bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel nonlinear model and control strategy for soft continuum robots featuring hard magnetoactive elastomers
Authors: Moezi Seyed Alireza , Sedaghati Ramin , Rakheja Subhash 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Magnetoactive soft continuum robots (MSCRs), capable of controllable steering and navigation, hold substantial promise for healthcare applications. However, advancements in MSCRs have been hindered by a limited understanding of MSCR dynamics and a lack of effective control methods. Addressing these gaps, this study presents a novel, time-dependent, and computationally efficient analytical model of MSCR, alongside a new optimal closed-loop control strategy for precise high-frequency trajectory tracking. A finite element (FE) model of the MSCR is initially developed, with its validity confirmed through rigorous laboratory measurements. Using the formulated FE model, a new and computationally efficient analytical model is subsequently developed to accurately predict the highly nonlinear response of MSCR. This model operates as a system of switched linear models, each of which is a reduced-order version of its corresponding high-order linear model extracted from the FE analysis. This innovative approach not only maintains the predictive accuracy of the FE model but also significantly reduces computational demands, operating in just a few seconds. The results highlight that the developed model can accurately predict the dynamic responses of the MSCR while significantly reducing the computational load by almost 80 orders of magnitude compared with the FE model on the same simulation platform. The proposed model has been effectively utilized to develop a novel optimal control strategy using the feedforward interval type-2 fractional-order fuzzy-PID method. A hardware-in-the-loop experimental test has been finally designed to demonstrate the superior performance of the MSCR under the proposed controller.
Design and damping performance analysis of a multistage meandering hybrid valved magnetorheological damper
Authors: Zhu Jiehong , Yang Xiaolong , Xie Guojin , Cao Zhiqiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The current valved magnetorheological damper has a low space utilization of the piston head, which results in insufficient output damping force, and this paper proposed a multistage meandering hybrid valved magnetorheological damper. The three-dimensional structure of the damper is established and its mathematical model is derived. The electromagnetic field finite element analysis was used to simulate the damper structure, and a comparison was made between the results of traditional annular valve structures and those of multistage meandering hybrid valve. The damping performance of a multistage meandering hybrid valved damper was experimentally studied. The results indicate that the maximum output damping force of the multistage meandering hybrid valved structure is increased by 62.2% over the traditional annular valved structure at a current of 2.4 A and a coil turn count of 350 turns. The structure can effectively utilize the piston head space and improve the output damping force of the damper. The output damping force of the damper reaches 486.4N and the adjustable coefficient K reaches 8.6. The numerical simulation results are the same as the actual experimental results.
Overview on the generalized Volterra System, solutions and integrability
Authors: Babalic Corina N. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this review paper we present the recent results obtained, using the Hirota bilinear formalism, on the semidiscrete and discrete forms of generalized Volterra system with any number of coupled equations. The bilinear forms and the multisoliton solutions are presented for the differential-difference multicomponent Volterra system and for the fully discretized version. For some particular cases of the general differential-difference Volterra system, graphical representations of solitons are displayed.
On affine Toda field theories related to D
r
algebras and their real Hamiltonian forms
Authors: Gerdjikov Vladimir S. , Grahovski Georgi G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The paper deals with affine 2-dimensional Toda field theories related to simple Lie algebras of the classical series D

r
. We demonstrate that the complexification procedure followed by a restriction to a specified real Hamiltonian form commutes with the external automorphisms of 𝔤. This is illustrated on the examples

D

r
+
1

(
1
)

→

B
r

(
1
)

and

D

4

(
1
)

→

G
2

(
1
)

using external automorphisms of the corresponding extended Dynkin diagrams.
A relativistic appearance of hotspots on an ultra-compact dark star
Authors: Gyulchev Galin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We depict the deflection of light near ultra-compact dark energy stars with a photon sphere, drawing inspiration from modern confirmations of general relativity. Utilizing the description of dark energy through a phantom scalar field, we model the spacetime outside the star using an exact dark energy solution metric. We provide a summary of the properties of photon orbits. Additionally, we illustrate the relativistic appearance of a hot spot on the surface of a dark energy star and investigate both the optical appearance of the surface and the star’s visual size on the screen of an asymptotic observer.
Research on microstructure evolution and surface quality of WEDM for magnetic refrigerant rare-earth gadolinium
Authors: Sun Lunye , Shi Shanliang , Li Zhenxing , Rajurkar Kamlakar P , Hou Yonggang , Hai Peng , Chu Zhaofu , Li Xianguo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Rare-earth gadolinium (Gd) is preferable for manufacturing regenerators of the core components of room-temperature magnetic refrigeration owing to its unique magnetocaloric and mechanical properties. However, the surface quality of the regenerator plays a crucial role in the heat transfer effect and service life of magnetocaloric systems during wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) when fabricating rare-earth Gd array microstructure regenerators. In this study, different process parameters were used to conduct a process experiment of the WEDM of rare-earth Gd. First, the evolution of the surface microstructure and its causes were analyzed using a single-factor experiment, while a corrosion test was conducted on the samples. The analysis showed that the pulse-on time and open voltage considerably affected the surface quality of the processed samples, while the samples with better surfaces exhibited good corrosion resistance. Additionally, a Taguchi experiment was designed, and a regression analysis used to establish regression models between the process parameters (pulse-on time, pulse-off time, peak current, open voltage, and water pressure) and both surface roughness (SR) and material removal rate (MRR). The results showed that the average prediction errors of SR and MRR were only 5.34% and 5.48%, respectively.
An analog PWM pixel circuit with shaping function for low grayscale display of Micro-LEDs
Authors: Liu Chun , Zhou Zhao-Hua , Zhou Lei , Zhang Li-Rong , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Wu Wei-Jing , Peng Jun-Biao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a new analog pulse width modulation (PWM) micro light-emitting diode (LED) pixel circuit with a shaping function. The rising/falling time of PWM signal generated by the proposed pixel circuit can be greatly reduced to improve the low grayscale display quality of micro-LED. Metal oxide thin film transistors with the top-gate (TG) coplanar structure are used to realize the proposed pixel circuit on the glass substrate. It is shown that the pulse width of micro-LED current can be linearly modulated by the data voltage. Furthermore, the measured rising time and falling time of the PWM signal are 15.6 μs and 25.5 μs, respectively, which are much smaller than that of the PWM signal in the conventional analog PWM pixel circuits.
Midlife cumulative deficit frailty predicts Alzheimer’s disease-related plasma biomarkers in older adults
Authors: Buchholz Erik , Gillespie Nathan A , Hunt Jack F , Reynolds Chandra A , Rissman Robert A , Schroeder Angelica , Cortes Isaac , Bell Tyler , Lyons Michael J , Kremen William S , Franz Carol E 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The study explores whether frailty at midlife predicts mortality and levels of biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and neurodegeneration by early old age. We also examine the heritability of frailty across this age period.

Methods
Participants were 1,286 community-dwelling men from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging at average ages 56, 62 and 68, all without ADRD at baseline. The cumulative deficit frailty index (FI) comprised 37 items assessing multiple physiological systems. Plasma biomarkers at age 68 included beta-amyloid (Aβ40, Aβ42), total tau (t-tau) and neurofilament light chain (NfL).

Results
Being frail doubled the risk of all-cause mortality by age 68 (OR = 2.44). Age 56 FI significantly predicted age 68 NfL (P = 0.014), Aβ40 (P = 0.001) and Aβ42 (P = 0.023), but not t-tau. Age 62 FI predicted all biomarkers at age 68: NfL (P = 0.023), Aβ40 (P = 0.002), Aβ42 (P = 0.001) and t-tau (P = 0.001). Age 68 FI scores were associated with age 68 levels of NfL (P = 0.027), Aβ40 (P &lt; 0.001), Aβ42 (P = 0.001) and t-tau (P = 0.003). Genetic influences accounted for 45–48% of the variance in frailty and significantly contributed to its stability across 11 years.

Conclusions
Frailty during one’s 50s doubled the risk of mortality by age 68. A mechanism linking frailty and ADRD may be through its associations with biomarkers related to neurodegeneration. Cumulative deficit frailty increases with age but remains moderately heritable across the age range studied. With environmental factors accounting for about half of its variance, early interventions aimed at reducing frailty may help to reduce risk for ADRD.
Development of optimized adult epidural infusion preparations to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency
Authors: Donnowitz Kathrine , Eckel Stephen F 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Despite national recommendations to standardize infusion concentrations, there is minimal guidance on institution-specific strategies and outcomes related to epidural infusion concentration standardization and optimization. The purpose of this project is to identify the optimal compounded preparation for use in select adult epidural infusions and assess the impact on drug and fluid utilization and cost savings if the designated preparation is adopted.

Methods
A previously validated tool, the VERB (vial, exchange, rate, and bag) analysis, was applied to epidural infusion pump administration data to identify preparations optimized for efficient supply and resource utilization at a large academic medical center.

Results
Weighing all components of the VERB analysis, the preferred preparation of hydromorphone and bupivacaine for the hospital site was hydromorphone (10 µg/mL) and bupivacaine (0.125%) in 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (2,500 µg of hydromorphone per epidural). The preferred preparation of fentanyl and bupivacaine was fentanyl (2 µg/mL) and bupivacaine (0.0625%) in 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (100 µg of fentanyl per epidural). Both recommendations are different from the currently utilized preparations at the study site.

Conclusion
Analyzing historic drug administration data using the novel 4-step VERB analysis identified optimized drug preparations and fluid bag sizes for the most-prescribed epidural drug combinations at the hospital study site.
BDNF Val66Met moderates episodic memory decline and tau biomarker increases in early sporadic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Thomson Diny , Rosenich Emily , Maruff Paul , Lim Yen Ying ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
Allelic variation in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism has been shown to moderate rates of cognitive decline in preclinical sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD; i.e., Aβ + older adults), and pre-symptomatic autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD). In ADAD, Met66 was also associated with greater increases in CSF levels of total-tau (t-tau) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181). This study sought to determine the extent to which BDNF Val66Met is associated with changes in episodic memory and CSF t-tau and p-tau181 in Aβ + older adults in early-stage sporadic AD.

Method
Aβ + Met66 carriers (n = 94) and Val66 homozygotes (n = 192) enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative who did not meet criteria for AD dementia, and with at least one follow-up neuropsychological and CSF assessment, were included. A series of linear mixed models were conducted to investigate changes in each outcome over an average of 2.8 years, covarying for CSF Aβ42, APOE ε4 status, sex, age, baseline diagnosis, and years of education.

Results
Aβ + Met66 carriers demonstrated significantly faster memory decline (d = 0.33) and significantly greater increases in CSF t-tau (d = 0.30) and p-tau181 (d = 0.29) compared to Val66 homozygotes, despite showing equivalent changes in CSF Aβ42.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that reduced neurotrophic support, which is associated with Met66 carriage, may increase vulnerability to Aβ-related tau hyperphosphorylation, neuronal dysfunction, and cognitive decline even prior to the emergence of dementia. Additionally, these findings highlight the need for neuropsychological and clinicopathological models of AD to account for neurotrophic factors and the genes which moderate their expression.
Dominant NARS1 mutations causing axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease expand NARS1-associated diseases
Authors: Beijer Danique , Marte Sheila , Li Jiaxin C , De Ridder Willem , Chen Jessie Z , Tadenev Abigail L D , Miers Kathy E , Deconinck Tine , Macdonell Richard , Marques Wilson , De Jonghe Peter , Pratt Samia L , Meyer-Schuman Rebecca , Züchner Stephan , Antonellis Anthony , Burgess Robert W , Baets Jonathan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Pathogenic variants in six aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) genes are implicated in neurological disorders, most notably inherited peripheral neuropathies. ARSs are enzymes that charge tRNA molecules with cognate amino acids. Pathogenic variants in asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (NARS1) cause a neurological phenotype combining developmental delay, ataxia and demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. NARS1 has not yet been linked to axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. Exome sequencing of patients with inherited peripheral neuropathies revealed three previously unreported heterozygous NARS1 variants in three families. Clinical and electrophysiological details were assessed. We further characterized all three variants in a yeast complementation model and used a knock-in mouse model to study variant p.Ser461Phe. All three variants (p.Met236del, p.Cys342Tyr and p.Ser461Phe) co-segregate with the sensorimotor axonal neuropathy phenotype. Yeast complementation assays show that none of the three NARS1 variants support wild-type yeast growth when tested in isolation (i.e. in the absence of a wild-type copy of NARS1), consistent with a loss-of-function effect. Similarly, the homozygous knock-in mouse model (p.Ser461Phe/Ser472Phe in mouse) also demonstrated loss-of-function characteristics. We present three previously unreported NARS1 variants segregating with a sensorimotor neuropathy phenotype in three families. Functional studies in yeast and mouse support variant pathogenicity. Thus, NARS1 is the seventh ARS implicated in dominant axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, further stressing that all dimeric ARSs should be evaluated for Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease.
Fine-tuning tumor- and allo-immunity: advances in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Van Meerhaeghe Tess , Murakami Naoka , Le Moine Alain , Brouard Sophie , Sprangers Ben , Degauque Nicolas 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Cancer is a common complication after kidney transplantation. Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) have a 2- to 4-fold higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population and post-transplant malignancy is the third most common cause of death in KTR. Moreover, it is well known that certain cancer types are overrepresented after transplantation, especially non-melanoma skin cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of cancer, with remarkable survival benefit in a subgroup of patients. ICI are monoclonal antibodies that block the binding of specific co-inhibitory signaling molecules. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and its ligand programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are the main targets of ICI. Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) have been excluded from clinical trials owing to concerns about tumor response, allo-immunity, and risk of transplant rejection. Indeed, graft rejection has been estimated as high as 48% and represents an emerging problem. The underlying mechanisms of organ rejection in the context of treatment with ICI are poorly understood. The search for restricted antitumoral responses without graft rejection is of paramount importance. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the use of ICI in KTR, the potential mechanisms involved in kidney graft rejection during ICI treatment, potential biomarkers of rejection, and how to deal with rejection in clinical practice.
Net clinical benefit of extended dual pathway inhibition according to baseline risk in patients with chronic coronary syndrome: a COMPASS substudy
Authors: Würtz Morten , Olesen Kevin Kris Warnakula , Bhatt Deepak L , Yusuf Salim , Muehlhofer Eva , Eikelboom John W , Maeng Michael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Guidelines recommend extended dual pathway inhibition (DPI) with aspirin and rivaroxaban in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) at high ischaemic risk. The CHADS-P2A2RC score improves risk prediction and enables antithrombotic treatment allocation in these patients. This study evaluated the net clinical benefit of DPI treatment according to baseline risk as classified by the CHADS-P2A2RC score in patients with CCS included in the COMPASS (Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies) trial.

Methods and results
COMPASS patients with CCS (n = 14 670), randomized to aspirin alone or DPI, were stratified according to cardiovascular risk using the CHADS-P2A2RC score. Endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause death, fatal/critical organ bleeding, and composite adverse events (MACE and bleeding). Net clinical benefit was the 30-month risk difference of MACE and bleeding. Thirty-month incidences of MACE [7.9% vs. 3.9%, hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83–2.18] and fatal/critical organ bleeding (1.2% vs. 0.8%, HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.06–1.92) were higher in high-risk (CHADS-P2A2RC ≥ 4) than in low/moderate-risk (CHADS-P2A2RC &lt; 4) patients. DPI reduced MACE (low/moderate risk: HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47–0.82; high risk: HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99, P for interaction 0.09) and all-cause death (low/moderate risk: HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.91; high risk: HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.65–1.00, P for interaction 0.29), without substantially increasing fatal/critical organ bleeding (low/moderate risk: HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.72–2.53; high risk: HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.73–1.90, P for interaction 0.73). DPI provided net clinical benefit of similar magnitude in low/moderate-risk (−1.81%, 95% CI −3.00 to −0.62) and high-risk (−1.96%, 95% CI −3.60 to −0.33) CCS patients.

Conclusion
As classified by the CHADS-P2A2RC score, low/moderate- and high-risk patients with CCS derived similar net clinical benefit and reduction in all-cause death from DPI treatment.
Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is not rare in elderly subjects: the CATCH screening study
Authors: Aimo Alberto , Vergaro Giuseppe , Castiglione Vincenzo , Fabiani Iacopo , Barison Andrea , Gentile Francesco , Ferrari Chen Yu Fu , Giorgetti Assuero , Genovesi Dario , Buda Gabriele , Franzini Maria , Piepoli Massimo , Moscardini Stefano , Rapezzi Claudio , Fontana Marianna , Passino Claudio , Emdin Michele 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA) affects older adults and is currently considered as a rare disorder. We investigated for the first time the prevalence of ATTRwt-CA in elderly individuals from the general population.

Methods and results
General practitioners from Pisa, Italy, proposed a screening for ATTRwt-CA to all their patients aged 65–90 years, until 1000 accepted. The following red flags were searched: interventricular septal thickness ≥ 12 mm, any echocardiographic, electrocardiographic or clinical hallmark of CA, or high-sensitivity troponin T ≥ 14 ng/L. Individuals with at least one red flag (n = 346) were asked to undergo the search for a monoclonal protein and bone scintigraphy, and 216 accepted. Four patients received a non-invasive diagnosis of ATTRwt-CA. All complained of dyspnoea on moderate effort. A woman and a man aged 79 and 85 years, respectively, showed an intense cardiac tracer uptake (Grade 3), left ventricular (LV) wall thickening, Grade 2 and 3 diastolic dysfunction, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) &gt; 1000 ng/L. Two other patients (a man aged 74 years and a woman aged 83 years) showed a Grade 2 uptake, an increased LV septal thickness, but preserved diastolic function, and NT-proBNP &lt; 300 ng/L. The prevalence of ATTR-CA in subjects ≥ 65 years was calculated as 0.46% (i.e. 4 out of the 870 subjects completing the screening, namely 654 not meeting the criteria for Step 2 and 216 progressing to Step 2).

Conclusion
Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is uncommon in elderly subjects from the general population, but more frequent than expected for a rare disease.