bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 52‐week randomized controlled trial of ipragliflozin or sitagliptin in type 2 diabetes combined with metformin: The N‐ISM study
Authors: Kitazawa Masaru , Katagiri Takashi , Suzuki Hiromi , Matsunaga Satoshi , H Yamada Mayuko , Ikarashi Tomoo , Yamamoto Masahiko , Furukawa Kazuo , Iwanaga Midori , Hatta Mariko , Fujihara Kazuya , Yamada Takaho , Tanaka Shiro , Sone Hirohito 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo compare the long‐term efficacy of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors as second‐line drugs after metformin for patients not at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).Materials and methodsIn a 52‐week randomized open‐label trial, we compared ipragliflozin and sitagliptin in Japanese patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, without prior ASCVD and treated with metformin. The primary endpoint was a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction of ≥0.5% (5.5 mmol/mol) without weight gain at 52 weeks.ResultsOf a total of 111 patients (mean age 59.2 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 26.6 kg/m2, 61.3% men), 54 patients received ipragliflozin and 57 received sitagliptin. After 52 weeks, achievement of the primary endpoint was not significantly different (37.0% and 40.3%; P = 0.72). HbA1c reduction rate at 24 weeks was greater for sitagliptin (56.1%) than for ipragliflozin (31.5%; P = 0.01). From 24 to 52 weeks, the HbA1c reduction with sitagliptin was attenuated, with no significant difference in HbA1c reduction after 52 weeks between sitagliptin (54.4%) and ipragliflozin (38.9%; P = 0.10). Improvements in BMI, C‐peptide and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were greater with ipragliflozin than with sitagliptin. Adverse events occurred in 17 patients with ipragliflozin and in 10 patients with sitagliptin (P = 0.11).ConclusionThe HbA1c‐lowering effect at 24 weeks was greater with sitagliptin than with ipragliflozin, but with no difference in efficacy related to HbA1c and body weight at 52 weeks. However, some ASCVD risk factors improved with ipragliflozin.
Young healthy adults with a family history of hypertension have increased microvascular reactivity but decreased macrovascular function
Authors: Matthews Evan L. , Guers John J. , Hosick Peter A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether, like hypertensives, normotensive adults with a family history of hypertension (+FHH) display lower microvascular reactivity and conduit artery function than normotensive adults without a family history of hypertension (−FHH).MethodsA forearm vascular occlusion test was performed on healthy normotensive adults while resting in the supine position. A near‐infrared spectroscopy sensor placed on the forearm measured skeletal muscle oxygen saturation kinetics to determine microvascular reactivity. Simultaneously, an ultrasound probe placed on the brachial artery above the occlusion cuff was used to assess flow‐mediated dilation; a test of macrovascular function.ResultsTwenty‐two participants were included in this investigation (−FHH n = 13, +FHH n = 9). Following cuff release, the resaturation slope (1st 10 s median ± SD, −FHH 2.76 ± 2.10, +FHH 5.59 ± 2.47%/s; p = .036) was greater in +FHH when accounting for the magnitude and rate of the decrease in skeletal muscle oxygen saturation during occlusion. Conversely, flow‐mediated dilation (median ± SD, −FHH 5.96 ± 5.22, +FHH 4.10 ± 3.17%∆; p = .031) was lower in +FHH when accounting for baseline artery diameter and shear rate.ConclusionsYoung +FHH adults have altered microvascular and macrovascular reactivity compared with young −FHH adults.
The Oval‐like Cross‐section of Femoral Neck Isthmus in Three‐dimensional Morphological Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ru‐yi , Zhao Yan‐peng , Su Xiu‐yun , Li Jian‐tao , Zhao Jing‐xin , Zhang Li‐cheng , Tang Pei‐fu 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the cross‐section shape of the femoral neck isthmus (FNI) in three‐dimensional reconstruction model of the femoral neck.MethodsFrom December 2009 to December 2012, computed tomography (CT) data of bilateral hip joint from 200 consecutive patients (137 males and 63 females, 69.41 ± 9.21 years old, ranged from 50–85 years old) who underwent surgical treatments for proximal femoral fracture were retrospectively reviewed. The 3D model of the proximal femur was reconstructed, and the “inertia axis” method, which was applied to measure the long and short axes of the cross‐section of the FNI, was established. The cross‐sectional area and perimeter were calculated by a formula using the length of the long and short axes and then compared with the actual measured values by the software. Correlation between the descriptive parameters of the FNI cross‐section (area, perimeter, and eccentricity) and patients' demographics (age, height, and weight) was analyzed. Stepwise linear regression analysis was used to determine the main relevant factors.ResultsThe ICC results showed excellent data reproducibility ranged from 0.989 to 0.996. There was no significant difference in the cross‐sectional area of the FNI between the actual measured values and the predicted values using the formula (732.83 ± 126.74 mm2 vs 731.62 ± 128.15 mm2, P = 0.322). The perimeter using the two methods showed narrow while significant difference (97.86 ± 8.60 mm vs 92.84 ± 8.65 mm, P < 0.001), the actual measured values were about 5 mm greater than the predicted values. The parameters (area, perimeter, and eccentricity) were significantly larger in male than female (P < 0.001). A positive correlation between the cross‐sectional area, perimeter, height, and weight was observed. The stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the regression equation of the FNI area was as follows: Y = −1083.75 + 1033.86 × HEIGHT + 1.92 × WEIGHT, R2 = 0.489.ConclusionThe cross‐section shape of the FNI appears to be oval‐like in the 3D model, which is separated according to the inertia axis, and the findings proposed an anatomical basis for the further study of the spatial configuration of cannulated screws in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.
Reevaluation of concurrent acetylcholinesterase and hematoxylin and eosin staining for Hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Yoshimaru Koichiro , Matsuura Toshiharu , Yanagi Yusuke , Obata Satoshi , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Kajihara Keisuke , Ohmori Atsuko , Irie Keiko , Hino Yuko , Shibui Yuichi , Tamaki Akihiko , Kohashi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao , Taguchi Tomoaki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry has been widely performed for the histopathological diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease (HD). However, we occasionally come across diagnostic difficulties. We conducted concurrent AChE histochemistry and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to validate the ancillary value of this technique.MethodsOf 177 patients diagnosed using AChE histochemistry from January 2014 to December 2016, 90 patients underwent formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded HE staining. The histopathological findings and diagnostic abilities were investigated and compared retrospectively.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and kappa index of AChE histochemistry and HE staining were 94.1%, 100%, 98.9%, and 0.964 and 76.5%, 84.9%, 83.3%, and 0.530, respectively. The specificity, accuracy and kappa index of AChE histochemistry were significantly higher than those of HE staining (P < 0.001, <0.001, and <0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin staining supported the suspected diagnosis of total colon aganglionosis at the initial biopsy; furthermore, HE staining helped confirm the distinct shape of ganglion cells and hypertrophic nerve bundles.ConclusionWe re‐confirmed that AChE histochemistry is an excellent method for diagnosing HD. Although the diagnostic ability of HE staining is limited, it has acceptable utility as an ancillary method. Thus, AChE staining is a useful test and it should be performed together with HE staining.
Grounding, metaphysical laws, and structure
Authors: Grajner Martin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAccording to the deductive‐nomological account of ground, a fact A grounds another fact B in case the laws of metaphysics determine the existence of B on the basis of the existence of A. Accounts of grounding of this particular variety have already been developed in the literature. My aim in this paper is to sketch a new version of this account. My preferred account offers two main improvements over existing accounts. First, the present account is able to deal with necessitarian as well as non‐necessitarian cases of grounding by acknowledging the existence of two types of metaphysical laws. I will argue that we should assume that metaphysical laws come in the necessitarian as well as in the non‐necessitarian variety—closely paralleling the distinction between strict and non‐strict laws in the philosophy of science. The second main improvement of the present account is that this account is able to provide an explanation of why the laws of metaphysics have a direction built into them. I will argue that we should characterize metaphysical laws with the help of Theodore Sider’s (2011) notion of structure, which is a descendent of David Lewis’s (1983) notion of naturalness. According to the account of metaphysical laws developed in this paper, metaphysical laws express in their antecedents either perfectly structural truths or more structural truths than in their consequents. Since on Sider’s account structural features of reality are fundamental features of reality, the account is able to explain as to why the laws of metaphysics take us from the fundamental to the derivative.
The influence of clinical severity and topical antimicrobial treatment on bacteriological culture and the microbiota of equine pastern dermatitis
Authors: Sangiorgio Daphne B. , Hilty Markus , Kaiser‐Thom Sarah , Epper Pascale G. , Ramseyer Alessandra A. , Overesch Gudrun , Gerber Vinzenz M. 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundEquine pastern dermatitis (EPD) is a common dermatological problem in horses, yet its aetiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effects of lesion severity and topical antimicrobial treatment on bacterial flora of EPD‐affected skin.AnimalsSixteen horses with EPD were investigated.Methods and materialsAn observational study was conducted by assigning a clinical severity score ranging from 0 (macroscopically nonlesional) to 21 (severe), and sampling the most and least severely affected limbs of 16 horses (32 limbs) for bacteriological culture and 16S rRNA sequencing. Topical antimicrobial treatment in the month before sampling was recorded. The limbs were allocated to a nonlesional or mildly affected group (Group A, score 0–3) and a moderate to severely affected group (Group B, score 4–21).ResultsThe most commonly cultured bacterial species was Staphylococcus aureus (one of 15 Group A versus nine of 17 Group B). Within Group B, S. aureus was found in three of six limbs treated with topical antimicrobials and in six of 11 untreated limbs. β‐haemolytic streptococci (three of 32) and Trueperella pyogenes (two of 32) also were cultured exclusively in the untreated limbs of Group B. Staphylococci and streptococci were found more often by 16S rRNA sequencing than in culture. Limbs with higher lesion severity and topical antimicrobial treatment appeared to have a lower alpha diversity and different beta diversity compared to milder and untreated lesions.Conclusions and clinical importanceObserved differences in microbiota of equine skin are likely to be linked to the presence and severity of EPD and topical antimicrobial treatment. Further research is needed to establish causal bacteria.
Clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment, and short‐ and long‐term survival in horses with peritonitis: 72 cases (2007‐2017)
Authors: Arndt Stefanie , Kilcoyne Isabelle , Vaughan Betsy , Dechant Julie E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo identify etiology, clinical findings, diagnostic results, treatment, and short‐ and long‐term survival and to report factors associated with nonsurvival and survival in horses with peritonitis.Study designRetrospective study.AnimalsHorses (n = 72).MethodsMedical records at William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 2007‐2017 were reviewed for horses diagnosed with peritonitis. The essential inclusion criterion was a peritoneal nucleated cell count of ≥25 000 cells/μL. Gastrointestinal rupture and cases in which peritonitis occurred after abdominal surgery or castration were excluded. Information retrieved from medical records included signalment, history, clinicopathological and peritoneal fluid variables, diagnostic imaging findings, inciting cause, treatment, and short‐ and long‐term survival. Data were analyzed by using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and χ2test (P < .05).ResultsColic was the most common presenting complaint (34/72 [48%]). A definitive diagnosis could be made in 44 (44/72 [61%]) cases. The most common cause of peritonitis was infectious agents (31/72), followed by trauma (8/72), gastrointestinal thickening (3/72), and eosinophilic peritonitis (2/72). Idiopathic peritonitis was identified in 28 (28/72 [39%]) cases. Sixty (83%) horses survived to hospital discharge. Long‐term follow‐up was available for 49 horses, with 43 (88%) horses alive 1 year after discharge. Significant differences between nonsurvivors and survivors were history of colic, positive peritoneal fluid culture, and several hematological/peritoneal fluid variables.ConclusionPeritoneal fluid analysis was essential for a definitive diagnosis of peritonitis, and certain variables were useful for predicting outcome.Clinical significanceResults of this study provide evidence of the value of peritoneal fluid analysis for identification of peritonitis, prediction of outcome, and successful treatment.
Classification of irreversible and reversible Pimsner operator algebras
Authors: Dor-On Adam , Eilers Søren , Geffen Shirly 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSince their inception in the 1930s by von Neumann, operator algebras have been used to shed light on many mathematical theories. Classification results for self-adjoint and non-self-adjoint operator algebras manifest this approach, but a clear connection between the two has been sought since their emergence in the late 1960s. We connect these seemingly separate types of results by uncovering a hierarchy of classification for non-self-adjoint operator algebras and$C^{*}$-algebras with additional$C^{*}$-algebraic structure. Our approach naturally applies to algebras arising from$C^{*}$-correspondences to resolve self-adjoint and non-self-adjoint isomorphism problems in the literature. We apply our strategy to completely elucidate this newly found hierarchy for operator algebras arising from directed graphs.
The Effect of Physical Activity on Residual Limb Volume, Comfort, and Gait Symmetry of Transfemoral Amputees
Authors: Salazar-Salgado Sara , Valencia Fanny , Uribe Alejandro , Rendón-Vélez Elizabeth 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFor lower limb amputees, the socket fit is affected by the physical activity performed during the day. The majority of the studies in this field include only transtibial amputees and do not examine the effects of this variable. This paper aims to determine the effect of physical activity on the volume of the residual limb (RL), the comfort, and the symmetry of gait in traumatic transfemoral amputees. RL volume and gait data of five individuals were obtained at the first time of the day and after three sessions of treadmill walking. The ratio symmetry index of selected points of gait parameters was calculated. A short comfort test was used after each session. Data were analyzed throughout the tests within each subject, and statistical analysis was performed. After the physical activity, a tendency toward volume decrease was found on almost all subjects, although it was not significant. Transfemoral amputees may have smaller volume variations than transtibial after treadmill walking tasks. Significant difference was found on the symmetry index of “swing phase (SWP).” The values of gait symmetry were consistent with previous findings regarding transfemoral amputees. The lowest symmetry was noticed on the ankle kinematics. The comfort did not significantly change with the selected amount of physical activity. In subsequent research, it is recommended to increase the intensity or time of physical activity and/or increase the number of participants. These results can help the understanding of how the socket/RL interface behaves, which can improve the design and prescription of prosthetic components.
Quadratic Constrained Periodic Optimization for Bandlimited Linear Systems Via the Fourier-Based Method
Authors: Moretti Giacomo , Zaccarian Luca , Blanchini Franco 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMotivated by engineering applications, we address bounded steady-state optimal control of linear dynamical systems undergoing steady-state bandlimited periodic oscillations. The optimization can be cast as a minimization problem by expressing the state and the input as finite Fourier series expansions, and using the expansions coefficients as parameters to be optimized. With this parametrization, we address linear quadratic problems involving periodic bandlimited dynamics by using quadratic minimization with parametric time-dependent constraints. We hence investigate the implications of a discretization of linear continuous time constraints and propose an algorithm that provides a feasible suboptimal solution whose cost is arbitrarily close to the optimal cost for the original constrained steady-state problem. Finally, we discuss practical case studies that can be effectively tackled with the proposed framework, including optimal control of DC/AC power converters, and optimal energy harvesting from pulsating mechanical energy sources.
Design and Performance Analysis of a Cascaded Model Predictive Controller and Command Governor for Fuel-Efficient Control of Heavy-Duty Trucks
Authors: Groelke Ben , Borek John , Earnhardt Christian , Vermillion Chris 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the design and analysis of a predictive ecological control strategy for a heavy-duty truck that achieves substantial fuel savings while maintaining safe following distances in the presence of traffic. The hallmark of the proposed algorithm is the fusion of a long-horizon economic model predictive controller (MPC) for ecological driving with a command governor (CG) for safe vehicle following. The performance of the proposed control strategy was evaluated in simulation using a proprietary medium-fidelity Simulink model of a heavy-duty truck. Results show that the strategy yields substantial fuel economy improvements over a baseline, the extent of which are heavily dependent on the horizon length of the CG. The best fuel and vehicle-following performance are achieved when the CG horizon has a length of 20–40 s, reducing fuel consumption by 4–6% when compared to a Gipps car-following model.
Application-Specific Learning Curve With a Modern Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery System for Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Dai Yifei , Kusuma Sharat , Greene Alexander T. , Fan Wen , Jung Amaury , Hamad Cyril , Bras Guillaume , Angibaud Laurent 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A commonly acknowledged barrier for the adoption of new computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) technologies relates to a perceived long and steep learning curve. However, this perception has not been objectively tested with the consideration of surgeon-specific learning approaches. This study employed the cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) to investigate individual surgeon's learning of CAOS technology by monitoring the stability of the surgical process regarding surgical time. Two applications for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and two applications for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) provided by a modern CAOS system were assessed with a total of 21 surgeons with different levels of previous CAOS experience. The surgeon-specific learning durations identified by CUSUM method revealed that CAOS applications with “full guidance” (i.e., those that offer comprehensive guidance, full customization, and utilize CAOS-specific instrumentation) required on average less than ten cases to learn, while the streamlined application designed as a CAOS augmentation of existing mechanical instrumentation demonstrated a minimal learning curve (less than three cases). During the learning phase, the increase in surgical time was found to be moderate (approximately 15 min or less) for the “full guidance” applications, while the streamlined CAOS application only saw a clinically negligible time increase (under 5 min). The CUSUM method provided an objective and consistent measurement on learning, and demonstrated, contrary to common perception, a minimal to modest learning curve required by the modern CAOS system studied.
Real-Time Planning and Nonlinear Control for Quadrupedal Locomotion With Articulated Tails
Authors: Fawcett Randall T. , Pandala Abhishek , Kim Jeeseop , Akbari Hamed Kaveh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The primary goal of this paper is to develop a formal foundation to design nonlinear feedback control algorithms that intrinsically couple legged robots with bio-inspired tails for robust locomotion in the presence of external disturbances. We present a hierarchical control scheme in which a high-level and real-time path planner, based on an event-based model predictive control (MPC), computes the optimal motion of the center of mass (COM) and tail trajectories. The MPC framework is developed for an innovative reduced-order linear inverted pendulum (LIP) model that is augmented with the tail dynamics. At the lower level of the control scheme, a nonlinear controller is implemented through the use of quadratic programming (QP) and virtual constraints to force the full-order dynamical model to track the prescribed optimal trajectories of the COM and tail while maintaining feasible ground reaction forces at the leg ends. The potential of the analytical results is numerically verified on a full-order simulation model of a quadrupedal robot augmented with a tail with a total of 20 degrees-of-freedom. The numerical studies demonstrate that the proposed control scheme coupled with the tail dynamics can significantly reduce the effect of external disturbances during quadrupedal locomotion.