bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of recurrent heart failure hospitalizations and mortality using the echocardiographic Killip score
Authors: Granot Yoav , Meir Yuval , Perl Michal Laufer , Milwidsky Assi , Sadeh Ben , Sapir Orly Ran , Trabelsi Adva , Banai Shmuel , Toplisky Yan , Havakuk Ofer 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Aim
Examine the performance of a simple echocardiographic "Killip score" (eKillip) in predicting heart failure (HF) hospitalizations and mortality after index event of decompensated HF hospitalization.

Methods
HF patients hospitalized at our facility between 03/2019–03/2021 who underwent an echocardiography during their index admission were included in this retrospective analysis. The cohort was divided into 4 classes of eKillip according to: stroke volume index (SVI) < 35ml/m2 > and E/E' ratio < 15 > . An eKillip Class I was defined as SVI ≥ 35ml/m2 and E/E' ≤ 15 and was used as reference.

Results
Included 751 patients, median age 78.1 (IQR 69.3–86) years, 59% men, left ventricular ejection fraction 45 (IQR 30–60)%, brain natriuretic peptide levels 634 (IQR 331–1222)pg/ml. Compared with eKillip Class I, a graded increase in the combined endpoint of 30-day mortality and rehospitalizations rates was noted: (Class II: HR 1.77, CI 0.95–3.33, p = 0.07; Class III: HR 1.94, CI 1.05–3.6, p = 0.034; Class IV: HR 2.9, CI 1.64–5.13, p < 0.001 respectively), which overall persisted after correction for clinical (Class II: HR 1.682, CI 0.9–3.15, p = 0.105; Class III: HR 2.104, CI 1.13–3.9, p = 0.019; Class IV: HR 2.74, CI 1.54–4.85, p = 0.001 respectively) or echocardiographic parameters (Class II: HR 1.92, CI 1.02–3.63, p = 0.045; Class III: HR 1.54, CI 0.81–2.95, p = 0.189; Class IV: HR 2.04, CI 1.1–3.76, p = 0.023 respectively). Specifically, the eKillip Class IV group comprised one-third of the patient population and persistently showed increased risk of 30-day HF hospitalizations or mortality following multivariate analysis.

Conclusion
A simple echocardiographic score can assist identifying high-risk decompensated HF patients for recurrent hospitalizations and mortality.
Intoxications involving methoxyacetylfentanyl and U-47700: a study of 3 polydrug fatalities
Authors: Giorgetti Arianna , Große Perdekamp Marcus , Franchetti Giorgia , Pircher Rebecca , Pollak Stefan , Pelotti Susi , Auwärter Volker 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNovel synthetic opioids (NSOs) represent an emerging group of novel psychoactive substances, acting as agonists at the opioid receptors. NSOs include fentanyl-related compounds, e.g. methoxyacetylfentanyl (MeACF), and non-fentanyl analogs, e.g. “U compounds” including U-47700. Here we present three cases of death involving MeACF and U-47700, with particular reference to preliminary data on pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution.After a complete post-mortem examination, general unknown screenings and analysis of drugs of abuse were performed on postmortem samples by immunoassays, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. To quantify the analytes of interest in post-mortem blood and tissues, the standard addition method was used. A toxicological significance score (TSS), weighing the role of the NSO in each death case, was assigned.Case 1 died at the hospital after consumption of U-47700, methadone (serum levels: 2,600 ng/ml and 37 ng/ml), tilidine and benzodiazepines. In case 2, U-47700 (204 ng/ml) together with methadone (290 ng/ml), flubromazepam (480 ng/ml) and diazepam (300 ng/ml) were detected in peripheral blood. In case 3, methoxyacetylfentanyl (266 ng/ml), furanylfentanyl (4.3 ng/ml) 4-ANPP (15 ng/ml) and alprazolam (69 ng/ml) were quantified in femoral blood. In all cases, the NSO likely contributed to the death (TSS = 3).NSOs appear to be often consumed in the setting of polydrug intoxications, especially in combination with other opioids and benzodiazepines, which often exert synergistic effects. The standard addition method remains the most reliable in post-mortem analysis and toxicological results should always be evaluated together with circumstantial and autopsy data.
An eternal hunt for glaucoma
Authors: de Jong Paulus T. V. M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the first issue of Graefe’s Archive from 1854, Albrecht von Graefe wrote about glaucoma. Glaucoma comes from the Greek word “glaukos,” gleaming, which was first used by Homer around 800 BCE. Since then, glaukos and glaucoma have taken on many different meanings. The terms blindness, cataract and glaucoma were used interchangeably and twisted together in incomprehensible contexts. Over 2500 years of glaucoma theories were upset by the discovery of the ophthalmoscope in 1851. The first reports of increased intraocular pressure appeared in the mid-seventeenth century, but it took over 200 years for this elevated pressure to be accepted by the ophthalmological community. The discovery of glaucoma simplex in 1861 was an important step forward. What did doctors know about glaucoma before 1850 and why did it take so long to classify glaucoma in its various categories? And why is it that we still do not know what the cause is for primary open angle glaucoma? I will try to answer some of these questions after a historical overview.
Effects of food bar chewing duration on the physiologic, metabolic, and perceptual responses to moderate-intensity running
Authors: Geaney Thomas R. , Sievert Zachary A. , Branch J. David , Wilson Patrick B. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Chewing duration can affect food particle size, gastric processing, and postprandial glycemia, but these effects have not been investigated with exercise. This study examined how the chewing duration of a food bar impacts glycemic and metabolic responses, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, psychological affect, and performance during endurance running.

Methods
This randomized, unblinded, crossover study had 15 males (35.2 ± 7.4 years, VO2peak: 56.1 ± 5.2 ml/kg/min) attend three laboratory visits. Visit 1 required a VO2peak test, 10 min familiarization run at 60% VO2peak, and familiarization time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test (10 min at 90% VO2peak, followed by TTE at 100% VO2peak). Visits 2 and 3 consisted of a 60 min run at 60% VO2peak, followed by TTE testing. Participants were fed 45 g of a bar (180 kcal, 4 g fat, 33 g carbohydrate, 3 g protein, 1 g fiber) in 9 g servings 30 min before running, and 27 g of bar in 9 g servings at three timepoints during the 60 min run. Participants consumed the servings in 20 (20CHEW) or 40 (40CHEW) masticatory cycles, at 1 chew/second. Outcomes included blood glucose, substrate use, GI symptoms, perceived exertion (RPE), overall feeling, and TTE.

Results
Post-prandial blood glucose, GI symptoms, and RPE increased over time, but there were no significant between-condition or condition-by-time effects. TTE showed no significant between-condition effect (20CHEW: 288 ± 133 s; 40CHEW: 335 ± 299 s; p = 0.240). Overall feeling demonstrated a time-by-condition effect (p = 0.006), suggesting possible better maintenance over time with 40CHEW.

Conclusion
Cumulatively, the results suggest that extended chewing minimally impacts physiology, perceptions, and performance during 60 min moderate-intensity running.
Floral scent changes in response to pollen removal are rare in buzz-pollinated Solanum
Authors: Moore C. Douglas , Farman Dudley I. , Särkinen Tiina , Stevenson Philip C. , Vallejo-Marín Mario 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Main conclusion
One of seven Solanum taxa studied displayed associations between pollen presence and floral scent composition and volume, suggesting buzz-pollinated plants rarely use scent as an honest cue for foraging pollinators.

Abstract
Floral scent influences the recruitment, learning, and behaviour of floral visitors. Variation in floral scent can provide information on the amount of reward available or whether a flower has been visited recently and may be particularly important in species with visually concealed rewards. In many buzz-pollinated flowers, tubular anthers opening via small apical pores (poricidal anthers) visually conceal pollen and appear similar regardless of pollen quantity within the anther. We investigated whether pollen removal changes floral scent composition and emission rate in seven taxa of buzz-pollinated Solanum (Solanaceae). We found that pollen removal reduced both the overall emission of floral scent and the emission of specific compounds (linalool and farnesol) in S. lumholtzianum. Our findings suggest that in six out of seven buzz-pollinated taxa studied here, floral scent could not be used as a signal by visitors as it does not contain information on pollen availability.
Unraveling the diversity of hyphal explorative traits among Rhizophagus irregularis genotypes
Authors: Sun Daquan , Rozmoš Martin , Kokkoris Vasilis , Kotianová Michala , Hršelová Hana , Bukovská Petra , Faghihinia Maede , Jansa Jan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDifferences in functioning among various genotypes of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can determine their fitness under specific environmental conditions, although knowledge of the underlying mechanisms still is very fragmented. Here we compared seven homokaryotic isolates (genotypes) of Rhizophagus irregularis, aiming to characterize the range of intraspecific variability with respect to hyphal exploration of organic nitrogen (N) resources, and N supply to plants. To this end we established two experiments (one in vitro and one in open pots) and used 15N-chitin as the isotopically labeled organic N source. In Experiment 1 (in vitro), mycelium of all AM fungal genotypes transferred a higher amount of 15N to the plants than the passive transfer of 15N measured in the non-mycorrhizal (NM) controls. Noticeably, certain genotypes (e.g., LPA9) showed higher extraradical mycelium biomass production but not necessarily greater 15N acquisition than the others. Experiment 2 (in pots) highlighted that some of the AM fungal genotypes (e.g., MA2, STSI) exhibited higher rates of targeted hyphal exploration of chitin-enriched zones, indicative of distinct N exploration patterns from the other genotypes. Importantly, there was a high congruence of hyphal exploration patterns between the two experiments (isolate STSI always showing highest efficiency of hyphal exploration and isolate L23/1 being consistently the lowest), despite very different (micro) environmental conditions in the two experiments. This study suggests possible strategies that AM fungal genotypes employ for efficient N acquisition, and how to measure them. Implications of such traits for local mycorrhizal community assembly still need to be understood.
Mate search or predation avoidance? Sex pheromone interrupts death feigning of males in the sweet potato weevil Cylas formicarius
Authors: Himuro Chihiro , Miyatake Takahisa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDeath feigning is hypothesized to be an anti-predator behavior in which prey is temporarily immobilized in response to external stimuli. While death feigning may be an effective predator-defense strategy, there may be trade-offs in terms of energy and time for finding food and/or mating. The duration of death feigning is regulated by the balance of various selection pressures, and its duration is influenced by many internal and environmental factors. However, little is known about the factors that influence arousal from death-feigning behavior. Sex pheromones are important semiochemicals that affect reproductive success and may influence the duration of death-feigning behavior. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of sex pheromones on the death-feigning behavior of the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius) by conducting laboratory experiments. The results showed that males had a significantly shorter death-feigning duration in the presence of sex pheromones because it aroused them from their death-feigning behavior, but females were unaffected. This is the first study to show that sex pheromones alter death-feigning behavior. The results of this study elucidate the factors influencing predator-avoidance behavior and reveal the impact of death-feigning behavior on prey reproduction under predation pressure.
Convergent Regularization in Inverse Problems and Linear Plug-and-Play Denoisers
Authors: Hauptmann Andreas , Mukherjee Subhadip , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane , Sherry Ferdia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRegularization is necessary when solving inverse problems to ensure the well-posedness of the solution map. Additionally, it is desired that the chosen regularization strategy is convergent in the sense that the solution map converges to a solution of the noise-free operator equation. This provides an important guarantee that stable solutions can be computed for all noise levels and that solutions satisfy the operator equation in the limit of vanishing noise. In recent years, reconstructions in inverse problems are increasingly approached from a data-driven perspective. Despite empirical success, the majority of data-driven approaches do not provide a convergent regularization strategy. One such popular example is given by iterative plug-and-play (PnP) denoising using off-the-shelf image denoisers. These usually provide only convergence of the PnP iterates to a fixed point, under suitable regularity assumptions on the denoiser, rather than convergence of the method as a regularization technique, thatis under vanishing noise and regularization strength. This paper serves two purposes: first, we provide an overview of the classical regularization theory in inverse problems and survey a few notable recent data-driven methods that are provably convergent regularization schemes. We then continue to discuss PnP algorithms and their established convergence guarantees. Subsequently, we consider PnP algorithms with learned linear denoisers and propose a novel spectral filtering technique of the denoiser to control the strength of regularization. Further, by relating the implicit regularization of the denoiser to an explicit regularization functional, we are the first to rigorously show that PnP with a learned linear denoiser leads to a convergent regularization scheme. The theoretical analysis is corroborated by numerical experiments for the classical inverse problem of tomographic image reconstruction.
Physical activity vital sign assessment and associated health outcomes in an underserved South African community
Authors: Gradidge Philippe Jean-Luc , Crouch Simone H. , Thornton Jane , Matsena Zingoni Zvifadzo , Torres Georgia , Stoutenberg Mark , Kolkenbeck-Ruh Andrea , Woodiwiss Angela J. , Mhlaba Mimi , Ware Lisa J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Physical activity is particularly low in South Africa and contributes to chronic conditions. This study aimed to determine physical activity levels in a South African community, using the physical activity vital sign (PAVS), and identify associations between physical activity and key health outcomes.

Methods
A cross-sectional study used community health workers to collect PAVS data, blood pressure and self-reported medical history from 2282 participants living in Soweto, Johannesburg. Physical activity was defined as meeting or not meeting WHO guidelines of ≥ 150 min/week. Hypertension was defined according to the International Society of Hypertension guidelines.

Results
The study population included 1161 women and 1121 men. Administering the PAVS was quick (29.5 ± 43.4 s). Only 19.8% of the total population reported meeting the guidelines, and it was significantly lower in women (17.6%) compared with men (22.1%). The logistic regression models demonstrated significant association between not meeting physical activity guidelines and hypertension (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.97, p = 0.032), current smoking (AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.97, p = 0.030) and past smoking (AOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.83, p = 0.002).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the validity of using the PAVS in an underserved community. The observed associations highlight the potential of advocating physical activity as a feasible intervention for improving the health of urban-dwelling Black South Africans.
Epidemiology of Fallacies
Authors: Duarte Antonio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper I apply the epidemiological model of the spread of beliefs and how they become cultural representations to the field of fallacies. The model suggests that beliefs tend to replicate as a virus does in a potential epidemic, and those strains that are dominant in a given socio-cultural sphere become cultural representations. My ultimate aim is to denounce the fact that some presumptive argumentation schemes are widely applied as definitive arguments, but turn out to be instances of common and traditional fallacies. Moreover, some such fallacies have managed to colonise the human mind and become cultural representations in society today. Adopting the approach I advocate here, we could say that the fallacy has become a belief, which has then managed to replicate like a virus, and finally the fallacy has become a cultural representation. One of the great harms that results from this process is that it is very difficult to open up effective lines of argument that expose the fallacious nature of these new and perverse cultural representations.
A Stochastic-Geometrical Framework for Object Pose Estimation Based on Mixture Models Avoiding the Correspondence Problem
Authors: Hoegele Wolfgang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPose estimation of rigid objects is a practical challenge in optical metrology and computer vision. This paper presents a novel stochastic-geometrical modeling framework for object pose estimation based on observing multiple feature points. This framework utilizes mixture models for feature point densities in object space and for interpreting real measurements. Advantages are the avoidance to resolve individual feature correspondences and to incorporate correct stochastic dependencies in multi-view applications. First, the general modeling framework is presented, second, a general algorithm for pose estimation is derived, and third, two example models (camera and lateration setup) are presented. Numerical experiments show the effectiveness of this modeling and general algorithm by presenting four simulation scenarios for three observation systems, including the dependence on measurement resolution, object deformations and measurement noise. Probabilistic modeling utilizing mixture models shows the potential for accurate and robust pose estimations while avoiding the correspondence problem.
On the simplification of the internal nonlinear robot models for the MPC-based visual servoing
Authors: Chaber Patryk , Domański Paweł D. , Marusak Piotr M. , Nebeluk Robert , Seredyński Dawid , Zarzycki Krzysztof , Zieliński Cezary 
Published: June 2024

AbstractVisual servoing enables tracking and grasping of static and moving objects and locating regions of interest. Its implementation requires the coordination of low-level control tasks with high-level supervision and planning. The use of the PID-based manipulation control addresses only the dynamical response and requires the use of optimization-based techniques at the supervisory level. On the contrary, model predictive control (MPC) simplifies the design as it combines both tasks within a single algorithm. However, successful MPC implementation depends on the quality of the internal model utilized by the algorithm. Robots are intrinsically and significantly nonlinear control objects, so their models are inherently complex. This leads to computational problems. Standard solutions are to shorten the MPC horizons or to parallelize calculations. The approach suggested here returns to the problem roots, i.e. to the model. This study proposes simplified models that allow the use of the MPC. General Hammerstein–Wiener-like model is applied to an arm, which is further simplified into the linear dynamics used as the predictive supervisory control over the torque control. The head uses linear dynamics used by the supervisory MPC working with the base servomotors. It is shown that they are computationally efficient and sufficiently accurate. It is shown that the linear MPC controllers, which use the suggested simplified dynamic robot models, can successfully support visual servoing with accurate control. They are compared with standard PID-based structures and show their superiority. The proposed approach is successfully validated using Matlab and Gazebo robot simulator and is ultimately confirmed by experiments on a real robot.
The impact of relocations on distances traveled for commuting and grocery shopping: structural equation models of panel data
Authors: Schimohr Katja , Heinen Eva , Scheiner Joachim 
Published: June 2024

AbstractResidential relocations open a window of opportunity to decrease distances to work and other important daily destinations, such as grocery stores. This study investigates changes in trip distances after residential relocation, using data from a panel survey of 435 movers in Germany. We estimate two structural equation models for changes in commute and shopping trip distance. These models additionally allow us to draw insights into the relationships between spatial structure, travel attitudes, satisfaction with the accessibility of the workplace or shopping facilities, and housing preferences in residential location search. We find that there is a weak indication of an association between residential location choice and changes in trip distances. However, the analysis suggests that especially long trip distances are shortened through relocation. While residents in urban areas travel on average shorter distances, both for working and grocery shopping, only the shopping distance decreases after a move to a more urban location. A preference for urban structures leads to an increase in urbanity after relocation only in the model for grocery shopping trips. Even though long trips before relocation lead to dissatisfaction with the commute, we do not observe a direct effect of dissatisfaction with trips or reasons for moving on trip distances after a move.