobar-Naranjo Daniel , Mohanty Biswaranjan , Stelson Kim A.
Published: November 2022

Extremum Seeking Control (ESC) is a model-free control strategy that uses a dither signal to enable a gradient search to find an optimal operating point. The adaptability and model-free nature of the ESC can be beneficial to improve power capture of wind turbines because the Cp (power capture coefficient) vs. λ (tip speed ratio) curve is constantly changing in time and is dependent on uncertain parameters that are not easily available. For conventional gearbox wind turbines, ESC is used to continuously search for the optimal torque gain, k, of the commonly used kω2 law, improving the power capture when compared to control using a fixed k gain. Our group has expanded the studies of ESC to Hydrostatic Transmission (HST) wind turbines through simulation. The work studied the effectiveness of ESC for a midsize HST wind turbine, under steady, step, and turbulent wind, and its robustness to changes in the Cp vs. λ curve. Previous simulation results are experimentally validated here using the HST dynamometer at the University of Minnesota. Experiments show that ESC can effectively adapt to changing Cp vs. λ curves and results are compared to the simulations validating the results. Use of an anti-windup algorithm is also discussed.
Dynamometer Testing of Hydraulic Fluids in an Axial Piston Pump Under Simulated Backhoe Loader Trenching Conditions
Authors: Michael Paul , Stelson Kim , Williams Daniel , Malik Hassan
Published: November 2022

The standard method for determining the efficiency of hydraulic pumps is specified in ISO 4409. This method requires that performance measurements be made under steady state conditions. In this investigation, the efficiency of a variable displacement axial piston pump was evaluated under both steady state and dynamic conditions. The dynamic conditions were derived from an analysis of measurements collected during multiple backhoe loader soil trenching cycles. The trenching cycle was replicated in the dynamometer by controlling pump swashplate motion, outlet pressure, and rotational frequency. In dynamic testing, data was collected at 1000 Hz and the duration of the trenching cycle was 12 seconds. In steady state testing, input values for swashplate position, outlet pressure, and rotational frequency were extracted from the duty cycle at 0.05 s intervals. Fifteen seconds of data was collected for each of the resulting 583 test points. Thus, several hours of testing were required to reproduce the trenching cycle under steady state conditions. Under steady state conditions pump volumetric efficiency was approximately 2% higher than in dynamic testing. The difference in volumetric efficiency was attributed to pump inlet line dynamics. The dynamic response of the pump inlet line was studied using a transmission line model that was based upon well-established methods for the characterization of line resistance, inertance, and capacitance. Non-linear terms for resistance and capacitance were included to investigate the effects of these properties on inlet line pressure ripple. Data from inline viscosity and density sensors was used in a sensitivity analysis. Inlet line pressure ripple was found to increase as the fluid viscosity decreased. This effect was also seen as polymer additives sheared. These findings provide insights into the effects of fluid properties on pump inlet line dynamics.
Investigation of Temperature Influence on Flow Mapping of Electrohydraulic Valves and Corresponding Application
Authors: Liu Jianbin , Sitte André , Weber Jürgen
Published: November 2022

Electrohydraulic valves are crucial components in hydraulic systems, especially for the flow control or velocity control. With increased accuracy requirements of hydraulic drives, the electrohydraulic valves are required to have precise flow mapping. Starting with research on flow mapping under consideration of control signal, pressure drop and temperature, the novel flow mapping formula for flow mapping of electrohydraulic valves has been deduced. Through theoretical and experimental investigation, temperature influence on flow mapping could not only be qualitatively but also quantitatively analyzed. In particular, the mechanism of temperature affecting flow rate is further revealed. To verify the new flow mapping formula of the electrohydraulic valves, a test rig in laboratory has been set up. In order to obtain the evolving flow mapping of a Valvistor valve, the flow mapping formula at the institute has been applied and exemplified. The comparison with the experimental data indicates that the developed formula shows promising capabilities to describe the temperature influence on the flow mapping of electrohydraulic valve accurately. At the end, the capabilities of the developed solution are shown with a virtual real-time demonstrator accessed via an OPC UA data link inside a simulation environment with consideration of temperature compensation for feedforward control.
Incorporating a Rotatable Valve Cam to Improve the Efficiency of a Hydraulic Motor in an Inline Hydro-Mechanical Transmission (i-HMT)
Authors: Sand Evan D. , Li Perry Y.
Published: November 2022

A hydro-mechanical transmission (HMT) transmits power both hydraulically and mechanically, allowing higher efficiencies than hydrostatic transmissions while maintaining continuously variable transmission ratios. Ordinary HMTs consist of a hydraulic pump/motor pair in parallel with a mechanical transmission, but their large sizes and high costs are major disadvantages. The Hondamatic inline HMT (iHMT) significantly reduces the size, cost, and complexity of an HMT through an inline design that eliminates gears. However, low power efficiency is the principal barrier to its more widespread use. A dominant loss is throttling due to fluid compressibility and non-optimal valve timing, especially in the hydraulic motor. In this paper a method of controlling the motor displacement is proposed, using a rotatable motor valve cam and check valves in conjunction with the Hondamatic’s existing adjustable swashplate. The proposed modification implements near ideal pre-compression and decompression and is applicable for other swashplate type hydraulic motors. For the iHMT, power efficiency improvements of 4.8% to 14.4% at various operating conditions can be achieved.
A Novel Hydraulic Solution to Simulate Inertial Forces on a Landing Gear Qualification Test Rig
Authors: De Martin Andrea , Jacazio Giovanni , Ruffinatto Andrea , Sorli Massimo
Published: November 2022

The E-LISA research project, under way within the Clean Sky 2 framework has the objective of developing an innovative iron bird to qualification and performance tests for the landing gear of an executive aircraft with a fully electrical landing gear system, thus with electro-mechanical landing gear actuators and electrical brake. The proposed test rig consists of a multi-functional intelligent test facility with the objective to perform all the tests and analyses required to assess the maturity of an electro-mechanical landing gear and demonstrate the feasibility of Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) functionalities for the electrical brake system. One of the most critical elements in the design of such iron-bird is the definition of the system replicating the aircraft inertia, which presence is necessary to properly assess the behavior of both the brake and its anti-skid logic during landing. The most common solution foresees to bring the landing gear leg in contact against a rotating cylinder, or runway simulator, which moment of inertia is equivalent to the aircraft mass. Although it is possible to reduce the system encumbrance through the introduction of a geared reducer, such architecture is usually extremely heavy and requires significant space in the test facilities. This architecture is also difficult to adapt to different aircrafts, since it would require the addition or replacement of these heavy flywheels, which is both difficult and dangerous. This paper deals with the definition of a possible alternative, based on a hydraulic solution, where two variable-displacement hydraulic motors, connected to a light rotating cylinder, are used to replicate most of the aircraft inertial forces during braking. The paper opens with the preliminary sizing of such system, presents the high-fidelity simulation environment used to assess its expected performances and compare the behavior of the hydraulic solution with that of the traditional configuration, finally presenting both the benefits and the disadvantages of the proposed architecture.
High Precision Nonlinear Motion Control of a Hydraulic Orbital Motor-Driven Linear Rack
Authors: Helian Bobo , Beiser Sebastian , Geimer Marcus
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a high precision motion control strategy of a hydraulic orbital motor-driven linear rack is proposed. The reference system is a forest walking machine, which is designed for moving on wet soils. The high-order nonlinear dynamics and uncertain parameters of the cabin movement that is driven by an electro-hydraulic motor system are the control difficulties. The control accuracy is limited by nonlinear friction, unknown disturbance, dead-band of the proportional valve, etc. To deal with these control difficulties, an adaptive robust backstepping controller is designed based on the nonlinear model of a hydraulic motor driving system. The controller consists of two steps: a position tracking step and a motor torque tracking step. In each step, the uncertain parameters are adapted in real-time to achieve effective model compensation and high tracking accuracy. Simulations with comparative control strategies demonstrate that the proposed controller can achieve high control response and robust tracking accuracy in the presence of nonlinear dynamics and uncertain parameters of the orbital motor driving system.
The discovery and scientific potential of fast radio bursts
Authors: Bailes Matthew
Published: November 2022

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-time-scale bursts of coherent radio emission that are luminous enough to be detectable at cosmological distances. In this Review, I describe the discovery of FRBs, subsequent advances in understanding them, and future prospects. Thousands of potentially observable FRBs reach Earth every day, which likely originate from highly magnetic and/or rapidly rotating neutron stars in the distant Universe. Some FRBs repeat, with this subclass often occurring in highly magnetic environments. Two repeating FRBs exhibit cyclic activity windows, consistent with an orbital period. One nearby FRB was emitted by a Galactic magnetar during an x-ray outburst. The host galaxies of some FRBs have been located, providing information about the host environments and the total baryonic content of the Universe.
Seeing the gravitational wave universe
Authors: Mingarelli Chiara M. F. , Casey-Clyde J. Andrew
Published: November 2022

Pulsar timing arrays will be a window into the gravitational wave background
Connecting liquid metals with sound
Authors: Qiao Ruirui , Tang Shi-Yang
Published: November 2022

A stretchable conductive circuit is formed using a liquid metal-polymer composite
A doorway into possibility
Authors: Lacaux Célia
Published: November 2022

The borderland between wakefulness and sleep promotes creativity
Genetic engineering’s contested ethics
As Gods
Matthew Cobb
Basic Books, 2022. 464 pp.
Authors: Campos Luis A.
Published: November 2022

Good intentions at the intersection of principles, policy, and profit make for a bumpy road
Transcending reductionism in neuroscience
The Entangled Brain
Luiz Pessoa
MIT Press, 2022. 280 pp.
Authors: Gomez-Marin Alex
Published: November 2022

The brain is a relational organ that is not just the sum of its parts
Solar energy gets flexible
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: November 2022

As ultrathin organic solar cells hit new efficiency records, researchers see green energy potential in surprising places
In Other Journals
Authors: Smith H. Jesse , Yiu Yuen , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Hurtley Stella M. , Stajic Jelena , Lopez Bianca , Uzogara Ekeoma
Published: November 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Scientists on trial after speaking out on harassment
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: November 2022

Astrophysicist Christian Ott filed a criminal complaint after job offer withdrawn
Macrophage Depletion Reactivates Fecal Virus Shedding following Resolution of Acute Hepatitis A inIfnar1–/–Mice
Authors: Shiota Tomoyuki , Matsuda Mami , Zheng Xin , Nagata Noriyo , Ishii Koji , Suzuki Ryosuke , Muramatsu Masamichi , Takimoto Kazuhiro , Hanaki Ken-Ichi , Lemon Stanley M. , McGivern David R. , Hirai-Yuki Asuka
Published: November 2022

HAV RNA persists in the liver of infected chimpanzees and interferon receptor-deficientIfnar1−/−mice for many months after neutralizing antibodies appear, virus has been cleared from the blood, and fecal virus shedding has terminated. Here, we show this viral RNA is located within hepatocytes and that the depletion of macrophages months after the resolution of hepatic inflammation restores fecal virus shedding and circulating viral RNA.
Remodeling of the Enterococcal Cell Envelope during Surface Penetration Promotes Intrinsic Resistance to Stress
Authors: Ramos Yusibeska , Sansone Stephanie , Hwang Sung-Min , Sandoval Tito A. , Zhu Mengmeng , Zhang Guoan , Cubillos-Ruiz Juan R. , Morales Diana K.
Published: November 2022

Enterococcus faecalisinhabits the GIT of multiple organisms, where its establishment could be mediated by the formation of biofilm-like aggregates. In susceptible individuals, this bacterium can overgrow and breach intestinal barriers, a process that may lead to lethal systemic infections.
Virulence Induction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa under Inorganic Phosphate Limitation: a Proteomics Perspective
Authors: Matilla Miguel A. , Udaondo Zulema , Maaß Sandra , Becher Dörte , Krell Tino
Published: November 2022

Antibiotics are our main weapons to fight pathogenic bacteria, but the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains and their consequences represents a major global health challenge, revealing the necessity to develop alternative antimicrobial strategies that do not involve the bacterial killing or growth inhibition.
P. aeruginosa
has been placed second on the global priority list to guide research on the development of new antibiotics. One of the most promising alternative strategies is the phosphate therapy for which the proof of concept has been obtained for
P. aeruginosa
.
Inoculum Concentration Influences Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phenotype and Biofilm Architecture
Authors: Lichtenberg Mads , Kvich Lasse , Larsen Sara Louise Borregaard , Jakobsen Tim Holm , Bjarnsholt Thomas
Published: November 2022

Biofilm aggregates grown in the alginate bead biofilm model bear resemblance to features of
in vivo
biofilms. Here, we show that changing the initial concentration of bacteria in the biofilm model leads to widely different behavior of the bacteria following an incubation period.
Morphology and Phylogeny of
Pestalotiopsis
(
Sporocadaceae
,
Amphisphaeriales
) from
Fagaceae
Leaves in China
Authors: Jiang Ning , Voglmayr Hermann , Xue Han , Piao Chun-Gen , Li Yong
Published: November 2022

Pestalotiopsis
is a common fungal genus inhabiting plant tissues as endophytes, pathogens, and saprophytes.
Fagaceae
is a plant family including many important tree species, such as
Castanea mollissima
and
Quercus
spp. In this study, diseased leaves of
Fagaceae
in China were investigated, and 16
Pestalotiopsis
species were identified based on morphology and phylogeny of combined loci of internal transcribed spacers (ITS), the translation elongation factor 1-α (
tef1
), and the beta-tubulin (
tub2
) genes.
Tumour-induced osteomalacia due to residual benign glomangioma
Authors: Barai Rakhee , Tsang Tiffany , Cespedes Lissette
Published: November 2022

Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome. The constellation of findings of unprovoked fractures, hypophosphataemia, urinary phosphate wasting and a negative genetic evaluation suggest a TIO diagnosis. Tumours leading to TIO are often small and difficult to localise using standard imaging studies. The68Ga-DOTATATE CT/positron emission tomography, a somatostatin receptor imaging modality, is the radiographical study of choice for localisation. It is highly sensitive and specific since tumours that cause oncogenic osteomalacia have been shown to express somatostatin receptors. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice; however, it may not always be feasible. Burosumab, a human anti-fibroblast growth factor-23 monoclonal antibody, is a therapeutic option in cases of unresectable TIO to normalise phosphorus levels and improve fracture healing. Our patient was initiated on burosumab, which led to healing of his fractures and profound symptomatic improvement of his pain. TIO is often undiagnosed for many years, leading to significant patient morbidity.
IntestinalLMNA::NTRK1-fused spindle cell neoplasm with S100 and CD34 coexpression: a new case
Authors: Rahim Shabina , Alkhaldi Saif Sabah , Alasousi Khaledah , Ali Rola H
Published: November 2022

Recurrent fusions involving neurotrophin tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) genes have been increasingly recognised in spindle cell tumours of somatic soft tissues due to the widespread use of RNA-based sequencing techniques. This heterogeneous group of neoplasms is included as an emerging entity in the currentWHO Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumors. A subset of these tumours, associated with NTRK1 fusions, displays a distinctive phenotype in the form of monomorphic cytomorphology, patternless arrangement, perivascular and stromal hyalinisation, and CD34+/S100+/SOX10− immunoprofile. Gastrointestinal tract counterparts have been recently described with emphasis on distinction fromKIT/PDGFRA/BRAF/RASwild-type gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). Here, we present a recently encountered intestinal spindle cell neoplasm harbouring anLMNA::NTRK1gene fusion in a woman in her early 20s, which was initially thought to represent a GIST or a solitary fibrous tumour. Awareness of this emerging tumour type in the gastrointestinal tract is important due to treatment implications.
Quality of healthcare and admission rates for acute cardiac events during COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study on ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction in China
Authors: Ma Junxiong , Zhou Shuduo , Li Na , Dong Xuejie , Maimaitiming Mailikezhati , Yue Dahai , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi-Jie
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate changes in admission rates for and quality of healthcare of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the period of the COVID-19 outbreak and postoutbreak.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study among patients with STEMI in the outbreak time and the postoutbreak time.

Design

To examine the changes in the admission rates and in quality of healthcare, by comparison between periods of the postoutbreak and the outbreak, and between the postoutbreak and the corresponding periods.

Setting

Data for this analysis were included from patients discharge diagnosed with STEMI from all the hospitals of Suzhou in each month of the year until the end of July 2020.

Participants

1965 STEMI admissions.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the number of moecondary outcomnthly STEMI admissions, and the secondary outcomes were the quality metrics of STEMI healthcare.

Results

There were a 53% and 38% fall in daily admissions at the phase of outbreak and postoutbreak, compared with the 2019 corresponding. There remained a gap in actual number of postoutbreak admissions at 306 and the predicted number at 497, an estimated 26 deaths due to STEMI would have been caused by not seeking healthcare. Postoutbreak period of 2020 compared with corresponding period of 2019, the percentage of cases transferred by ambulance decreased from 9.3% to 4.2% (p=0.013), the door-to-balloon median time increased from 17.5 to 34.0 min (p=0.001) and the rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) therapy declined from 71.3% to 60.1% (p=0.002).

Conclusions

The impact of public health restrictions may lead to unexpected out-of-hospital deaths and compromised quality of healthcare for acute cardiac events. Delay or absence in patients should be continuously considered avoiding the secondary disaster of the pandemic. System delay should be modifiable for reversing the worst clinical outcomes from the COVID-19 outbreak, by coordination measures with focus on the balance between timely PCI procedure and minimising contamination of cardiac catheterisation rooms.
Studying the Long-term Impact of COVID-19 in Kids (SLICK). Healthcare use and costs in children and young people following community-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection: protocol for an observational study using linked primary and secondary routinely collected healthcare data from England, Scotland and Wales
Authors: Swann Olivia V , Lone Nazir I , Harrison Ewen M , Tomlinson Laurie A , Walker Alex J , Seaborne Michael J , Pollock Louisa , Farrell James , Hall Peter S , Seth Sohan , Williams Thomas C , Preston Jennifer , Ainsworth J. Samantha , Semple Freya F , Baillie J Kenneth , Katikireddi Srinivasa V , Akbari Ashley , Lyons Ronan , Simpson Colin R , Semple Malcolm G , Goldacre Ben , Brophy Sinead , Sheikh Aziz , Docherty Annemarie B
Published: November 2022

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 infection rarely causes hospitalisation in children and young people (CYP), but mild or asymptomatic infections are common. Persistent symptoms following infection have been reported in CYP but subsequent healthcare use is unclear. We aim to describe healthcare use in CYP following community-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection and identify those at risk of ongoing healthcare needs.

Methods and analysis

We will use anonymised individual-level, population-scale national data linking demographics, comorbidities, primary and secondary care use and mortality between 1 January 2019 and 1 May 2022. SARS-CoV-2 test data will be linked from 1 January 2020 to 1 May 2022. Analyses will use Trusted Research Environments: OpenSAFELY in England, Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank in Wales and Early Pandemic Evaluation and Enhanced Surveillance of COVID-19 in Scotland (EAVE-II). CYP aged ≥4 and <18 years who underwent SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) testing between 1 January 2020 and 1 May 2021 and those untested CYP will be examined.

The primary outcome measure is cumulative healthcare cost over 12 months following SARS-CoV-2 testing, stratified into primary or secondary care, and physical or mental healthcare. We will estimate the burden of healthcare use attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infections in the 12 months after testing using a matched cohort study of RT-PCR positive, negative or untested CYP matched on testing date, with adjustment for confounders. We will identify factors associated with higher healthcare needs in the 12 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection using an unmatched cohort of RT-PCR positive CYP. Multivariable logistic regression and machine learning approaches will identify risk factors for high healthcare use and characterise patterns of healthcare use post infection.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the South-Central Oxford C Health Research Authority Ethics Committee (13/SC/0149). Findings will be preprinted and published in peer-reviewed journals. Analysis code and code lists will be available through public GitHub repositories and OpenCodelists with meta-data via HDR-UK Innovation Gateway.
Application of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol for randomised controlled trials
Authors: Duan Dan , Chen Maojun , Cui Wenyao , Liu Wenjie , Chen Xinrong
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Breast cancer has become a common tumour that threatens women’s physical and mental health. Microbial agents play an important role in maintaining the balance of gut microbiota and modulating intestinal immunity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Available evidence points to a strong association between them and breast cancer. However, there has been no systematic review of the effects of microbial agents in patients with breast cancer. This protocol aims to explore the effectiveness and safety of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in patients with breast cancer.

Methods and analysis

We will search the following electronic databases for relevant randomised controlled trials: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Grey literature and reference lists of original studies will also be searched to avoid omissions. We will use the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of the included studies. The primary outcomes include patients’ arm oedema volume, changes in gut microbiota composition and anthropometric parameters. Two independent reviewers will perform literature screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Data synthesis will be performed using descriptive analysis or meta-analysis. The quality of the evidence for each outcome will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool.

Ethics and dissemination

The data for systematic reviews are derived from published original studies and do not require review and approval by the ethics committee. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022311502.
Real-world evidence of long-term survival and healthcare resource use in patients with hepatic encephalopathy receiving rifaximin-α treatment: a retrospective observational extension study with long-term follow-up (IMPRESS II)
Authors: Aspinall Richard J , Hudson Mark , Ryder Stephen D , Richardson Paul , Farrington Elizabeth , Wright Mark , Przemioslo Robert T , Perez Francisco , Kent Melanie , Henrar Roland , Hickey Joe , Shawcross Debbie L
Published: November 2022

Objective

To describe survival of patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE), up to 5 years after initiation of rifaximin-α (RFX) treatment.

Design/Method

A retrospective, observational extension study within 9 National Health Service secondary/tertiary UK care centres. All patients had a clinical diagnosis of HE, were being treated with RFX and were included in the previous IMPRESS study which reported the 1-year experience. Demographics, clinical outcomes, selected cirrhosis-related complications, hospital admissions and attendances up to 5 years from RFX initiation were extracted from patient medical records and hospital electronic databases. The primary outcome measure was survival at 5 years post-initiation of RFX treatment.

Results

The study included 138 patients. The survival rate at 5 years post-initiation of RFX was 35% (95% CI 28.2% to 44.4%) overall and 36% (95% CI 26.1% to 45.4%) for patients with alcohol-related liver disease. Median survival from RFX initiation was 2.8 years (95% CI 2.0 to 3.8; n=136). Among 48 patients alive at 5 years, 54% remained on RFX treatment at the end of the observation period, 73% reported no cirrhosis-related complications and 22% (9/41) had received a liver transplant. Between 1 and 5 years post-initiation, total numbers of liver-related emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, intensive care unit admissions and outpatient visits were 84, 191, 3 and 709, respectively; the liver-related 30-day readmission rate was 37%.

Conclusion

Within UK clinical practice, RFX use in HE was associated with a 35% survival rate with high treatment adherence, 78% transplant-free survival rate, minimal healthcare resource and low rates of complications at 5 years post-initiation.
Natural history of spontaneous intracranial hypotension: a clinical and imaging study
Authors: Williams James , Brinjikji Waleed , Cutsforth-Gregory Jeremy K
Published: November 2022

Background

Although spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is well studied, there are few studies of the clinical and imaging history of SIH without interventional treatments. For example, what is the natural history of those who are untreated or treated only with conservative measures?

Objective

To conduct a retrospective study examining changes in imaging findings for patients with SIH without interventional treatments and to study associations between imaging findings and clinical symptoms.

Methods

Included patients had a clinical diagnosis of SIH, were seen at Mayo Clinic between 1999 and 2021, had a brain MRI scan indicating SIH (Bern score), and had a brain MRI scan 6 or more months later without intervening leak-related interventional treatment. Bern scores were assigned for the first and last MRI scans prior to treatment. Patients were also grouped into three qualitative categories: overall improvement of symptoms, stable symptoms, or worsened symptoms based on patient report during the clinical visit at the time of the follow-up brain MRI scan.

Results

Among 46 patients with untreated SIH, the Bern score improved over time in 11 (24%), was stable in 30 (65%), and worsened in 5 (11%). Two patients (4.3%) showed complete resolution of all abnormalities by the Bern scoring criteria. Symptoms improved in 7 (15%), were stable in 29 (63%), and worsened in 10 (22%).

Conclusions

In patients with brain MRI evidence of SIH, almost 25% demonstrated radiographic improvement, and 15% reported clinical improvement, during at least 6 months of observation or conservative treatment. Most had stable, persistent MRI abnormalities and symptoms when SIH was untreated.
Improved background subtraction and a fresh look at jet sub-structure in JEWEL
Authors: Milhano José Guilherme , Zapp Korinna
Published: November 2022

Interactions of hard partons in the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) created with relativistic heavy ion collisions lead to characteristic modifications of the internal structure of reconstructed jets. A large part of the observed jet sub-structure modifications stem from the QGP’s response to energy and momentum deposited by hard partons. Good control over medium response in theoretical calculations is thus instrumental to a quantitative understanding of medium modified (quenched) jets in heavy ion collisions. We present an improved way of handling the medium response in the jet quenching model Jewel and present results for a variety of jet sub-structure observables. The new recoil handling is more versatile and robust than the old scheme, giving a better control over many observables and, in particular, greatly improves the description of the jet mass.
Gas permeability change with deformation and cracking of a sandstone under triaxial compression
Authors: Lin Yuan-Jian , Liu Jiang-Feng , Chen Tao , Huang Bing-Xiang , Ma Shi-Jia , Bai Hai-Bo
Published: November 2022

In this study, a thermal–hydraulic–mechanical–chemical (THMC) multi-field coupling triaxial cell was used to study systematically the evolution of gas permeability and the deformation characteristics of sandstone. The effects of confining, axial and gas pressure on gas permeability characteristics were fully considered in the test. The gas permeability of sandstone decreases with increasing confining pressure. When the confining pressure is low, the variation of gas permeability is greater than that of gas permeability at high confining pressure. The gas injection pressure significantly affects the gas permeability evolution of sandstone. As the gas injection pressure increases, the gas permeability of sandstone tends to decrease. At the same confining pressure, the gas permeability of the sample during the unloading path is less than the gas permeability of the sample in the loading path. When axial pressure is applied, it has a significant influence on the permeability evolution of sandstone. When the axial pressure is less than 30 MPa, it significantly influences the permeability evolution of sandstone. At axial pressures greater than 30 MPa, the permeability decreases as the axial pressure increases. Finally, the micro-pore/fracture structure of the sample after the gas permeability test was observed using 3D X-ray CT imaging.
Efficient Sorting, Duplicate Removal, Grouping, and Aggregation
Authors: Do Thanh , Graefe Goetz , Naughton Jeffrey
Published: November 2022

Database query processing requires algorithms for duplicate removal, grouping, and aggregation. Three algorithms exist: in-stream aggregation is most efficient by far but requires sorted input; sort-based aggregation relies on external merge sort; and hash aggregation relies on an in-memory hash table plus hash partitioning to temporary storage. Cost-based query optimization chooses which algorithm to use based on several factors, including the sort order of the input, input and output sizes, and the need for sorted output. For example, hash-based aggregation is ideal for output smaller than the available memory (e.g., Query 1 of TPC-H), whereas sorting the entire input and aggregating after sorting are preferable when both aggregation input and output are large and the output needs to be sorted for a subsequent operation such as a merge join.

Unfortunately, the size information required for a sound choice is often inaccurate or unavailable during query optimization, leading to sub-optimal algorithm choices. In response, this article introduces a new algorithm for sort-based duplicate removal, grouping, and aggregation. The new algorithm always performs at least as well as both traditional hash-based and traditional sort-based algorithms. It can serve as a system’s only aggregation algorithm for unsorted inputs, thus preventing erroneous algorithm choices. Furthermore, the new algorithm produces sorted output that can speed up subsequent operations. Google’s F1 Query uses the new algorithm in production workloads that aggregate petabytes of data every day.
Inhibitory Effects of Rabdosia rubescens in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Lin Ruoyang , Lin Xianfan , Wu Jinming , Chen Tanzhou , Huang Zhiming
Published: November 2022

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most frequently occurring diseases in the world. Rabdosia rubescens (RR) has been demonstrated to be effective against ESCC; however, the mechanism is unknown. The primary gene modules related to the clinical characteristics of ESCC were initially investigated in this research using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WCGNA) and differential expression gene (DEG) analysis. We employed network pharmacology to study the hub genes linked with RR therapy on ESCC. A molecular docking simulation was achieved to identify the binding activity of central genes to RR compounds. Lastly, a chain of experimentations was used to verify the inhibitory effect of RR water extract on the ESCC cell line in vitro. The outcomes revealed that CCNA2, TOP2A, AURKA, CCNB2, CDK2, CHEK1, and other potential central targets were therapeutic targets for RR treatment of ESCC. In addition, these targets are over-represented in several cancer-related pathways, including the cell cycle signaling pathway and the p53 signaling pathway. The predicted targets displayed good bonding activity with the RR bioactive chemical according to a molecular docking simulation. In vitro experiments revealed that RR water extracts could inhibit ESCC cells, induce cell cycle arrest, inhibit cell proliferation, increase P53 expression, and decrease CCNA2, TOP2A, AURKA, CCNB2, CDK2, and CHEK1. In conclusion, our study reveals the molecular mechanism of RR therapy for ESCC, providing great potential for identifying effective compounds and biomarkers for ESCC therapy.
Predictive Value of the HEART Score Combined with Hypersensitive C-Reactive Protein for 30 d Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Chest Pain
Authors: Lin Maosheng , Zhang Louwei , Tang Xuhua , Tang Yejiang
Published: November 2022

Purpose. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of the HEART score combined with hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) for 30 d major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with acute chest pain. Methods. 103 patients with acute chest pain admitted to the emergency department of our hospital from May 2020 to May 2022 were selected as the study subjects. The patients’ HEART score and plasma hs-CRP level were recorded. The patients were followed up for 30 d to observe whether MACE occurred. Results. Among 103 patients with acute chest pain, MACE occurred in 8 cases within 30 d of follow-up, and the probability of MACE was 7.76%. There was a statistically significant difference in 30 d MACE risk among patients with different HEART score stratification (

P
<
0.05

). The age, HEART score, and hs-CRP levels of patients in the MACE group were higher than those in the non-MACE group (

P
<
0.05

). The HEART score and the hs-CRP level were independent risk factors for 30 d MACE in patients with acute chest pain (

P
<
0.05

). The AUC of the HEART score combined with hs-CRP in the occurrence of 30 d MACE in patients with acute chest pain was 0.901, which was significantly higher than 0.720 and 0.758 of single detection. Conclusion. The HEART score combined with hs-CRP can better predict the occurrence of 30 d MACE in patients with acute chest pain.
Dual‐Channel Dynamic Pricing in the Presence of Low‐Carbon Preference
Authors: Hu Yusheng , Zhang Wensi , Zhang Liying , Lei Xiao
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the dynamic pricing strategy for perishable products sold through online and offline channels with the consideration of consumers’ low‐carbon preferences. The MNL stochastic utility model is used to describe the purchasing decisions of consumers with different low‐carbon preferences. On this basis, we establish a dual‐channel dynamic pricing model for perishable products to maximize the firm’s expected revenue by using the dynamic programming method. We also study the influence of consumers’ low‐carbon preferences on optimal prices. The conclusions show that the low‐carbon utility and the proportion of consumers with high low‐carbon preference have positive effects on the optimal prices of the dual sales channels. Moreover, consumers are more inclined to purchase products through the online channel in the presence of low‐carbon preference, so the optimal price of the online channel product is higher than that of the offline channel product.
Composting for a More Sustainable Palm Oil Waste Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Supriatna Jajang , Setiawati Mieke Rochimi , Sudirja Rija , Suherman Cucu , Bonneau Xavier
Published: November 2022

Palm oil production has increased significantly, specifically in Indonesia and Malaysia. However, this growth has raised environmental concerns due to the high discharge of empty fruit bunches, palm oil mill effluents, and other solid wastes. Therefore, this study aims to examine the treatment of palm oil waste by composting and systematically review insights into its application through a systematic literature review approach. Among the 1155 articles, a total of 135 were selected for a systematic review of palm oil waste management developments and their applications, while 14 were used for determining compost quality according to the criteria and requirements established in the systematic literature review. Moreover, using Egger’s test, JAMOVI 1.6.23 software was used to analyze random effects models with 95% confidence intervals and publication bias. The results showed that palm oil waste was optimally treated by composting, which is considered as a sustainable technology for protecting the environment, human safety, and economic value. The in-vessel method with a controlled composting chamber is the best system with a minimum time of 14 days. However, it requires tight control and provides a final product with a high microbial colony form outdoors and indoors compared to the windrow system. This study is useful to see the bias of research results and helps to find new studies that need to be developed, especially in this case related to the management of palm oil waste into organic compost fertilizer and its application methods in the field. It is suggested that applying palm oil waste or compost is mainly performed by mulching. In contrast, new challenges for better processing to produce organic fertilizers and applicable technologies for sustainable waste management are recommended. The method must be affordable, efficient, and practical, combining compost quality with maximum nutrient recovery.
Ecological Survey of the Peridomestic Sand Flies of an Endemic Focus of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the South-East of Morocco
Authors: Al-Koleeby Zalalham , El Aboudi Ahmed , Van Bortel Wim , Cloots Kristien , Benkirane Raja , Faraj Chafika , Talbi Fatima Zahra
Published: November 2022

Leishmaniasis is a parasitosis caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by Phlebotominae sand flies. An entomological survey was carried out in different localities of Zagora Province. Our work allowed us to establish an inventory of sand flies to study potential vectors of leishmaniasis and to compare the composition and the specific abundance of different endemic stations. The sand flies were collected using CDC miniature light traps during the month of July 2019 in the ten studied villages. The results indicate the presence of thirteen species, belonging to the genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. Phlebotomus papatasi was the predominant species (46.65%) followed by Ph. alexandri (17%), Ph. longicuspis (11.55%), Ph. bergeroti (1.53%) and Ph. sergenti (1.27%). Phlebotomus kazeruni (0.03%) was rare, and only one female was captured in Ifred. Sergentomyia schwetzi (8.69%) was the most prevalent species in the Sergentomyia genus followed closely by Se. fallax (6.84%). Sergentomyia africana was present with a proportion of (3.86%) followed by Se. clydei (1.96%). Sergentomyia dreifussi (0.46%), Se. antennata (0.08%), and Se. minuta (0.08%) were very limited. Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. alexandri, Ph. bergeroti, Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Se. schwetzi, Se. clydei, and Se. fallax are constant species, being present at least in 50% of the stations (occurrence> 50%). Common species (25%–49%) were Se. minuta and Se. africana and rare species were Ph. kazeruni and Se. antennata with a very limited distribution (occurrence <12%). The greatest species richness was found in Ksar Mougni and Ifred with the occurrence of 11 species, but overall, it was high (>9 species) in most of the villages. The Shannon–Wiener index was high (H′ > 1) in eight localities (Ksar Mougni, Tassaouante, Bleida, ZaouiteLeftah, Ifred, Timarighine, Ait Oulahyane, and Ait Ali Ouhassou). The high value of this index is in favor of the ZaouiteLeftah locality (Shannon–Wiener index = 1.679) which is explained by the presence of a stand dominated by Ph. papatasi. In order to avoid exposure to infections, a good epidemiological surveillance and vector with rodent control measures must be well maintained. Awareness campaigns are also required and must be conducted for better knowledge of the disease.
Primary Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome: Real-World Defining Features of Rethrombosis in the Course of Disease
Authors: Moraes-Fontes Maria Francisca , Pedro Filipa , Campos Maria Manuel , Fernandes Melissa , Yavuz Sule , Oliveira Francisco , Panarra António
Published: November 2022

Objective. We aimed to identify features that allow differentiation of primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients that suffer recurrent thrombotic events (RTE) despite anticoagulation, from the other diagnosed PAPS patients. Methods. This was an exploratory study of anticoagulated PAPS patients attending an Autoimmune Diseases Unit (1998-2018). From 2016, anti-phospholipid antibodies and lupus anticoagulant were determined for each patient at consecutive visits, collected together with retrospective clinical characteristics, laboratory, and therapeutic markers and compared according to the occurrence of thrombotic events during follow-up. Results. Overall, two thirds of the patients were female, 93% were Caucasian, with a median age of 40 years at diagnosis, for a median time of 11.5 years in follow-up. Out of 54 patients, 10 were identified with RTE. There were no significant differences among the RTE and non-RTE patients as far as classical risk factors for clotting disorders. The RTE group was characterized by a higher proportion of younger patients, male sex and positivity for all laboratory markers, and initially and over follow-up as well as a sustained high-risk profile based on APS laboratory markers. Anticardiolipin IgG at onset was the only statistically significant marker of the RTE group. At the end of follow-up, consistent reversion to negative status was a rare event, observed in 20% of RTE vs. 25% of non-RTE patients. Conclusions. Despite therapy, we were able to identify features associated to thrombotic events in patients with PAPS. Prospectively regular clinical and laboratory monitoring might be warranted in order to treat APS more assertively.