bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and safety of left bundle branch area pacing in cardiac amyloidosis. A single center experience
Authors: Pham‐Trung Chinh , Veloza‐Urrea Darwin , Segura‐Domínguez Melodie , De la Rosa Rojas Yuleisy , Aguilera‐Agudo Cristina , García‐Izquierdo Eusebio Alejandro , García‐Rodríguez Daniel , Jiménez‐Sánchez Diego , Lorente‐Ros Alvaro , Mingo‐Santos Susana , Gonzalez‐Lopez Esther , Domínguez Fernando , Garcia‐Pavia Pablo , Toquero‐Ramos Jorge , Fernández‐Lozano Ignacio , Castro‐Urda Víctor 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundConventional right ventricle (RV) pacemaker stimulation has been associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Left bundle branch area pacing (LABPP) has been suggested as a promising alternative. We sought to assess the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of LABPP in patients with CA.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed echocardiography and pacing parameters and clinical outcomes in 23 consecutive patients with CA and LBBAP implanted from June 2020 to October 2022.ResultsLBBAP was successfully performed in 22 over 23 patients (19 male, 78.6 ± 11.7 years, 20 ATTR, mean LVEF 45.5 ± 16.2%). After the procedure, 9 patients showed Qr pattern and 11 a qR pattern in V1 on ECG. Average procedure time was 67 ± 28 min. After 7.7 ± 5.2 months follow‐up, no procedure‐related complications had occurred. Although, a significant reduction in QRS width (p = .001) was achieved, we did not observe significant changes in LVEF and Nt ProBNP at 6 months of follow‐up. Pacing parameters were stable during follow‐up: LBB capture threshold and R wave amplitude were 1.0 ±  0.5 V and 10.6 ± 6.0 mV versus 0.8 ±  0.1 V, p = .21 and 10.6 ± 5.1 mV (p = .985) at follow up.ConclusionLBBAP is safe and feasible pacing technique for patients with CA. LBBAP is associated with significant narrowing of QRSd without worsening in LVEF and Nt‐proBNP.
Heart of the matter—infection and xenotransplantation
Authors: Saharia Kapil K. ,   the University of Maryland Xenotransplant Team, Hall Victoria G. , Chesdachai Supavit , Porrett Paige , Fishman Jay A. , Pouch Stephanie M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this clinicopathological conference, invited experts discussed a previously published case of a patient with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent heart transplantation from a genetically modified pig source animal. His complex course included detection of porcine cytomegalovirus by plasma microbial cell‐free DNA and eventual xenograft failure. The objectives of the session included discussion of selection of immunosuppressive regimens and prophylactic antimicrobials for human xenograft recipients, description of infectious disease risk assessment and mitigation in potential xenograft donors and understanding of screening and therapeutic strategies for potential xenograft‐related infections.
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P-Bifurcation Analysis of a Quarter-Car Model With Inerter-Based Pendulum Vibration Absorber: A Wiener Path Integration Approach
Authors: Cosner Joel A. , Tai Wei-Che 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this theoretical study, a recently developed inerter-based pendulum vibration absorber (IPVA) coupled with energy harvesting capabilities is applied to the quarter car model with class C road conditions (ISO 8608). The impact of varying the pendulum length parameter on power harvesting, ride comfort (sprung mass acceleration), and road handling is investigated. It is discovered that P-bifurcation of the probability density function (PDF), can simultaneously occur with enhanced output power (40% improvements), low sprung mass acceleration (60% improvements), and better road handling (60% improvements) when compared with the linear benchmark system. To predict this bifurcation, a Wiener path integration (WPI) method coupled with curvature checking is developed for the PDF. An efficient bifurcation detection algorithm is developed which leads to the prediction of monomodal, bimodal, and rotation PDF regions in the noise intensity-electrical damping plane. Using Monte Carlo simulations (MCS), the performance metrics were then compared against the optimal linear benchmark for varying driving speed on a class F road while varying the electrical damping so that the system is at or near P-bifurcation. Energy transfer into the electrical domain and power harvested are shown to be up to 43% and 20% higher than for the optimized linear system, respectively. Electrical efficiency considerations show that generator selection is also a factor. Ride comfort and road handling still saw improvements of at least 59%. Finally, the new algorithm effectively reduces an exhaustive MCS for various parameter configurations when qualitative changes in the PDF are linked to performance.
Rapid Algorithmic Blade Design Applying Machine Learning From Shape Optimization to Satisfy Multidisciplinary Constraints
Authors: Dasadhikari Kingshuk , Kuwamura Yoshihiro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a new, rapid, flexible approach for turbine blade section design combining algorithmic and inverse techniques to enable automatic generation of blade sections guaranteed to conform to multidisciplinary requirements, with the aim of accelerating turbomachinery design iterations. The approach links a base algorithm to parametrize and generate blade section geometry conforming to structural and manufacturability constraints such as section area, trailing edge radius, and exit wedge angle with a 2D cfd solver to calculate surface isentropic Mach number profile for aerodynamic performance evaluation. To achieve blade sections with smooth surface and lenticular Mach number profile concave up on the pressure side and concave down on the suction side, the base algorithm is tuned by a surrogate inverse model trained by machine learning from pre-generated tuning data obtained by case-by-case shape optimization for a range of design conditions. A weighted objective function is applied to quantify both geometric and aerodynamic quality of blade sections for the optimization. Shape optimization improves output section quality by 54–87% compared to the untuned algorithm. Aerodynamically, suction-side flow separation is eliminated in the optimized sections, giving 70% less pressure loss compared to the untuned algorithm for the best cases. Across all conditions spanning the examined design space, the surrogate model successfully captures most of this improvement, yielding blade sections of similar quality to explicit optimization sufficient to meet the geometric and aerodynamic requirements for design. Furthermore, section quality is preserved even if imposed structural and manufacturability constraints are perturbed within typical margins, guaranteeing blade sections that are always viable for practical use. Blade sections from the surrogate-tuned algorithm are output within minutes, eliminating the time-intensiveness of existing manual or case-by-case design approaches.
Kinematics and Performance Analysis of a Deployable 7R Overconstrained Single-Loop Mechanism for Aerospace Platform
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xu Peng , Li Bing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper studies a special deployable 7R single-loop mechanism (SLM), which is characterized by its overconstraints, 1-DOF, and single-loop structure. Based on these characteristics, a series of performance evaluation indices, including the overconstraint performance, input and output motion/force transmission performance, and deploying/folding ratio, are proposed to evaluate its performance. To analyze these performances, the kinematics of the 7R SLM is analyzed. Then, these performance indices are used to evaluate the 7R SLM. The performance analysis result shows that the mechanism exhibits excellent performance. A 3D-printed prototype of the 7R overconstrained SLM is presented and used to assemble a deployable module. Their deploying motion verifies the assembly capability and deployability of the mechanism and its potential as a basic unit to construct more complex, overconstrained deployable mechanisms for aerospace platforms. This study plays a significant role in the analysis, design, and optimization of overconstrained SLMs while also providing theoretical support for applications in aerospace platforms and other related fields.
Adherence to the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines by Infants and Toddlers and Its Association With Well-Being
Authors: Loh Guan Yuan , Chua Terence Buan Kiong , Hian Tan Kok , Loo Benny Kai Guo , Quah Phaik Ling , Chia Michael Yong Hwa 
Published: December 2023

Background: This study estimated the prevalence of Singapore infants and toddlers who met the new Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood and examined its association with well-being. Methods: A total of 267 parents of children aged between 0 and 2 years completed an online questionnaire that consists of the Singaporean Children Lifestyle Questionnaire and either the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Inventory Infant Scale or the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Well-being of infants was measured through parent responses to PedsQL and that of toddlers was measured through Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data were benchmarked against age-specific guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep in the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood. Results: A higher percentage of infants (37.3%) than toddlers (20.6%) had met 3 guidelines. In contrast, a lower percentage of infants than toddlers met at least one or did not meet any guidelines (3.8% and 0% for infants vs 22.4% and 1.8% for toddlers, respectively). Infants who met more guidelines had significantly higher parent-reported PedsQL total scale score than infants who met fewer guidelines (P < .05). However, the present study found that the number of guidelines met was not associated to infants’ PedsQL scale score and toddlers’ total difficulty score (P > .05). Conclusion: Adherence to this set of local guidelines should be widely publicized, so parents will have greater awareness and knowledge on cultivating good physical activity, screen time, and sleep habits for their child from a young age.
Staphylococcus aureus
β-hemolysin causes skin inflammation by acting as an agonist of epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Jia Yonggen , Guan Zhangchun , Liu Chenghua , Huang Minjun , Li Jingjing , Feng Jiannan , Shen Beifen , Yang Guang 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a common cause of inflammatory skin diseases, with one of its virulence factors, β-hemolysin (Hlb), known to promote skin colonization. However, its direct involvement in skin inflammation is unclear. In this study, we identified that Hlb activated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to induce skin inflammation, through its sphingomyelinase activity. We found that Hlb promoted the activity of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), which cleaves EGFR ligands and triggers EGFR phosphorylation. Furthermore, we discovered that Hlb increased the exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell membrane, thus enhancing ADAM17’s sheddase activity. To address this, we developed a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against Hlb, which effectively attenuated
S. aureus
-induced skin inflammation by blocking EGFR activation. Our findings provide critical insights into the role of Hlb in inflammatory skin diseases, shedding light on the endogenous signal pathway that triggers this process.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is a Gram-positive opportunistic bacterium that is responsible for the majority of skin infections in humans. Our study provides important molecular insights into the pathogenesis of
S. aureus
skin infections and identifies a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these infections. Our findings also indicate that β-hemolysin (Hlb) secreted by colonized
S. aureus
is a risk factor for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-related diseases by acting as an agonist of EGFR. The neutralized monoclonal antibody we have developed for the first time will provide a functional inhibitor of Hlb. This study provides important insights to better understand the relationship between the skin colonization of
S. aureus
and inflammatory skin diseases.
Role of Mitochondria in Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Chernyavskij D. A. , Galkin I. I. , Pavlyuchenkova A. N. , Fedorov A. V. , Chelombitko M. A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is widespread in industrial countries with every 20th citizen being affected. Dysregulation of the epithelial barrier function is considered to play a key role in IBD. Permeability of the intestinal epithelium depends mostly on its self-renewal potential and the condition of intercellular junctions. Mitochondria are involved in regulating various intracellular processes in addition to their energy function. Recent data implicate mitochondria in intestinal epithelial barrier regulation and IBD. Mitochondrial dysfunction is possibly one of the factors that underlie the structural abnormalities of tight junctions and the cytoskeleton in intestinal epithelial cells and decrease the self-renewal capacity of the epithelium. The barrier function of the intestinal epithelium is consequently distorted, and IBD develops. The mechanisms of these processes are still unclear and require further research.
tert-Butyl Ethers of Renewable Diols as Oxygenate Additives to Automobile Gasolines. Part II: Ethers of Ethylene Glycol and 2,3-Butanediol
Authors: Samoilov V. O. , Stolonogova T. I. , Ramazanov D. N. , Tyurina E. V. , Sultanova M. U. , Lavrent’ev V. A. , Krasnoshtanova S. S. , Chernysheva E. A. , Kapustin V. M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The results obtained in the second part of the study of vicinal (tert-butoxy)alkanols as additives to automobile gasolines are presented. Mono-tert-butyl ethers of ethylene glycol (ETBE) and 2,3-butanediol (BTBE) were prepared by direct acid-catalyzed alkylation of the corresponding diols with tert-butanol. The substances obtained were characterized by main physical properties (density, viscosity, boiling point, crystallization point, specific heat of combustion) and were studied as additives to automobile gasolines. The effect of ether additives on the main physicochemical properties of gasolines (fractional composition, saturated vapor pressure, concentration of actual resins, knock resistance), including ethanol-containing gasolines, was studied. The mean research/motor blending octane numbers for ETBE and BTBE were 130/103 and 115/97, respectively. Inclusion of ETBE/BTBE into the formulations of ethanol-containing gasolines allowed the cloud point to be considerably reduced without unambiguous synergistic effect on the knock resistance.
Estimation of Carbon Stocks in Soils of Forest Ecosystems as a Basis for Monitoring the Climatically Active Substances
Authors: Koptsik G. N. , Koptsik S. V. , Kupriyanova I. V. , Kadulin M. S. , Smirnova I. E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract—
The eluvozems and soddy eluvozems on two-layered deposits dominating in the soil cover of the Zvenigorod Biostation of Moscow State University, contain, on average, 65–83 t/ha of organic carbon in the organic layer and the upper meter of mineral strata. Carbon stock is minimal (59–68 t/ha) in the coarser-textured soddy eluvozem of the spruce forest and reaches 76–92 t/ha in soils of birch–spruce and pine–spruce forests. Organic layers store 3.3–5.8 t C/ha or 4–9% of the total soil organic carbon stock; the upper mineral layer (0–20 cm) stores 64–69%. Different levels and profile distribution of organic carbon in soils are determined by lithological and textural features of the soil profiles and by the nature of vegetation. The contribution of water-extractable organic carbon to the total organic carbon content in the upper mineral horizons does not exceed 1.3–1.8%; the contribution of microbial carbon is 1.7–2.4%. In acidic loamy soils, the enrichment in calcium and potassium, the cation exchange capacity, the content of exchangeable bases, and the degree of base saturation can serve as indicators of the content and stocks of organic carbon at the ecosystem level. The relationship with the content of clay fractions and oxalate-extractable Al and Fe is manifested to a lesser extent due to the similar origin and properties of soils. The variability of organic carbon stocks in soils is largely determined by its content, the influence of which decreases with depth. Accounting for spatial heterogeneity, field measurements of the soil bulk density and proportion of fine earth, and correct analytical determinations are essential components of the assessment of carbon stocks in soils of forest ecosystems as a part of the national monitoring system for carbon pools and greenhouse gas fluxes.
Explainable artificial intelligence model for the detection of geographic atrophy using colour retinal photographs
Authors: Sarao Valentina , Veritti Daniele , De Nardin Axel , Misciagna Micaela , Foresti Gianluca , Lanzetta Paolo 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo develop and validate an explainable artificial intelligence (AI) model for detecting geographic atrophy (GA) via colour retinal photographs.Methods and analysisWe conducted a prospective study where colour fundus images were collected from healthy individuals and patients with retinal diseases using an automated imaging system. All images were categorised into three classes: healthy, GA and other retinal diseases, by two experienced retinologists. Simultaneously, an explainable learning model using class activation mapping techniques categorised each image into one of the three classes. The AI system’s performance was then compared with manual evaluations.ResultsA total of 540 colour retinal photographs were collected. Data was divided such that 300 images from each class trained the AI model, 120 for validation and 120 for performance testing. In distinguishing between GA and healthy eyes, the model demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 97.5% and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 98.4%. Performance metrics like area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC, 0.988) and the precision-recall (AUC-PR, 0.952) curves reinforced the model’s robust achievement. When differentiating GA from other retinal conditions, the model preserved a diagnostic accuracy of 96.8%, a precision of 90.9% and a recall of 100%, leading to an F1-score of 0.952. The AUC-ROC and AUC-PR scores were 0.975 and 0.909, respectively.ConclusionsOur explainable AI model exhibits excellent performance in detecting GA using colour retinal images. With its high sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy, the AI model stands as a powerful tool for the automated diagnosis of GA.
Colour tone of retinal arterioles imaged with a colour scanning laser ophthalmoscope can be an indicator of systemic arterial stiffness
Authors: Sakono Takato , Terasaki Hiroto , Kubozono Takuro , Sonoda Shozo , Funatsu Ryoh , Mihara Naohisa , Shiihara Hideki , Ohishi Mitsuru , Sakamoto Taiji 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveColour scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) offers several advantages, including improved image quality and better visualisation of the retinal structures compared with colour fundus photograph (CFP). This study aimed to identify whether cSLO could be used to predict systemic arterial stiffness.Methods and analysisWe retrospectively analysed the data of 54 patients with 103 eyes. In addition to blood pressure and blood data, all patients had cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) measurements, as well as images of the fundus acquired using cSLO and CFP. We determined the retinal artery sclerosis (RAS) index from the colour of the retinal artery in cSLO images, the ratio of arterial to venous diameter (A/V ratio), and Scheie’s classification in CFP images. The correlation between each parameter and CAVI was examined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and the correlation between Scheie’s classification and CAVI was examined using Steel-Dowass tests.ResultsCAVI showed a significant positive correlation with the RAS index (r=0.679, p<0.001) but not with the A/V ratio or Scheie’s classification. Multiple regression analysis showed that the RAS index was significantly and independently correlated with CAVI.ConclusioncSLO is a non-invasive imaging modality that has the potential to accurately and instantaneously detect early systemic arterial stiffness.
Intersectionality factors and equitable end-of-life experiences: rapid review
Authors: Hudson Briony F , Taylor Fiona , Jones Rini , Sagar Devi Rani , Driscoll Ruth , Carter Dominic , Royston Sam , Penny Alison 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundEfforts to minimise inequity in palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) are well-researched. This is frequently explained by differences related to singular factors. The concept of intersectionality recognises that the combination of variables exacerbates disparities.ObjectiveTo identify and review what is known about intersectionality’s impact on experiences of PEoLC, including advance care planning (ACP).MethodsA rapid review with a narrative summary of peer-reviewed articles. Six electronic databases were searched for studies explicitly exploring the role of intersectionality in the experience of PEoLC and ACP for people with life-limiting or terminal illnesses, published in the last 10 years.ResultsIdentifying eligible papers was challenging. Of the 3738 papers found, only seven were eligible. Of the seven included papers, four explored the impact of intersectionality on access to and attitudes towards ACP. Two studies involved access to PEoLC and one considered quality of care received in the last year of life.ConclusionsUnderstanding intersectionality is crucial for delivering personalised approaches to care and support. The relationship between intersecting factors and end-of-life experiences is complex and there is currently a paucity of studies considering this. The majority of existing literature addresses a narrow range of variables. Additionally, the lack of guidance on the application of intersectionality in research, makes it difficult to compare and synthesise findings. Further diverse action-orientated research is necessary to produce impactful evidence to inform future policy with the aim of reducing inequity in PEoLC.
Thermal pair production from photon-photon collision: Breit–Wheeler process at finite temperature
Authors: Cabral D. S. , Santos A. F. , Bufalo R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper we examine the pair production through the Breit–Wheeler process $$\gamma ~\gamma \rightarrow e^+ e^-$$

γ

γ
→

e
+

e
-

in a thermal background. We compute the thermal contribution to the Breit–Wheeler differential cross section within the thermofield dynamics formalism. We evaluate in details the cross section for this process, which possess a surprisingly simple expression valid for any temperature $$\beta $$
β
, from which we discuss some physically relevant aspects. We also consider the high temperature regime of the cross section in order to have a better understanding about its thermal behavior.