bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF SAMPLING POINT DISTANCE ON IKPOBA RIVER WATER QUALITY USING LEAST SQUARE REGRESSION MODEL
Authors: Okonofua Ehizonomhen Solomon , Nwadialo Ifeanyi Benjamin , Lasisi Kayode Hassan 
Published: July 2024

In this study, the sampling point distance as it affects Ikpoba River water quality was examined in order to ascertain the quality of the river before and after waste discharge. Water samples were taken from eight (8) different locations (at distance 750 m, at 150 m interval); covering the locations of wastewater release, upstream and downstream points. Samples were taken from the river for analysis twice every month in March, May and July, 2014. Samples were analyzed for pH, Electrical conductivity, Ca, colour, turbidity etc; using WHO standard methods for water quality tests. Results obtained showed that the Water Quality Index of the river water was poor at discharge point but improved as the sampling distance increased. The month of March had the worst Water Quality Index value ofÂ Â -5429792.89 at STN1, distance 0 m while the best WQI was in May (-457153.58) STN8 at 750 m. The model equations explaining the correlation between the computed WQI and sampling station distance are: Y = -4.112E6 + 1836.272X (March), Y = -1.848E6 + 2184.649X (May) and Y =-2.185E6 + 678.695X (July) respectively. One-way analysis of variance result (ANOVA) at 95% confidence interval revealed that there is a strong relationship between sampling distance and WQI for months of May and July except March. The study revealed that there is a correlation between sampling distance and water quality and hence recommends adequate effluent treatment before disposal. Also, waste disposal into the stream should be done at considerable distance from downstream users.
Mechanical Structure Design of Pressure Sensors With Temperature Self-Compensation for Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Zhou Lianqiao , Li Qinlan , Xu Xinkai , Wei Shuang , Wang Shugang , Cui Jingqiang , Wang Guosheng , Liu Chong , Su Yewang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Invasive blood pressure (IBP) is a fundamental part of basic cardiovascular monitoring. Conventional piezoresistive pressure sensors are limited in usage due to the high cost associated with equipment and intricate fabrication processes. Meanwhile, low-cost strain gauge pressure sensors have poor performance in the gauge factor (GF) and temperature insensitivity. Here, we report a mechanical structure design for diaphragm pressure sensors (DPSs) by introducing a compensation grid to overcome the aforementioned challenges. A simplified model is established to analyze the mechanical deformation and obtain the optimal design parameters of the diaphragm pressure sensor (DPS). By rationally arranging the placement of sensitive grids to eliminate the discrepancy of relative resistance changes within four arms of the Wheatstone full-bridge circuit, the appropriate GF and high-temperature insensitivity are simultaneously achieved. The blood pressure sensor with the DPS is then fabricated and characterized experimentally, which demonstrates an appropriate GF (ΔU/U0)/P=3.56×10−5kPa−1 and low-temperature coefficient of voltage (ΔU/U0)/ΔT=3.4×10−7∘C−1. The developed mechanical structure design offers valuable insights for other resistive pressure sensors to improve the GF and temperature insensitivity.
An Intelligent Parameter Identification Algorithm of Linear Fuzzy Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Dong Jun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The traditional linear generation fuzzy fractional differential equation parameter identification algorithm lacks the update of the parameter identification process, has a large amount of calculation, slow convergence speed of parameter identification, and strong dependence on initial values. In this paper, a new intelligent recognition algorithm for linearly generated fuzzy fractional differential equations is proposed. The parameters of the equation are re-expressed by the constant level set. The piecewise constant level set algorithm based on equation parameter intelligent identification is used to solve the steady-state solution of fractional differential equation, and the nonconvergence problem caused by too much calculation is solved. A new algorithm scheme for linearly generating fuzzy fractional differential equations is established, the constraints of the level set of the differential equations are calculated, and the updated algorithm for parameter identification of the equation is obtained. The evolutionary algorithm is used to solve the updating algorithm to realize the intelligent identification algorithm of linear fractional fuzzy differential equations. Experimental results showed that the algorithm had the advantages of fast convergence speed, high calculation accuracy, and low initial value.
Comparison of an Adaptive Ankle Brace to Conventional Taping for Rehabilitation of Acute Ankle Injury in Young Subelite Soccer Players: A Pilot Study
Authors: Krombholz Dirk , Willwacher Steffen , Consmüller Tobias , Linden Anna , Utku Burkay , Zendler Jessica 
Published: July 2024

Context: Ankle sprains are a common injury in sports, for which use of external ankle support during rehabilitation has been suggested to improve clinical outcomes. Design: Cohort study. Methods: Thirteen soccer players experiencing acute lateral ankle sprain injury were provided a novel adaptive ankle brace or conventional ankle taping (control) as external ankle support throughout the injury rehabilitation process. All other clinical procedures were identical, and rehabilitation was supervised by the same team staff member. Time from injury to clearance to return to sport was tracked. Player experience with the ankle brace also was queried via electronic surveys. Results: The median time to return to sport was less for the Brace group (52.5 d) compared to the Control group (79.5 d), but the distributions of the 2 groups were not found to differ significantly (P = .109). Player surveys indicated they felt the brace to be comfortable or very comfortable, with better freedom of movement than other braces and the same freedom of movement as wearing no brace. All players reported wearing the brace to be the same or better experience as ankle taping. Discussion: These preliminary results indicate that the adaptive ankle brace is at least as effective as ankle taping for providing external support during the rehabilitation phase following acute lateral ankle sprain and suggest it may be a more effective ankle support solution in terms of patient compliance than conventional bracing or taping.
Intraindividual Correlation and Comparison of Maximal Aerobic Capacity and Maximum Power in Hand-Crank and Bicycle Spiroergometry
Authors: Schnadthorst Philipp Georg , Hoffmeister Meike , Grunwald Martina , Wagner Carl-Maximilian , Schulze Christoph 
Published: July 2024

Background: Spiroergometry is important for modern performance diagnostics, and reference values have been evaluated for bicycle and treadmill ergometers. The aim of this study is to assess the comparability of bicycle and hand-crank spiroergometry and its associated parameters, as hand-crank spiroergometry can be used during rehabilitation in patients with definitive or temporally impairment of the lower extremity. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers completed 2 exhausting performance diagnostics on hand-crank and bicycle spiroergometry. Participants’ anthropometric characteristics, maximum power, multiple exertion criteria, maximum aerobic capacity, and maximum heart rate were detected, and ventilatory and metabolic thresholds were determined. Results: The maximum power, maximum heart rate, maximum aerobic capacity, and ventilatory thresholds were significant higher on the bicycle ergometer (P < .001). The metabolic thresholds occurred on higher lactate values on the hand-crank ergometer. Equations for calculating maximum aerobic capacity from the maximum power measured in either hand-crank or bicycle ergometer could be found through regression analysis. Conclusions: Although there are problems in interpreting results of different ergometries due to severe physiology differences, the equations can be used for patients who are temporally unable to complete the established ergometry due to a deficit in the lower extremity. This could improve training recommendations for patients and para-athletes in particular.
Fibrobacter
sp. HC4, a newly isolated strain, demonstrates a high cellulolytic activity as revealed by enzymatic measurements and
in vitro
assay
Authors: Froidurot Alicia , Jacotot Emmanuel , Julliand Samy , Grimm Pauline , Julliand Véronique 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Despite their low quantity and abundance, the cellulolytic bacteria that inhabit the equine large intestine are vital to their host, as they enable the crucial use of forage-based diets.
Fibrobacter succinogenes
is one of the most important intestinal cellulolytic bacteria. In this study,
Fibrobacter
sp. HC4, one cellulolytic strain newly isolated from the horse cecum, was characterized for its ability to utilize plant cell wall fibers.
Fibrobacter
sp. HC4 consumed only cellulose, cellobiose, and glucose and produced succinate and acetate in equal amounts. Among genes coding for CAZymes, 26% of the detected glycoside hydrolases (GHs) were involved in cellulolysis. These cellulases belong to the GH5, GH8, GH9, GH44, GH45, and GH51 families. Both carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase activities of
Fibrobacter
sp. HC4 were detected using the Congo red method and were higher than those of
F. succinogenes
S85, the type strain. The
in vitro
addition of
Fibrobacter
sp. HC4 to a fecal microbial ecosystem of horses with large intestinal acidosis significantly enhanced fibrolytic activity as measured by the increase in gas and volatile fatty acids production during the first 48 h. According to this, the pH decreased and the disappearance of dry matter increased at a faster rate with
Fibrobacter
sp. HC4. Our data suggest a high specialization of the new strain in cellulose degradation. Such a strain could be of interest for future exploitation of its probiotic potential, which needs to be further determined by
in vivo
studies.

IMPORTANCE

Cellulose is the most abundant of plant cell wall fiber and can only be degraded by the large intestine microbiota, resulting in the production of volatile fatty acids that are essential for the host nutrition and health. Consequently, cellulolytic bacteria are of major importance to herbivores. However, these bacteria are challenged by various factors, such as high starch diets, which acidify the ecosystem and reduce their numbers and activity. This can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiota and digestive problems such as colic, a major cause of mortality in horses. In this work, we characterized a newly isolated cellulolytic strain,
Fibrobacter
sp. HC4, from the equine intestinal microbiota. Due to its high cellulolytic capacity, reintroduction of this strain into an equine fecal ecosystem stimulates hay fermentation
in vitro
. Isolating and describing cellulolytic bacteria is a prerequisite for using them as probiotics to restore intestinal balance.
AI Methods in Control of Personalized General Education
Authors: Semenov A. L. , Abylkassymova A. E. , Rudchenko T. A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The paper proposes a new approach to control the process of general education. Digital tools are used to form spaces of goals, tasks and learning activities, and to record the educational process of each student. Artificial intelligence tools are used when choosing a student’s personal goals and ways to achieve them, to make forecasts and recommendations to participants in the educational process. Big data from the entire education system and big linguistic models are used. The effects of the approach include ensuring the success of each student, objective assessment of the work of teachers and schools, and the adequacy of the succession process to higher education.
On the universality of integrable deformations of solutions of degenerate Riemann–Hilbert–Birkhoff problems
Authors: Cotti Giordano 
Published: July 2024

This paper addresses the classification problem of integrable deformations of solutions of “degenerate” Riemann–Hilbert–Birkhoff (RHB) problems. These consist of those RHB problems whose initial datum has diagonal pole part with coalescing eigenvalues. On the one hand, according to theorems of [Formula: see text]Malgrange, Jimbo, Miwa, and Ueno, in the non-degenerate case, there exists a universal integrable deformation inducing (via a unique map) all other deformations [M. Jimbo, T. Miwa and K. Ueno, Monodromy preserving deformations of linear ordinary differential equations with rational coefficients I, Physica D 2 (1981) 306–352; B. Malgrange, Déformations de systèmes différentiels et microdifférentiels, in Séminaire E.N.S. Mathématique et Physique, eds. L. Boutet de Monvel, A. Douady and J.-L. Verdier, Progress in Mathematics, Vol. 37 (Birkhäuser, Basel, 1983), pp. 351–379; B.[Formula: see text]Malgrange, Sur les déformations isomonodromiques, II, in Séminaire E.N.S. Mathématique et Physique, eds. L. Boutet de Monvel, A. Douady and J.-L. Verdier, Progress in Mathematics, Vol. 37 (Birkhäuser, Basel, 1983), pp. 427–438; B. Malgrange, Deformations of differential systems, II, J. Ramanujan Math. Soc. 1 (1986) 3–15]. On the other hand, in the degenerate case, Sabbah proved, under sharp conditions, the existence of an integrable deformation of solutions, sharing many properties of the one constructed by Malgrange–Jimbo–Miwa–Ueno [C.[Formula: see text]Sabbah, Integrable deformations and degenerations of some irregular singularities, Publ. RIMS Kyoto Univ. 57(3–4) (2021) 755–794; arXiv:1711.08514v3 ]. Albeit the integrable deformation constructed by Sabbah is not, stricto sensu, universal, we prove that it satisfies a relative universal property. We show the existence and uniqueness of a maximal class of integrable deformations all induced (via a unique map) by Sabbah’s integrable deformation. Furthermore, we show that such a class is large enough to include all generic integrable deformations whose pole and deformation parts are locally holomorphically diagonalizable. In itinere, we also obtain a characterization of holomorphic matrix-valued maps which are locally holomorphically Jordanizable. This extends, to the case of several complex variables, already known results independently obtained by Thijsse and Wasow [Ph. G. A.[Formula: see text]Thijsse, Global holomorphic similarity to a Jordan form, Results Math. 8 (1985) 78–87; W.[Formula: see text]Wasow, Linear Turning Point Theory (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1985)].
Single-Cell Profiling of Sarcomas from Archival Tissue Reveals Programs Associated with Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Luthria Karan , Shah Parin , Caldwell Blake , Melms Johannes C. , Abuzaid Sinan , Jakubikova Viktoria , Brodtman D. Zack , Bose Sminu , Amin Amit Dipak , Ho Patricia , Biermann Jana , Tagore Somnath , Ingham Matthew , Schwartz Gary K. , Izar Benjamin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Sarcoma encompasses a diverse group of cancers that are typically resistant to current therapies, including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The contexture of sarcomas limits generation of high-quality data using cutting-edge molecular profiling methods, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing, thus hampering progress in understanding these understudied cancers.

Experimental Design:
Here, we demonstrate feasibility of producing multimodal single-cell genomics and whole-genome sequencing data from frozen tissues, profiling 75,716 cell transcriptomes of five undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and three intimal sarcoma samples, including paired specimens from two patients treated with ICB.

Results:
We find that genomic diversity decreases in patients with response to ICB, and, in unbiased analyses, identify cancer cell programs associated with therapy resistance. Although interactions of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes within the tumor ecosystem increase in ICB responders, clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells alone was insufficient to predict drug responses.

Conclusions:
This study provides a framework for studying rare tumors and identifies salient and treatment-associated cancer cell intrinsic and tumor microenvironmental features in sarcomas.
Outcomes of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy by New York Heart Association Class: A Patient‐Level Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Shivakumar Nishkala , Friedman Daniel J. , Fudim Marat , Abraham William T. , Cleland John G. F. , Curtis Anne B. , Gold Michael R. , Kutyifa Valentina , Linde Cecilia , Young James , Tang Anthony , Olivas‐Martinez Antonio , Inoue Lurdes Y.T. , Sanders Gillian D. , Al‐Khatib Sana M. 
Published: July 2024

Background
Data on the benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with severe heart failure symptoms are limited. We investigated the relative effects of CRT in patients with ambulatory New York Heart Association (NYHA) IV versus III functional class at the time of device implantation.

Methods and Results

In this meta‐analysis, we pooled patient‐level data from the MIRACLE (Multicenter InSync Randomized Clinical Evaluation), MIRACLE‐ICD (Multicenter InSync Implantable Cardioversion Defibrillation Randomized Clinical Evaluation), and COMPANION (Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure) trials. Outcomes evaluated were time to the composite end point of the first heart failure hospitalization or all‐cause mortality, and time to all‐cause mortality alone. The association between CRT and outcomes was evaluated using a Bayesian hierarchical Weibull survival regression model. We assessed if this association differed between NYHA III and IV groups by adding an interaction term between CRT and NYHA class as a random effect. A sensitivity analysis was performed by including data from RAFT (Resynchronization‐Defibrillation for Ambulatory Heart Failure). Our pooled analysis included 2309 patients. Overall, CRT was associated with a longer time to heart failure hospitalization or all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.79 [95% credible interval [CI], 0.64–0.99]; posterior probability or
P
=0.044), with a similar association with time to all‐cause mortality (aHR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.59–1.03];
P
=0.083). Associations of CRT with outcomes were not significantly different for those in NYHA III and IV classes (ratio of aHR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.30–1.27];
P
=0.23 for heart failure hospitalization/mortality; ratio of aHR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.35–1.34];
P
=0.27 for all‐cause mortality alone). The sensitivity analysis, including RAFT data, did not show a significant relative CRT benefit between NYHA III and IV classes.

Conclusions
Overall, there was no significant difference in the association of CRT with either outcome for patients in NYHA functional class III compared with functional class IV.
Validation of the NULL‐EASE Score for Predicting Survival in a Multiethnic Asian Cohort of Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Lim Shir Lynn , Chan Siew Pang , Shahidah Nur , Woo Kai Lee , Lam Sean Shao Wei , Leong Benjamin Sieu‐Hon , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Chia Michael Y. C. , Ng Yih Yng , Gan Han Nee , Tiah Ling , Ng Wei Ming , Tay Wei Ling , Cheah Si Oon , Mao Desmond R. , Edwin Nausheen , Low Shun Yee 
Published: July 2024

Background
NULL‐PLEASE is a simple and accurate clinical scoring system developed in a Western cohort of patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The need for blood test results limits its use in early stages of care. We adapted and validated the NULL‐EASE score (without laboratory tests) in an independent, multiethnic Asian cohort of patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods and Results

Using the Singapore OHCA registry, we included consecutive adult patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest who survived to hospital admission between April 2010 to December 2020. In‐hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Logistic regression analyses were performed with STATA MP v18. Of 3274 patients (median age 64, interquartile range 54–75; 67.9% male) included in the study, 2476 (75.6%) had in‐hospital mortality. NULL‐EASE score was significantly lower in survivors compared with nonsurvivors (median [inter quartile range] 3 [1–4] versus 6 [4–7];
P
<0.001) and strongly predictive of mortality (area under receiver operating characteristic, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.79–0.83]). Patients with a score of ≥3 had higher odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 8.11 [95% CI, 6.57–10.00]) when compared with those with lower scores, after adjusting for sex, residential arrest, diabetes, respiratory disease, and stroke. A cutoff value of ≥3 predicted mortality with 92.2% sensitivity, 84.1% positive predictive value, 46.1% specificity, and 65.5% negative predictive value. NULL‐EASE score performed better in younger compared with older patients (area under receiver operating characteristic, 0.82 versus 0.77,
P
=0.008).

Conclusions
The NULL‐EASE score has good discriminative performance (sensitivity and accuracy) in our multiethnic Asian cohort, but the cutoff of ≥3 falls short of the desired level of specificity for therapeutic decision‐making.
Effect of a Cardiovascular Polypill on Poststroke Cognition Among Ghanaians: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sarfo Fred Stephen , Adu‐Gyamfi Rexford , Opare‐Addo Priscilla Abrafi , Agyei Benedict , Ampofo Michael , Nguah Samuel Blay , Ovbiagele Bruce 
Published: July 2024

Background
Poststroke cognitive impairment is prevalent worldwide, with no satisfactory preventative therapeutic strategies. We report on the effect of a cardiovascular polypill on cognitive performance among recent stroke survivors.

Methods and Results

The SMAART (Stroke Minimization through Additive Anti‐atherosclerotic Agents in Routine Treatment) trial was a phase II randomized trial primarily assessing the polypill versus usual care for secondary prevention after a recent ischemic stroke. Participants allocated to the experimental arm were provided 2 Polycaps taken orally once a day for 12 months. A capsule of Polycap contained aspirin 100 mg, simvastatin 20 mg, hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg, ramipril 5 mg, and atenolol 50 mg. Participants in the usual care arm received standard secondary prevention therapy. We compared slopes of the trajectory of raw scores in the executive, language, memory, and visuospatial cognitive domains and aggregated cognitive scores over 12 months via a linear mixed‐effects model. We enrolled 148 eligible participants (n=74 in each arm) and 59 versus 64 participants in the polypill and usual care arms, respectively, at month 12. Compared with the usual care arm, the slopes of cognitive performance over 12 months in the polypill arm were steeper by 2.02 units (95% CI, 0.52–3.53),
P
=0.009 in executive domain, 1.88 units (95% CI, 0.42–3.34),
P
=0.012 in language domain, 2.60 (0.03–5.17),
P
=0.049 in memory domain, 0.55 (−0.80 to 1.91),
P
=0.42 in the visuospatial domain, and global cognitive performance 6.87 units (95% CI, 1.44–12.30),
P
=0.013.

Conclusions
The cardiovascular polypill is associated with a signal of better cognitive performance over 12 months among stroke survivors. Further definitive trials are warranted.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT03329599.