bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forecasting disease trajectories in critical illness: comparison of probabilistic dynamic systems to static models to predict patient status in the intensive care unit
Authors: Duggal Abhijit , Scheraga Rachel , Sacha Gretchen L , Wang Xiaofeng , Huang Shuaqui , Krishnan Sudhir , Siuba Matthew T , Torbic Heather , Dugar Siddharth , Mucha Simon , Veith Joshua , Mireles-Cabodevila Eduardo , Bauer Seth R , Kethireddy Shravan , Vachharajani Vidula , Dalton Jarrod E 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveConventional prediction models fail to integrate the constantly evolving nature of critical illness. Alternative modelling approaches to study dynamic changes in critical illness progression are needed. We compare static risk prediction models to dynamic probabilistic models in early critical illness.DesignWe developed models to simulate disease trajectories of critically ill COVID-19 patients across different disease states. Eighty per cent of cases were randomly assigned to a training and 20% of the cases were used as a validation cohort. Conventional risk prediction models were developed to analyse different disease states for critically ill patients for the first 7 days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Daily disease state transitions were modelled using a series of multivariable, multinomial logistic regression models. A probabilistic dynamic systems modelling approach was used to predict disease trajectory over the first 7 days of an ICU admission. Forecast accuracy was assessed and simulated patient clinical trajectories were developed through our algorithm.Setting and participantsWe retrospectively studied patients admitted to a Cleveland Clinic Healthcare System in Ohio, for the treatment of COVID-19 from March 2020 to December 2022.Results5241 patients were included in the analysis. For ICU days 2–7, the static (conventional) modelling approach, the accuracy of the models steadily decreased as a function of time, with area under the curve (AUC) for each health state below 0.8. But the dynamic forecasting approach improved its ability to predict as a function of time. AUC for the dynamic forecasting approach were all above 0.90 for ICU days 4–7 for all states.ConclusionWe demonstrated that modelling critical care outcomes as a dynamic system improved the forecasting accuracy of the disease state. Our model accurately identified different disease conditions and trajectories, with a <10% misclassification rate over the first week of critical illness.
Pilot study of paediatric regional lung function assessment via X-ray velocimetry (XV) imaging in children with normal lungs and in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bruorton Matthew , Donnelley Martin , Goddard Thomas , O’Connor Antonia , Parsons David , Phillips Jessica , Carson-Chahhoud Kristin , Tai Andrew 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionCystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting autosomal recessive genetic condition. It is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes for a chloride and bicarbonate conducting transmembrane channel. X-ray velocimetry (XV) is a novel form of X-ray imaging that can generate lung ventilation data through the breathing cycle. XV technology has been validated in multiple animal models, including the β-ENaC mouse model of CF lung disease. It has since been assessed in early-phase clinical trials in adult human subjects; however, there is a paucity of data in the paediatric cohort, including in CF. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of performing a single-centre cohort study in paediatric patients with CF and in those with normal lungs to demonstrate the appropriateness of proceeding with further studies of XV in these cohorts.Methods and analysisThis is a cross-sectional, single-centre, pilot study. It will recruit children aged 3–18 years to have XV lung imaging performed, as well as paired pulmonary function testing. The study will aim to recruit 20 children without CF with normal lungs and 20 children with CF. The primary outcome will be the feasibility of recruiting children and performing XV testing. Secondary outcomes will include comparisons between XV and current assessments of pulmonary function and structure.Ethics and disseminationThis project has ethical approval granted by The Women’s and Children’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC ID 2021/HRE00396). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12623000109606.
Microbial interactions amongGardnerella,PrevotellaandFannyhesseaprior to incident bacterial vaginosis: protocol for a prospective, observational study
Authors: Muzny Christina A , Elnaggar Jacob H , Sousa Lúcia G V , Lima Ângela , Aaron Kristal J , Eastlund Isaac C , Graves Keonte J , Dong Chaoling , Van Gerwen Olivia T , Luo Meng , Tamhane Ashutosh , Long Dustin , Cerca Nuno , Taylor Christopher M 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a biofilm-associated vaginal infection, remains unknown. Epidemiologic data suggest that it is sexually transmitted. BV is characterised by loss of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and an increase in facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria.Gardnerellaspp are present in 95%–100% of cases;Gardnerella vaginalishas been found to be more virulent than other BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) in vitro. However,G. vaginalisis found in women with normal vaginal microbiota and colonisation is not sufficient for BV development. We hypothesise thatGardnerellaspp initiate BV biofilm formation, but incident BV (iBV) requires incorporation of other key BVAB (ie,Prevotella bivia,Fannyhessea vaginae) into the biofilm that alter the transcriptome of the polymicrobial consortium. This study will investigate the sequence of microbiologic events preceding iBV.Methods and analysisThis study will enrol 150 women aged 18–45 years with normal vaginal microbiota and no sexually transmitted infections at a sexual health research clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. Women will self-collect twice daily vaginal specimens up to 60 days. A combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, qPCR forGardnerellaspp,P. biviaandF. vaginae, and broad range 16S rRNA gene qPCR will be performed on twice daily vaginal specimens from women with iBV (Nugent score 7–10 on at least 2 consecutive days) and controls (with comparable age, race, contraceptive method and menstrual cycle days) maintaining normal vaginal microbiota to investigate changes in the vaginal microbiota over time for women with iBV. Participants will complete daily diaries on multiple factors including sexual activity.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol is approved by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Review Board (IRB-300004547) and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals as well as disseminated to providers and patients in communities of interest.
Intracranial aneurysm wall displacement depicted by amplified Flow predicts growth
Authors: Pionteck Aymeric , Abderezaei Javid , Fillingham Patrick , Chuang Ya-Chen , Sakai Yu , Belani Puneet , Rigney Brian , De Leacy Reade , Fifi Johanna T , Chien Aichi , Colby Geoffrey P , Jahan Reza , Duckwiler Gary , Sayre James , Holdsworth Samantha J , Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Levitt Michael R , Mocco J , Kurt Mehmet , Nael Kambiz 
Published: February 2024

Background
Abnormal intracranial aneurysm (IA) wall motion has been associated with IA growth and rupture. Recently, a new image processing algorithm called amplified Flow (aFlow) has been used to successfully track IA wall motion by combining the amplification of cine and four-dimensional (4D) Flow MRI. We sought to apply aFlow to assess wall motion as a potential marker of IA growth in a paired-wise analysis of patients with growing versus stable aneurysms.

Methods
In this retrospective case–control study, 10 patients with growing IAs and a matched cohort of 10 patients with stable IAs who had baseline 4D Flow MRI were included. The aFlow was used to amplify and extract IA wall displacements from 4D Flow MRI. The associations of aFlow parameters with commonly used risk factors and morphometric features were assessed using paired-wise univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results
aFlow quantitative results showed significantly (P=0.035) higher wall motion displacement depicted by mean±SD 90th%values of 2.34±0.72 in growing IAs versus 1.39±0.58 in stable IAs with an area under the curve of 0.85. There was also significantly (P<0.05) higher variability of wall deformation across IA geometry in growing versus stable IAs depicted by the dispersion variables including 121–150% larger standard deviation (

σ

U

N

) and 128–161% wider interquartile range

(

I
Q

R

U

N

)

.

Conclusions
aFlow-derived quantitative assessment of IA wall motion showed greater wall motion and higher variability of wall deformation in growing versus stable IAs.
Nutritional physiology and body composition changes during a rapid ascent to high altitude
Authors: Santangelo Carmen , Verratti Vittore , Mrakic-Sposta Simona , Ciampini Federica , Bonan Sofia , Pignatelli Pamela , Pietrangelo Tiziana , Pilato Serena , Moffa Samanta , Fontana Antonella , Piccinelli Raffaela , Donne Cinzia Le , Lobefalo Lucio , Beccatelli Matteo , Rizzini Pierluigi Lodi , Seletti Davide , Mecca Rocco , Beccatelli Tommaso , Bondi Danilo 
Published: February 2024

Exposure to high altitude might cause the body to adapt with negative energy and fluid balance that compromise body composition and physical performance. In this field study involving 12 healthy adults, sex-balanced, and aged 29 ± 4 years with a body mass index of 21.6 ± 1.8 kg/m2, we investigated the effects of a 4-day trekking up to 4556 m a.s.l. on Monte Rosa (Alps, Italy). The food intake was recorded using food diaries and nutrient averages were calculated. The bio-impedance analysis was performed at low and high altitudes, and a wearable biosensor (Swemax) was used to track hydro-saline losses in two participants. Daily total energy intake was 3348 ± 386 kcal for males and 2804 ± 415 kcal for females (13%–14% protein, 35% fat, 44%–46% carbohydrates). Although there was a significant body weight loss (65.0 ± 9.3 vs. 64.2 ± 9.10 kg, p < 0.001, d = 1.398), no significant changes in body composition parameter were found but a trend in the increase of the bioelectrical phase angle in males ( p = 0.059, d = −0.991). Body water percentage significantly changed ( p = 0.026, η2 p = 0.440), but the absolute water did not, suggesting that the weight loss was not due to water loss. Salivary and urinary osmolality did not change. A reduction in sweat rate at higher altitudes was observed in both participants. Interestingly, salivary leptin increased ( p = 0.014, η2 p = 0.510), and salivary ghrelin decreased ( p = 0.036, η2 p = 0.403). Therefore, the 4-day trekking at altitude of hypoxia exposure induced changes in satiety and appetite hormones. High altitude expeditions require more specific nutritional guidance, and using multiplex analysis could help in monitoring fluid balance and body composition.
Luminosity calibration by means of van-der-Meer scan for Q-Gaussian beams
Authors: Abed Mohamed A. , Babaev Anton A. , Sukhikh Leonid G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLuminosity is the key quantity characterizing the performance of charged particle colliders. Precise luminosity determination is an important task in collider physics. Part of this task is the proper calibration of detectors dedicated for luminosity measurements. The wide-used experimental method of calibration is the van-der-Meer scan, which is the beam separation scan performed at specifically optimized beam conditions. This work is devoted to modeling this scan with the q-Gaussian distribution of particles in colliding beams. Because of its properties, the q-Gaussian distribution is believed to describe the density closer to reality than regular Gaussian-based models. In this work, the q-Gaussian model is applied for van-der-Meer scan modeling, and the benefits of this model for luminosity calibration task are demonstrated.
Analysis of a one-dimensional Hamiltonian with a singular double well consisting of two nonlocal $$\delta '$$ interactions
Authors: Fassari S. , Gadella M. , Nieto L. M. , Rinaldi F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe objective of the present paper is the study of a one-dimensional Hamiltonian with the interaction term given by the sum of two nonlocal attractive $$\delta '$$

δ
′

-interactions of equal strength and symmetrically located with respect to the origin. We use the procedure known as renormalisation of the coupling constant in order to rigorously achieve a self-adjoint determination for this Hamiltonian. This model depends on two parameters, the interaction strength and the distance between the centre of each interaction and the origin. Once we have the self-adjoint determination, we obtain its discrete spectrum showing that it consists of two negative eigenvalues representing the energy levels. We analyse the dependence of these energy levels on the above-mentioned parameters. We investigate the possible resonances of the model. Furthermore, we analyse in detail the limit of our model as the distance between the supports of the two $$\delta '$$

δ
′

interactions vanishes.
Economic and Financial Applications of Benford’s Law: from Traditional Use in Audits to Help in Deep Learning
Authors: Kim Phuoc Nguyen , Contreras Jonatan , Ceberio Martine , Thach Nguyen Ngoc 
Published: February 2024

Benford’s Law is an interesting and unexpected empirical phenomenon — that if we take a large list of number from real data, the first digits of these numbers follow a certain non-uniform distribution. This law is actively used in economics and finance to check that the data in financial reports are real — and not improperly modified by the reporting company. The first challenge is that the cheaters know about it, and make sure that their modified data satisfies Benford’s law. The second challenge related to this law is that lately, another application of this law has been discovered — namely, an application to deep learning, one of the most effective and most promising machine learning techniques. It turned out that the neurons’ weights obey this law only at the difficult-to-detect stage when the fitting is optimal – and when further attempts attempt to fit will lead to the undesirable over-fitting. In this paper, we provide a possible solution to both challenges: we show how to use this law to make financial cheating practically impossible, and we provide qualitative explanation for the effectiveness of Benford’s Law in machine learning.
Contextualization, Authenticity, and the Problem Description Effect
Authors: Lovellette Ellie , Bouvier Dennis J , Matta John 
Published: February 2024

In recent years, computing education researchers have investigated the impact of problem context on students’ learning and programming performance. This work continues the investigation motivated, in part, by cognitive load theory and educational research in computer science and other disciplines. The results of this study could help inform computing assessment design. If the context and authenticity of a programming problem aid student performance then, instructors’ time in creating appropriately contextualized programming problem descriptions is time well-spent. On the other hand, if the context of a programming problem hinders performance, then instructors should leave it out of programming problems.
Recent studies investigating the impact of programming problem context on student success have arrived at different conclusions.
Presented here is a series of experiments, conducted over 3 years, investigating the impact of context on novice programmers’ success in algorithmic programming assignments using three contextualized tasks and their generic counterparts. This experiment series also looked into the possibility of “authenticity” as a factor affecting performance. Common sense would suggest that a student would perform better on a problem if they understood or cared about it. Contextualization could provide authenticity and authenticity could provide interest. Research suggests that perceiving a problem as authentic has a positive effect on engagement and learning. Alternatively, if a problem is “just an abstract set of numbers”, it may be harder to make sense of the details and the lack of context could consequently contribute additional cognitive load to an already challenging assignment.
The results of this study show that assignment context and problem context authenticity have no effect on the performance of novice programmers. We think, however, that contextualization could be worth investing in to support students’ interest in computing. Additional implications of the results suggest that instructors can assign equivalent versions of the same problem in varied contexts to suit their students’ interests without worrying if the context will hinder performance.
Anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR Antibody Tunes iNKT Cell Responses to Target and Kill CD1d-negative Tumors in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent Manner
Authors: Takami Mariko , Aoki Takahiro , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Tanaka Hidekazu , Onodera Atsushi , Motohashi Shinichiro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play an essential role in antitumor immunity by exerting cytotoxicity and producing massive amounts of cytokines. iNKT cells express invariant T-cell receptors (TCR) to recognize their cognate glycolipid antigens such as α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) presented on CD1d. We recently reported that iNKT cells recognize CD1d-negative leukemia cell line K562 in a TCR-dependent manner. However, it remains controversial how iNKT cells use TCRs to recognize and exhibit cytotoxic activity toward CD1d-negative tumors cells without CD1d restriction. Here, we report that iNKT cells exerted cytotoxicity toward K562 cells via a carried over anti-Vα24 TCR mAb from positive selection by magnetic bead sorting. We found that addition of the anti-Vα24Jα18 TCR mAb (6B11 mAb) rendered iNKT cells cytotoxic to K562 cells in an FcγRII (CD32)-dependent manner. Moreover, iNKT cells treated with 6B11 mAb became cytotoxic to other CD32+ cell lines (U937 and Daudi). In addition, iNKT cells treated with 6B11 mAb suppressed K562 cell growth in a murine xenograft model in vivo. These data suggest that anti-iNKT TCR mAb treatment of iNKT cells can be applied as a therapeutic strategy to treat CD32+ cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and lung cancer.

Significance:
Our findings unveiled that iNKT cells recognize and kill CD1d-negative target tumors via the anti-iNKT TCR mAb bound to CD32 at the tumor site, thereby bridging iNKT cells and CD1d-negative tumors. These findings shed light on the therapeutic potential of anti-iNKT TCR mAbs in NKT cell–based immunotherapy to treat CD1d-negative CD32+ cancers.
Variation in Vessel Size and Angiographic Outcomes Following Stent‐Retriever Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: STRATIS Registry
Authors: Saber Hamidreza , Froehler Michael T. , Zaidat Osama O. , Sultan Ali Aziz , Klucznik Richard P. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Sanossian Nerses , Hellinger Frank R. , Yavagal Dileep R. , Yao Tom L. , Jahan Reza , Haussen Diogo C. , Nogueira Raul G. , Hall Alicia M. , Kronast Nils H. Mueller , Liebeskind David S. ,   for the STRATIS Investigators
Published: February 2024

Background
Mechanical thrombectomy is established for large‐vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke, but the potential role in distal vessel occlusions of medium arteries is less well established. Such medium or distal arterial segments have not been assessed with respect to thrombectomy devices used during endovascular therapy. We conducted an analysis of arterial size, segmental anatomy, and stent‐retriever device performance with respect to vessel size during thrombectomy.

Methods
The STRATIS registry angiography core laboratory adjudicated the exact location of the occlusion, proximal, and distal device deployment, relationship to arterial bifurcations, and anatomic nomenclature. Arterial diameters were measured at all these sites. Statistical analyses examined the relationship between vessel and stent size, and arterial recanalization using expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction reperfusion score.

Results

Overall, 665 patients with stroke were included following thrombectomy using various Solitaire device sizes, including Solitaire 4×40, Solitaire 6×30, Solitaire 4×20, Solitaire 6×20, and Solitaire 4×15. Arterial diameter at the occlusion site was a median of 2.17 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 1.88–2.60 mm) in the distal M1, 1.67 mm (IQR, 1.47–2.06 mm) in the proximal M2 middle cerebral artery, 1.50 mm (IQR, 1.15–1.61 mm) in the distal M2 middle cerebral artery, 1.24 mm (IQR, 1.11–1.24 mm) in the M3 middle cerebral artery, and 1.88 mm (IQR, 1.49–1.94 mm) in the P1 posterior cerebral artery. Expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b to 3 reperfusion was achieved in all M3 or P1 segment occlusions. The rate of first‐pass recanalization was significantly higher in patients with medium (0.75–2 mm) versus large (>2 mm) vessel occlusion (69.5% versus 57.1%;
P
= 0.003).

Conclusion
Considerable overlap was noted between arterial sizes at occlusion sites carrying different segmental arterial nomenclature or vessel names. Substantial reperfusion may be achieved with currently available mechanical thrombectomy devices in medium arteries.
Secular Spaces in Israel and Turkey
Authors: Uzer Umut 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article offers a comparative analysis of Tel Aviv and Izmir based on their urban identities grounded on a secular modernist ideological outlook and a Mediterranean way of life based on egalitarian and democratic norms. These criteria will be operationalized by analyzing the ideological preferences as well possibilities for alternative lifestyles for the residents of both cities. Due to the policies of right-wing governments in both countries, there has been an increasingly overbearing impact of religion in the daily lives of the people and have been undergoing a redefinition of their national identities at the expense of the secular aspects of their national attributes. While a significant number of citizens in both countries have been leaning towards an ethnoreligious worldview, Tel Aviv in Israel and Izmir in Turkey resist such attempts and remain bastions of secularism with their Mediterranean way of life. This study purports to present the similarities and differences between the two cities within their larger conservative setting.
Bark anatomy of Pteroceltis tatarinowii, Cannabaceae
Authors: Chen Bingwei , Kan Yu’na , Zhai Shengcheng , Eder Michaela , Mei Changtong 
Published: February 2024

Summary
Pteroceltis tatarinowii, a tertiary relic plant, has a long and fascinating history in China due to its irreplaceable role in traditional papermaking. In this study, the anatomical differences between young and old bark were analysed by light microscopy (LM), fluorescence microscopy (FM), and polarized light microscopy (PLM). Both the young and old bark contain periderm, cortex, and phloem. In the non-conducting phloem, the curved radial phloem rays were perpendicular to bands of sieve-tube elements and axial parenchyma cells, forming a net-like pattern. Primary phloem fibres only occurred in young bark, and both primary and secondary phloem fibres contained a gelatinous layer (G-layer). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the thickness of the G-layer in the primary phloem fibres was about 1.5–4 times higher than that of the secondary phloem fibres. The thick G-layer might be an important potential reason for the absorption of ink by paper made from P. tatarinowii phloem fibres, due to the good water absorption of the gelatinous layer.