bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
InspireGBs – Inspiratory muscle training in people with Guillain‐Barré syndrome: A feasibility study
Authors: Almeida Miguel P. , Winck João Carlos , Marques Alda 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundGuillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune‐mediated peripheral nerve disease often preceded by infections. Respiratory muscle weakness is a common complication in this population, leading to decreased vital capacity, weakened coughing ability, atelectasis, and pulmonary infections. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been widely used to enhance inspiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in various diseases; however, its application in GBS is unknown.ObjectiveTo assess the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of an IMT protocol—InspireGBs—in people with GBS.MethodsA pre/post feasibility study was conducted. Feasibility was determined by participant recruitment/retention, adherence, time spent in each session, and adverse events. Secondary outcome was inspiratory muscle strength. InspireGBs consisted of twice daily sessions 5 times/week, three sets of 10 breaths in each session, for 6 weeks. Initial resistance was set at 50% of participant's baseline maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and with a weekly increase of 10% calculated from the previous week's training intensity, if tolerated, otherwise the increase was 5%.ResultsEleven patients (63% male; 63 ± 9 years) were recruited from inpatient rehabilitation and 10 completed the study. Recruitment and retention rates were high (79% and 91%, respectively). Excellent adherence rate (96%) was obtained with no reported adverse effects or safety issues. Sessions lasted from 4 to 6 minutes. The MIP improved (pretraining: 39 [26.5–50] cm H2O vs. posttraining: 61 [56.3–64.5] cm H2O, p = .005 and pretraining: 38 [30.5–53.8] % of predicted vs. posttraining: 60 [54.28–71.58] % of predicted, p = .009) with the InspireGBs.ConclusionInspireGBs is safe, feasible, and may be effective in improving inspiratory muscle strength in individuals with GBS. A randomized controlled trial is now needed to strengthen these findings.
Prescribed‐time consensus for multi‐agent systems using finite switching time‐varying gain
Authors: Li Yinsheng , Wang Bing , Chen Yuquan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the prescribed‐time consensus problem of multi‐agent systems with finite control gain is investigated. A novel control Lyapunov function (CLF) framework for prescribed‐time stability is developed by using the time space deformation approach. For both leaderless and leader‐following prescribed‐time consensus, new switching time‐varying gain‐based protocols are proposed, in which, the infinite time‐varying control gain is turned off before the prescribed time and the global boundedness of control gain is thus guaranteed. It is mathematically proved that the agents equipped with the proposed protocols can achieve less conservative prescribed‐time consensus in both leaderless cases and leader‐following cases, on the basis of the developed CLF framework. The superiority of the proposed prescribed‐time protocols in terms of consensus accuracy, control energy consumption, and control peak value is demonstrated through comparison simulations using illustrative examples.
Research on the mechanical performance of circular concrete‐filled steel tube columns under bending‐torsional coupling
Authors: Ding Fa‐xing , Huang Xin‐yu , Gong Chen‐jie , Pi Zheng‐bo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUnder the influence of wind and horizontal seismic forces, structures such as piers in curved beam bridges, main arches of steel tube concrete arch bridges, and frame columns may experience combined bending‐torsion stress states, affecting the safe usage of the structure. To investigate the mechanical performance of circular concrete‐filled steel tube(CFST) columns under bending‐torsional coupling, a three‐dimensional solid‐shell finite element model of circular concrete‐filled steel tube columns under various bending and torsion ratios (k) was established using ABAQUS software, and validated with existing experiments on such columns under bending‐torsional loading. Parametric analysis was conducted to explore the trends of interface slip and the restraining effect in circular concrete‐filled steel tube columns under different bending and torsion ratios, analyzing the impact of parameters such as the yield strength of steel, concrete strength, steel content in the cross‐section, and shear–span ratio on the combined bearing capacity. The results of the parametric analysis show that: (1) with the increase of k, the relative slip at the interface between the core concrete and the outer steel tube first increases and then decreases, with interface slip leading to a reduction in the load‐bearing capacity; (2) the relative slip at the interface between the core concrete and the outer steel tube first increases and then decreases, with interface slip leading to a reduction in the load‐bearing capacity; (3) with the increase of k, the circumferential and axial stresses in the steel tube surface of the circular concrete‐filled steel tube columns increase, while the shear stress decreases, leading to a transition in the failure mode of the columns from combined bending‐torsional failure to bending‐shear failure. Based on these findings, a practical calculation formula for the bending‐torsional combined bearing capacity of circular concrete‐filled steel tube columns is proposed, offering high calculation accuracy and serving as a reference for the design of such components.
Ductility‐oriented design of UHPC T‐beams: Mechanical model and design recommendations
Authors: Alsomiri Mujahed , Liu Zhao , Wang Tao , Meng Jie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUltrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) has recently become a major focus garnering substantial attention due to its remarkable mechanical properties. UHPC has been increasingly employed across diverse projects in the construction industry. However, the structural ductility of UHPC members has yet to be fully established and is often compromised by the manifestation of the crack localization phenomenon. This paper presents the flexural test results of five T‐beams and introduces a model for predicting the flexural capacity and failure modes of UHPC T‐beams. The model employs the curvature ductility index as a measurement for evaluating and ensuring the member's ductility. The results show that the flexural behavior of UHPC T‐beams can be characterized by four key points representing cracking, reinforcement yielding, crack localization, and post‐localization capacity. The validity of the model is substantiated by experimental data from this study and complemented by test data collected from the literature. The proposed model is then employed to derive ductility‐oriented design limits, including minimum and maximum reinforcement ratios and minimum localization strain capacity. Finally, the paper summarizes the design recommendations and provides a classification of section conditions, reinforcement limits, localization strain limits, adequate ductility range, and the feasible ductile design range.
ABCD Team at SOMD 2024: Software Mention Detection in Scholarly Publications with Large Language Models
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Phi , Tran Minh Quang , Dang Van Thin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper outlines the ABCD team’s approach to employing LLMs for three subtasks at SOMD 2024, specifically focusing on Software Mention Detection in Scholarly Publications. The task revolves around scientific articles and information, comprising three subtasks: (1) extracting software entities from a given sentence, (2) extracting relevant entities related to software entities from the task I, and (3) determining the relationship between entities extracted from the previous two tasks. Our objective is to gain valuable insights into fine-tuning LLMs using LoRA. The experimental results showcase that our approach has demonstrated competitive performance across all three tasks, securing Top 1, Top 2, and Top 2 rankings for Subtask I, Subtask II, and Subtask III, respectively. We release our source code in this Github repository(https://github.com/Xphi310302/ABCD-team-NLSP.git).
The extracellular heparan sulfatase SULF2 limits myeloid IFNβ signaling and Th17 responses in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Swart Maarten , Redpath Andia N. , Ogbechi Joy , Cardenas Ryan , Topping Louise , Compeer Ewoud B. , Goddard Michael , Chanalaris Anastasios , Williams Richard , Brewer Daniel S. , Smart Nicola , Monaco Claudia , Troeberg Linda 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHeparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans are important regulators of cellular responses to soluble mediators such as chemokines, cytokines and growth factors. We profiled changes in expression of genes encoding HS core proteins, biosynthesis enzymes and modifiers during macrophage polarisation, and found that the most highly regulated gene was Sulf2, an extracellular HS 6-O-sulfatase that was markedly downregulated in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli. We then generated Sulf2+/− bone marrow chimeric mice and examined inflammatory responses in antigen-induced arthritis, as a model of rheumatoid arthritis. Resolution of inflammation was impaired in myeloid Sulf2+/− chimeras, with elevated joint swelling and increased abundance of pro-arthritic Th17 cells in synovial tissue. Transcriptomic and in vitro analyses indicated that Sulf2 deficiency increased type I interferon signaling in bone marrow-derived macrophages, leading to elevated expression of the Th17-inducing cytokine IL6. This establishes that dynamic remodeling of HS by Sulf2 limits type I interferon signaling in macrophages, and so protects against Th17-driven pathology.
Heat Properties for Groups
Authors: Bédos Erik , Conti Roberto 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe revisit Fourier’s approach to solve the heat equation on the circle in the context of (twisted) reduced group C*-algebras, convergence of Fourier series and semigroups associated to negative definite functions. We introduce some heat properties for countably infinite groups and investigate when they are satisfied. Kazhdan’s property (T) is an obstruction to the weakest property, and our findings leave open the possibility that this might be the only one. On the other hand, many groups with the Haagerup property satisfy the strongest version. We show that this heat property implies that the associated heat problem has a unique solution regardless of the choice of the initial datum.
A novel methodology for the selection of the optimal velocity profile for planned point-to-point trajectories in 1-DoF manipulators
Authors: Olier Camilo Andrés Gonzalez , Ramírez Heriberto Enrique Maury , Higuera Leidy Milena Mora 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this work, an approach based on velocity profile selection is developed and validated to decrease forces, acceleration, velocity, mechanical power, and energy consumption in 1 DOF Cartesian manipulators. Initially, a mathematical modeling of the kinematic and kinetic variables rising in linear, exponential, parabolic, sinusoidal, and s-curve ramp velocity profiles is proposed for different load conditions and saturation values of the velocity profiles, focusing on generic Cartesian manipulators moving a constant inertia load and not equipped with regenerative devices. Lastly, a summary table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each velocity profile in relation to the relevant variables is given to the reader, along with a set of recommendations for selecting the best velocity profile in accordance with the load conditions and optimization goals. It was shown that, depending on the load conditions, the inappropriate choice of one type of speed profile can increase the required forces by up to 400%, the required maximum power by more than 88%, and the energy consumption by up to 77% with respect to the optimal speed profile.
Technical note: durable resolution of hydrocephalus after ultrasound-guided percutaneous fenestration of giant suprasellar arachnoid cyst in a neonate
Authors: Stuart Michael J. , Yoon Joseph , McEniery Jane , Jardim Amelia J. , Vonhoff Craig 
Published: August 2024

AbstractArachnoid cysts are relatively common, but rarely require intervention. While most arachnoid cysts in typical middle or posterior cranial fossa locations are seldom symptomatic, suprasellar cysts may become symptomatic due to the potential for ventricular outflow obstruction and hydrocephalus. Typical standard of care for the treatment of these lesions is endoscopic fenestration with third ventriculostomy, or the placement of ventriculoperitoneal or cystoperitoneal shunts. The surgical and anaesthetic risks of traditional interventions may be higher in the early neonatal period, including leak of cerebrospinal fluid, infection, and premature failure of ventriculostomy or shunts. This note describes a novel bedside ultrasound-guided technique to percutaneously fenestrate large suprasellar arachnoid cysts under local anaesthesia. The technique involves insertion of a 25-g spinal needle until contact with the membrane of the arachnoid cyst medially, followed by a lateral sweeping to widely incise/fenestrate the lesion into the ventricular space under continuous ultrasound visualisation. This note describes an example case which demonstrates durable radiological and clinical improvement after 2 years of follow-up. This may represent a management option to temporise, or perhaps definitively manage suprasellar arachnoid cysts in the neonatal period.
Current insights and assumptions on α-synuclein in Lewy body disease
Authors: Leak Rehana K. , Clark Rachel N. , Abbas Muslim , Xu Fei , Brodsky Jeffrey L. , Chen Jun , Hu Xiaoming , Luk Kelvin C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLewy body disorders are heterogeneous neurological conditions defined by intracellular inclusions composed of misshapen α-synuclein protein aggregates. Although α-synuclein aggregates are only one component of inclusions and not strictly coupled to neurodegeneration, evidence suggests they seed the propagation of Lewy pathology within and across cells. Genetic mutations, genomic multiplications, and sequence polymorphisms of the gene encoding α-synuclein are also causally linked to Lewy body disease. In nonfamilial cases of Lewy body disease, the disease trigger remains unidentified but may range from industrial/agricultural toxicants and natural sources of poisons to microbial pathogens. Perhaps due to these peripheral exposures, Lewy inclusions appear at early disease stages in brain regions connected with cranial nerves I and X, which interface with inhaled and ingested environmental elements in the nasal or gastrointestinal cavities. Irrespective of its identity, a stealthy disease trigger most likely shifts soluble α-synuclein (directly or indirectly) into insoluble, cross-β-sheet aggregates. Indeed, β-sheet-rich self-replicating α-synuclein multimers reside in patient plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and other tissues, and can be subjected to α-synuclein seed amplification assays. Thus, clinicians should be able to capitalize on α-synuclein seed amplification assays to stratify patients into potential responders versus non-responders in future clinical trials of α-synuclein targeted therapies. Here, we briefly review the current understanding of α-synuclein in Lewy body disease and speculate on pathophysiological processes underlying the potential transmission of α-synucleinopathy across the neuraxis.
Comparison of barrier update strategies for interior point algorithms in single-crystal plasticity
Authors: Scheunemann Lisa , Steinmetz Felix , Nigro Paulo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis contribution discusses the influence of different barrier update strategies on the performance and robustness of an interior point algorithm for single-crystal plasticity at small strains. To this end, single-crystal plasticity is first briefly presented in the framework of a primal-dual interior point algorithm to outline the general algorithmic structure. The manner in which the barrier parameter is modified within the interior point method, steering the penalization of constraints, plays a crucial role for the robustness and efficiency of the overall algorithm. In this paper, we compare and analyze different strategies in the framework of crystal plasticity. In a thorough analysis of a numerical example covering a broad range of settings in monocrystals, we investigate robust hyperparameter ranges and identify the most efficient and robust barrier parameter update strategies.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle in South Africa
Authors: Tagwireyi Whatmore Munetsi , Thompson Peter N. , Garcia Gema Alvarez , Morar-Leather Darshana , Neves Luis 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBovine neosporosis is a widespread parasitic disease associated with significant economic losses. Its effects on the reproductive performance of cows have resulted in losses that run into the hundreds of millions of US dollars in dairy industries in various countries (Reichel et al., Int J Parasitol 43:133–142, 2013). Due to outdated and scant information on the occurrence of Neospora caninum infection in South Africa, the study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with infection in dairy cattle in South Africa. A total of 1401 blood samples were randomly collected from cattle on 48 dairy farms in seven of the nine provinces in South Africa. A close-ended questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study to obtain farm-level and animal-level data. Serological testing was done using a commercial IDvet Screen® Neospora caninum Indirect ELISA. An overall seroprevalence, adjusted for test sensitivity and specificity, of 2.3% (95% CI, 1.3–4.1) was detected and 48% (23/48) of sampled farms had at least one animal testing positive. The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum was in the KwaZulu-Natal province with 7.5% (95% CI, 3.8–14.3), and the lowest in Western Cape with 0.1% (95% CI, 0–1.2). The highest within-farm seroprevalence of 25% was detected on a farm in the North West Province. In a multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of N. caninum seropositivity were higher in Holstein–Friesian cattle when compared to other breeds. Good hygiene was identified as a protective factor. Cattle left out on pasture had increased odds of testing positive for N. caninum compared to those that were penned. The odds of testing seropositive for N. caninum was higher on farms that practised segregation of cattle into different age groups. The purchase of replacement animals was a significant risk factor, as open herds had increased odds of N. caninum seropositivity. Cattle on farms that did not have a specific calving location were more likely to be seropositive. This is the first such study in South Africa and shows that N. caninum is widely distributed in the country at a low seroprevalence, but it may be a cause of concern on certain farms.
Centrifugation is an effective and inexpensive way to determine Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis quantity in water samples with low turbidity
Authors: McMahon Taegan A. , Katz Tatum S. , Barnett Kate M. , Hilgendorff Bridget A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a pathogenic chytrid fungus that is particularly lethal for amphibians. Bd can extirpate amphibian populations within a few weeks and remain in water in the absence of amphibian hosts. Most efforts to determine Bd presence and quantity in the field have focused on sampling hosts, but these data do not give us a direct reflection of the amount of Bd in the water, which are useful for parameterizing disease models, and are not effective when hosts are absent or difficult to sample. Current methods for screening Bd presence and quantity in water are time, resource, and money intensive. Here, we developed a streamlined method for detecting Bd in water with low turbidity (e.g., water samples from laboratory experiments and relatively clear pond water from a natural lentic system). We centrifuged water samples with known amounts of Bd to form a pellet and extracted the DNA from that pellet. This method was highly effective and the resulting concentrations across all tested treatments presented a highly linear relationship with the expected values. While the experimentally derived values were lower than the inoculation doses, the values were highly correlated and a conversion factor allows us to extrapolate the actual Bd concentration. This centrifuge-based method is effective, repeatable, and would greatly expand the domain of tractable questions to be explored in the field of Bd ecology. Importantly, this method increases equity in the field, because it is time- and cost-efficient and requires few resources.
Democratizing biomedical simulation through automated model discovery and a universal material subroutine
Authors: Peirlinck Mathias , Linka Kevin , Hurtado Juan A. , Holzapfel Gerhard A. , Kuhl Ellen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPersonalized computational simulations have emerged as a vital tool to understand the biomechanical factors of a disease, predict disease progression, and design personalized intervention. Material modeling is critical for realistic biomedical simulations, and poor model selection can have life-threatening consequences for the patient. However, selecting the best model requires a profound domain knowledge and is limited to a few highly specialized experts in the field. Here we explore the feasibility of eliminating user involvement and automate the process of material modeling in finite element analyses. We leverage recent developments in constitutive neural networks, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to discover the best constitutive model from thousands of possible combinations of a few functional building blocks. We integrate all discoverable models into the finite element workflow by creating a universal material subroutine that contains more than 60,000 models, made up of 16 individual terms. We prototype this workflow using biaxial extension tests from healthy human arteries as input and stress and stretch profiles across the human aortic arch as output. Our results suggest that constitutive neural networks can robustly discover various flavors of arterial models from data, feed these models directly into a finite element simulation, and predict stress and strain profiles that compare favorably to the classical Holzapfel model. Replacing dozens of individual material subroutines by a single universal material subroutine—populated directly via automated model discovery—will make finite element simulations more user-friendly, more robust, and less vulnerable to human error. Democratizing finite element simulation by automating model selection could induce a paradigm shift in physics-based modeling, broaden access to simulation technologies, and empower individuals with varying levels of expertise and diverse backgrounds to actively participate in scientific discovery and push the boundaries of biomedical simulation.