bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of stiffness and damping of a base-isolated building considering higher-order modes
Authors: Tojo Takaki , Suzuki Takuya , Nakai Shoichi 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Structural health monitoring (SHM) is an effective method of understanding the seismic safety of seismic design models and the continued use of buildings after earthquakes. Various system identification methods applicable to SHM have been proposed; however, most target only superstructures. Their applicability for evaluating the soundness of foundations and soil structures should also be examined. In addition, evaluating high-order modes in addition to low-order modes is necessary to capture changes in the vibration characteristics of superstructures, foundations, and soil structures. However, the impact of considering higher-order modes on the identification results has not been sufficiently evaluated. This study aims to address these issues by clarifying the importance of considering higher-order modes and proposing a method that can contribute to improving the accuracy of future building health evaluation methods.Methods: This study proposes a method of evaluating the stiffness and damping of a superstructure and dynamic soil spring considering low-order to high-order modes using the efficient transfer function fitting system for a base-isolated (BI) building. First, numerical experiments were performed to examine the accuracy of the proposed method in evaluating the stiffness and damping of each part when using acceleration data from limited observation points. Furthermore, this method was applied to an existing BI building subjected to the 2011 off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake (2011 Tohoku Earthquake) to identify each parameter while considering higher-order modes. In addition, secular changes and the amplitude dependence of each structure were analyzed.Results: The results showed that the stiffness and damping of the seismic isolation layer, superstructure, and dynamic soil spring were stable with little variation owing to aging; however, the influence of amplitude dependence was relatively large.Conclusion: The significance of considering higher-order modes in evaluations of the soundness of foundations and soil structures was demonstrated. Moreover, the response characteristics of earthquakes recorded from 2007, before the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, up to 2023 were accurately reproduced through numerical simulation by considering the amplitude dependence of the identified physical parameters based on the proposed identification framework.
The dilemma of land green use efficiency in resource-based cities: a perspective based on digital transformation
Authors: Qian Qiulan , Luo Shuangcheng 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Improving land use efficiency is a necessary way to promote sustainable urban development. The objective of this study is to examine the issue of land green use efficiency (LGUE) in resource-based cities and analyze the impact of digital transformation on LGUE. The research utilizes data from 113 resource-based cities in China spanning from 2008 to 2020.Methodology: Firstly, using the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to measure LGUE in China cities, this paper investigates the spatial and temporal evolution of LGUE in different cities. Then, this paper explores the impact of digital transformation on the LGUE of resource-based cities based on the broadband China policy using the DID method.Findings: According to the data measured by the SFA, it is found that resource-based cities are 20.4% lower than non-resource-based cities. An in-depth study found that digital transformation significantly improves LGUE, and the effect is greater in resource-based cities, which is a powerful tool to solve the difficulty of LGUE in resource-based cities. Specifically, digital transformation helps to improve the LGUE of resource-based cities enhance by technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading, and alleviating land factor mismatch.Discussion: It is not only necessary to guide and encourage the in-depth integration of traditional industries with digital technology to enhance the digital transformation of resource-based cities, but also to continuously optimize the allocation of land resources between regions and narrow the gap in LGUE between cities.
Xp21 DNA microdeletion syndrome in a Chinese family: clinical features show retinitis pigmentosa and chronic granuloma
Authors: Li Mengyang , Hu Xueqin , Wu Xueli , Zhao Na , Lian Yuanyuan , Ma Meijiao , Li Huiping , Sheng Xunlun 
Published: January 2024

Xp21 DNA microdeletion syndrome is a very rare disease characterized by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), and McLeod syndrome (MLS). Due to the complex and diverse clinical manifestations, early diagnosis remains a challenge for many physicians. In this study, for the purpose of determining the pathogenic gene variants and definitive diagnosis in a patient medically backgrounded with RP and CGD from a normal Chinese family, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed in this proband and copy number variation (CNV) was further verified in other family members by qPCR. A genetic evaluation revealed that the short arm of the X chromosome in the proband had a deletion CNV Xp21.1p11.4 (37431123–38186681) of approximately 0.755 Mb in size, and contained three contiguous OMIM genes as X-linked Kx blood group antigen (XK), cytochrome b-245 beta chain (CYBB), and RP GTPase regulator (RPGR). The qPCR results confirmed the copy number loss in Xp21.1p11.4 present in the proband and his unaffected mother. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines for the CNV interpretation, the deletion of this segment was a pathogenic variant. Our results provided evidence that CNV deletion of Xp21.1p11.4 in the short arm of the X chromosome was a pathogenic variant in such Chinese RP and CGD family, and the McLeod phenotype was not yet available. This study suggests that genetic testing is essential for a definitive diagnosis, which should better assist physicians in prediction, diagnosis, genetic counseling, and guidance for Xp21 DNA microdeletion syndrome.
The effects of Surfactin on sprayed droplets in flat fan, full cone, and low energy precision application bubbler nozzles: droplet formation and spray breakup
Authors: Stallbaumer-Cyr Emily M. , Aguilar Jonathan , Betz Amy R. , Derby Melanie M. 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Agriculture is the largest user of water globally (i.e., 70% of freshwater use) and within the United States (i.e., 42% of freshwater use); irrigation ensures crops receive adequate water, thereby increasing crop yields. Surfactants have been used in various agricultural spray products to increase spray stability and alter droplet sizes.Methods: The effects of the addition of surfactant (0.1 wt% Surfactin; surface tension of 29.2 mN/m) to distilled water (72.79 mN/m) on spray dynamics and droplet formation were investigated in four flat fan (206.8–413.7 kPa), one full cone (137.9–413.7 kPa), and three LEPA bubbler (41.4–103.4 kPa) nozzles via imaging.Results and discussion: The flat fan and cone nozzles experienced second wind-induced breakup (i.e., unstable wavelengths drive breakup) of the liquid sheets exiting the nozzle; the addition of surfactant resulted in an increased breakup length and a decreased droplet size. The fan nozzles volumetric median droplet diameter decreased with the addition of surfactant (e.g., decreased by 26.3–65.6 μm in one nozzle). The full cone nozzle volumetric median droplet diameter decreased initially with the addition of surfactant (27.8, 14.3, and 13.4 μm at 137.9, 206.8, and 310.3 kPa respectively), but increased at 413.7 kPa (24.3 μm). Sprays from the bubbler nozzles were measured and observed to experience Rayleigh (i.e., the droplets form via capillary pinching at the end of the jet) and first wind-induced breakup (i.e., air impacts breakup along with capillary pinching). The effect of Surfactin on droplet size was minimal for the 41.4 kPa bubbler nozzle. The addition of surfactant increased the diameter of the jet or ligament formed from the bubbler plate, thereby increasing the breakup length and the droplet size at 68.9 and 103.4 kPa (droplet size increased by 750.6 and 4,462.7 μm, respectively).
Genetic associations between autoimmune diseases and the risks of severe sepsis and 28-day mortality: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tie Xin , Zhao Yanjie , Su Jing , Liu Xing , Zou Tongjuan , Yin Wanhong 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundAutoimmune diseases exhibit heterogenous dysregulation of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, akin to the pathophysiology of sepsis. It is speculated that individuals with autoimmune diseases may have an increased likelihood of developing sepsis and face elevated mortality risks following septic events. However, current observational studies have not yielded consistent conclusions. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between autoimmune diseases and the risks of sepsis and mortality using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsWe conducted a two-sample MR study involving a European population, with 30 autoimmune diseases as the exposure factors. To assess causal relationships, we employed the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method and used Cochran's Q test for heterogeneity, as well as the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) global test for potential horizontal pleiotropy.ResultsGenetically predicted Crohn's disease (β = 0.067, se = 0.034, p = 0.046, OR = 1.069, 95% CI = 1.001–1.141) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic (β = 0.069, se = 0.031, p = 0.023, OR = 1.071, 95% CI = 1.009–1.136) were positively associated with an increased risk of sepsis in critical care. Conversely, rheumatoid arthritis (β = −0.104, se = 0.047, p = 0.025, OR = 0.901, 95% CI = 0.823–0.987), ulcerative colitis (β = −0.208, se = 0.084, p = 0.013, OR = 0.812, 95% CI = 0.690–0.957), and narcolepsy (β = −0.202, se = 0.092, p = 0.028, OR = 0.818, 95% CI = 0.684–0.978) were associated with a reduced risk of sepsis in critical care. Moreover, Crohn's disease (β = 0.234, se = 0.067, p = 0.001, OR = 1.263, 95% CI = 1.108–1.440) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic (β = 0.158, se = 0.061, p = 0.009, OR = 1.171, 95% CI = 1.041–1.317) were also linked to an increased risk of 28-day mortality of sepsis in critical care. In contrast, multiple sclerosis (β = −0.261, se = 0.112, p = 0.020, OR = 0.771, 95% CI = 0.619–0.960) and narcolepsy (β = −0.536, se = 0.184, p = 0.003, OR = 0.585, 95% CI = 0.408–0.838) were linked to a decreased risk of 28-day mortality of sepsis in critical care.ConclusionThis MR study identified causal associations between certain autoimmune diseases and risks of sepsis in critical care, and 28-day mortality in the European population. These findings suggest that exploring the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for sepsis prevention and treatment.
Vitamin D supplementation in later life: a systematic review of efficacy and safety in movement disorders
Authors: Homann Carl N. , Homann Barbara , Ivanic Gerd , Urbanic-Purkart Tadea 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionNutrition plays a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitating middle to old-aged patients with neurological diseases including movement disorders (MDs). Despite the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in many patients with MDs, data supporting supplementation’s effectiveness and safety is sparse and conflicting, therefore, our explicit objective was to provide an all-encompassing review of the subject.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and other scientific databases was conducted up to November 1 2023. The searches included RCTs in all languages with human participants aged 35 and above and not meeting these requirements led to exclusion.ResultsFour studies on Parkinson’s disease (PD) and one on restless legs syndrome (RLS) including 369 MD patients, however, none in a rehabilitation context, were found. Although three of the four PD studies showed better outcomes, such as decreasing levodopa-induced dyskinesia or enhancing physical performance in some or all domains, the RLS study did not identify symptom improvement. The one serious adverse effect observed, cerebral infarction, aroused safety concerns, however its relationship to vitamin D consumption is questionable. Structurally the studies can be characterized by large variations in patient populations, in primary outcomes, and disease severity, but typically a relatively short duration of therapy in most cases. With other limitations such as the small number of studies, major trial design heterogeneity, limited sample sizes, and a greatly variable Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) evaluation, only a qualitative synthesis was feasible.DiscussionTwo main implications can be inferred from these results, which we interpret as cautiously promising but overall insufficient for firm recommendations. First, there is an urgent need for more research on the role of vitamin D in MDs in the middle- to older-aged population, particularly during rehabilitation. Second, given the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for those who are deficient, we recommend routine screening and supplementation for MD patients.
Effect of body mass index on survival after spinal cord injury
Authors: Fallah Nader , Noonan Vanessa K. , Thorogood Nancy P. , Kwon Brian K. , Kopp Marcel A. , Schwab Jan M. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIncreased mortality after acute and chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a challenge and mandates a better understanding of the factors contributing to survival in these patients. This study investigated whether body mass index (BMI) measured after acute traumatic SCI is associated with a change in mortality.MethodsA prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 742 patients who were admitted to the Acute Spine Unit of the Vancouver General Hospital between 2004 and 2016 with a traumatic SCI. An investigation of the association between BMI on admission and long-term mortality was conducted using classification and regression tree (CART) and generalized additive models (spline curves) from acute care up to 7.7 years after SCI (chronic phase). Multivariable models were adjusted for (i) demographic factors (e.g., age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index) and (ii) injury characteristics (e.g., neurological level and severity and Injury Severity Score).ResultsAfter the exclusion of incomplete datasets (n = 602), 643 patients were analyzed, of whom 102 (18.5%) died during a period up to 7.7 years after SCI. CART identified three distinct mortality risk groups: (i) BMI: &gt; 30.5 kg/m2, (ii) 17.5–30.5 kg/m2, and (iii) &lt; 17.5 kg/m2. Mortality was lowest in the high BMI group (BMI &gt; 30.5 kg/m2), followed by the middle-weight group (17.5–30.5 kg/m2), and was highest in the underweight group (BMI &lt; 17.5 kg/m2). High BMI had a mild protective effect against mortality after SCI (hazard ratio 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.88, p = 0.029), concordant with a modest “obesity paradox”. Moreover, being underweight at admission was a significant risk factor for mortality up to 7.7 years after SCI (hazard ratio 5.5, 95% CI: 2.34–13.17, p &lt; 0.001).DiscussionMortality risk (1 month to 7.7 years after SCI) was associated with differences in BMI at admission. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms. Given an established association of BMI with metabolic determinants, these results may suggest unknown neuro-metabolic pathways that are crucial for patient survival.
Early apixaban administration considering the size of infarction and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lee Min Hwan , Koo Jaseong , Kwon Hanim , Chang Jun Young , Kang Dong-Wha , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Jong S. , Kim Bum Joon 
Published: January 2024

Background and purposeAtrial fibrillation-related stroke (AF-stroke) is associated with an adverse prognosis, characterized by a high incidence of progression, recurrence, and hemorrhagic transformation. Our study aims to investigate the potential benefits of stratified early administration of apixaban, taking into account infarct size during the acute phase, in order to enhance functional outcomes.MethodsWe conducted this study at a tertiary referral stroke center, enrolling acute AF-stroke patients who received apixaban during the acute phase. Infarct size was categorized as small, medium, or large based on diffusion-weighted imaging. Patients were divided into two groups: standard initiation (apixaban initiation based on guidelines, i.e., small: 4 days, medium: 7 days, large: 14 days after stroke) and early initiation (initiation before guideline recommendations) groups. We compared favorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale score ≤ 2) at 3 months post-stroke, stroke progression, early recurrence, and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sHT) between the groups.ResultsOut of 299 AF-stroke patients, 170 (56.9%) were in the early initiation group. A favorable outcome was observed in 105 (61.8%) patients in the early initiation group and 62 (48.1%) patients in the standard initiation group (p = 0.019). Stroke progression or early recurrence occurred less frequently in the early initiation group (4.7% versus 13.2%, p = 0.007). Nevertheless, no difference in sHT was noted between the groups. Early initiation of apixaban was independently associated with favorable outcomes (odds ratio: 2.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.44–5.28, p = 0.002).ConclusionOur findings suggest that early initiation of apixaban, tailored to infarct size, could serve as a viable strategy to enhance functional outcomes. This approach may potentially decrease stroke progression and early recurrence without elevating the risk of sHT.
Regional spinal cord volumes and pain profiles in AQP4-IgG + NMOSD and MOGAD
Authors: Asseyer Susanna , Zmira Ofir , Busse Laura , Pflantzer Barak , Schindler Patrick , Schmitz-Hübsch Tanja , Paul Friedemann , Chien Claudia 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveAquaporin-4-antibody-seropositive (AQP4-IgG+) Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disorder (MOGAD) are relapsing neuroinflammatory diseases, frequently leading to chronic pain. In both diseases, the spinal cord (SC) is often affected by myelitis attacks. We hypothesized that regional SC volumes differ between AQP4-IgG + NMOSD and MOGAD and that pain intensity is associated with lower SC volumes. To evaluate changes in the SC white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and pain intensity in patients with recent relapses (myelitis or optic neuritis), we further profiled phenotypes in a case series with longitudinal imaging and clinical data.MethodsCross-sectional data from 36 participants were analyzed in this retrospective study, including 20 AQP4-IgG + NMOSD and 16 MOGAD patients. Pain assessment was performed in all patients by the Brief Pain Inventory and painDETECT questionnaires. Segmentation of SC WM, GM, cervical cord volumes (combined volume of WM + GM) was performed at the C2/C3 cervical level. WM% and GM% were calculated using the cervical cord volume as a whole per patient. The presence of pain, pain severity, and clinical disability was evaluated and tested for associations with SC segmentations. Additionally, longitudinal data were deeply profiled in a case series of four patients with attacks between two MRI visits within one year.ResultsIn AQP4-IgG + NMOSD, cervical cord volume was associated with mean pain severity within 24 h (β = −0.62, p = 0.009) and with daily life pain interference (β = −0.56, p = 0.010). Cross-sectional analysis showed no statistically significant SC volume differences between AQP4-IgG + NMOSD and MOGAD. However, in AQP4-IgG + NMOSD, SC WM% tended to be lower with increasing time from the last attack (β = −0.41, p = 0.096). This tendency was not observed in MOGAD. Our case series including two AQP4-IgG + NMOSD patients revealed SC GM% increased by roughly 2% with either a myelitis or optic neuritis attack between visits. Meanwhile, GM% decreased by 1–2% in two MOGAD patients with a myelitis attack between MRI visits.ConclusionIn AQP4-IgG + NMOSD, lower cervical cord volume was associated with increased pain. Furthermore, cord GM changes were detected between MRI visits in patients with disease-related attacks in both groups. Regional SC MRI measures are pertinent for monitoring disease-related cord pathology in AQP4-IgG + NMOSD and MOGAD.
Higher serum ascorbic acid levels are associated with lower depression prevalence in US adults: a case-control study
Authors: Chen Mengyuan , Luo Haolong , Han Yan , Li Yuanhong , Zhou Li , Ren Xiangmei 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that a higher intake of ascorbic acid was associated with a lower prevalence of depression. Nevertheless, the recall bias was common in dietary surveys in these studies, and it was ignored that there were differences in the absorption and utilization of ascorbic acid in the body. Hence, we aim to investigate the association between serum ascorbic acid levels and the prevalence of depression in US adults.MethodsA total of 3,404 participants from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that underwent measurement of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores and serum levels of ascorbic acid. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) successfully established a case–control study, comprising 299 participants diagnosed with depression and 1,107 as controls. We used binary logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to explore associated risk factors for depression. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to show the nonlinear relationship between serum ascorbic acid levels and the prevalence of depression.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was approximately 8.8%, with a median serum ascorbic acid level of 49.9 (36.0, 67.0) μmol/L. Results revealed that the serum ascorbic acid levels of depressed patients were significantly lower than those of non-depressed individuals (42.97 VS 52.97 μmol/L). The baseline data indicated that as serum ascorbic acid levels increased from Quartile 1 (Q1) to Quartile 4 (Q4), the depression prevalence decreased from 12.0 to 5.4% (p &lt; 0.05). The results of the chi-square test after PSM showed that serum ascorbic acid was still statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001) with the prevalence of depression. Forest plot showed that compared with the Q1 of serum ascorbic acid level, the OR and 95%CI of depression prevalence in Q4 was 0.42 (0.30 ~ 0.61), and the adjusted OR and 95%CI of depressive prevalence was 0.49 (0.33 ~ 0.73). RCS models showed an L-shaped nonlinear relationship (P for nonlinearity &lt;0.05) between serum ascorbic acid and depression.ConclusionOur results suggested that higher serum ascorbic acid levels are associated with a reduced prevalence of depression.