bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Response Analysis and Modeling of a Mousetrap Car: From Experimental Curves to Transfer Function Derivation
Authors: Rodríguez-Álava Luis , Quistial-Balseca Jonathan , Roblero-Wong Jorge , Albán-Chacon Francisco , Lamilla-Rubio Erick 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a detailed study of overdamped oscillations using a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) project based on a Mousetrap Car. Several mathematical models were developed to fit the experimental data, revealing that the Mousetrap Car system can be represented by a control mechanism with poles and zeros, which provides a deeper understanding of the system’s dynamics. A key result is the derivation of a third-order transfer function with two zeros and three poles, which achieved a 92.85 % fit to the experimental data, accurately capturing the system’s dynamic response. Furthermore, an algorithm consisting of three routines was implemented to refine the models, resulting in precise fitting curves for the system’s position, velocity, and net force. Comparisons between the models revealed that the Damped Coupled Oscillator model with a damping factor of β = 0.74s−1 provided the closest match to the experimental data, with three distinct vibration modes. These findings contribute to understanding dynamic mechanical systems and offer a robust framework for engineering and educational applications.
Co-activation patterns reveal the abnormality of dynamic state transitions between different psychiatric disorders
Authors: Niu Lianjie , Li Wenshi , Fang Keke , Han Shaoqiang , Liu Peng , Qu Jinrong , Sun Xianfu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

There is a growing interest among researchers in utilizing dynamic methods to investigate psychiatric disorders, especially the transient dynamic approaches. However, current research predominantly focuses on dynamic abnormalities within a single psychiatric disorder compared to healthy controls, without considering the shared and specific features across different psychiatric conditions. The dynamic abnormality across psychiatric disorders remains unclear. In this study, we employed Co-activation Pattern method to investigate the dynamic transient configurations of brain activity across different psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia (SZ, n = 37); bipolar I disorder (BD, n = 40); attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n = 37), and healthy controls (HC, n = 110). By conducting k-means clustering analysis, we identified 10 transient activation patterns. Our findings reveal that the specificity of psychiatric disorders is reflected in the transition probabilities between different states, with different psychiatric disorders exhibiting distinct state transition patterns. Notably, the abnormal state transitions are concentrated in the core states (State 1 and State 2), highlighting the commonality of dynamic abnormalities across psychiatric disorders. These core states involve the activation of the attention network and the sensorimotor network and are significantly associated with the functional gradient. Furthermore, we discovered that abnormalities in state transitions are associated with cognitive behavior. Overall, this work provides a dynamic network perspective for understanding the shared and specific characteristic across psychiatric disorders
Isolated cystic duct cyst in a child ：A case report
Authors: Guo Jindie , Bian Hongqiang , Jun Yang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Dilatation of the common bile duct is a common biliary malformation in children. However, isolated cysts of the cystic duct are extremely rare and not included in the Todani classification; this case report presents an exceptional case of an 8-year-old male child with an isolated cystic duct cyst.
Case presentation
An 8-year-old male presented to the local hospital with intermittent abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography (USG) conducted at the local hospital revealed dilatation
of the upper segment of the common bile duct, while Abdominal CT indicated dilatation of the upper segment of the common hepatic duct. The patient was admitted to our hospital, and all laboratory results were within normal limits. CT reveals slightly dilated intrahepatic bile ducts, tortuous dilatation of the cystic ducts, and a common bile duct diameter of approximately 2.0 mm.MRCP indicates dilatation of the cystic ducts associated with multiple stones, Todani type II choledochal cysts, , and the possibility of PBM cannot be
excluded.Endoscopic retrograde ERCP was conducted: acyst was observed in the superior segment of the cystic duct, several calculi were
identified within the cyst, and a duct was noted leading to the gallbladder at the cyst's tail, with a common duct of around 10 mm, classified as a cystic duct cyst. The
youngster underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted biliary tract exploration, which verified the dilation of the cystic duct, resection of the gallbladder and cystic duct, and the
insertion of a T-tube for external drainage in the remains of the cystic duct. Thepathology results indicated the presence of gallbladder tissue. The patient's
postoperative recuperation was uneventful. T-tube imaging was conducted in two
mouths post-operation, revealing no dilation of the common bile duct.The T-tube was removed, and USG of the intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts was conducted in three mouths post-operation, revealing no abnormalities or dilation of the common bile
duct.
Conclusion:
Choledochal cyst is an uncommon biliary tract anomaly characterized by vague clinical presentations and laboratory findings.MRCP imaging possesses diagnostic
significance; ERCP can elucidate the diagnosis through sequential imaging, while
surgical dilation of the choledochal duct serves as the conclusive basis for diagnosis.Aconsensus has been established regarding the concurrent resection of the gallbladder
and choledochal duct cysts. For pediatric patients presenting with a combination of
choledocholithiasis, common bile duct dilation, and PBM, atailored surgical plan
may be devised according to the child's specific circumstances. For pediatric patients with biliary tract anomalies, including bile duct calculi, dilated common bile duct, andPBM, the surgical strategy can be tailored to the child's specific circumstances.
Closing the Gap in Health Monitoring of Polish Athletes: Adapting the OSTRC-H2 Questionnaire and Developing the Health Problem Symptoms Classification (HPSCPL ) Questionnaire
Authors: Zając Bartosz , Siekańska Małgorzata , Wyrobiec Grzegorz , Gaj Paulina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The aim of the study is cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems for Polish-speaking athletes (OSTRC-H2PL). Additionally, the study is aimed at developing and validating the original HPSCPL questionnaire, designed as a supplement to the OSTRC-H2PL, for classifying symptoms of health problems experienced by athletes, based on the consensus of the International Olympic Committee.
Methods
The cross-cultural adaptation of the OSTRC-H2 questionnaire was conducted using the forward-backward method. The HPSCPL questionnaire was developed by researchers who are experts in sports physiotherapy, sports medicine and sports psychology through a series of meetings and email correspondence. The reliability of the developed tools was assessed by comparing data obtained from 102 athletes who applied them at intervals of 24 to 48 hours. Content validity was evaluated through focus group interviews, while convergent validity was assessed by comparing data obtained from the developed tools to data collected using the SF-36 questionnaire.
Results
The OSTRC-H2PL demonstrated high reliability (ICC: 0.92; SEM: 6 pt; SDC: 16 pt) as well as internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.92), and established content and convergent validity. The questions included in the HPSCPL questionnaire also showed satisfactory reliability, as indicated by positive, negative and overall agreement rates (≥ 71.6%), Cohen's kappa coefficient (≥ 0.62), and content validity was also confirmed.
Conclusion
In this study, two questionnaires (OSTRC-H2PL and HPSCPL) are provided with verified validity and reliability, which enable continuous monitoring of the health of Polish athletes and classifying symptoms of the health problems they experience.
Unveiling the Environmental Impact of Earthquakes in Europe
Authors: Caruso Martina , Silva Vitor , Aljawhari Karim , Nafeh Al Mouayed Bellah , Galasso Carmine 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Environmental impact assessments in the construction sector often overlook the significant effects of natural hazards, in particular earthquakes. These destructive events pose severe sustainability challenges as they frequently require large-scale repairs and replacement for damaged buildings, demanding the production and use of substantial quantities of building materials. Here, we unveil the environmental toll of earthquakes in Europe, presenting essential environmental data on the continent’s building stock. We further generate novel seismic risk maps that quantify the embodied carbon resulting from seismic-damage repair and reconstruction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, considering all plausible earthquake scenarios across the region. To this end, we first develop a comprehensive database of material quantities and embodied carbon factors for a broad range of construction materials and building components. This database serves as a crucial input for a continent-wide probabilistic seismic risk model, which estimates the potential environmental impacts of future earthquakes by analysing over 3 million realistic damage scenarios, each with its own probability of occurrence. Our findings reveal that Europe’s earthquake-exposed building stock embodies nearly 13.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), with seismic damage alone generating more than 6.4 million tons of CO2e annually; comparable to the emissions of 32,000 one-way flights from Paris to New York carrying 200 passengers. Our models not only establish critical benchmarks for the carbon footprint of the European construction sector, but also offer a versatile tool for assessing the impacts of other natural hazards, driving sustainable disaster risk mitigation and fostering more resilient, eco-friendly built environments.
Serum cardiac and inflammatory biomarker levels following chemotherapy among female breast cancer patients attending at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital: A Hospital-based retrospective study
Authors: Getie Muluabay , Seifu Daniel , Mulugeta Yonas , Tebeje Solomon , Amuamuta Asmare , Tafere Chernet , Asrade Biset 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Chemotherapy is a well-established therapeutic approach for several malignancies including breast cancer (BCa). However, the clinical efficacy of this drug is often limited by its related cardiotoxicity. The assessment of multiple cardiac biomarkers can help identify patients at increased risk and adverse outcomes from chemotherapy. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in cardiac and inflammatory biomarker levels following chemotherapy among female BCa patients attending at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH).
Methods
Hospital-based retrospective study included 40 female patients with BCa treated at TASH. Elecsys 2010 Troponin-T immunoassay analyzer to measure serum levels of cardiac troponin T(cTnT), creatinine kinase-myocardial band (CKMB), and C-reactive protein( CRP) were measured immunoturbidometrically and R and D systemic luminex performance assay used to measure serum Interleukin-6( IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF- α) were used in 40 paired BCa patient samples. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 package and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
In female patients with BCa receiving chemotherapy treatment, 20%, 20%, and 35% of the BCa patients had elevated cTnT, CK-MB, and CRP levels after the three cycles of chemotherapy treatment respectively, 15% of patients had a baseline elevated levels of CRP compared with their respective cutoff value. The mean serum cTnT, CKMB, CRP, and TNF-α levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with their respective baseline values. No significant difference was observed in the level of IL-6 between the baseline and during chemotherapy treatment.
Conclusion
The study showed significant increases in cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers with chemotherapy treatment for female BCa patients in the study area.
Some like it cold!: Heterogeneity in the temperature-economy relationships of Europe
Authors: Groom Ben , Roth Sefi , Linsenmeier Manuel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Econometric analysis of the global impact of temperature fluctuations on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) suggests that higher temperatures harm warm countries, benefit cooler ones and the existence of a global "optimal" temperature1–3. However, aggregate temperature-GDP relationships are averages across space and sectors of the economy that mask heterogeneity, misrepresent the costs or benefits of temperature change and provide misleading guidance for mitigation and adaptation policies. Focusing on Europe, we use administrative district level data on the growth rate of Gross-Value Added (GVA) and GDP to estimate the impact of temperature on economic growth at the national, district, and industry levels. Unlike previous global studies, in Europe we find negative effects of warmer-than-average years on GVA and GDP in relatively cold districts (annual mean temperature 0 to 14°C) and positive effects in warmer regions (above 14 °C) warmer-than-average years, yet the opposite in the extremes (< 0 °C and > 20°C). Across Europe this U-shaped temperature-GDP growth relationship implies a -0.14 (95% CI: ± 0.16) percentage point change in economic growth, rather than a benefit of +0.16 (± 0.14) in1. Using RCP4.5 (median CMIP6), average annual growth rates change by between -0.07 (± 0.18) and -1.23 (±0.38) percentage points by 2100, depending on empirical specifications. Disaggregating by sector and district, the marginal temperature effects are highly heterogeneous, even within countries. The results invert the narrative that positive temperature shocks benefit colder regions, point to regional vulnerabilities stemming from specialisation and suggest local temperature optima, not a global one.
JEL Classification: D31, D61, H43.
TREM2 Risk Variants with Alzheimer’s Disease Differ in Rate of Cognitive Decline
Authors: Dijkstra Janna , Vermunt Lisa , Venkatraghavan Vikram , Ozgehov Georgii , Coomans Emma M. , Ossenkoppele Rik , de Giessen Elsmarieke van , Hulsman Marc , de Geus Christa M. , Flier Wiesje M. van der , Sikkes Sietske A.M. , Barkhof Frederik , Tijms Betty , Gouw Alida A. , de Haan Willem , Vijverberg Everard G.B. , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , Holstege Henne , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Lee Sven J. van der 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Rare variants of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2) gene are major risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and drugs targeting the TREM2 protein are being developed. However, it is unknown whether carriers of a TREM2 risk variant have a clinically distinct AD phenotype. Here we studied a full range of clinical measures in a large cohort of TREM2 variant carriers (n = 123, 7.8%, i.e., R62H n = 66, R47H n = 26, T96K n = 16, other TREM2 variants n = 17) compared to confirmed non-carriers (n = 1,459) with biomarker confirmed symptomatic AD from Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. TREM2 variant carriers (mean age at diagnosis 64.4 years (SD ± 7.1), 54% female) did not show distinct clinical measures of AD at presentation compared to AD patients not carrying a TREM2 variant (mean age at diagnosis 64.4 ± 7.0, 52% female). Specifically, we observed no differences in MMSE, most neuropsychological domains (except visuospatial functioning), MRI scores, CSF biomarkers, and EEG. Also, in an exploratory analysis of neuroimaging measures, including structural MRI (41 ROIs) and Tau-PET scans of four carriers (R62H, R47H, G58A, D87N), TREM2 variant carriers showed similar atrophy patterns and similar abnormal tracer binding compared to non-carriers. Despite not being different at baseline, carriers did show faster cognitive decline in follow-up. Carriers declined 0.63 ± 0.25 points on the MMSE more per year compared to non-carriers, but there was no difference in the hazard rate of death after diagnosis. Finally, we explored whether specific TREM2 variants are associated with distinct clinical measures compared to the reference group, i.e. non-carriers, within the same cohort. Notably, both R47H and T96K carriers exhibited faster cognitive decline, and R47H carriers even showed an increased rate of death after diagnosis. In contrast to the shared cognitive decline, these variants showed different results for other measures at baseline. This study presents a detailed overview of the clinical measures in AD patients carrying a TREM2 risk variant, and it shows that carriers of TREM2 risk variants cannot be distinguished based on clinical presentation at baseline. However, carriers exhibit a faster global cognitive decline compared to non-carriers. Variant-specific analyses suggest that especially R47H and T96K carriers drive the association of TREM2 variants with faster cognitive decline.
Efficient production of salicylic acid through CmeR-PcmeO biosensor-assisted multiplexing pathway optimization in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Kai , Pan Xuewei , Yang Taowei , Rao Zhiming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated that the tolerance of strains to high-concentration products is a feasible strategy for enhancing breakthroughs in the biomanufacturing of various industrial chemicals. In this study, an engineered Escherichia coli strain W3110 with limited ability to produce salicylic acid (SA) was adaptively evolved to acquire high-tolerance of SA. To rapidly isolate SA high-tolerance variation cells, a high-throughput screening method of SA higher producer was established assisted by a a CmeR-PcmeO biosensor. Ultimately, we identified an adaptive evolved strain with salicylic acid (SA) tolerance increasing from 0.9 g/L to 2.1 g/L, and the SA yield was enhanced from 283 mg/L to 588.1 mg/L. Subsequently, the designed sensor in conjunction with a multi-pathway sgRNA array were employed to dynamically regulate the other three derivatives of branched-chain acids, thereby achieving a balance between biomass growth and the rapid production of salicylic acid (SA) in the adaptive evolved strain,, resulting in a maximum SA yield of 1477.8 mg/L, whereas the yield of SA was only 1138.2 mg/L in the control strain W3110K-2 modified with the same metabolic engineering strategy. Through comprehensive whole-genome analysis, we preliminarily validated that the adaptive mutation gene ducA* and Group C2 genes (ymdA*, ymdB*, clsC*, csgB*, csgA*, and csgC*) significantly enhanced the strain's tolerance to elevated salicylic acid concentrations, as well as its efficiency in salicylic acid production and rapid substrate utilization. Notably, the adaptively evolved strain W3110K-4 exhibited a remarkable resistance to phages, which shown an excellent candidate for the microbial fermentation of SA on an industrial scale.
Learning English without an Obvious Purpose? A Task-Based Needs Analysis of Korean Undergraduates in English for General Purposes (EGP) Courses
Authors: Ku Yunjung (Yunie) 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Despite the attention Task-Based Language Teaching has received in Asia, research on the communicative needs of students in English for general purposes courses remains scarce compared to English for specific purposes. In Korea, where English courses are obligatory for graduation, courses often lack clear relevance. The study tackles this gap by investigating the needs of Korean undergraduates in English for general purposes courses related to their career aspirations. Employing a mixed-method approach, data were collected from 145 survey responses and interviews with four professors. The findings underscore a strong demand for effective communication with foreigners from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly in English as a foreign language context. Furthermore, the study introduces the concept “Insurance Motivation,” where learners invest in English proficiency as a safeguard for their futures. This research contributes to an understudied area and offers valuable insights to bridge the gap between Task-Based Language Teaching theory and practical implementation.
Risk Factors and Perinatal Outcomes for Placenta Praevia at Delivery in nulliparas: a Retrospective Case-control Study
Authors: Wei Xuemin , Xiang Mi , Cheng Weiwei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Placenta previa leads to dangerous obstetrical outcomes, including obstetrical hemorrhage and preterm birth, and its rate is still increasing.The objective is to analyze the risk factors for placenta previa in nulliparas population, and to observe the perinatal outcomes of these patients.
Methods
This retrospective analysis was conducted at the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, China, from January 2018 to December 2022. The placenta previa group consisted of 464 nulliparas with placenta previa at delivery. For each placenta previa patients, 4 nulliparas without placenta previa who gave birth on the same day were randomly selected as the control group (n = 1856). Multivariable logistic regression were employed for adjusted analyses to identify risk factors for placenta previa. Stratified analysis by assisted reproductive techniques(ART) was used to exclude confounders. Furthermore, maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results
Among 68,310 deliveries included in the analysis, 464 (0.68%) nulliparas with singleton pregnancy of these women had placenta previa at delivery. Histories of endometriosis [Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 5.50], ART [aOR 2.70], and advanced maternal age [aOR 1.81] emerged as significant risk factors for placenta previa. Stratified analysis showed endometriosis linked to placenta previa both in ART [aOR 2.25] and natural conceptions [aOR 7.69], significantly raising spontaneous pregnancy risk. Notably, the placenta previa group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
In nulliparas, endometriosis, ART, and advanced maternal age emerge as independent risk factors for placenta previa at delivery, leading to adverse perinatal outcomes. In addition, endometriosis history was significantly associated with placenta previa in ART and natural conceptions, increasing risk for spontaneous pregnancies.